Mrs. Van Verth thanked the city of Oakwood for continued support of CARE House and for embracing the Pinwheel project. She encouraged people to wear blue on April 10 to support CARE House.
Mrs. Rhule thanked Council for their support and thanked Oakwood resident Terri Jones for her ongoing work on the project.
Mayor Duncan thanked Mrs. Van Verth and Mrs. Rhule for sharing information about CARE House.
Madeline Iseli, Oakwood Inclusion Coalition 2023 Annual Report – Madeline Iseli, chair of the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition (OIC,) thanked the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition Leadership Team and Mr. Jacques who serves as the City Liaison. She then reported on the organization’s activities over the last year. The OIC’s third annual report focuses on the following topics: administrative matters; engaging community participation; achieving community impact; operating with solid financial standing; and expressing appreciation.
The OIC continues to function conservatively in terms of finances. The organization appreciates the coordination with the city, with the Oakwood Schools, and with Wright Memorial Public Library. The OIC’s website and e-newsletter are the main source of communication. There are about 440 subscribers to the e-newsletter, which is a terrific way to share information and to engage the community.
One of the most important tasks of the OIC has been to engage community participation. The OIC has been involved with the Ice Cream Social; Family Pride Picnic; That Day in May; and Scarecrow Row. The OIC has also been involved with several regional activities including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial March in Dayton; discussions, presentations, and other programs and volunteering opportunities. The activities get people together to learn about different perspectives and different views and learn how to work together to create a stronger community.
The OIC had almost no expenditures in 2023 and has a strong financial standing. This year, the OIC will focus on engaging with the community.
In closing, Mrs. Iseli expressed her appreciation to the city of Oakwood, Oakwood Schools, the Wright Memorial Public Library, and the Oakwood Register. She also recognized former members of the OIC Leadership Team Healy Jackson, Dan Turben, and Mike Miller.
Mrs. Jackson shared that she strongly believes that the most important thing the OIC does is send out the monthly bulletins. The bulletins educate people about what is going on in the community and the region. She opined that the real purpose of the OIC is to increase awareness and welcome engagement.
Vice Mayor Byington agreed with Mrs. Jackson. He shared that he considers himself pretty well-versed on what is going on in the community, yet he always learns more by reading the newsletter.
Mayor Duncan thanked the OIC for their efforts and Mrs. Iseli for the update.
LEGISLATION
AN ORDINANCE DETERMINING TO PROCEED WITH THE IMPROVEMENT OF CERTAIN STREETS BETWEEN CERTAIN TERMINI IN THE CITY OF OAKWOOD, OHIO, BY LIGHTING THE SAME WITH ELECTRICITY.
A copy of the ordinance, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.
Mr. Stephens explained that this is an annual ordinance that is the second step of the 2025 street lighting program. It is the ordinance that authorizes the city to proceed with the project. It was introduced with a first reading at the March 4 Council meeting.
Thereupon, it was moved by Mr. Stephens and seconded by Mrs. Turben that the ordinance be passed.