that are found. I have great confidence that our community is ready to pursue this goal and I am determined to participate.
I appreciate the opportunity to be here tonight to introduce the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition to all our citizens. I conclude by recognizing and giving immense thanks to our city manager Norbert Klopsch. His leadership, assistance, guidance, time, and patience goes far beyond his job description. We could not have reached this moment, I don't think, without his help. Thanks Norb, we applaud you.”
Mayor Duncan shared his appreciation for the efforts of this group to establish the OIC.
Mr. Stephens also thanked the planning group for taking the time to create this citizen group.
City Council did not have any further comments on this matter.
Thereupon, it was moved by Mayor Duncan and seconded by Mrs. Hilton that the resolution be passed.
Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded:
There being five (5) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said resolution was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.
Mrs. Hilton asked Dr. Ramey if he has a sense of how diverse the Oakwood Schools are.
Dr. Ramey shared that Oakwood Schools continue to become more diverse, which makes Oakwood a stronger community. He explained that he will present additional information at the school board meeting next week.
Mrs. Hilton asked how the Schools get information about diversity.
Dr. Ramey shared that the information is gathered as part of the enrollment process.
Mrs. Hale closed her comments by sharing that similar resolutions to endorse the creation of the coalition will be presented to the Oakwood Board of Education on Monday, October 12 at 7 p.m. and to the Wright Memorial Public Library Board on October 19 at 6 p.m.
Mayor Duncan commented that the City, Oakwood Schools and Wright Library are supporting the efforts and mission of the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition.
Mrs. Hale agreed.
A copy of the ordinance, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.
Mr. Stephens explained that this is an ordinance to update an existing provision of Oakwood's General Offenses Code. The ordinance was introduced with a first reading at the September 21st council meeting.
It has always been unlawful to place snow, grass clippings, or other debris in our public rights-of-way. However, the City has experienced issues with contractors doing line clearance work for utility companies, who trim street trees, sometimes leaving limbs and branches in large piles along the tree lawns and sidewalks. In some instances, these piles have blocked pedestrian traffic along the sidewalks.
This updated ordinance makes it clear that “debris” includes limbs and tree trimmings, and expands the prohibition to include both paved rights-of-way, such as sidewalks and streets, and unpaved rights-of-way, such as tree lawns. The ordinance retains an exception for homeowners who put ordinary yard debris out for refuse collection.
Thereupon, it was moved by Mr. Stephens and seconded by Mr. Epley that the ordinance be passed.