Ozbirn points out cemetery problems
Old Town and Sadler cemeteries in Russellville are in the spotlight following a report by Franklin County Archives Director Chris Ozbirn at Monday’s city council meeting.
Sadler Cemetery, which is located on North Jackson Avenue north of downtown, and Old Town Cemetery, about block away on North Washington Avenue, have seen better days, Ozbirn told the city council.
“We’ve got to do something,” Ozbirn said. The dedicated located historian recently inspected each of these cemeteries after a headstone fragment from an Old Town headstone was discovered in Lauderdale County.
Ozbirn recounted how Dale Carter, in 2002, spruced up Old Town Cemetery, cleaning it up, setting a new sign and installing benches as part of his Eagle Scout project. However, those glory days are over. “If you go up there right now, it’s a mess,” Ozbirn said, explaining that headstones have been defaced by spray paint and other disrespect.
Ozbirn recommended the council take steps to have fences put up around Sadler and Old Town.
“It may not stop (mistreatment of the cemetery) immediately, but maybe it would slow it down,” Ozbirn said. “When people come and get my help, one of the first things they want is to see their ancestors’ graves. Guess where I have to send them? Sadler Cemetery and Old Town. That puts a bad reflection on the town, when those people go up and see what shape they’re in.”
Councilmembers agreed with Ozbirn that something needs to be done to protect the cemeteries and keep them in good shape. Mayor David Grissom said the council will look into pricing for fencing.
The council also:
– recognized two boys who, on their own initiative, helped with clean-up following Jam on Sloss Lake: Gabe and Dakota.
– approved funding agreements with ALDOT-Aeronautics Bureau and the Federal Aviation Administration for the Russellville Municipal Airport Grant.
– approved a resolution authorizing the sale of surplus equipment by sealed bids.
– appointed Hunter Butler as Russellville Police Department dispatcher.
– accepted the bid from Affordable Service for a new AC unit for the A.W. Todd Centre, in the amount of $4,794.
– authorized the abatement of nuisances at 704 East Franklin Street, 705 East Franklin Street, 1233 City Lake Drive, 917 Burgess Street, 412 Sockwell Avenue and 141 Webster Circle.
– approved claim submitted by Cathye Garrison for windshield damage.
– approved Parks and Recreation Board appointments.
– approved the 2017 Retiree Act resolution.
