Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes November 15, 2022 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room. Attending in Person: Director Stephanie Warwick, Chairperson/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Commissioner/Secretary Rebecca Howell, Commissioner Walter Hudson, Commissioner Mary Schwartz, and visitors Tish French and Rusty Taylor Attending via Phone: City Attorney Trey Smith Attending via Google Meets: None Absent: City Finance Director Robin Johnson, Commissioner Cindy Hlass, Liaison Phyllis Carruth, Mayor Richard Harris, Debi Headley from the Mayor’s Office, and visitor Sean Ingram from The Courier Chair Mindy Hudson started the November meeting at 5:30 p.m., after thanking all for attending and welcoming visitors and new Commissioner Walter Hudson. Old Business: The First Order of Business was to review and approve the minutes from the October 18, 2022, Cemetery Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Schwartz and seconded by Commissioner Walter Hudson. The minutes were unanimously approved. The Second Order of Business was a presentation of the October 2022 Financial Report by Commissioner Schwartz. Cash balances for October 31, 2022 were: Russellville Oakland Cemetery operating account $73.213.05 and Bank OZK perpetual care trust account $155,667.24. As shown on the October Statement of Revenues and Expenditures, the only revenues were from interest income and one grave opening. Included in expenditures were the usual mowing of $4,000, grounds maintenance of $1750, and cemetery improvements of $1413. Director Warwick explained that the $1750 was the cost of the new fence around the dumpster cove and the $1413 was the new bench in the Mary Rye Campbell Addition. She also expressed pride in how we have done financially this year. The Third Order of Business was a debriefing of the Conservation Workshop by Rusty Brenner of Texas Cemetery Restoration and the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, which was held on October 22, 2022. It was a fantastic program and included volunteers, archaeologists, and attendees representing Arkansas and four other states. Rusty Brenner cleaned and repaired some headstones and instructed and guided attendees as they cleaned stones. An afternoon repair workshop was featured. Director Warwick was thrilled to have eight local families helping with the maintenance of their plots.  Many thanks go to Holly Hope of Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) for her expertise and planning. Rusty and Holly both emphasized the importance of carrying on the historical look of fencing and headstones in the cemetery. Director Warwick hopes to have the next Decoration Day in April 2023, along with a Saturday morning workshop. A smaller event will take place in May 2023. The Fourth Order of Business was an open floor to the Public to address concerns/suggestions, and there were two visitors in attendance. Discussion centered around East Lab students who will resume studying genealogy in the North, oldest section of the cemetery. Since these students have access to GPS, they may be able to help with the grid of this North Addition. New Business: The First Order of New Business was a discussion about bid status. Packets received for Ground Maintenance have been sent to Finance Board and City Council for approval. Director Warwick informed Commissioners that people from three companies showed up for a Nov. 2 required walk-through of the cemetery. Three bids have been turned in. More discussion will take place at the December Cemetery Regular Meeting. The Second Order of New Business was a reminder that the Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission will meet on December 13, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room. This will be the last meeting of the Board for the year 2022. There will be a recognition presentation to retiring members. Refreshments will be served at this meeting and families/friends are invited to attend. This is a public meeting. The Third Order of New Business was a conversation about future updates. Director Warwick will check on pricing of wifi cameras and, also, lighting for the Memorial Garden and Campbell Addition. One bench may need to be replaced and magnolia trees along 8th Street will need to be planted. Last summer was hard on new plantings. Chair Hudson thanked all for attending and adjourned the meeting at about 6:15 p.m.