City of Oakwood - Council Minutes

The Council of the City of Oakwood, State of Ohio, met in a work session at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room of the City of Oakwood, 30 Park Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio 45419. Council then met in a regular session at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the City of Oakwood.

The meeting was streamed live from the Oakwood city website and telecast live on Cable Access Channel 6.

The Mayor, Mr. William Duncan, presided, and the Clerk, Ms. Lori Stacel, recorded. Mayor Duncan asked all present to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Upon call of the roll, the following members of Council responded to their names:

MR. WILLIAM D. DUNCAN PRESENT

MR. STEVEN BYINGTON PRESENT

MR. ROBERT P. STEPHENS PRESENT

MRS. LEIGH TURBEN PRESENT

MRS. HEALY JACKSON PRESENT

Officers of the City present were the following:

Mrs. Katie Smiddy, City Manager
Mr. Robert F. Jacques, City Attorney
Captain Keith Benson, Public Safety Captain
Mr. Doug Spitler, Public Works Director
Mrs. Sangita Anand, Human Resources Manager
Mr. Chris Kuzma, City Engineer
Ms. Maralee Leonard, Finance Director
Ms. Lori Stacel, Clerk of Council

The following visitors registered:

The Stephens Family
Sam Dorf, Council Member-Elect
Montgomery County Commissioner Mary A. McDonald
Beth Byington, 24 W. Schantz Avenue
Brian Barr, Oakwood Register

Mrs. Jackson advised Council she had read the meeting minutes of the November 3, 2025, regular session and work session, and November 17, 2025, work session. Mrs. Jackson reported that she found the minutes to be correct and complete. Therefore, it was moved by Mrs. Jackson and seconded by Mrs. Turben that the minutes of the sessions of Council aforementioned be approved as written and the reading thereof at this session be dispensed with. Upon a viva voce vote on the question of the motion, same passed unanimously, and it was so ordered.

STATUS REPORTS

Mayor Duncan provided an update on recent Public Safety Department activities and accomplishments, highlighting the successful completion of the 10^th Citizens Police Academy; specialized regional training led by PSO Cameron McElroy; bicycle and e-scooter safety presentations delivered by PSO Sarah Whitaker to Oakwood students; and Captain Chuck Balaj’s keynote address at the Idaho State Conference on Emergency Preparedness. Additional recognition included Lt. Matt Staley receiving the 2025 Kettering Regional SWAT Rookie of the Year Award and Oakwood SWAT officers assisting in the safe resolution of a barricaded-subject incident in Miamisburg. Mayor Duncan also reported on Detective Kasey Ballinger’s receipt of the Robert B. Jacob Award of Merit and Community Service Award from The 100 Club of Dayton for her exceptional investigative work and contributions to federal task force operations. As a result of her efforts, the City of Oakwood will receive $513,000 in contraband revenue in 2026 to support public safety equipment purchases.

Mayor Duncan commented on the ongoing use of e-bikes, which is regulated by state law. City Council is aware of the complexities surrounding e-bike usage on sidewalks and acknowledges both the pros and cons of this issue. He noted that the Council understands the challenges and shared that state regulations restrict the city’s authority in this matter. City Council strongly encourages parents to have conversations with their children about safety rules for e-bike use.

VISITORS

Montgomery County Commissioner Mary McDonald conveyed greetings from the County Commission and her office. She noted that her prior service as a mayor provides a valuable perspective in engaging with communities and understanding local needs. Commissioner