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

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

Mrs. Turben explained that this is an ordinance to increase water and sanitary sewer rates.

The City operates four services as public utilities: water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, and refuse. Each of these is supported primarily by user fees and not by general tax revenues. The City Manager has recommended responsible rate increases for the water and sanitary sewer utilities in order to meet operational and upcoming capital needs. The increases would take effect in January of 2026.

The rate changes were presented to the citizen Budget Review Committee as part of the 2026 budget briefings this fall, and their response was positive.

This was a first reading of the ordinance, so Mrs. Turben made no motion.

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS: Mrs. Smiddy shared the following information:

The City, with support from the Oakwood Beautification Committee, is coordinating the annual luminary display in Oakwood. Luminarias are currently available for purchase. Volunteers are encouraged to contact the Oakwood Community Center to assist with the effort.

Congratulations to the Oakwood High School Girls' Cross Country Team on winning their first State Team Championship.

A community survey is underway to gather feedback from residents on parks and recreational amenities. The survey is available online through the City’s website and will remain open until Friday, December 5.

City offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day as we honor all who have served.

Mrs. Jackson expressed appreciation to all residents and volunteers who contributed to Scarecrow Row and Halloween festivities, noting that these community-driven events foster connection and reflect the strong neighborhood spirit that makes Oakwood a desirable place to live. She thanked those who organized block parties throughout the season and welcomed Council members to share updates with residents on recent city improvements, including sidewalk assessments, fire hydrant maintenance, school-zone safety enhancements, and Gardner Pool upgrades. Mrs. Jackson also reported on her continued involvement in regional environmental justice efforts following the 2019 EPA-sponsored Environmental Justice Classroom Program. She participated in a recent bus tour highlighting initiatives addressing public health, environmental conditions, and family services, with visits to Dayton Children’s Hospital, Kinship Village, the new West Dayton Urgent Care site, East End Community Services, and 2nd Street Market. She recognized the collaborative regional work supporting community well-being and thanked all partners involved for their dedication.

Mrs. Turben reminded residents that Election Day is tomorrow and encouraged the community to participate in the election. She shared a quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson emphasizing that government is shaped not only by the majority, but by those who take part in the voting process.

Mr. Stephens reminded residents to place leaves in the street for collection or to use the Recycling Center, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for leaf drop-off. He extended wishes to everyone for a happy Thanksgiving.

Mayor Duncan reported on feedback from a recent EMS patient satisfaction survey, noting that the department received the highest possible rating and positive comments recognizing the department as a key reason residents value living in Oakwood. He also shared an email from a