Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes December 21, 2021 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Attending in Person: Director Stephanie Warwick, Chairperson/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Vice Chairperson/Commissioner Kenneth Startup, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell, and Commissioner Mary Schwartz Attending via Phone: City Attorney Trey Smith Attending via Google Meets: Commissioner Cindy Hlass Absent: City Finance Director Robin Johnson, City Council Liaison Phyllis Carruth, Mayor Richard Harris, Debi Headley from the Mayor’s Office, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Chairperson Hudson expressed her appreciation for those in attendance at 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 November 16, 2021, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Vice Chair Startup and seconded by Commissioner Schwartz. The minutes were unanimously approved. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the November 2021 Financial Report by Commissioner Schwartz. Cash balances for November 30, 2021 were: Russellville Oakland Cemetery operating account $69,521.55 and Bank OZK perpetual care trust account $154,266.01. On the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures, Commissioner Schwartz explained various numbers in the November column, including revenue from grave openings of $440.00 and expenditures for the grave openings of $1,400.00. In answer to Vice Chairperson Startup’s question from last month, a $30.00 check was fee payment for perpetual care. This payment was from operating account to perpetual care trust account. Noting the January – November 2021 excess of expenditures over revenue of $(44,936.26), Commissioner Schwartz said that this deficit is as expected, due to the new roadway. The Third Order of Business was an update concerning amending the name of the new addition of the cemetery. Director Warwick reported that a resolution is not needed to change the name of the addition as it is a part of Oakland Cemetery and not a separate parcel of land. The Memorial Addition is formally renamed as the Mary Rye Campbell Addition. Chairperson Hudson thanked Director Warwick for following through with this. The columbarium and garden continue to be the Memorial Addition. The Fourth Order of Business was a request for motion and approval: As first reported in August of this year, a Teddy Bear Magnolia tree has died and it will cost approximately $100 to $150 to replace it. This tree is near Drives 3 and 4. Commissioner Schwartz made the motion to replace this tree, Vice Chairperson Startup seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The Fifth Order of Business was an open floor to the Public to address concerns/suggestions, and there were three visitors in attendance. Director Warwick has received favorable feedback from the community about the looks of the cemetery grounds. The crew is now in the process of mulching leaves. This crew is helpful and willing to do what’s needed. New Business: The First Order of New Business was a Thank You from Director Warwick for a great year! She then gave a quick year in review report. At the cemetery we had Decoration Days in which American flags were placed by Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Commissioners planned and participated in various activities. Drive 5 was constructed, the Mary Rye Campbell Addition named, and soon, maybe by Spring, grave spaces will be sold. Director Warwick recognized the volunteers who have helped with activities at the cemetery, with another ‘thank you’ to volunteer Walter Hudson for donating and planting two more willow oak trees near the west line of the cemetery. Then, Commissioners expressed appreciation to Director Warwick for her work at the cemetery for 2021. Chairperson Hudson adjourned the meeting at about 5:45 p.m. Russellville Oakland Cemetery Holiday Gathering to follow tonight’s meeting.