heavily used and often congested dog park parking lot. The total project cost is estimated to be $257,730.

City staff capitalized on a grant funding opportunity through the Montgomery County Solid Waste District and was informed that the city will be awarded $72,000 towards the project. This is the highest single amount being awarded to any community under the 2021 District Incentive Grant program, recognizing Oakwood’s commitment to recycling.

The grant amounts to about 28% of the $257,730 project cost, but is conditioned upon the project taking place in 2021. Council believes it is financially prudent to take advantage of this opportunity, which represents a significant savings to the citizens of Oakwood.

This supplemental appropriation will authorize the transfer of $257,730 from the city’s General Fund to the Capital Improvement Fund, and then authorizes that $257,730 to be expended from the Capital Improvement Fund to relocate and update the city’s public-access recycling center. Upon completion of the project, the city will receive $72,000 from the Montgomery County Solid Waste District in the form of a cash reimbursement.

Thereupon, it was moved by Vice Mayor Byington and seconded by Mrs. Hilton that the second reading be waived and that the ordinance be passed tonight.

Mayor Duncan shared that the new recycling facility will alleviate congestion issues that are currently experienced. The new facility will allow staff to easily maintain the facility, and will provide more space for visitors to the dog park.

Vice Mayor Byington commended city staff for applying for and being awarded this substantial grant.

Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded:

There being five (5) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said ordinance was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.

A copy of the ordinance, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.

Vice Mayor Byington explained that this ordinance will establish a new fund in the city’s financial records known as the “Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.” The fund is required by law in order to receive direct and indirect relief payments under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was signed into law by the President of the United States on March 11, 2021.

Normally, the creation of a new fund requires approval from the Ohio Auditor of State. However, the Auditor has waived the state’s right to approve these funds because they are required by federal law. As such, Council has authority to create the fund legislatively, with no further state approval.

This ordinance is being introduced as an emergency measure so that it can take effect as soon as possible, ensuring that the fund is in place before the city receives its first relief payments.

Thereupon, it was moved by Vice Mayor Byington and seconded by Mr. Stephens that the ordinance be passed as an emergency measure.

Mayor Duncan asked if this will be set up as a Special Revenue Fund.

Finance Director Cindy Stafford confirmed that it will be set up as a Special Revenue Fund.

Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded: