Oakland Cemetery Commission

Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes Tuesday February 20, 2024 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the monthly meeting on Tuesday February 20th at 5:00 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room of City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Commission Chair Walter Hudson. Attending in Person: Director Stephanie Warwick, Commission Chair Walter Hudson, Commission Vice-Chair Mary Schwartz, Commission Secretary Jami Mullen, and Commissioner Mindy Hudson. Attending via Google Meets: City Attorney Trey Smith Director Warwick noted that a quorum was present. Old Business: 1. First Item of Business was to review the Minutes from January 23, 2024. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Commissioner Mindy Hudson. The second was made by Commissioner Mary Schwartz. Motion passed. 2. Second Item of Business was to consider the Financial Report status update, presented by Commissioner Mary Schwartz. She reported on current activity. The current operating account balance is $133,449.51. The Trust account balance is $161,269.58. 3. Third Item of Business was an update from Director Warwick concerning placement of reflective tape on the fence at the corner of 8th and Detroit. Caution reflective tape will be installed as an increased safety measure for motorists. 4. Fourth Item of business was an update on the sign replacement at the corner of 8th Street and Detroit. The insurance check has been received. Sign Hub is paid in full and will have the sign made and installed within 60 days. 5. Fifth Item of business was to open the floor to the public to address concerns / comments. There was no one present to address the Commission. New Business: 1. First Item of Business was the presentation of a public service announcement to inform the community of the removal of ground lying floral arrangements schedule. All items on the ground need to be removed by February 29th. Any pieces not removed by that date will be subject to removal by the Oakland Cemetery maintenance crews. Items located in a vase, on top of the gravestone, or on a solid base of the gravestone will be allowed to remain as they are. Page 1 of 2  2. Second Item of Business Director Warwick led discussion to create a 2024 mini-workshop schedule for the spring and fall seasons. The following dates were decided upon; April 20th, May 18th, September 21st, October 12th, and November 2nd. 3. The Third Item of Business was a request by Director Warwick for the approval to install 16 more cornerstones in the Mary Rye-Campbell Addition. Motion to approve up to a $1500 purchase of 16 additional markers was made by Commissioner Mindy Hudson. Second was made by Commissioner Mullen. Motion was approved. 4. The Fourth Item of Business was a presentation by Director Warwick of a proposed discount schedule for persons purchasing multiple cemetery spaces at one time. The proposed schedule was discussed. Commissioner Schwartz made the motion to accept the proposed schedule and send it to City Council for review. Second was made by Commissioner Mindy Hudson. Motion passed. In addition, Director Warwick proposed an increase to the admin fee (Section4.5 of the Cemetery Code) from 10% to 20% above the contractor’s fees. Motion to approve the increase in admin fee was made by Commissioner Mindy Hudson. Second was made by Commissioner Schwartz. Motion passed. 5. Fifth Item of Business was to open the floor for any items not on the agenda. Commission Chair, Walter Hudson led discussion on meeting dates for 2024. The Commission will continue to meet on the third Tuesday at 5:00pm. After discussion, Commissioner Mullen made a motion to meet on the following remaining dates for 2024; April 16th, July 16th, October 15th, December 17th. Commissioner Schwartz made the second. Motion passed. Adjourned 5:46 pm Commission Chairman Walter Hudson Submitted: Commission Secretary Jami Mullen Page 2 of 2