Mayor Duncan called for a moment of silence to honor Public Safety Officer Jesse Schaffer.
Mrs. Hilton advised Council she had read the meeting minutes of the September 20, 2021 regular session, work session and executive session. Mrs. Hilton reported she found the minutes correct and complete. Therefore, it was moved by Mrs. Hilton and seconded by Mr. Stephens that the minutes of the sessions of Council aforementioned be approved as written and the reading thereof at this session be dispensed with. Upon a viva voce vote on the question of the motion, same passed unanimously and it was so ordered.
STATUS REPORTS
Public Safety Recognition – Mayor Duncan invited Chief Hill to recognize Detective Kasey Ballinger for her work in apprehending the criminals who were recently burglarizing homes in Oakwood and Kettering. Chief Hill noted that Detective Ballinger worked side-by-side with Public Safety Officer Schaffer and knew him before he came to Oakwood. Detective Ballinger was instrumental in assisting his family during this difficult time.
Chief Hill recognized Detective Ballinger’s husband and son in the audience. He stated that Detective Ballinger sacrificed time with her family and worked around the clock to investigate and apprehend the criminals. Chief Hill then read the following letter of recognition:
“On August 7, 2021, during the overnight hours, the Oakwood Safety Department received a call from a resident who reported that two subjects were attempting to break into her residence. The resident was out of the area, but watching the incident unfold on their exterior surveillance cameras. Street officers quickly arrived on the scene, but the subjects fled. A description of the suspects was obtained from the surveillance video.
Later the same morning, the Oakwood Public Safety Department received a call from another resident who reported finding three firearms and a purse in a flower bed on Thruston Boulevard. Subsequent investigation revealed that an overnight burglary had occurred in close proximity to this location, and the firearms were stolen from this residence.
Furthermore, additional crimes were reported being committed in the City of Kettering, to include a home invasion, with the description of the suspects matching the same description of the individuals captured on the surveillance video. Over the next several hours, Detective Kasey Ballinger, with assistance from the Kettering Police Department, and Tactical Crime Suppression Unit (TCSU) Investigative Unit, began working the investigation, and were quickly able to positively identify the individuals involved.
Detective Ballinger authored two search warrants and subsequently these warrants were executed in the village of Lewisburg resulting in the arrest of Keyon Taylor and Blade Root. Detective Ballinger’s hard work and dedication on this case lead to a felony criminal indictment against Taylor and Root for charges that include Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Burglary, Kidnapping, and Burglary.
It is my pleasure, Detective Ballinger, to award you this Letter of Recognition for your professionalism and hard work. Thank you for a job well done.”
Mayor Duncan stated that Oakwood is a safe community because of officers like Detective Ballinger. The Oakwood Public Safety Department is the best public safety department in the area.
VISITORS
Homelessness Prevention Program, Dayton Mediation Center – Mediation Specialist Aaron Primm offered his condolences to the city of Oakwood and the Oakwood Public Safety Department.
Mr. Primm shared that the Dayton Mediation Center provides mediation services free of charge to individuals in Montgomery County, Ohio. A variety of programs are offered to help and support people in finding their way through conflicts with neighbors, family members, broken relationships, workplace situations, landlords and tenants, etc.
Mayor Duncan asked if the Dayton Mediation Center is a nonprofit organization separate from the city of Dayton.
Mr. Primm explained that the city of Dayton established the Dayton Mediation Center.
Mayor Duncan asked if the Dayton Mediation Center is related to the Dayton Ombudsman.
Mr. Primm answered no.