The next Oakwood Rotary hazardous waste pick up event is on Saturday, October 24. Citizens desiring a pick up simply call (937) 296-5155 before noon on Friday, October 23 and leave their name and address.

Construction on the Ridgeway Road Bridge, which will be performed by the city of Kettering, is scheduled to start in November. There will be road closures on sections of Dorothy Lane, and Ridgeway Road from Oak Knoll Drive to Canterbury Drive in Kettering. Mr. Spitler displayed a vehicular detour map as well as a bicycle and pedestrian detour map.

Mr. Spitler shared four personnel changes that either already have or will occur this year. Kenneth Perkins retired on April 30, 2020 after serving our city for 30 years as the foreman in charge of our comprehensive refuse program. Gary Dursch is retiring on December 31, 2020 after over 44 years of public service, including 14 years running the Oakwood water system. Effective November 16, 2020, Derek Shell will assume the position of Water Plant Superintendent/Water & Sewer Line Foreman. The Public Works Department welcomed general service worker Jon Wissinger in August.

Mr. Stephens asked how many refuse scooters the city currently has.

Mr. Spitler stated that there are 10 refuse scooters.

Mr. Stephens asked if the same refuse scooters go out daily.

Mr. Spitler explained that there are five refuse scooters that work around the city daily. The other five are used as a backup.

Mayor Duncan inquired about our current roadway salt storage level.

Mr. Spitler confirmed that the City's salt storage bin is fully stocked.

Mayor Duncan noted that even with the increase of refuse collection, the Public Works Department has not missed a beat. He asked Mr. Spitler to give the department staff kudos.

Mr. Stephens commented that he did not notice a change in service amid the pandemic. The Public Works Department does a phenomenal job. He told Mr. Spitler that he did a great job on his first status report presentation to Council.

CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS

Mr. Klopsch provided the following report:

Doug Spitler started in Oakwood on January 6, 2020 as the new Engineering and Public Works Director. He came to Oakwood from the city of Centerville. While Centerville is larger than Oakwood, Oakwood tends to have more issues to address relating to the Engineering and Public Works Director position. He thanked Mr. Spitler for quickly establishing himself as a department head. Mr. Spitler does a good job thinking outside the box and looking for ways to improve processes.

Mr. Klopsch shared his appreciation to Oakwood citizens for complying with yard sign regulations.

The Oakwood School Crossing Guards were recognized and commended for continuing to provide important safety services through the pandemic.

Mr. Klopsch shared his excitement for the development of the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition. Over the next few months, the coalition will be building the membership and finding key volunteers. He opined that the coalition will be well-received and will have a lot of community involvement. He thanked the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition planning team for taking the time to establish this citizen-driven organization.

Mrs. Hilton asked how long the action City Council took earlier this year authorizing the City Manager to issue temporary waivers to the outdoor seating rules for businesses in Oakwood during the pandemic is in place.

Mr. Klopsch stated that he believed it extended until the state of emergency was cancelled, but that City Council can extend the authorization at any time. He shared that he does not have any concerns with continuing this temporary process through the pandemic to promote local businesses.

Mayor Duncan noted that carry-out business has increased at the Oakwood Club, and they are now offering Saturday carry-out.

Mrs. Hilton inquired about the 2020 Census and when the results will be released.

Mr. Klopsch shared that 2020 Census results will be available in 2021, probably around April or May. He confirmed that Oakwood had a very high participation rate.