The Council of the city of Oakwood, Ohio met in a work session and executive session on Monday, October 16, 2023 in the second-floor meeting room at the city building, 30 Park Avenue. The Mayor of the City, William Duncan, presided.

Council members in attendance were Mayor William Duncan, Vice Mayor Steve Byington, Councilmember Rob Stephens, Councilmember Anne Hilton and Councilmember Leigh Turben. Staff in attendance were City Manager Norbert Klopsch, City Attorney Rob Jacques, Public Works Director Doug Spitler and City Engineer Chris Kuzma. Also attending was Healy Jackson. Mrs. Jackson is an Oakwood resident running unopposed for City Council on the November 7, 2023 ballot.

Mayor Duncan called the work session to order at 5 p.m. and Council entered executive session for property matters and for council retreat. At 7:16 p.m., Mayor Duncan concluded the executive session and Council entered work session.

Mayor Duncan led a discussion on the following agenda items:

• COUNCIL COMMITTEES
  • Finance, Vice Mayor Byington
    • October 17 BRC Meeting: Mr. Klopsch reviewed the agenda for the citizen budget review committee meeting being held tomorrow.
    • Solid Waste District Fees: Mr. Spitler delivered a PowerPoint presentation addressing possible fee increases at the Montgomery County Solid Waste facility. If approved, the fee increases will begin in 2026. The Montgomery County Solid Waste District (MCSWD) is considering imposing a fee for the drop-off of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) material. There is currently no fee for this service. Mr. Klopsch explained that he is a member of the MCSWD Financial Advisory Committee and will speak in opposition to the HHW fee. Mr. Klopsch opines that the fee will discourage proper disposal of HHW items and that these items will end up in the normal household waste stream. Mayor Duncan mentioned that he is a member of the Montgomery County Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the Montgomery County Solid Waste Management Policy Committee and that he too will question the wisdom of establishing a HHW fee.
  • Public Properties, Mrs. Turben
    • Pickleball Courts: Mr. Klopsch mentioned that staff is considering a recommendation to convert the second tennis court at Orchardly Park into two additional pickleball courts. This will be discussed at the council/staff retreat next Monday evening.
  • Public Utilities/Waterworks/Sewer, Mrs. Turben
    • Far Hills Storm Sewer Project: Mr. Klopsch noted that staff believes the work on the Far Hills Storm Sewer Project will be substantially completed by late November or early December.
    • 2024 Far Hills Resurfacing: Mr. Klopsch noted that the Far Hills curb replacement work should be completed by late November or early December.