STAFF REPORT

Public Works Update: Mr. Klopsch shared that over the past few months members of the Oakwood Public Safety Department have been recognized for promotions and outstanding service. The Public Safety Department could be publicly recognized every month for the excellent service they provide. Similar to the Public Safety Department, the Public Works Department has top notch employees. Mr. Klopsch shared that he is going to speak about the five Public Works Foremen that provide excellent direction and oversight to the Public Works employees, and ensure that they have the resources needed to deliver services throughout the community.

Kenneth Perkins is the Refuse Foreman and he oversees the entire refuse operation. He maintains a good working relationship with all employees and is very responsive to any and all of the concerns or issues that are raised. The dumpster program is heavily used throughout Oakwood. For approximately $100, citizens can request a dumpster from the Public Works Center. The dumpster is dropped off to the resident where they can load it up for a few days, and then they can call once it is ready to be picked up. The Public Works yard is open from 8 a.m. until 12 noon on the first Saturday of each month for Oakwood citizens to drop off refuse items. This service is increasingly used by Oakwood citizens and is very much appreciated. Residents can recycle cardboard, yard debris and co-mingled recyclables at a 24/7 drop-off location in the Creager Field (Dog Park) parking lot. The City receives money for the clean cardboard that is recycled. It is cheaper to dispose of co-mingled recyclables than it is to have these materials thrown in with the regular trash. The weekly refuse pick-up is year-round regardless of weather conditions. Mr. Klopsch encouraged citizens to recycle as much as possible. The 2018 Mulch Program is underway and orders are currently being accepted. Mulch delivery is available on five consecutive Saturdays from April 14 to May 12. Delivery times are between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Prices for delivery are $90 for 3 cubic yards and $130 for 6 cubic yards. Mr. Perkins also oversees the maintenance shop, including two mechanics. He makes sure the employees have the tools and resources they need and provides oversight in decision making on equipment repairs. He works well with the other foremen to make the best possible decisions for the City.

Gary Dursch is the City’s Water Superintendent. He is licensed by the State of Ohio to operate the public water system. He oversees the operation of the City’s eight production wells. The City produces 100% of the water distributed around Oakwood. The water is sent through three different treatment plants for minor treatment and delivered to all residential and business properties in Oakwood. Gary oversees the water system on a daily basis and is effectively on call 24/7, except during periods of time when he is on vacation.

Tom Long is a Foreman and Engineering Technician. Tom oversees the larger construction projects, including repaving work. Deep Hollow Road, Wiltshire Boulevard, Hadley Avenue, Hadley Road, and Acorn Drive from Patterson Road down to Dellwood Avenue will be repaved this summer. Mr. Long is personally responsible for making sure the contractor notifies property owners as necessary, follows safety precautions, and most importantly, produces a good final product that serves the City well. Traffic Signal Conflict Monitoring testing will soon take place throughout the City. Every signalized intersection has a controller that operates the signal. There is a device, called a conflict monitor, in each traffic signal control cabinet that overrides the traffic light when there is a malfunction where opposing signals would be green. The conflict monitor overrides the signal controller and forces the light operation to a flashing red and yellow mode. The Vectren project will be starting soon. There will be an Open House on Tuesday, April 10 from 4:30 – 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting is organized and run by Vectren, but Tom will also attend. Vectren invited all of the residents that are in the project area, which is the southeast quadrant of Oakwood from Monteray Avenue to Triangle Avenue, and a section along East Drive. Tom works with Horticulturist Brian Caldwell to oversee tree trimming throughout the City. Brian does the assessment of the trees and then Tom ensures the trimming operation is done safely and properly. Tom will also oversee the Shafor Park Tennis Court Project. After the pre-construction meeting in a few weeks, Tom will be the eyes and ears of the City to make sure things are built as planned.

David Shuey is the Roadway Foreman. Year-round, he takes care of potholes, pavement cracks, storm water inlets, manhole adjustments, and basically everything from curb to curb throughout the City. We have a lot of pavement for a small city. A significant storm sewer repair will take place on Oakwood Avenue, just south of Park Avenue, over the next week or two. Dave will be responsible for resident notification and ensuring the work is done properly. Dave is also responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Public Works Facility.

Foreman Chris Harold is in charge of the water and sanitary distribution systems. Chris assists residents with water or sewer issues related to the service lines, or when water needs to be shut-off at the street. There are challenging events, especially during the winter months or late at night, such as water main breaks, and Chris is responsible for all of these activities. The City will start the annual fire hydrant flushing throughout the City next Monday and it will continue over