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 Mayor, Mr. William Duncan, presided, and the Clerk of Council, Ms. Lori Stacel, recorded. Mayor Duncan opened the meeting by asking all present to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mrs. Hilton advised Council she had read the meeting minutes of the November 5, 2018 regular session, work session & executive session, and November 19, 2018 work session. Mrs. Hilton reported she found the minutes correct and complete. Therefore, it was moved by Mrs. Hilton and seconded by Mr. Stephens 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.

Recognition of Skip and Martha Ordeman – Mayor Duncan shared that Skip and Martha Ordeman have served as the co-chairs for Oakwood’s Friends of Smith Gardens organization for the 12 years between 2007 and 2018. They helped raise nearly $240,000 for the gardens during that period. In recognition of their lengthy volunteer service in promoting Smith Gardens and leading the annual garden fundraiser, the City is placing a brick paver at Smith Gardens. The paver reads: “In Honor of Skip and Martha Ordeman, Friends of Smith Gardens Membership Co-chairs, 2007 to 2018”. In addition to serving Smith Gardens, Mr. Ordeman also serves as a member on the Oakwood Citizen’s Budget Review Committee (BRC), having been a member for 17 years. Mr. Ordeman has attended around 96% of the BRC meetings over his 17 years on the committee. That is the best attendance record on the committee, except for a member who was just appoint this year and has attended every meeting so far. Mayor Duncan then recognized Mr. and Mrs. Ordeman’s family in attendance.

Mr. Ordeman thanked City Council and city staff, particularly Leisure Services Director Carol Collins, for preserving the beauty of Smith Gardens. Mr. Ordeman recalled seeing Mr. Smith, the Oakwood resident that donated Smith Gardens to the City, out working in the gardens. He believes Ms. Collins is carrying on his tradition with style. Mr. Ordeman shared some of his family stories at the gardens. He closed his comments by saying that he and his wife were pleased to have had the opportunity to help.