The Council of the city of Oakwood, State of Ohio, met in a work session and executive session at 6:00 p.m. in the second-floor training room of the city of Oakwood, 30 Park Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio, 45419. Council then met in a regular session at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the city of Oakwood.

The meeting was streamed live from the Oakwood city website, telecast live on Cable Access Channel 6 and was available via remote teleconferencing utilizing the Zoom.com platform.

The Mayor, Mr. William Duncan, presided, and the Clerk of Council, Ms. Lori Stacel, recorded. Mayor Duncan opened the meeting by asking all present to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Upon call of the roll, the following members of Council responded to their names:

Officers of the City present were the following:

The following in-person visitors registered:

Attending via remote teleconference utilizing the Zoom.com platform were the following visitors:

Mayor Duncan shared that the past week has been very sad for the city of Oakwood with the passing of Oakwood Public Safety Officer Jesse Schaffer. He invited Chief Hill and City Manager Klopsch to say a few words about the sad events of the week.

Chief Hill began by sharing his appreciation to everyone in the Public Safety Department for continuing to honor the oath of “service before self” even during a time of mourning. Chief Hill shared the following:

“When I first met Jesse, it was during his interview. I was impressed with his record of service at such a young age. Jesse was certified in all three disciplines and had prior work experience as a Trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Firefighter / EMT with both the Washington Township Fire Department and the Kettering Fire Department. Like so many of us within the Safety Department, Jesse became a public safety officer so that he could serve as a law enforcement officer as well as a firefighter and EMT.

Furthermore, Jesse joined the less than 10% of citizens who serve their country in the United States military serving as a United States Marine for six years.

Ronald Reagan once said during a speech, “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.” Jesse’s service to his country, state, and local communities, epitomize that statement.

This week will now doubt be extremely difficult for members of the Safety Department, but as we mourn the loss of Jesse we will lean on and support one another.”

Mr. Klopsch offered condolences to Public Safety Officer Schaffer’s family and friends and stated that the Oakwood Public Safety Department remains strong. Mr. Klopsch shared that he knew Public Safety Officer Schaffer as a man of few words that always had a smile on his face. The pain that he carried was hidden. He will always remember him with that smile. Oakwood city staff has come together to support each other during this difficult time. The city of Oakwood is lucky to have a leader like Chief Hill. Chief Hill has and will continue to help Public Safety Officer Schaffer’s family and the Oakwood Public Safety Department move forward and navigate the weeks and months ahead.