The Council of the city of Oakwood, State of Ohio, met in a work session and executive session for personnel matters at 6:30 p.m. in the second floor training room of the city of Oakwood, 30 Park Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio, 45419. Council then met in a regular session at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the city of Oakwood.

The Mayor, Mr. William Duncan, presided, and the Clerk of Council, Ms. Lori Stacel, recorded. Mayor Duncan opened the meeting by asking all present to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.

City Council was present at City Hall while respecting social distancing guidelines. Three staff members were present and dispersed throughout the room. The meeting was streamed live from the Oakwood city website and telecast live on Cable Access Channel 6.

Upon call of the roll, the following members of Council responded to their names:

Officers of the City present were the following:

The following visitors registered:

Mrs. Hilton advised Council she had read the meeting minutes of the December 14 regular session and work session. Mrs. Hilton reported she found the minutes correct and complete. Therefore, it was moved by Mrs. Hilton and seconded by Mr. Epley that the minutes of the sessions of Council aforementioned be approved as written and the reading thereof at this session be dispensed with. Upon a viva voce vote on the question of the motion, same passed unanimously and it was so ordered.

Mayor Duncan shared that while this is not an item on the meeting agenda, he wanted to publicly recognize the leadership of City Manager Norbert Klopsch. Mayor Duncan read the following memo dated December 30, 2020 from Mr. Klopsch to all city of Oakwood employees:

“As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on 2020. Needless to say, this year has been very challenging, across the board. We have all been confronted with an impact to our daily lives that could never have been predicted or anticipated. The impact has touched everyone in various ways. The saddest situations are those involving the loss of life. By now we all likely know of someone lost this year, whether close to us or through a distant connection. People also experienced the loss of jobs, businesses and livelihoods, and the ability to be with friends and family. There was also the loss of a sense of peace, peace in knowing or believing that all is generally well, and that our place in the world is a safe one.

We have dealt with the challenges of the year, each in our own way. Yet, we also rallied together, recognizing that the work we do is essential to the health, welfare and safety of the citizens and businesses we serve in our community; and that our work directly impacts the everyday lives of the people we serve.

THANK YOU to each of you for all you did this year for our city, and thank you for all you will do in the coming year. I am hopeful 2021 will bring better and brighter days.

Happy New Year! Norb”

Mayor Duncan stated that the city of Oakwood has the best city manager in the area. Mr. Klopsch’s leadership is beyond exemplary and he wanted to publicly recognize his service.

Council Committee Assignments – Mayor Duncan explained that City Council members are assigned to several committees of Council that consist of two members that meet as needed to discuss various topics. City Council typically confirms committee assignments at the January Council meeting each year, but with Mr. Epley resigning from City Council to take a seat on the bench of the Second District Court of Appeals, Council has decided to postpone the assignments until the February 1 Council meeting.