Oakland Cemetery Commission

Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes Tuesday July 16, 2024 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the monthly meeting on Tuesday July 16, 20024 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, Assistant Tish French, 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 the April 16, 2024 meeting. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Commissioner Mindy Hudson. The second was made by Commissioner Mary Schwartz. Motion approved. 2. Second Item of Business was to consider the Financial Report status update presented by Commissioner Mary Schwartz. She reported on current activity. It was noted on the April 30, 2024 perpetual account statement that a deposit of $80,000 was made to the perpetual fund as the Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company contract was closed out. This is not income as it was originally invested from the Oakland Cemetery Perpetual Fund account in 2013 by then City Finance Director Jerry McKaughan. Current interest rates on the Centennial Bank deposit accounts are receiving 5.54% interest which is higher than the 1% it was drawing in the single premium deferred annuity contract with Genworth. The remaining interest amount from the annuity of $42, 144.79 was deposited into the Oakland Cemetery operating fund to aid with operational costs. Attached to the statements were copies of the full surrender confirmation, copy of the check received, and the resolution granting permission for this action by the City Council from the current City of Russellville Finance Director, Ashley Rogers. The current operating account balance is $145,025.13. The Trust account balance is $245,978.60. A motion was made by Commissioner Mindy Hudson to accept the financial report as presented. Commissioner Mary Schwartz made the second. Motion approved.  3. Third Item of Business was a report from Director Warwick on the spring mini-workshops she held in April and May. Three employees from the City of Russellville Public Works helped with the workshops as did two Commissioners. Two school age students helped to earn community service hours. Two bags of trash/debris were collected. A private family demonstration was conducted at which ten family headstones were cleaned. Feedback was positive in nature. Fall dates will be announced in August 2024. 4. The Fourth Item of Business was an update on the status of Oakland Cemetery Operations by Director Warwick. A generous donation of $1000 has been received for the operating fund from Mrs. Susie Duffield. Also, there has been a new American flag installed at the cemetery. Director Warwick is receiving several calls from individuals working on family genealogy projects. 5. The Fifth Item of Business was to open the floor to the public for any concerns/suggestions. No members of the public were present. New Business: 1. The First Item of Business was a request by Director Warwick to utilize existing funds to complete the fencing project by adding a section along the west boundary of the cemetery along the creek. In areas that are too close to fence due to the proximity of set grave stones, Director Warwick suggests placing large boulders as a visual barrier between the cemetery and the creek. The City Parks Department already has boulders that can be used. A motion was made by Commissioner Schwartz to approve adding the west boundary fence as described with a purchase cap of $35,000. The second was made by Commissioner Mindy Hudson. Motion approved. Director Warwick will send the resolution to City Council for consideration. 2. The Second Item of Business was a proposal by Director Warwick to dissolve the Oakland Cemetery Commission at the end of 2024. Reasons for consideration were that all of the large Oakland Cemetery projects will be completed with the extension of the final fence addition. The Commission is truly an advisory board, not a true governing commission. Director Warwick is struggling with content for the Commission meetings as operations are running smoothly and no major issues are on the table. If the commission is to be retired the City Council will need to present it and have three readings which need to be completed by December 2024. The commission will meet on September 17, 2024 to further discuss. Adjourned 6:00 pm Commission Chair Walter Hudson Submitted; Commission Secretary Jami Mullen