property owner makes no attempt to correct a violation, citations are issued to appear in Oakwood Municipal Court. Of the 183 property violations, 181 were corrected and two were referred to the court.

Yellow door hangers are the main way the City communicates with residents when there is a property concern. The tag is not a citation, but rather the first step in communication. This could potentially lead to a citation if the property maintenance concern is not corrected within the prescribed timeframe.

The Zoning Department also administers a Pre-sale and Rental Inspection Program. This program was established in 1968 to ensure that properties are code-compliant at the time of sale, or brought into compliance shortly thereafter. Inspections are also required upon an occupancy change in rental units. This program is especially important to a community like Oakwood with an aging housing stock, further protecting property values by ensuring homes are maintained throughout the transfer of property. Inspections are scheduled once a completed application is received. An inspector will meet the property owner or agent and perform a brief inspection of the interior and exterior of the property for compliance with the building, zoning, and property maintenance codes. This includes confirming placement of smoke detectors, hand rails, and other safety requirements, as well as general property maintenance concerns. Also the inspector will verify that HVAC equipment has been properly inspected through the city of Kettering’s building department. Once an inspection is complete, and any violations are remedied, an occupancy certificate is generated which is necessary for closing on the property.

Between May and July this year, Vectren will replace underground gas distribution pipes and home service lines in two Oakwood neighborhoods. The northern section is bounded by Volusia Avenue, Acacia Drive, E. Schantz Avenue and Oakwood Avenue. The work in the southern section is along the alley east of Far Hills Avenue between Telford Avenue and Hadley Avenue, and in the area bounded by Corona Avenue, Shroyer Road, Hadley Avenue and Far Hills Avenue. In both work areas, Vectren is installing new polyethylene pipes in place of old steel and cast iron pipes and is moving indoor gas meters to outside wall locations. This is the continuation of a multi-year Vectren infrastructure replacement project in Oakwood. Oakwood residents personally affected by the work will receive detailed information from Vectren. Public Works Inspector/Foreman Tom Long will work alongside Vectren and their subcontractors to ensure the work is completed as safely and expeditiously as possible, and with the least impact on Oakwood residents.

Element Oakwood, which was approved by Oakwood City Council in 2017, is located at 310 Old River Trail, across from the Old River Sports Complex. The 84-unit condominium community will feature a variety of sizes ranging from one bedroom to two bedrooms with a den. Pre-leasing will begin onsite in March with move-in’s anticipated to begin in the fall.

Russell Wealth Management returned to City Council last summer and gained approval of a revised building plan, which includes a smaller office building, now slated to be a 2-story 16,600 square foot structure. A groundbreaking ceremony was held this past Friday.

In 2018, there were some new businesses that moved into the Far Hills Business District. Morning Sun Florist, 2411 Far Hills Avenue (formerly Rife’s Jewelers), is completing updates including exterior finishes and interior remodeling. The shop features flowers, art, jewelry, home furnishings, tableware, etc. Salon 5, 2521 Far Hills Avenue, offers spa and salon services. J. Gilbert’s Men’s Clothing, 2504 Far Hills Avenue, was opened by the owner of Wild Poppy, and named for former Dayton Country Club head golf pro Jim Gilbert. The store offers men’s clothing and accessories. Bonavista Optics, 2541 Far Hills, offers personal appointments for eyewear, both ready-made and fully custom frames. Maria Gossard Designs, 2509 Far Hills Avenue opened a new showroom featuring custom printing of luxury stationary and invitations, as well as event planning and design.

Kettering Health Network purchased the 2600 Far Hills Building in April 2017 for the purpose of converting the space to medical offices and related support services. In 2019, Kettering Health Network intends to move forward with an extensive rehabilitation of the existing building. As part of their plans, Kettering Health Network also intends to add supporting parking in the immediate area.

Mrs. Wilder then reviewed the 2018 employee retirements and hires. PSO Bruce Upchurch retired on October 28 with 25 years of service in public safety, 11 of those years at the city of Oakwood. Linda Cramer retired from her position as Receptionist at the OCC in November. PSO Bryan Shaw separated from the City in September after serving Oakwood for three years. New hires include: PSO Ryan Wells; PSO Chris Slone; and OCC Receptionist Corrie Taylor.