Klopsch and Chief Hill, and Council believes that adopting it is in the best interests of the City. As such, the ordinance is being introduced to approve the Civil Preparedness Plan as an emergency measure so that it can take effect as quickly as possible for the protection of the public peace, health, safety and welfare.

Mayor Duncan invited Chief Hill to comment on the Emergency Operations Plan.

Chief Hill commented on the Goodwill/Easter Seals Opioid Disposal Campaign presentation. Since 2015, the Oakwood Public Safety Department has responded to 22 overdoses in the Oakwood community. Many overdoses are a direct result of prescription drug abuse. He stated the no community is immune from this epidemic.

Chief Hill then referenced a PowerPoint presentation and provided the following information.

The purpose of an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is to provide structure and processes that an organization will utilize to respond to and initially recover from an event. Oakwood’s current EOP recently underwent a comprehensive revision. The plan is comprised of three major sections: Basic Plan, Emergency Support Functions, and Appendices.

Oakwood’s EOP is based on the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS is a standardized national incident management system comprised of several components that work together as one to provide a framework for preparing for, preventing, responding to, and recovering from domestic incidents. The first priority of emergency management is saving and rescuing human lives. The second priority is saving property from destruction, or taking action to prevent property damage. The third priority is to restore roads, water systems and utilities, and to assist citizens with disaster recovery.

Oakwood does not maintain an office solely tasked with Emergency Management. The Oakwood City Manager serves as Oakwood’s Emergency Manager, and department heads have key areas of responsibility. Oakwood participates in regional emergency management efforts through coordination with the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management. Chief Hill highlighted the responsibilities of City Council, the City Manager and the department heads during an emergency. He explained that city staff members periodically engage in training exercises called “tabletop exercises” to remain familiar with the roles and to find ways to improve performance and/or processes.

Mayor Duncan asked if there has been an improvement in communication among jurisdictions since the public safety radio system was updated.

Chief Hill answered yes. He explained that communication has been much better since the technology system was updated in 2015. The update placed all Montgomery County jurisdictions on a single system making it easier to get in contact with local and state partners.

Mr. Stephens thanked Chief Hill and Captain Pruszynski for focusing their time over the past two years to update the Emergency Operations Plan.

Thereupon, it was moved by Mr. Stephens and seconded by Mrs. Hilton that the ordinance be passed as an emergency measure.

Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded:

There being four (4) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said ordinance was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.

Public Works Department Presentation: Mr. Doug Spitler, Engineering and Public Works Director, referenced a PowerPoint presentation and updated Council on various Public Works projects and operations.

From December 2020 to February 2021, the Public Works Department worked through 17 winter events. The department dedicated 540 hours of overtime to address these snow and ice events. The department used 822 tons of salt totaling $36,974 through the winter season.

Mr. Spitler displayed a map depicting the asphalt street resurfacing project. The work will take place on Patterson Road, Ridgewood Avenue, Schenck Avenue, Runnymede Road, Runnymede Lane and Sweetwood Lane at a cost of $381,454.