other is using the property to create the sidewalks. While the property is the city right-of-way, it can get complicated dealing with people’s yard.

Mayor Duncan explained that the costs for the sidewalk would be assessed to the individual’s property taxes and the individuals impacted would need to agree to this proposed sidewalk.

A copy of the ordinance, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.

Vice Mayor Byington explained that this is a supplemental appropriation ordinance that is necessary to address two capital projects. Major grants were received to offset most of these additional expenses. The first is a complete replacement and upgrade of the Oakwood Municipal Court’s Case Management System (“CMS”), and the second is for improvements to a pocket park at the corner of Oakwood and Schenck Avenues.

When Council adopted the 2017 budget last December, an appropriation of $100,000 was included for the Court’s CMS project. This is an extensive project that includes the installation of new computer hardware and software, IT integration and compatibility services, and training. However, in order to include all of the functionality that the Ohio Supreme Court requires, and to integrate the system with the city’s existing computer server, the estimated cost of the project is now $140,000.

Judge Peggy Quinn applied for a grant from the Ohio Supreme Court, which was approved in the amount of $116,977. She is now asking Council to increase the original appropriation by $40,000 in order to accept the Supreme Court grant and complete the entire project. Given the significant grant, this major project can now be completed with 84% of the funding coming from the state and only 16% from the Oakwood Court funds.

The other project involves city-owned land at the corner of Oakwood and Schenck Avenues. About a year ago, Oakwood resident Mary Montgomery approached the city on behalf of herself and a group of her neighbors to discuss the possibility of developing that parcel into a small pocket park with some playground equipment. These residents had the idea to raise a significant portion of the money privately. Through discussions that ensued, city staff determined that the pocket park project might be eligible for grant funding through the Montgomery County Solid Waste District and an application was filed. It qualified for the grant because major components of the improvements can be built using recycled materials.

City Council was recently informed that the grant was approved in the amount of $39,004. This is a grant that requires local matching funds in the amount of $18,767. The city will pay the $18,767 with the understanding that Mary Montgomery will spearhead an effort to raise $10,000 from private donations to reimburse the city. All told, this pocket park project requires an additional appropriation of $50,000.