In addition to the asphalt street resurfacing project, the Public Works Department will also be working on the following projects: Annual Pavement Marking; Traffic Signal Conflict Monitor Testing; Asphalt Pavement Rejuvenation; Recycle Center Improvements; Fiber Optic Installation to Orchardly Park; Far Hills Stormwater Inlet Repairs; and Automated Meter Reading Software Upgrade.

The multi-year Vectren gas line project work began in 2010 and is scheduled for completion in 2023. This is a project to replace the original bare steel and cast-iron pipeline infrastructure and installation of new gas services to each property. The 2021 work was broken down into two project areas. Project Area A includes work on Ridgeway Road from Park Road to the southern border; Fairforest Circle; Oak Knoll from Ridgeway west to Deep Hollow Lane; and Deep Hollow Lane. Project Area B includes work on Triangle and Orchard; Shroyer between Triangle and Orchard; and also includes work on the alleys in these areas.

There are several large equipment purchases scheduled for this year. The purchases already made include: Refuse Packer Truck: $245,687; Refuse Scooters (4 units): $89,100; and Dump Truck: $140,819. Pending purchases include: Pickup Truck - Streets: $35,000 (budget); and Public Works Storage Building: $175,000 (budget).

The Public Works Department provides a broad range of municipal services such as: weekly trash/recyclables collection; yard debris and special pickups; and leaf disposal/leaf mulch. Mulch deliveries will take place on five Saturdays from April 10 to May 8. On the same five Saturdays, residents can obtain free mulch from the Foell Public Works Center at 210 Shafor Boulevard between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on those Saturdays. There are also several self-service options available such as: drop-off containers for recycling cardboard, yard debris, and co-mingled materials at a 24/7 site in the Creager Field (Dog Park) parking lot at Shafor Boulevard and Irving Avenue; the Foell Public Works Center at 210 Shafor Boulevard is open from 8 a.m. until 12 noon on the first Saturday of each month for Oakwood citizens to drop off refuse items; and refuse dumpsters are available for disposal of a mixture of debris from “do-it-yourself” homeowner projects.

Mr. Spitler displayed a line graph showing refuse collection trends over the past six years. The line graph showed a substantial increase in collection beginning in March of last year. This increase follows COVID-19, suggesting that many property owners disposed of more household debris during the pandemic.

Mayor Duncan asked if the increase in collection is related to people staying home because of COVID-19.

Mr. Spitler responded by answering that he believes that it is, however the data will continue to be tracked.

The next Oakwood Rotary hazardous waste pick up event is on Saturday, April 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 is being performed by the city of Kettering, has started. 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 bridge rendering, vehicular detour map, and a bicycle and pedestrian detour map.

Mr. Spitler shared several personnel changes that have occurred. Shawn Huffman retired on November 30, 2020 after 31 years. Gary Dursch retired on December 31, 2020, after 14 years in Oakwood. Mr. Dursch is assisting the department in a part time capacity to train the new employee operating our water plants. The Public Works Department welcomed Chris Branscomb, Water Plant Technician on December 7, 2020; Tristen Upton-Hayslett, General Service Worker – Refuse on February 8, 2021; and Scott Loper, Water Plant Superintendent/Water & Sewer Foreman on April 5, 2021.

Mrs. Hilton inquired about the cost of leaf mulch.

Mr. Spitler stated that residents can obtain free mulch at the Public Works Center on the five Saturdays mentioned, or the department will deliver either 3 cubic yards of mulch for $100 or 6 cubic yards of mulch for $150.

Mayor Duncan thanked Mr. Spitler for the excellent department summary. He shared his appreciation for all of the work done by the Public Works Department this past year.

Mr. Stephens asked if all of the stormwater inlets on Far Hills will be replaced.

Mr. Spitler answered no, and explained that only the inlets with deteriorating concrete will be repaired.