MINUTES

OAKWOOD CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION

JULY 6, 2020

The Council of the city of Oakwood, Ohio, met in a work session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2020 in the council chambers of the city of Oakwood, 30 Park Avenue. The Mayor of the City, William Duncan, presided.

Council members in attendance were Mayor William Duncan, Vice Mayor Steve Byington, Councilmember Rob Stephens, Councilmember Anne Hilton and Councilmember Chris Epley. Staff in attendance were City Manager Norbert Klopsch and City Attorney Rob Jacques. Kirk Benjamin, a citizen of Kettering, attended as a visitor.

Mayor Duncan opened the work session at 5 p.m. and led a discussion on the following agenda items:

  • COUNCIL COMMITTEES
    • Finance, Vice Mayor Byington
      • July 21 BRC Meeting: Mr. Klopsch stated that the July 21 Budget Review Committee meeting will take place at the OCC and will include a zoom option for those committee members unable or unwilling to attend in person.
    • Public Properties, Mr. Epley
      • 1313 Far Hills and 19 Wonderly: Mr. Klopsch shared that bids were received to demolish 1313 Far Hills and 19 Wonderly. The bids were higher than what he anticipated at approximately $35,000 per building. Staff plans to defer demolition until a later date. He explained that 1313 Far Hills is empty and there is one tenant in 19 Wonderly. Mr. Jacques noted that the city could apply for a property tax exemption once the last tenant at 19 Wonderly departs.
      • Closing of Orchardly Park Basketball Court: Mr. Klopsch reported that the basketball goals at Orchardly Park were temporarily removed due to COVID-19. Users of the basketball court were disregarding social distancing and gathering size requirements.
      • Katharine Wright Park: Mr. Klopsch shared that the park is located between Wright Library and Smith School. Discussions are underway by staff regarding a rededication of the park and some potential capital improvements.
    • Safety & Traffic, Mr. Stephens
      • Safety Department Policy Manual: Mr. Klopsch noted that the Oakwood Public Safety Department Policy Manual is available to City Council via a password protected link to our website.
      • In-car and Body Cameras: Mr. Klopsch commented on the call by some groups to require in-car and body cameras for all police departments. Mr. Klopsch stated that the expense is significant and that staff currently does not believe that the expense is justified for the Oakwood Public Safety Department.
      • Front License Plates: Mr. Klopsch reported that a recent state law change eliminated the requirement for motor vehicles to have front license plates.
    • Community Relations/Promotion/Appointments, Mayor Duncan
      • Oakwood Diversity Coalition: Mr. Klopsch reported that a seven member group continues to assist him in exploring options for establishing a community diversity coalition.