Mayor Duncan explained that in 2003, Oakwood entered into a multi-jurisdictional agreement that allows the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management to provide emergency management services to communities throughout the county. These services are a critical part of the city’s emergency response planning.

The agreement has not been updated since it was implemented 19 years ago. Montgomery County has proposed an updated and revised agreement that is generally similar to the original agreement, but requires renewal every three years. This will offer periodic opportunities to revise and adjust the agreement, ensuring that it continues to meet the emergency management needs of the entire region.

The resolution being introduced will authorize the city’s continued participation in this multi-jurisdictional agreement.

Thereupon, it was moved by Mayor Duncan and seconded by Vice Mayor Byington that the resolution be passed.

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 resolution was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.

Personnel & Properties Report: Mrs. Jennifer Wilder, Personnel & Properties Director, referenced a PowerPoint presentation and updated Council on the following topics: zoning and property maintenance, the pre-sale/rental inspection program, the CenterPoint gas line improvement project, development/construction updates, business updates, personnel updates and an update on the “Town of Oakwood” historical marker.

The Zoning Department exists to protect Oakwood residents. By enforcing the Zoning and Property Maintenance Codes of the city of Oakwood, the City works to protect property values. This is done by reviewing & analyzing land use, zoning proposals and requests, and administering permits for improvements made to properties. The Zoning Department’s number one goal is compliance with the Council-approved Oakwood Zoning Code and Oakwood Property Maintenance Code.

Mrs. Wilder encouraged residents to contact the Zoning Department before taking any steps on property improvement projects. She explained that Mr. Ethan Kroger, the code enforcement officer, will meet residents at their property and walk them through the permitting process so that residents have a clear understanding of the requirements.

The Oakwood Zoning Department issued 347 permits in 2021. This work represents almost $14 million dollars being reinvested into the community.

The Zoning Department also administers a Pre-sale and Rental Inspection Program. This program was established in 1968 to ensure that properties are code-compliant at the time of sale, or brought into compliance shortly thereafter. This program is especially important to a community like Oakwood with an aging housing stock, further protecting property values by ensuring homes are maintained through the transfer of property. There were 414 pre-sale and rental inspections completed in 2021.

In addition to ongoing property maintenance efforts, the Zoning Department annually conducts a city-wide automobile tour to identify violations of the Oakwood Property Maintenance Code. The annual property maintenance tour was postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19, but returned in 2021. There were 150 property maintenance violation letters sent in 2021. The most common violations were dead or diseased trees and/or chipping and peeling paint. City staff works with property owners who require additional time to correct violations.

Mrs. Wilder shared that the City website has helpful information about tree maintenance and tree trimming conducted by utility companies.

Between April and October this year, CenterPoint will replace underground gas distribution pipes and home service lines in specific areas that are identified in four project areas. In all work areas, CenterPoint is installing new polyethylene pipes in place of old steel and cast iron pipes and is moving indoor gas meters to outside wall locations. This is the continuation of a multi-year