On behalf of Oakwood City Council it is my honor to proclaim that Oakwood continues to be the premier residential community in the Dayton region.

We have this distinction because of our beautiful neighborhoods, our excellent public schools and library, unmatched city services, including public safety, public works, recreation and leisure, and most of all because of our citizens.

City Staff and Volunteers: We have an outstanding city staff led by City Manager Norbert Klopsch. He is recognized throughout the region as an outstanding city manager.

Under the leadership of Alan Hill, our Public Safety Director, we added experienced Public Safety Officers Justin Slone, Jesse Schaffer, Ryan Wells and Chris Slone. Justin Slone earned top honors from the Sinclair police academy in academics, top gun and physical fitness. This has only happened three times in the history of Sinclair's police academies out of about 2,000 graduates. All three are Oakwood Public Safety Officers. Justin joins Sarah Whitaker and Cameron McElroy in this elite group.

We offered our first Citizens Police Academy in 2018. This 10 week program is designed to educate citizens about the functions of our Public Safety Department and the challenges of modern day policing matters.

We look forward to implementing a new program entitled Assisting and Contributing to Oakwood Resident Needs (ACORN) in 2019.

We continually receive notes and comments from citizens complementing our Public Works Department for their courteous and outstanding service. Of particular note, the Oakwood Rotary Club presented its Community Service Award to Kenneth Perkins. Mr. Perkins has 28 years of public service in Oakwood and in the words of Mr. Klopsch, “has distinguished himself as a man with a very strong work ethic and impeccable character. He is recognized on city staff and throughout the Oakwood community as an outstanding employee and leader.”

A special mention also belongs to Carol Collins, our leisure services director, who has served our city for 44 years. She and her staff are directly responsible for our beautiful city parks, our designation as a Tree City USA for the 36th year and for operating our Oakwood Community Center and all the excellent recreation programs available to our citizens of all ages.

Our finance director, Cindy Stafford, received another Auditor of State Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting. She and her staff continue our tradition of transparency in all financial respects.

Our assistant finance director, Alice Young, received the Jesse Haines Award presented by Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith. The award was established to acknowledge local government finance professionals who have served with distinction and integrity. Alice Young has served our city for over 40 years and is a worthy recipient of this award.

Rob Jacques continues to serve as our law director consistently providing sound and timely legal counsel and advice to the city manager, staff and City Council.

Jennifer Wilder joined staff as director of personnel and properties, filling a position vacated with the 2017 retirement of Assistant City Manager Jay Weiskircher. Jennifer is a fine addition to staff.

Dr. Richard Garrison retired as our Health Commissioner after serving our city in various positions for 35 years. We appointed Dr. Stephen Enseleit as only our fifth Health Commissioner since our incorporation as a city in 1931.

We are blessed to have over 100 citizen volunteers who serve on our Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Board of Health, Property Maintenance Board, Budget Review Committee, Beatification and other committees.

Of particular note, Jeffrey Shulman, retired as Chair of our Planning Commission after serving our city for 18 years. Jeff was a tireless volunteer who epitomizes what it means to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

Bill Frapwell received the Oakwood Rotary Club Civic Leadership Award. He has served on our Budget Review Committee for over 25 years, the last 15 years as vice chair. He also served on the Oakwood Public Facilities Focus Group and the Oakwood Comprehensive Planning Committee.