challenge. Assuming that the coronavirus continues to taper off, city staff hopes to open Gardner Pool in some way this summer.

Mr. Klopsch closed his comments by thanking Oakwood residents and businesses for dealing with COVID-19 in the best way possible.

Mrs. Hilton asked how the Oakwood Health Department assists with citizen inquiries or concerns related to COVID-19.

Mr. Klopsch explained that it depends on the issue or question. Emails that are sent to the Oakwood Board of Health are monitored by city staff. City staff determines if the inquiry can be handled by city staff (including the Oakwood Public Safety Department), or if not, involves the Oakwood Board of Health members, the health commissioner, Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County or the Ohio Department of Health.

Mayor Duncan added that he and Mr. Klopsch met with Oakwood health officials in the early stage of the pandemic. The Oakwood Health Department is following the guidelines set in place by the Ohio Department of Health.

Mrs. Hilton echoed Mr. Klopsch’s comments about city staff continuing to provide quality city services regardless of the workforce adjustments related to COVID-19. Mrs. Hilton also recognized the ongoing efforts of Oakwood residents practicing social distancing. Mrs. Hilton closed her comments by suggesting that people participate in Locks of Love by donating their hair to kids with cancer.

Mr. Stephens sympathized with students who are missing important events in their life due to COVID-19. He commended the Oakwood School District for finding alternate ways to celebrate the Oakwood High School Seniors. The Oakwood School District, with the help of the Oakwood PTO, displayed yard signs along Shafor Boulevard for all Oakwood graduating seniors to celebrate their graduation.

Mayor Duncan encouraged people to visit Graeters Ice Cream. He then read a nice e-mail from Harman School Principal Sarah Patterson commending Oakwood Public Safety Officer and DARE Officer Sarah Whitaker:

“Good morning everyone! I hope you and your loved ones are doing well. I wanted to reach out and share with you what an amazing job Officer Whitaker is doing with our DARE classes. I wasn't even sure our fifth graders would have the opportunity to finish their time with her when we switched to off-site instruction. However, she took the initiative to learn Google classroom and collaborate with our staff to continue to bring this important and meaningful learning to our students. I had the opportunity to sit in on her classes today, and she is an absolute pro. She is warm and patient and responsive to all of their differences and manages the tools and online instruction beautifully! Thank you for sharing her with us. I am always grateful for your partnership with the schools!”

Mayor Duncan commented that Oakwood Public Safety Officers continue to go above and beyond for the Oakwood community. Mayor Duncan congratulated Councilmember Chris Epley for currently being in the lead in the Republican Primary for judge in the Second District Court of Appeals. Mayor Duncan ended his comments on a sad note, announcing the passing of beloved Oakwood resident Richard “Skip” Ordeman on April 24. Mr. Ordeman was a longtime member of the citizen member Budget Review Committee, and was instrumental, along with his wife Martha, in the Smith Gardens Fundraising Campaigns. There was an article in this past Sunday’s Dayton Daily News written by Tom Archdeacon about Mr. Ordeman’s role in creating the history of the Dayton Triangles football team. He will truly be missed.

The public meeting concluded at 7:53 p.m.