Mrs. Hilton asked how the different types of vehicles will be identified in Oakwood. Mr. Jacques shared that the vehicle type will be determined when the Public Safety Department completes the inspection.
Thereupon, it was moved by Mr. Stephens 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.
A copy of the resolution, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.
Mayor Duncan explained that this is a resolution to rename the Oakwood Environmental Committee, which was first formed on October 16, 1967. At that time, the committee was called the “Oakwood Beautification Committee,” and its focus was the enhancement of city ambience and outdoor beautification. In 1972, the committee was renamed the “Oakwood Environmental Committee.” This was not to reflect a change of the committee’s mission or focus, but was seen as a name that more broadly captured the idea of outdoor beauty. In the years since 1972, usage of the word “environment” has evolved, and it now suggests an emphasis on sustainability and the natural world. Sustainability is desirable, without a doubt, but it is not the primary focus of this particular committee. For that reason, the resolution being introduced will restore the committee’s original name of the Oakwood Beautification Committee. Much of the Oakwood Beautification Committee’s work is “behind the scenes,” but they are a dedicated group of city volunteers who are involved in many of our annual programs, including: the Johnny Appleseed street tree program; Scarecrow Row; the Holiday of Lights; holiday decorating awards; City beautification awards; boulevard plantings; horticultural seminars through the Oakwood Community Center; educational projects through the Oakwood Schools; the Smith Gardens annual perennial sale; the city’s Tree City USA designation; and many others over the years. It is Council’s desire that the Oakwood Beautification Committee will continue its 41+ year tradition of enhancing city ambience through landscaping and outdoor beautification.
Thereupon, it was moved by Mayor Duncan and seconded by Mr. Epley that the resolution 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 resolution was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.
CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS
Mr. Klopsch reported that the leaf collection season officially ended on Friday, December 21. Unfortunately, due to the ice storm requiring additional yard debris collection, the leaf pick-up schedule was delayed. The Public Works Department will continue to collect existing leaves from the gutter over the next two weeks. Property owners should no longer place leaves in the street gutters. Beginning Monday, January 21, the Code Enforcement Officer will begin placing door hanger notices at properties where people have put leaves or other debris in the street.
The 2019 Oakwood Community Calendar is available on the city’s website. The cover photo is of Smith Gardens, which is appropriate since Smith Gardens is celebrating its 45th anniversary.