project is known as “The Trails”. Subsequent to that plan denial, Hills Developers, Inc. and the Oakwood Investment Group filed an appeal asking for the court to overturn the denial. A decision has not yet been rendered on the denial of the 84 unit development.

2016 Holiday Decorating Award Winners – Mayor Duncan and Environmental Committee members Nancy Drozd and Jane Lieberth presented certificates to the 2016 holiday decorating contest winners. Awards are presented based upon use of natural materials, lighting and curb appeal. Although several were not in attendance, all of the following winners were recognized:

Dr. Masha Kisel, 101 Oak Knoll Drive, shared ideas on how to make Oakwood more sustainable in 2017 with recycling, composting and using green energy. She said that with the landfills getting full, and not enough people recycling, she feels that a much more visible and assertive city campaign is needed in Oakwood. This could be done by placing a full page on recycling in each Oakwood Register or by placing banners along Far Hills promoting recycling. Dr. Kisel shared that a lot of residents do not realize that recyclables left outside of the recycling bin are not recycled. She suggested that educating residents on proper recycling procedures and providing positive or negative financial incentives to commercial residential buildings and businesses that currently do not recycle may also help. Dr. Kisel shared that awareness needs to be raised on composting to help reduce landfill waste. She recommended that the city provide a “most sustainable” home award, similar to the beautification awards, to recognize people that are making their homes more environmentally friendly. Dr. Kisel believes that Oakwood could be run by renewable energy and questioned what Oakwood can do in order to become a “green city”. The option of solar panels could be explored. There are companies such as DP&L that promote clean energy options for public facilities. Mayor Duncan shared that when the refuse program was evaluated a while back, the city believed that money could be earned through recycling, but those economics have since changed. Mr. Klopsch shared that the city pays to remove co-mingled recyclables. The city previously paid $8/ton, and now pays $20/ton. The city limits residents to three 35-gallon trash cans but has no limit on the number of cans for recyclables. Mayor Duncan asked if residents can co-mingle recyclables. Mr. Klopsch answered yes. Mayor Duncan mentioned that there are cardboard recycling containers at Creager Field available for Oakwood residents. Mr. Klopsch noted that there is value for cardboard if it is recycled separately at the Creager Field containers versus being co-mingled. Mayor Duncan asked Mr. Weiskircher if the city now receives requests for solar panels. Mr. Weiskircher said that the city receives more inquiries regarding solar panels than in previous years, so there is an added interest. Mayor Duncan shared that City Council would take Dr. Kisel’s recommendations under advisement.