Don Eiler, 907 Oakwood Avenue, shared that he walks his dog six times a day without a leash, because he is well-trained and under control. Walking a dog with a lead is not the same as walking without one. He said that he was offended by the proposed ordinance because it suggests that people are not training their dogs. He feels that the Oakwood community is not as enjoyable as it used to be. Electronic collars are similar to invisible fences, so he believes the electronic collars should be allowed. Instead of penalizing everyone, the City should focus on dealing directly with the dogs that are not under control. He explained that the real issue is control. There are three methods to obtain control: using a leash, using an electronic collar and dog training. It is his opinion that these three methods should be included in a workable ordinance.

Ryan Stitsinger, 1020 Runnymede Road, asked to see the list of vehicles on the proposed low-speed vehicle ordinance.

Mr. Jacques shared that the list is included on the draft inspection form. He confirmed that the items of interest to Mr. Stitsinger, based on their previous conversation, have been updated on the inspection form. Mr. Jacques offered to email the updated form to Mr. Stitsinger.

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

Mr. Epley explained that this is the second reading of an ordinance to update Appendix A, which is the public services rate sheet. The ordinance will increase city refuse collection rates by $3 per month per residential unit. When the Ohio Estate Tax was eliminated in 2013, the city of Oakwood lost about 20% of its average annual revenue. This forced several changes in Oakwood, including the decision to end the practice of subsidizing the refuse collection program with General Fund tax dollars. In other words, the program was restructured so that 100% of the cost is now paid by user fees. In addition to the weekly backdoor household trash and recyclables collection and disposal for about 3,200 residential properties, the refuse fees pay for the other services provided through the comprehensive refuse program including: special pickups for disposal of large household items; fall leaf pickup and conversion of leaves to yard mulch and made available to Oakwood citizens each spring; the refuse dumpster program for efficient disposal of remodeling debris from do-it-yourself projects, or other household and yard items; containers to self-dump yard debris and recyclables at a 24-7 drop-off location in the Creager Field parking lot; and monthly self-dumping options at the public works yard for residents to dispose of large household items and other debris. The refuse fees also pay for the year-around collection and disposal of yard debris throughout Oakwood. Given the enormous number of trees and other plant material in Oakwood, this is a very large task, with significant labor and capital equipment costs. The City last raised refuse rates three years ago. This $3 per month rate increase is necessary to address capital equipment needs over the next few years. The Oakwood citizen Budget Review Committee supports this rate increase.

Thereupon, it was moved by Mr. Epley and seconded by Mrs. Hilton that the ordinance be passed.

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.