LEGISLATION
447
AN ORDINANCE
BY MR. EPLEY NO. 4896
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND “APPENDIX A – PUBLIC SERVICES RATE SHEET” OF THE OAKWOOD STREETS AND PUBLIC SERVICES CODE TO INCREASE THE STORMWATER FEE.

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 a second reading of an ordinance to increase the rate for the stormwater utility services. It was introduced with a first reading at the December meeting. It will increase the monthly stormwater management fee from $7 to $10 per residential unit, or Equivalent Residential Unit, as recommended by the City Manager to meet upcoming operational and capital needs.

This fee increase was presented to the citizen Budget Review Committee as part of the 2020 budget briefing on October 15, 2019 and their response was positive. The Oakwood stormwater rate has not been increased since January 2017.

This ordinance will take effect upon adoption. Residents will first see this rate increase reflected in their January utility bills, which will be sent out at the end of the month.

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:

MR. WILLIAM D. DUNCAN YEA
MR. STEVEN BYINGTON YEA
MR. ROBERT P. STEPHENS YEA
MRS. ANNE HILTON YEA
MR. CHRISTOPHER EPLEY YEA

There being five (5) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said ordinance was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.

AN ORDINANCE
BY MR. STEPHENS NO. 4901
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 163, ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE, OF THE OAKWOOD ADMINISTRATIVE CODE TO REFLECT THAT THE NAME OF SAID COMMITTEE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO “BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE” AND TO UPDATE THE DESCRIPTION OF ITS ACTIVITIES.

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 last year, Council adopted legislation to change the name of the Environmental Committee to the Beautification Committee. This was a return to the original name for this committee and Council felt that it better captured the focus and activities of this committee.

The ordinance being introduced will update the Codified Ordinances to include that name change. It also updates the description of the committee’s activities to acknowledge the committee’s “behind the scenes” role in supporting our Department of Leisure Services.

For residents who may not know, the Beautification Committee is 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.