Oakwood collects recyclables using scooters with divided dump beds – one side for regular trash and the other side for recyclables. Plastics, glass, paper, metal cans, and cardboard are to be co-mingled in one or more containers marked as recyclables. All items should be clean and free of food and grease. Co-mingled recyclable products are to be placed loosely in the properly marked container. The items should not be placed in plastic bags. Mr. Klopsch encouraged citizens to continue recycling as much as possible, and reminded residents that recyclables can be co-mingled together in the same container. The city pays $18.25 less per ton to dispose of co-mingled recyclable materials than for regular landfill trash. When in doubt about whether something is recyclable, the guidance is now to throw the item in the regular trash versus the recycling container.
The City completed an annual update of the Refuse Handbook. The update includes clarification on the specifications for 35 gallon trash cans. These cans must have handles and detachable lids to allow for the public works employees to manually place the trash in a refuse scooter. The scooter is then unloaded into the large trash truck.
The Oakwood Rotary Club collects and disposes hazardous waste every three months. This includes paints, herbicides, pesticides, oils, antifreeze, batteries and other such materials. The remaining 2019 pick-up dates are on April 27, July 27 and October 26. Residents can call 296-5155 to schedule a pick-up. This is an excellent program to remove hazardous waste from Oakwood and to clean up the community.
The annual fire hydrant flushing will begin the week of April 8 and last approximately 4 weeks. The hydrants are flushed annually to test the hydrants functionality and to flush out the piping system. There is additional information on the City’s website (www.oakwoodohio.gov), and in the Oakwood Scene newsletter.
Oakwood does not typically have many water main breaks, but is prepared to make repairs when needed. Water service lines between the main and the “curb stop” shut-off valve are replaced when there is a water leak present.
The Springhouse Road Water Softening Plant has been in operation since 1992. This plant produces about 50% of the City’s water. Over the next few weeks, the filters in the Springhouse Road Water Softening Plant will be reconstructed. This work was planned at this time of year when water usage is down so the water demand can be met through the other plant.
There are two primary water reports available on the City’s website. The reports are the Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) and the Water Production Annual Report. The 2018 reports will be available soon on the City’s website.
Shroyer Road continues to function properly as designed. The new road design and implementation of the “Road Diet” has slowed down the normal flow of traffic significantly. The average speed decreased between 4 and 10 mph. The 85th percentile speed decreased between 6 and 11 mph. The number of accidents along Shroyer Road in 2018 was 35% less than the three year average between 2014 and 2016. There were approximately 236 citations in 2016 compared to 36 in 2018. The roadway change has been an improvement for the Oakwood community. Mr. Klopsch commented that he would like to publish details of this project because Shroyer Road is a good example of a small scale residential corridor where the “Road Diet” is a success.
A guardrail on Far Hills Avenue north of Patterson Road was recently replaced after being struck by a vehicle. The insurance company for the driver involved in the accident will reimburse the City for this expense.
The pedestrian safety railing along Far Hills Avenue is also periodically struck by vehicles. Typically, the City fixes the railing and is then reimbursed by the driver’s insurance company.
A wooden guardrail was installed last summer by the Public Works Department in an area along Oakwood Avenue, north of Thornhill Road.
There are catch basin placards being placed throughout the City to remind citizens that the inlets are direct paths to the storm sewer system, which are direct paths to rivers and streams. The placards were purchased through grant money and were installed by a group from the University of Dayton.
Over the next few months, Vectren will replace underground gas distribution pipes and home service lines in two Oakwood neighborhoods. Vectren is installing new polyethylene pipes in place of old steel and cast iron pipes and is moving indoor gas meters to outside wall locations. This is the continuation of a multi-year Vectren infrastructure replacement project in Oakwood,