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 to comply with Section 6.01 of the City Charter, this is an annual housekeeping ordinance to estimate the city’s revenues and expenses for calendar year 2023.
This was a first reading of the ordinance, so Vice Mayor Byington made no motion.
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 an ordinance to adjust the cap on money that can be held in the city’s Special Projects Fund. The Special Projects Fund is an accounting fund used to set money aside for larger capital improvement projects planned for the future. Council last increased the cap on this fund in 2002 as a means of ensuring that the size of the fund was appropriate for the types of capital improvement projects for which it was to be used. For the last 20 years, the fund has been capped at $3 million. With costs continuing to rise and several large capital projects on the horizon, the Finance Director has recommended that the cap be increased to $5 million. Under existing rules, it takes an affirmative vote of four council members to authorize spending from this fund.
This was a first reading of the ordinance, so Vice Mayor Byington made no motion.
Public Works Department Presentation: Mr. Doug Spitler, Engineering and Public Works Director, referenced a PowerPoint presentation and updated Council on various Public Works projects and operations.
Mr. Spitler displayed a map depicting the asphalt street resurfacing project. The work will take place on W. Schantz Avenue, Dell Park Avenue, Beverly Place, Katharine Terrace, Park Road, Little Woods Road, Creager Field parking lot, and also on the alleys in the southeast section of Oakwood at a cost of $467,290. Mr. Spitler noted that the price of asphalt increased 33% compared to 2021.
The 2022 Sidewalk, Curb and Driveway Apron Repair Project will take place on about half of the west side of the City. The project did not receive any formal sealed bids last week, so city staff is seeking a contractor using the informal competitive bidding process.
The new recycling facility opened at the end of November 2021 and continues to be heavily used. The recycling facility accommodates the 24/7 drop-off of yard debris, co-mingled recyclables, cardboard and seasonal items such as holiday string lights and Styrofoam.
CenterPoint (formerly Vectren) began the gas line replacement project in 2010. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2023. At the end of 2023, all of the underground gas distribution pipes and home service lines in Oakwood will be renewed. Mr. Spitler presented the CenterPoint project maps.
In addition to the asphalt street resurfacing project and the sidewalk, curb and driveway apron project, the Public Works Department will also be working on the following: Annual Pavement Marking; Traffic Signal Conflict Monitor Testing; Asphalt Pavement Rejuvenation; Far Hills Stormwater Inlet Repairs; Far Hills Storm Sewer Reconstruction and Public Works Storage Facility.