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City of Oakwood

State of Ohio

May 5, 2025

The Council of the City of Oakwood, State of Ohio, met in a work session at 6:30 p.m. in the conference 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 and telecast live on Cable Access Channel 6.

The Mayor, Mr. William Duncan, presided, and the Clerk, Ms. Lori Stacel, recorded. Mayor Duncan asked all present to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

  • MR. WILLIAM D. DUNCAN PRESENT
  • MR. STEVEN BYINGTON PRESENT
  • MR. ROBERT P. STEPHENS PRESENT
  • MRS. LEIGH TURBEN PRESENT
  • MRS. HEALY JACKSON PRESENT

Officers of the City present were the following:

  • Mrs. Katie Smiddy, City Manager
  • Mr. Robert F. Jacques, City Attorney
  • Chief Alan Hill, Public Safety Director
  • Ms. Lori Stacel, Clerk of Council

The following visitors registered:

  • Captain Chuck Balaj and Family
  • Lieutenant Matt Staley and Family
  • Various Members of the Oakwood Safety Department
  • Dave Lantz, Retired Oakwood Public Safety Captain
  • Jeff Yount, Sr., Retired Oakwood Public Safety Lieutenant
  • Mary Crockett, 314 Forrer Boulevard
  • Dan Turben, 204 Forrer Boulevard
  • David Wood, 3220 Lakeview Avenue
  • Andy & Cheryl Lloyd, 465 Kramer Road
  • Brian Barr, Oakwood Register

Mrs. Jackson advised Council she had read the meeting minutes of the April 7, 2025, regular session, work session, and April 21, 2025, work session and executive session. Mrs. Jackson reported she found the minutes correct and complete. Therefore, it was moved by Mrs. Jackson and seconded by Mrs. Turben 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

Chief Hill offered condolences to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office following the death of a Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy.

Lieutenant Swear-In – Mayor Duncan welcomed Matt Staley and his family. Chief Hill reviewed the highlights of Matt Staley’s career and shared that he was pleased to promote him to lieutenant. Mayor Duncan administered the Oath of Office. Lieutenant Staley’s wife pinned the lieutenant bars onto his uniform.

Captain Swear-In – Mayor Duncan welcomed Chuck Balaj and his family. Chief Hill reviewed the highlights of Chuck Balaj’s career and shared that he was pleased to promote him to captain. Mayor Duncan administered the Oath of Office. Balaj was joined by his children as his daughter pinned the captain bars onto his uniform.

Citizen Committee Appointment – Mayor Duncan presented the new appointment of Tobias Schmitt to the Budget Review Committee.

It was moved by Mayor Duncan and seconded by Vice Mayor Byington that the aforementioned appointment be confirmed. Upon a viva voce vote on the question of the motion, same passed unanimously, and it was so ordered.

Council Committee Assignment – Mayor Duncan explained that City Council members are assigned to several committees, each consisting of two members who meet as needed to discuss