The Council of the city of Oakwood, Ohio, met in a work session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2020 in the council chambers of the city of Oakwood, 30 Park Avenue. The Mayor of the City, William Duncan, presided.

Council members in attendance were Mayor William Duncan, Vice Mayor Steve Byington, Councilmember Rob Stephens, Councilmember Anne Hilton and Councilmember Chris Epley. Staff in attendance were City Manager Norbert Klopsch and City Attorney Rob Jacques.

Mayor Duncan opened the work session at 5 p.m. and made a motion to go to executive session for personnel matters and property matters; second by Mr. Epley. Upon viva voce vote, motion passed.

At 5:55 p.m. Mayor Duncan concluded the executive session and Council moved to work session.

Mayor Duncan then led a discussion on the following agenda items:

RESPONSE TO COVID-19: Mr. Klopsch commented on the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. City staff has been able to continue providing essential services through the health crisis. Barring any unexpected development, the City will reopen the OCC, Public Works Center, and City/Public Safety Building on Monday, June 1. Mr. Klopsch mentioned that plexiglass barriers will be installed soon at the front desk of each of the public facilities, and also at the entrance to Gardner Pool. These are anticipated to be permanent installations.

JUNE 1, 2020 COUNCIL MEETING FORMAT: Mr. Klopsch reported that he plans to conduct the June 1 meeting in the council chamber, and to have the doors open so that this meeting can once again be open to the public. The meeting will have a limited agenda and is expected to be brief. Mrs. Hilton asked if the City could conduct the June 1 meeting via Zoom, as opposed to in-person. Mr. Klopsch responded that it could be done, but he felt the in-person gathering would be appropriate given the continuing reopening of Ohio. With the limited agenda, and no public hearings, it is highly unlikely that many visitors will attend. Chairs will be spread out in the council chamber so that social distancing can be maintained.

• COUNCIL COMMITTEES
  • Court Liaison, Mrs. Hilton
    • Court Operations under COVID-19 Conditions: Mr. Jacques explained how the Oakwood Municipal Court has operated over the past few weeks. The court staff has done a good job of scheduling court appearances and other court business to comply with social distancing requirements.
  • Finance, Vice Mayor Byington
    • 2019 Financial Audits for City Government and Health District: Mr. Klopsch reported that the City will receive a clean financial audit for both city government functions and the health district. This year is the first time the health department has been subject to its own audit, but the audit report will be published as a single document covering the city and the health district.
    • 2020 Budget Cuts: Mr. Klopsch reviewed the proposed 2020 budget cuts which total approximately $500,000. He will share details about these budget cuts with the citizen Budget Review Committee (BRC). A meeting of the BRC will be planned for some time in July.