Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes December 15, 2020 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Attending in Person: Director Stephanie Warwick, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell and City Council Liaison Justin Keller Attending via GOOGLE MEETS: Chairperson/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Commissioner Mary Schwartz, Commissioner Kenneth Startup, and Commissioner Cindy Hlass Absent: City Finance Director Robin Johnson, City Attorney Trey Smith, Mayor Richard Harris, Debi Headley from the Mayor’s Office, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Chairperson Hudson welcomed everyone, thanked them for their attendance, and began the December 15th Russellville Oakland Cemetery Regular Meeting at approximately 5:30 p.m. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the November 17, 2020, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Startup and seconded by Commissioner Schwartz. The minutes were unanimously approved. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the November 2020 Financial Report by Secretary Howell and Director Warwick. Bank account balances at 11/30/2020 were Russellville Oakland Cemetery operating account $123,241.13 and Bank OZK perpetual care trust account $152,853.04. As shown on the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures, November revenues were $3,623.25 and expenditures $5,861.17. For the period of January – November, revenues exceeded expenditures by $58,719.17. Director Warwick reported that she is working with Public Works to get the $60,000.00 asphalt road appropriated. This roadway will complete the Memorial Addition. She explained that any project costing more than $19,000.00 must be put out for bid. The next steps are to accept one bid, then get approval from City Council. Commission members also discussed briefly the 2020 budget and how funds are carried to the next year. The Third Order of Business was a status report of an incident which occurred October 22, 2020 resulting in the damage and/or destruction of several monuments. About $3,300.00 has been appropriated by City Council, and McGee Monument Co. will do the repairs and replacements some time after the first of the year. The Fourth Order of Business was a status report concerning a sign to be located at Drive #3 and 11th Street which is similar in design to the existing sign located at the corner of 8th and Detroit. This new sign has been installed and is the perfect size. The sign is from Sign Hub and is a miniature version of the 8th and Detroit sign. The invoice will be paid this year, and the amount is about $1.900.00 plus tax. The Fifth Order of Business was continued discussion of proposed 2021 projects, including flags to be displayed on special occasions/holidays. Director Warwick presented her idea for flags to be placed in holders designed just for these flags. The holders would be across from directional signs in the cemetery and would be at the right height for mowers. She said that there was adequate storage in City Hall for the flags. Directors Warwick asked Commission members to think about the flags and other projects for 2021. “Let’s all present ideas. Keep momentum going,” said Director Warwick. Chairperson Hudson expressed appreciation to our Director for helping us to get things done. The Sixth Order of Business was an open floor for the public to address concerns/suggestions, and there were no visitors in attendance. New Business: The First Order of New Business was an update about a workshop held with a few City employees in attendance. The purpose of this workshop was to come up with a plan for extending the fence along Detroit Avenue. The best idea was to build a core-drilled concrete trough with a pretty flat rail top fence of approximately two and one half to three feet tall, which would blend in with the existing fence. Director Warwick would need to seek a variance, as this new fencing would be less than ten (10) feet from the street. The next step would be to get a bid for cost, then present this to City Council for approval and appropriation. Liaison Keller suggested that we move forward with the request for a variance and gather more information, and Chairperson Hudson agreed. Director Warwick plans to bring more info next month. The Second Order of New Business was a look at 2021 meetings. Liaison Keller said that he had enjoyed his two years on the Cemetery Commission, and he offered any help we might need. Director Warwick thanked Liaison Keller for his service and, also, all of the Commissioners. Chairperson Hudson wished all a Merry Christmas and declared the meeting adjourned at about 6:20 p.m.