Oakland Cemetery Commission

Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes December 13, 2022 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 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 Cindy Hlass, Commissioner Walter Hudson, Commissioner Mary Schwartz, Tish French from Director Warwick’s Office, and visitors Bob Howell, George Spencer, and Teresa Waldron. Attending via Phone: City Attorney Trey Smith Attending via Google Meets: None Absent: 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 and thanked all attending the December 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 15, 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 November 2022 Financial Report by Commissioner Schwartz. Cash balances for November 30, 2022 were: Russellville Oakland Cemetery operating account $70,306.95 and Bank OZK perpetual care trust account $155,683.11. For the month of November, revenues were $1,916.14 and expenditures were $4,806.37. For the eleven months of 2022, revenues exceeded expenditures in the amount of $9,664.26, and Commissioner Schwartz reminded Commissioners that $8,000.00 would still be paid for mowing. Director Warwick described the year as running conservative with spending. The Third Order of Business was an update on the mowing contract bid status. This has been tabled by the Finance Committee/Council. The Cemetery Commission is being asked to conduct interviews of those companies who submitted bid packets, and of other companies, and then to submit their findings to the Finance Committee. Director Warwick and Commissioners agreed that December 16th and 19th would be good days for interviews; the method for asking questions was discussed. Director Warwick thanked Commissioners for planning these interviews quickly, as it’s a bit of a rush. The Fourth Order of Business was an open floor to the Public to address concerns/suggestions. Three visitors sat through the meeting but no issues were mentioned. New Business: The First Order of New Business was a reception for retiring members Rebecca Howell and Kenneth Startup – refreshments to be served and recognition presentation. This was moved to after the business meeting. The Second Order of New Business was a Year End Report by Director Warwick. She handed out the 2022 Annual Report and thanked Commissioners and volunteers for work throughout the year. She expressed hope for forward steps in 2023. Chair Hudson thanked Director Warwick for her amazing energy. Chair Hudson thanked all for attending and adjourned the business portion of the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Appreciation Reception recognizing the services of Retiring Commissioners Rebecca Howell and Kenneth Startup followed and was enjoyed by all. The meeting in total was adjourned at 6:45 pm