Oakland Cemetery Commission

Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes Tuesday December 19, 2023 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday December 19, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room of City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Commission Chair Mindy Hudson. Attending in Person: Director Stephanie Warwick, Chairperson/Commissioner Mindy Hudson, Commissioner Walter Hudson, Vice Chairperson/Commissioner Mary Schwartz, Commissioner Cindy Hlass, City Attorney Trey Smith, Mayor Fred Teague, and Tish French Attending via Google Meets: None. Absent: Commissioner/Secretary Jami Mullen Director Warwick noted that a quorum was present. Old Business: 1. The First Item of Business was to look at the minutes from the November 21, 2023 Cemetery Commission meeting. The minutes were approved by all after Commissioner Walter Hudson made the motion to accept and Commissioner Mary Schwartz seconded the motion. 2. The Second Item of Old Business was to consider the Financial Report status update, presented by Commissioner Mary Schwartz. She reported on current activity, noting the cemetery lots sold and the grave openings that occurred during the last month. After going over the balances for the month, everyone approved the report. 3. The Third Item of Old Business was an update given by Director Stephanie Warwick on the fencing project on the East line of the cemetery along Detroit. The fencing company started the project on December 18, 2023. There was a delay in receiving some materials, but this does not seem to have affected the projected completion date of December 22, 2023. There will be a break in the work over the Christmas Holidays. The cost of the project, $32,000.00, will show in this year’s budget. Director Warwick brought up the need to consider the small space outside the fence, along the road that might be covered in rock or in some other way. 4. The Fourth Item of Old Business: Director Warwick updated the commissioners on the damage to the cemetery sign at the corner of 8th and Detroit. The driver who did the damage has Progressive Insurance. The estimate of the cost for repair is about $3,486.00. Public Works will remove the metal scraps; there is nothing salvageable. A more reflective service will be put on the guard posts, and these two posts will be lowered some. A four way stop at Detroit and 8th Street could help prevent future accidents of this kind. Page 1 of 2 Russellville Oakland Cemetery Board Meeting Minutes from December 19, 2023 New Business: 1. The First Item of New Business: Director Warwick handed out a beautifully prepared end of the year report, listing the projects and improvements for the year. Our workshops were one of the successes. During a walk, Commissioner Mary Schwartz noted someone, probably a high school student, working on the cleaning/scraping of a headstone in the cemetery. She suggested it might help to use water. The East lab has been sending students to help in in using GPS for grave site location, and some high school students are searching for ways to earn graduation hours in community service. Director Warwick will contact the school to give suggestions for future students who wish to clean headstones. 2. The Second Item of New Business was about agenda preparation for the next meeting on January 16, 2024. We will consider the number of meetings to have for the year and will work on some organizing of projects. The selection of new officers will also be on the agenda. 3. Items Not on the Agenda: First item not on the agenda was brought up by City Attorney Trey Smith. The City Council has begun the process of allowing us to meet fewer times in the year. This will probably be completed and should pass at the January meeting. It should then be in effect by the Commission’s February meeting. Second item not on the agenda was a presentation he made to our director, Stephanie Warwick, about her service for almost ten years now. He noted that she had gone above and beyond her duties; that she was always open to suggestions, as well as coming up with ideas of her own; that she worked tirelessly; and in effect, went far beyond the previous directors. He then presented her a plaque, noting this achievement and to acknowledge what we have with her as our Director. Stephanie was greeted with applause and thanks for job well done. The meeting was adjourned about 6:10, and the Commissioners stayed for a holiday gathering. Submitted; Chairperson Mindy Hudson Page 2 of 2