venues to help fulfill the curricular, recreational and athletic needs of our students. We look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.”

Mayor Duncan shared that the project bid opening was today and it appears as though the low bidder is the same company that built Lane Stadium and the parking lot at Lane Stadium. The bid came in right at what had been budgeted for this project.

Healy Jackson, 118 Lonsdale Avenue, shared that as a member of the Oakwood Planning Commission she felt the need to attend the March 12 council meeting after seeing the ad in the Oakwood Register regarding the Shafor Park Tennis Courts. Many of the citizens’ arguments were compelling, especially those stating that Oakwood is a walking community. In an effort to understand why city staff proposed the parking lot, she reached out to Oakwood residents who were not tuned in to the controversy. She sensed that some people embraced the idea of being a neighborhood of walkers, and yet when those same people have to get their kids somewhere quickly, they are thankful those parking spots are there. She found that people who disagreed with the parking lot were adamant in their position. She personally prefers recreational space over a parking lot, but she also understands that this is just her values and her opinion, and she is not sure it is right for our community. She shared that she believes that Oakwood City Council will vote with the best interest of the community in mind. She added that she has a high regard for Oakwood City Council’s work and time that they dedicate to making decisions. She concluded by stating that she supports whatever decision City Council makes.

Debbie Morgan, 965 E. Schantz Avenue, said that she fails to ever hear from anyone who wants the extra parking spaces. She said that there has to be a balance between making it look pleasant with landscaping and making a nice hiding place for illicit activities to take place. She shared that she feels that decisions were made without residents’ input and the residents were just appeased by letting them speak at the council meetings.

Mayor Duncan responded that City Council takes every citizen comment to heart. City Council feels that the OCC needs additional parking. He added that there are other parking lots located in Oakwood, and there has not been illicit activity in these areas. He added that he does not agree with Mrs. Morgan’s assumption, but if illicit activity were to take place, the Oakwood Public Safety Department would be involved to address any issues, and City Council would get involved as well. There are also security cameras at the OCC that could be re-directed if needed.

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

Mr. Stephens explained that this is an annual ordinance that is the second step of the 2019 street lighting program. It is the ordinance that authorizes the City to proceed with the project. It was introduced with a first reading at the March 12 Council meeting.

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.