The Ohio procedure requires each municipality to establish a fund known as the Local Coronavirus Relief Fund, and to run all qualified reimbursable expenses through that fund. Council adopted legislation to establish that fund in July. However, reimbursement funding is available for qualified expenses made between March 1, 2020, and December 30, 2020, which means some of our qualified expenses were made via other city accounting funds prior to the establishment of our Local Coronavirus Relief Fund.

In order to seek reimbursement, all of the City’s qualified coronavirus expenditures need to be consolidated within the Local Coronavirus Relief Fund. Council believes it is fiscally prudent to ensure that Oakwood qualifies for the maximum reimbursement for which the City is eligible. The ordinance being introduced will authorize the Finance Director to make the necessary adjustments to the City’s financial records. This ordinance is being introduced as an emergency measure so it will take effect immediately, ensuring that these adjustments are made in a timely fashion to allow the City to pursue its full CARES Act reimbursement.

Thereupon, it was moved by Vice Mayor Byington and seconded by Mrs. Hilton that the ordinance be passed as an emergency measure so that it can take effect as soon as possible before this funding is received, with no second reading required.

Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded:

There being five (5) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said ordinance was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.

Mr. Klopsch provided an update on the following:

He thanked the Oakwood community for their extra efforts in respecting the protocols in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Klopsch also thanked city staff for continuing to work and provide essential services through the pandemic.

The October/November Oakwood Scene newsletter will have an article about Halloween. The article states that a decision will be made in early October on safety protocols for Halloween and trick or treating. Oakwood city staff will be working with local government officials to develop a unified plan.

Mr. Klopsch thanked Finance Director Cindy Stafford and the Finance Department for their hard work and successful 2019 audit. He also thanked Chief Hill for leading the safety department during this difficult time, and Leisure Services Director Carol Collins and Program Supervisor Karen Earley for putting in the extra work to open Gardner Pool and by offering creative summer activities.

Mr. Klopsch closed his comments with two stories about Dr. Apt. Like many others, Mr. Klopsch witnessed Dr. Apt’s compassion for animals through his veterinary office. He was a wonderful man who found the right profession. Mr. Klopsch recalled going to his first Ohio State Buckeyes football game in 2006 with Dr. Apt. Although he did not recall what team OSU played that day, he was “certain” that Ohio State won the game.

Mr. Stephens shared that he enjoyed greeting and directing the cars that attended Oakwood’s Ice Cream Social on Sunday, August 30. The event had a good turnout and it was great to see so many families drive through. Mr. Stephens also shared some memories of Dr. Apt noting that he was always fun to be around and that it was an honor to know him. Mr. Stephens then thanked the Oakwood Public Safety Department for the wonderful work they do on a daily basis. He noted that Oakwood City Council continues to support them.

Vice Mayor Byington commended Finance Director Cindy Stafford on another successful audit. He stated that the videos displayed this evening and presentations made show just how special of a place Oakwood is. The outpouring of love and support for Darrell Apt, and the efforts that were made to memorialize Officer McCormick make him proud.