Mr. Stephens explained that this is an annual ordinance that is the second step of the 2023 Sidewalk, Curb and Driveway Apron Project. Again, this year’s program area covers all city streets west of Far Hills that were not repaired as part of last year’s program.

This was a first reading of the ordinance, so Mr. Stephens made no motion.

Personnel & Properties Report: Mrs. Jennifer Wilder, Personnel & Properties Director, referenced a PowerPoint presentation and updated Council on the following topics: zoning and property maintenance, the pre-sale/rental inspection program, the CenterPoint gas line improvement project, development/construction updates, business updates, an update on the “First Public Library Building” historical marker, and personnel updates.

The Zoning Department exists to protect Oakwood residents. By enforcing the Zoning and Property Maintenance Codes of the city of Oakwood, the city works to protect property values. This is done by reviewing & analyzing land use, zoning proposals and requests, and administering permits for improvements made to properties. The Zoning Department’s number one goal is compliance with the Oakwood Zoning Code and Oakwood Property Maintenance Code.

Mrs. Wilder encouraged residents to contact the Zoning Department before taking any steps on property improvement projects. She explained that Mr. Ethan Kroger, the code enforcement officer, will meet residents at their property and walk them through the permitting process so that residents have a clear understanding of the requirements.

The Oakwood Zoning Department issued 359 permits in 2022 for home improvement projects, including 22 permits for solar panel installations, the most in a single year thus far.

The Zoning Department also administers a Pre-sale and Rental Inspection Program. This program was established in 1968 to ensure that properties are code-compliant at the time of sale, or brought into compliance shortly thereafter. This program is especially important to a community like Oakwood with an aging housing stock, further protecting property values by ensuring homes are maintained through the transfer of property. There were 360 pre-sale and rental inspections completed in 2022.

In addition to ongoing property maintenance efforts, the Zoning Department annually conducts a city-wide automobile tour to identify violations of the Oakwood Property Maintenance Code. There were 32 property maintenance violation letters sent in 2022. The most common violations were encroachment and tree trimming. City staff works with property owners who require additional time to correct violations. The city website has helpful information about tree maintenance and tree trimming conducted by utility companies.

Between April and October this year, CenterPoint begins their final year of replacing underground gas distribution pipes and home service lines in Oakwood neighborhoods. In all work areas, CenterPoint is installing new polyethylene pipes in place of old steel and cast iron pipes and is moving indoor gas meters to outside wall locations. This is the end of a 13 year CenterPoint infrastructure replacement project in Oakwood. Oakwood residents personally affected by the work will receive detailed information from CenterPoint. Mrs. Wilder presented the CenterPoint project maps and mentioned that they are available on the city website and on CenterPoint’s website.

Pointe Oakwood construction began in 2009. There are only two pieces of land still available for residential development in Pointe Oakwood. Element Oakwood remains fully occupied.

Since July of 2022, the following businesses have opened their doors in Oakwood: Remedy Studio, 2541 Far Hills Avenue; Wellness Flow, 2310 Far Hills Avenue; Insomnia Cookies, 6 Oakwood Avenue. 2533-2537 Far Hills Avenue has been undergoing exterior and interior renovations.

The Oakwood Historical Society and the City of Oakwood commemorated Oakwood’s first public library building with a historical marker in the sidewalk at the front of 45 Park Avenue. The library served patrons until 1939.

Mrs. Wilder reviewed staff updates and personnel recruitment. Retirements include: Chris North, General Service Worker; Vere Mason, General Services Worker; and Glen Evens, Public Safety Officer. New hires include: Melanie Hornung, Deputy Clerk of Court; J.T. Ferguson, Laborer; Todd White, General Service Worker; Cade Wallace, General Service Worker; Mary Crockett, OCC Receptionist; Asher Carr-Chellman, Laborer; Robert Plummer, Dispatcher; Ben