JANUARY 7, 2019 COUNCIL MEETING
City Council met in public session on January 7, 2019. Here are the highlights.
Council meeting minutes were approved for the December 10, 2018 regular session and work session.
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PSO Swear-in – Mayor Bill Duncan recognized new Public Safety Officers Ryan Wells and Chris Slone, and their families. He then administered the Oath of Office. Chief Alan Hill welcomed and introduced PSO Slone and PSO Wells.
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Recognition of Dr. Richard Garrison, MD – Mayor Bill Duncan, City Manager Norbert Klopsch and Chief Alan Hill recognized Dr. Dick Garrison for his 35 years of service to Oakwood.
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Health Commissioner Appointment – City Manager Norbert Klopsch introduced Dr. Steve Enseleit, MD as the new Health Commissioner. He provided a summary of Dr. Enseleit’s education, experience and qualifications.
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Council Committee Assignments – City Council approved their 2019 committee assignments.
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Citizen Committee Appointments – City Council and City staff are in the process of identifying citizen volunteers for future appointment to fill the current committee vacancies.
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Jesse Haines Award, Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith – Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith presented the Jesse Haines Award to Assistance Finance Director Alice Young. Finance Director Cindy Stafford read the comments on the Jesse Haines Award nomination form that she submitted to Auditor Keith.
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Holiday Decorating Awards – Mayor Bill Duncan and Environmental Committee member Jane Lieberth recognized winners of the 2018 December holiday decorating contest.
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Two Oakwood residents addressed Council with concerns regarding the proposed dog leash law.
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An Oakwood resident inquired about the types of vehicles that will be regulated by the proposed low-speed vehicle ordinance.
Oakwood City Council approved the following legislation:
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An Ordinance to raise refuse rates.
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An Ordinance to amend existing Section 505.01, Pets at Large, of the Oakwood General Offenses Code.
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An Ordinance to adopt new Section 375.09, Low-Speed Vehicles, Under-Speed Vehicles, Utility Vehicles, and Mini-Trucks, of the Oakwood Traffic Code.
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A Resolution to change the name of the Oakwood Environmental Committee to the Oakwood Beautification Committee.
City Manager Norbert Klopsch reported that the leaf collection season officially ended on Friday, December 21. The Public Works Department will continue to collect existing leaves from the gutter over the next two weeks. Property owners should no longer place additional leaves in the street gutters. Beginning Monday, January 21, the Code Enforcement Officer will begin placing door hanger notices at properties where people have put leaves or other debris in the street. The 2019 Oakwood Community Calendar is available on the city’s website. The cover photo is of Smith Gardens, which is appropriate since Smith Gardens is celebrating its 45th anniversary. Mr. Klopsch shared a personal incident that occurred a few days ago regarding a car break-in and wallet theft, and urged everyone to always lock their vehicle doors.
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Councilmember Rob Stephens congratulated and welcomed the new Public Safety Officers. He thanked Dr. Garrison for his many years of service. He then thanked city staff for all of their hard work in 2018.
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Vice Mayor Steve Byington echoed Mr. Stephens’ comments. He then inquired about the professional backgrounds for persons serving on the Board of Health, which City Manager Norbert Klopsch shared.
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Mayor Bill Duncan welcomed Dr. Enseleit to the Board of Health. Mayor Duncan shared that he will be providing information about the new federal tax law and answering citizen questions at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 10 at the Wright Memorial Public Library.
The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.