He shared his appreciation for all of the efforts and work done by the Public Works Department. While Oakwood is a small community, the Public Works Department provides a broad range of services. All of the department’s projects are done in residential neighborhoods. The projects not only involve the actual project work, but also require staff to manage disturbances to maintain a livable community, as well as providing effective and timely communication with residents.

Councilmember Turben shared that the annual shred event is scheduled from 8 – 11 a.m. this Saturday, September 25, at the Public Works Center. She encouraged everyone to vote on November 2.

Mayor Duncan read the following letter that he received last month from an Oakwood citizen:

“As you know, I participated in the Oakwood Police Academy during Fall 2020. Since our ability to experience a police ride along was constrained by Covid19, I deferred that activity. On Saturday I rode with Officer Chris Slone. It was an excellent experience. Officer Slone was an effective teacher who increased my understanding of policing in Oakwood. The ride along enhanced the education I got from the Academy, providing "real life" experience and an opportunity to understand the decision making process employed in different situations.

Not only did I increase my understanding of policing, but I also gained an enormous respect for Officer Slone. I am pleased and proud that the Oakwood Safety Department includes personnel of his caliber.

Thank you for including me in the 2020 Citizen Police Academy. I'm glad to know the 2021 Academy will be starting soon so more residents will share this opportunity.”

Mayor Duncan noted that the Citizen Police Academy is a great program that was created three years ago. This year’s academy is already full with 12 participants.

Mayor Duncan closed the meeting by honoring the 13 United States service members killed in action on August 26, 2021 at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan. He asked that people pray for the families of the following heroes:

• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas
• Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole Gee, 23, of Roseville, California
• Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah
• Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee
• Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, 20, Jackson, Wyoming
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California.
• Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan William-Tyeler Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska
• Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario, 25, Lawrence, Massachusetts
• Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, 22, Logansport, Indiana
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, 20, of Wentzville, Missouri
• Navy Hospital Corpsman Max Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio

The public meeting concluded at 8:40 p.m.