The Council of the City of Oakwood accords special public recognition to the life and service of Dr. S. Darrell Apt II, and to the many contributions he made to our Oakwood community.

Mayor Duncan invited former Mayor Judy Cook to say a few words. Mrs. Cook read the following statement:

“If someone asked me to describe the ideal Oakwood citizen, my thoughts would turn to memories of Darrell Apt. He was a man that treasured Oakwood and responded by participating and giving back. He began serving Oakwood as a member of the Oakwood Board of Health in 1978. It was an avocation he continued the rest of his life. At the time of his death he was still a member of the Oakwood Beautification Committee. Darrell not only served, but he served well. I remember his time on the important Comprehensive Planning Commission. He attended meetings and came prepared. It is a pattern he repeated throughout all his years and variety of service.

One of Darrell’s special commitments was his role as Chairman of the Friends of Smith Gardens Committee. This was a lengthy and challenging assignment. The Committee was a delightful, successful group of people who campaigned for enhancement of our community treasure, Smith Gardens. Under Darrell’s leadership, funds were raised to finance the master plan improvements, including the lovely garden house we enjoy today. These were happy times. Typically, Darrell always made sure we had fun together while we worked.

Of course, some people knew Darrell as their pet’s doctor. Along with being a very respected veterinarian, he was immensely popular. Everyone knew that all medical treatments were given with a dose of love. You know, it was well known that Darrell spoke to the animals. I always suspected that they talked back and Darrell knew exactly what they were saying.

During the last few years of his life, Darrell struggled with physical limits. He never allowed them to diminish his spirit. With the help and support of his ever-present wife, Carol Collins, Darrell lived each day to its fullest and looked forward to the next. I share a church membership with Darrell. Every Sunday, if at all possible, Darrell was there participating in the life of the church. He was loved and admired by his church family. Darrell was a source of inspiration to all of us.

Darrell, by his example, taught many of us how to be a good citizen. He is no longer with us but the legacy he leaves creates a presence we treasure and will not forget. We are forever grateful for his contributions.”

Ms. Collins closed her comments by thanking everyone for attending this evening to memorialize Dr. Apt and for their continued support.

Mayor Duncan noted that three former Oakwood employees are present this evening. They are former City Manager Mike Kelly, former Assistant City Manager Jay Weiskircher and former Leisure Services Program Supervisor Vicki Gerhardt.

VISITORS – There were no visitors wishing to address City Council.

LEGISLATION

A copy of the resolution, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.

Vice Mayor Byington explained that each tax year, the Montgomery County Budget Commission is required to certify its determination of the millage rates and amounts the City will receive from its existing property tax levies. For 2020 – 2021, the Budget Commission has determined that Oakwood will receive $1,131,795 from inside-millage and $1,523,751 from outside-millage tax levies. These figures are consistent with the City’s projections.