The Council of the City of Oakwood, State of Ohio, met in a special session at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers of the City of Oakwood.
The Mayor, Mr. William Duncan, presided, and the Clerk, Ms. Lori Stacel, recorded. Mayor Duncan asked all present to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Upon call of the roll, the following members of Council responded to their names:
- MR. WILLIAM D. DUNCAN PRESENT
- MR. STEVEN BYINGTON PRESENT
- MR. ROBERT P. STEPHENS PRESENT
- MRS. LEIGH TURBEN PRESENT
- MRS. HEALY JACKSON PRESENT
Officers of the City present were the following:
- Mrs. Katie Smiddy, City Manager
- Mr. Robert F. Jacques, City Attorney
- Ms. Lori Stacel, Clerk of Council
The following visitors registered:
- Phill Dysard, Palmer Energy
- Peggy Finke
- Brian Barr, Oakwood Register
Mayor Duncan shared that Council is required to hold two public hearings before adopting a resolution to join the Miami Valley Communications Council (“MVCC”) natural gas aggregation program. This special meeting has been called, with notice as required by law, in order to hold the first public hearing. The second public hearing will be held at the regular session meeting later this evening.
Mayor Duncan reviewed the procedure for the hearing and shared that Mr. Jacques will be administering an oath to those in the audience wishing to testify.
Mr. Jacques administered an oath to Mr. Dysard.
Mayor Duncan invited Mr. Dysard to comment briefly on the MVCC aggregation program. Mr. Dysard is affiliated with Palmer Energy, an energy consulting firm that is collaborating with MVCC to develop this initiative.
Mr. Dysard provided an overview of the natural gas aggregation program. He outlined that governmental aggregation serves as an efficient mechanism for a collective group of consumers to realize savings on their gas expenses. Under Ohio law, communities are permitted to establish aggregated buying groups, enabling them to negotiate more advantageous pricing with suppliers than individual members could achieve separately. Oakwood City Council has determined that the optimal approach for the City is to adopt an opt-in model, ensuring that participation is voluntary and no residents will be automatically enrolled. While specific details are still being finalized, there are discussions regarding a fixed pricing term of 20 months. Mr. Dysard highly recommended that residents consult their current gas provider to understand the terms and conditions surrounding termination, as well as any potential fees or charges that may apply. The aggregation program does not impose a termination fee, allowing participants to exit the program at their discretion without incurring any costs.
Mrs. Turben inquired about the duration of the term.
Mr. Dysard responded that while specifics are still being finalized, the current duration is set at 20 months.
Mrs. Turben further asked whether the opt-in rates would align with the opt-out rates.
Mr. Dysard clarified that he expects the pricing to be consistent across both options.
Mayor Duncan then asked if Mr. Dysard anticipates completing the process before the end of the calendar year.
Mr. Dysard confirmed that he does foresee the process being concluded by that time.