Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes August 17, 2021 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Dining/Trophy Room. Attending in Person: Director Stephanie Warwick, Chairperson/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell, and Commissioner Mary Schwartz Attending via GOOGLE MEETS: Vice Chairperson/Commissioner Kenneth Startup and Commissioner Cindy Hlass Absent: City Finance Director Robin Johnson, City Attorney Trey Smith, City Council Liaison Phyllis Carruth, Mayor Richard Harris, Debi Headley from the Mayor’s Office. and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Chairperson Hudson welcomed everyone to tonight’s meeting of the Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Regular Meeting and called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the July 20, 2021, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Schwartz and seconded by Secretary Howell. The minutes were unanimously approved. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the July 2021 Financial Report by Commissioner Schwartz. Bank statement balances at July 30, 2021 were: Russellville Oakland Cemetery operating account $141,271.88 and Bank OZK perpetual care trust account $153.589.98. These two accounts earned July interest income of $114.77 for operating account and $15.15 for trust account. On the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures, Commissioner Schwartz noted certain July accounts, including a special transfer from City of Russellville of $13,200.00 to cover mowing for the rest of the year. The Third Order of Business was an open floor to the Public to address concerns/suggestions, and there were no visitors in attendance. Director Warwick said that she had received two phone calls from members of the community and both messages were positive. They were pleased with the new road and how the cemetery is being maintained. The Fourth Order of Business was an update concerning the roadway for the Memorial Addition. The roadway is complete, and the edge of the road will have some aggregate (gravel) added. Director Warwick offered for Commissioners to look at the schematics for the new roadway. Due to heavy equipment on Drive 3 near 11th Street, some road damage occurred. Public Works will speak with the contractor about repairs/replacement of damaged areas. Director Warwick said that the project is not yet paid for, and that we will owe $47,000.00 or so less repairs. New Business: The First Order of New Business was information from Director Warwick that the city may be able to acquire a strip of land west of the creek. It is an area with beautiful trees, and new grave spaces here would create more revenue for the cemetery. This is something for Commission members to think about. The Second Order of New Business was a question from Chairperson Hudson about the Detroit Avenue fence project. Director Warwick is about to finish the schematic and send to Public Works. The cost of this project may be in the range of $50,000.00 to $100,000.00. The Third Order of Business was a report from Director Warwick that one Teddy Bear Magnolia tree has died and it will cost about $100.00 to replace it. This tree is near Drives 3 and 4. Also, a Japanese Maple near the columbarium has died. Director Warwick asked if a different type of tree might be better. Commissioners suggested this matter be placed on a later Agenda for discussion and planning. The Fourth Order of Business was a suggestion from Director Warwick for Commissioners to think about an early November workshop in order to stay in the public eye. Very importantly, we will need to monitor the pandemic. Commissioners were asked to come up with ideas at our next meeting. Chairperson Hudson thanked everyone for coming and adjourned the meeting at about 5:55 p.m.