Leisure Services Director Carol Collins and her staff are doing a great job preparing Gardner Pool for opening day on Saturday, May 26.

The annual Blanket Concerts will be held in June, July and August at Smith Gardens. The concerts are free and open to the public. Additional information will be available in the upcoming Oakwood Scene newsletter.

Mr. Klopsch closed his comments by sharing that he had the honor of attending a welcome ceremony at the Dayton VA honoring Sergeant First Class Melvin Morris. SFC Morris is a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for valor in Vietnam.

Mr. Stephens asked if he is correct in saying that the Shafor Park Tennis Courts are the oldest city-owned property that has not been renovated.

Mr. Klopsch said that is correct. Staff believes that tennis facility was built in the early to mid-1960’s.

Mr. Stephens reminded everyone of “That Day in May” on Saturday, May 19. He said there is a full slate of activities which include: the pancake breakfast, 5K and 10K runs, annual parade down Shafor Boulevard, and afternoon games and rides. Mr. Stephens encouraged citizens to attend “That Day in May”.

Vice Mayor Byington shared that the annual CARE Walk is on Saturday, May 12 to support breast cancer awareness.

Mayor Duncan read the following letter into the record received from FBI Special Agent Angela Byers:

“On behalf of the Cincinnati Division of the FBI, I am writing to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the significant contributions of Lieutenant Balaj in furtherance of the FBI Cincinnati Division SWAT Team's Emergency Medical Responder Course from April 9 to April 13, 2018 in Kettering, Ohio. Lieutenant Balaj demonstrated a high level of dedication, professionalism, and expertise through his instruction during the course.

The FBI SWAT program places safety as one of its highest priorities due to regularly working in dangerous, tactical environments. The 17 newly trained EMRs will be able to provide immediate lifesaving care and now have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate lifesaving interventions while awaiting additional EMS resources to arrive at a scene. This certification is extremely important to the continued success and safety of the FBI SWAT operators.

Please extend my personal thanks to Lieutenant Balaj for his dedication and service.”

Mayor Duncan added that City Council echoes Ms. Byers’ statements.

The public meeting concluded at 8:31 p.m.