STAFF REPORT Assistant City Manager Jay Weiskircher referenced a PowerPoint presentation and updated Council on Labor Negotiations, Old River Athletic Facility, Far Hills Avenue Business District and Hollinger Memorial Tennis Club.

All unionized employees will receive the same percentage wage increases over the next three years. Consistent with union settlements, Council adopted legislation last November providing the same percentage wage increases to all non-union employees for 2017 and 2018. Mr. Weiskircher shared that Oakwood city employees are very thankful to work here and understand that there are financial challenges.

The Old River Athletic Facility has been a joint project between Oakwood City Schools, the City of Oakwood and Oakwood Athletic Boosters. More than 90% of the project costs have been funded through private donations. The groundbreaking ceremony was in August 2016. To date, the synthetic turf playing surface has been fully installed, the base coarse of asphalt has been installed for the track, the bleachers have been installed, and parking lots have been completed. There are projects in progress including the support building, the fence installation, field lighting and installation of the press box. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for March 11, 2017.

There have been many changes in the Far Hills Business District. Petco, First Financial Bank, Park Avenue Antiques and Blue Turtle Toys will be leaving. Gregory’s Salon of Oakwood is moving to the former Rife’s Jewelry building. Re/Max will be moving into the former First Financial building. The City is also working hard to keep Graeter’s in Oakwood because it is an important asset to the Far Hills Business District. In addition to these changes, the 2600 Building recently sold and there may be some new exterior improvements.

Representatives of the City and Hollinger met for more than a year about the possible transfer of property to the City. In order to address financial issues created by the operation of Hollinger as a private club, the parties agreed to the following: to convey the club property to the City of Oakwood; the conversion from a private club to a membership-based public resource; memberships will be handled by the City’s leisure services department; the City will contract with Hollinger Tennis Club for on-going maintenance, repairs and day-to-day operations; and, initial term of the agreement is 10 years with five 1-year renewal options.

Mayor Duncan inquired about what was being done with the excess topsoil that was removed from Lane Stadium.

Mr. Weiskircher explained that some of the topsoil will be used on the Shroyer Road Project. Most of the topsoil will be reused at Lane Stadium. Also, if there is topsoil leftover, UD and others have expressed an interest.

Mayor Duncan shared that this is another creative way to save money for the City. Mayor Duncan also added that he has reached out to Graeter’s on multiple occasions to explain that they are a great asset for the community.

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS

Mr. Klopsch shared that the City will be reusing approximately 1,100 cubic yards of excellent topsoil that was excavated from the Old River Athletic Facility. The topsoil will be used to backfill 16 raised center medians constructed on Shroyer Road. The Vectren gas line work on Shroyer Road is essentially completed. The Public Works Department began adjusting storm and sanitary sewer manholes to put them at the proper grade. This is all in preparation for the Shroyer Road Project which will begin in May. The bid opening for this project will be in a few weeks. This is a joint project with the City of Kettering that goes from Dellwood Avenue in Oakwood to Stroop Road in Kettering.

Mayor Duncan asked if Kettering and Oakwood will decide jointly on the bid.

Mr. Klopsch confirmed that there is one bid package that Kettering and Oakwood will jointly evaluate and award.

The annual Sidewalk, Curb and Driveway Apron Project will take place in the area west of Far Hills Avenue. Public Works Foreman David Shuey is overseeing the project. He has started marking the sidewalks and residents will be notified in April of their responsibilities.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Mr. Stephens shared that he received positive feedback from Theresa Hammons regarding concrete repair done by the Public Works Department in front of Ashley’s and Lula Bell. Ms. Hammons said that the public works employees suggested doing the concrete work on a Monday knowing that the businesses were closed. Ms. Hammons was very appreciative and wanted to publically thank the Public Works Department.