After reading the statement, Mr. Stephens reiterated that parents and families should make their own decisions on how to celebrate Halloween and whether to participate in trick-or-treating. Trick or Treating is from 6 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 31 for those who wish to participate. He asked participants to wear masks and maintain appropriate social distance, and residents to turn on their porch lights if they are planning to pass out Halloween treats.

Mayor Duncan read a letter that he received two weeks ago about the Oakwood Public Safety Department. The letter read:

“I am writing to commend the Oakwood Public Safety Department for its excellent service. We moved to Oakwood in 1971, for any number of reasons – schools, beauty of the neighborhoods, friends. We did not think of the Department of Public Safety. But over the years we have come to appreciate it as one of Oakwood’s gems. The speed with which the department responds has always amazed me.

The occasion for this letter is an experience of last night. The husband of a couple who are among our dearest friends has over the last few years had serious medical problems, and members of the department have frequently helped his wife get him up when he has fallen or transported him to the hospital. Late last night the wife called me, in distress. The husband was making no sense, was talking to people who were not there, and was trying to stand up–which he is physically unable to do. I think the wife needed me to confirm that he needed to go to the hospital, and to help keep the husband in bed while she called the department.

So I was there when four people from the Public Safety Department arrived, in an incredibly short time. Their grace, kindness, and efficiency impressed me greatly. It was for me a confirmation of what I had already concluded, that is, that especially for someone like me who is aging, living in Oakwood with that kind of support is most comforting. Please know that the staff of the department are appreciated.”

The four officers involved were Public Safety Officers Jeff Payne, Ryan Rump, Rob Wilson and Steve Norris. Mayor Duncan thanked the Oakwood Public Safety Department for continuing to do a great job for Oakwood citizens day after day.

VISITORS – There were no visitors wishing to address City Council.

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

Mayor Duncan explained that this is a resolution recognizing the creation of the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition (OIC). Attached to the resolution is a document that establishes the organization.

As explained in the establishing document, the OIC is a citizen-driven organization with the mission “to study, promote, and celebrate an inclusive, equitable, diverse and welcoming environment and community for everyone who lives, works, visits, or passes through Oakwood.” As a citizen-driven organization, it is not a public office or agency, or a public/private joint venture under the city’s control. Through the resolution this evening, the city of Oakwood expresses strong support of the mission and purpose of the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition, and welcomes the annual report planned for presentation to City Council each January by the OIC Leadership Team. The city of Oakwood will regularly follow the work of the OIC and will support the organization with representative participation in OIC meetings, programs and events.

Mayor Duncan invited Wright Library Director Kristi Hale and Oakwood’s former mayor, Judy Cook, to speak about the OIC.

Mrs. Hale made the following statement:

“Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share with you the history and vision of this new citizen-driven group. I’m particularly honored to be a part of this group, and to have been named chairperson for this initial year, because the mission and vision of the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition is closely aligned with some of the programs the library has been holding over the past 3 years.

Starting in early 2018, and inspired by the American Library Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative, Wright Library began experimenting with holding