Oakland Cemetery Commission

Oakland Cemetery Commission Minutes Tuesday October 15, 2024 The Russellville Oakland Cemetery Commission met for the monthly meeting on Tuesday October 15, 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, Commission Chair Walter Hudson, Commission Vice-Chair Mary Schwartz, Commission Secretary Jami Mullen, Commissioner Cindy Hlass, and Commissioner Mindy Hudson. Director Warwick noted that a quorum was present. Old Business: 1. First Item of Business was to review the Minutes from the August 20, 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. The current operating account balance is $129,275.52. The Trust account balance is $249,334.42. A motion was made by Commissioner Mindy Hudson to accept the financial report as presented. Commissioner Cindy Hlass made the second. Motion approved. 3. Third Item of Business was a report from Director Warwick regarding the status of Cemetery Operations. Director Warwick reported that 75 gravestones have been cleaned as part of the September 10th, 14th, 24th, 28th, and October 12th cemetery workshops. Commissioner Mullen will reach out to the RSD student community service hours coordinator to try to enlist student help with these workshops in the future. Director Warwick shared a text from a community member that she had received praising the cemetery for its upkeep efforts. 4. The Fourth Item of Business was an update on the west boundary fence project. The fence has been installed and is complete. One tree had to be removed during the process of installation. The fence company will be doing some needed repairs to the east side fence at no charge. 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 New Business was the formal announcement from Commissioner Cindy Hlass that she will be retiring from the Oakland Cemetery Commission at the end of the year. Director Warwick read a card written by Commissioner Hlass expressing her desire to step down. Commissioner Hlass will be honored at the December meeting for her years of service to the Board. 2. The Second Item of New Business was to set the next meeting date as Tuesday November 19th at 5:00 pm. A motion was made by Commissioner Schwartz with the second by Commissioner Mindy Hudson. Motion passed. The Commission will work on the 2025 year calendar at the November meeting. 3. The Third Item of New Business was discussion by Director Warwick with a desire for placement of American flags on veterans’ graves for Veteran’s Day recognition. Commissioner Mullen volunteered to reach out to the Russellville American Legion as a possible provider of the flags. 4. The Fourth Item of Business was to set the final 2024 Board Meeting for Tuesday December 17th, 2024 at 5:00 pm. This meeting will include an appreciation presentation as well as our holiday gathering. Meeting was adjourned 5:50 pm Commission Chair Walter Hudson Submitted by: Commission Secretary Jami Mullen