Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes July 19, 2022 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in the 2nd 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: None Attending via Google Meets: City Attorney Trey Smith Absent: Commissioner Cindy Hlass, City Finance Director Robin Johnson, Liaison Phyllis Carruth, Mayor Richard Harris, Debi Headley from the Mayor’s Office, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Chair Mindy Hudson welcomed attendees to the July Cemetery 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 June 21, 2022, 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 June 2022 Financial Report by Commissioner Schwartz. Cash balances for June 30, 2022 were: Russellville Oakland Cemetery operating account $94,705.14 and Bank OZK perpetual care trust account $155,604.81. For the month of June, revenues were $3,403.01 and expenditures were $6,909.63, for a difference of negative $3,506.62. Looking at the Current Year column, Commissioner Schwartz explained that revenues are larger than expenditures by $33,984.15, which looks good for six months. However, seven months of mowing ($4,000.00/month) is yet to be paid in 2022. Even if all that mowing were paid currently, the Current Year column would be a positive $5,900.00. The Third Order of Business was updated information for the plaque to be placed in the Mary Rye Campbell Addition. Artist Brian Reavis plans to bring a few of his completed sculptures for us to view, and this will take place following tonight’s meeting in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Director Warwick paused our meeting between 5:45 and 5:49 in order to help him in setting up. For our September Cemetery Regular Meeting, Brian will have a sketch for the Mary Rye Campbell Addition plaque. Also, Director Warwick has learned that Parks & Rec Dept. is willing to give the cemetery a few extra boulders for the creek area. The Fourth Order of Business and Fifth Order of Business were combined because they are related. Fourth Order being an update for signage indicating video cameras and indicating location of Memorial Garden and Drive 5 in the cemetery. Fifth Order of Business is further discussion for gates on certain drives of the cemetery vs speed bumps. Director Warwick has ordered four signs that will direct visitors to the Memorial Garden, Drive 5, and the Mary Rye Campbell Addition; the estimated cost is $466.00 to $500.00. Given the recent mischief, theft, and trash in our cemetery, Commissioners discussed additional lighting. Director Warwick suggested strategically coming up with ideas on the lights, video cameras, and signs. Commissioner Schwartz noted that, if more protection is needed, a request can be made to City Council. Regarding speed bumps, Commission members were more in favor of the temporary speed bumps at this time. Swing gates may be needed in the future. Too, a determination needs to be made as to whether one-way traffic lanes are allowable in other than public streets. Director Warwick reported that the dumpster area upgrades and the new bench should be in place by the end of August. Vice Chair Startup made the motion to go forward with $2,000.00 or less towards spiked-in speed bumps. Secretary Howell seconded and the motion was unanimously approved. The Sixth Order of Business was an open floor to the Public to address concerns/suggestions, and there were no visitors in attendance. New Business: The First Order of New Business was discussion concerning adding video cameras/deer cameras to the cemetery. Director Warwick will get back with Commissioners about cameras. She believes cameras and lighting are beneficial for safeguarding our cemetery. The Second Order of New Business was an update by Chairperson Hudson on tree plantings from last winter. Of the twenty-one oak saplings planted this year, five are growing and three of these are doing very well. Summer heat and accidental mowing has taken the rest of them. Director Warwick suggests, for the future, protecting new plantings with tomato wire. Chair Hudson adjourned the meeting at about 6:15 p.m. and Commission members headed downstairs to view pieces of sculptor Brian Reavis’ work.