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

Vice Mayor Byington explained that this is a supplemental appropriation ordinance that is necessary to address fire insurance proceeds that came into the City’s possession after Council adopted the 2021 budget and appropriation ordinance.

As required by the State of Ohio, Oakwood established a Fire Insurance Trust Fund in 1981. The fund functions much like an escrow account except that it is non-interest-bearing. When a property in the city is damaged by fire, the property owner’s insurance company sends a portion of the insurance proceeds to the City. The City holds it in the Fire Insurance Trust Fund until repairs are completed, and then it is turned over to the insured property owner, minus any costs the City might incur to secure or make the structure safe before repairs are completed.

In December, there was a fire at 502 Volusia Avenue that resulted in an insured loss, and the City recently received $37,559.33 from the owner’s insurance company. This supplemental appropriation will allow the City to disperse that money to the property owner after the repairs are completed and making any deductions required by law.

Thereupon, it was moved by Vice Mayor Byington and seconded by Mr. Stephens that the second reading be waived and that the ordinance be passed tonight.

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.

Public Safety Department Presentation: Chief Alan Hill, Public Safety Director, referenced a PowerPoint presentation and updated Council on the following topics: Crime Statistics; EMS Trends; Fire Trends; Personnel Changes; In-service Training Program; the Citizen Police Academy; and Ohio Collaborative.

Oakwood experienced a 55% increase in reported larceny offenses. The 2020 clearance rate for these offenses was 52.7%, which is about 30% higher than the national average of 22%. The primary reason for the significant increase in larceny offenses was due to the reported theft of political signs. Overall, the Safety Department took approximately 35 theft of political yard sign reports, and the majority were cleared by five juveniles (ranging in age from 14 – 17 years old) being charged in multiple incidents.

In 2020, Oakwood experienced a significant increase in automobiles thefts. There were 13 total reported auto thefts and the normal yearly average is one to two. Of the 13 vehicles stolen, each vehicle was unlocked with keys inside the vehicle. These vehicles were easy targets that did not require the use of forced entry. All 13 vehicles have been recovered. In total, five cases have been cleared by either arrest, or another agency pursuing charges against subjects apprehended inside the vehicle, and crime lab results are pending in several others. Chief Hill encouraged residents to always lock their car doors.

Oakwood experienced a decrease in overall traffic enforcement activity in 2020. This was directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the limited enforcement activity that occurred during certain months of 2020.