On March 1, 2019, the Safety Department implemented the ACORN (Assisting and Contributing to Oakwood Resident Needs) program. The program is designed to assist residents in times of emergency and provide peace of mind through proactive community outreach, implementing safety plans, and advocating for the well-being of Oakwood’s senior and at-risk population. Over the next several months, the Safety Department will make a significant effort to grow the ACORN program. Chief Hill noted that former Mayor Judy Cook was in attendance to say a few words about the program after his presentation.

The Oakwood Public Safety Department will host its sixth Citizen Police Academy (CPA) in September 2023. The CPA is a 10-week program that meets for two hours, one night per week, covering the following topics: Safety Department Introduction/Orientation; Patrol Operations; Traffic Enforcement; Use of Force; Active Shooter Training; Evidence Collection and Processing; and Fire Prevention / Education. The CPA is free of charge and is open to any Oakwood resident or individual working within the city of Oakwood. The September program is already full.

Chief Hill invited Ms. Malusky-Krauss to share some information about the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

Ms. Malusky Krauss shared that she is in her fifth year as President of the Southwest Ohio Chapter. She shared that her career of conducting fraud investigations is how she became president of the ACFE. ACFE is a global entity with 90,000 members located in almost every country around the world. The members are essentially fraud fighters helping to stop frauds of all kinds. The Southwest Ohio Chapter is one of 196 Chapters, so it was very exciting to compete with chapters all around the world and then be presented with the Chapter of the Year Award.

Mrs. Cook shared that she has lived in Oakwood for many years and has total respect for and trust of the Oakwood Public Safety Department. When she found out that the Public Safety Department created and was overseeing the ACORN program, she happily signed up to be a member. She said that as an independent senior resident, it is reassuring to know that the Public Safety Department can access her home in case of an emergency. She explained that the program supports seniors and at-risk citizens, and is a significant addition to the Oakwood community.

Mrs. Hilton asked if Mrs. Cook was also referring to the Key File Program.

Chief Hill answered yes. He said that the Public Safety Department maintains a secure key file in the dispatch office for residential property owners that wish to provide a key in case they are locked out or have other emergencies that require quick entry into the home.

Mrs. Hilton asked how many residents participate in the program.

Chief Hill shared that they have around 300 keys on file.

Mayor Duncan thanked the Public Safety Department for the extensive research on electric vehicles. He then thanked Chief Hill for his presentation.

AN OAKWOOD MOMENT

Vice Mayor Byington highlighted sustainability measures in Oakwood.

CITY MANAGER REPORT – Mr. Klopsch reported on the following:

Mr. Klopsch shared some recent personnel changes. Code Enforcement Officer Ethan Kroger was promoted to the position of Planning and Zoning Manager. Sangita Anand was hired as the Human Resources Manager. They will be invited to a future council meeting for introductions.

There are approximately 50 residential solar power generating systems installed in Oakwood. The Planning and Zoning Department welcomes anyone who is interested in obtaining a permit for solar power systems.

The Public Works Department is engaged in resurfacing roadways in the north end of Oakwood, most notably E. Schantz Avenue from Lookout Drive to Far Hills Avenue. Barring any unforeseen inclement weather, the project should be done by the end of this week.

Mr. Klopsch thanked the community for their compliance with the yard debris disposal regulations. There are noticeably fewer incidents of yard debris being improperly placed in the roadway.

The annual Sidewalk, Curb and Driveway Apron project began last week. Work is being done around Harman School and will be completed before school begins in the fall. Work will also be done in the southwest corner of Oakwood.