Mayor Duncan then invited City Manager Norbert Klopsch to deliver the meeting presentation.
Mr. Klopsch welcomed the committee members and began the meeting by sharing the city of Oakwood recently lost two dedicated public servants. Public Safety Officer Jesse Schaffer passed away on September 28, 2021. He joined the Public Safety Department in May 2018. Refuse Truck Driver Erwin Johnson passed away on November 2, 2021. He joined the Public Works Department in October 1986.
Mr. Klopsch reported on the following:
2021 HIGHLIGHTS:
SHAFOR PARK TENNIS COURTS: The Shafor Park Tennis Courts were repaired over the summer. The repair work included resurfacing all five tennis courts. The work was originally scheduled to take place last year, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The work was done to address court surface failures and was completed under warranty. City staff is very pleased with the repair work.
SAFETY DEPARTMENT IN-CAR AND BODY CAMERAS: The Oakwood Public Safety Department implemented in-car camera systems with fully integrated body cameras. Each Public Safety Officer is assigned their own body camera, and each marked patrol vehicle is equipped with a forward and rear facing camera system. The cameras represent a significant operational improvement.
REFUSE PACKER TRUCKS AND SCOOTERS: The Public Works Department purchased two refuse packer trucks and four refuse scooters. These major equipment replacements position the Public Works Department to continue providing comprehensive refuse collection services over the next 10-20 years.
RECYCLING DROP-OFF FACILITY: The new recycling facility opened on November 30, 2021. The recycling facility was moved from its original location in the parking lot of the Creager Field Dog Park at the corner of Shafor Boulevard and Irving Avenue. Mr. Klopsch showed a video of the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the new recycling facility.
2021 FINANCIALS THROUGH NOVEMBER: At the end of 2021, the City will have continued to provide comprehensive public services and, based on current projections, will have:
$1,714,273 more in our General City Services funds.
$46,937 more in our Refuse funds.
$4,643 less in our Water funds.
$177,165 more in our Sanitary Sewer funds.
$115,725 more in our Stormwater funds.
MUNICIPAL INCOME TAXES: Gross Income Tax collections through November are about 17% above November 2020. This increase is primarily attributed to two things:
Income generated by the additional people living in Oakwood in the homes and condominiums at Pointe Oakwood and the businesses at Sugar Camp.
Increase in Oakwood residents working from home, thereby directing their local income taxes to Oakwood rather than other jurisdictions.