Jan Kelly, 254 Telford Avenue, stated that she has lived in Oakwood for 21 years and Oakwood is a great place to raise children. She added that the ABLE report makes accusations that are irresponsible. She defends Oakwood City Council and the Oakwood community. She thanked City Council for their good stewardship.

Tim Benford, 132 Greenmount Boulevard, shared that he has lived in Oakwood for 28 years. He then shared a law enforcement story where he mistakenly drove the wrong way down a street and was treated very well by the responding officer. He then read an email that was sent to City Council on November 4. In his email, he recommends establishing a diversity and inclusion council. He suggests that this council have members from the City, Public Safety Department, City Council, the community, and representation and participation from all interested groups to ensure that everyone feels that their concerns are being addressed.

Lindsey Banning, 335 Wiltshire Boulevard, shared that she is a psychologist at Wright Patterson AFB, as is her husband, and that she appreciates the conversation happening and the community coming together. She said that her children were excited to read in the newspapers that race and equity are being addressed because they have seen how we fail in this community in terms of diversity and equity. She agrees that there is a feeling of defensiveness and, in her words, it bums her out. She stated that we are a bunch of white people in this room talking about how black people feel. With this being something that every community in our country struggles with, she feels that there is an opportunity to form some committees and for Oakwood to take a stand to do better.

Crecia Orsello, 37 Park Road, shared that her military family just moved to Oakwood, specifically for the schools. She believes that City Council needs to consider how it feels to be a minority in Oakwood. She loves the Oakwood Schools, but is unhappy with the lack of diversity. There are not a lot of Hispanic women here. She explained that residents are not stating that the Public Safety Department is a problem. She would like to say that she lives in a city that is open to diversity and is better than the average cities in America. We should form a committee with minority membership. She asked City Council to understand that everyone does not have the same experiences as someone who is of color.

Earl Banning, 335 Wiltshire Boulevard, shared that as an active duty service member, he loves the Oakwood community. He thanked City Council and the Public Safety Department for their service. He believes that there is an underlying problem of diversity that needs to be addressed. There needs to be a way to address diversity and strengthen the Oakwood community. He shared that he has an African American co-worker that has mentioned a fear of driving through Oakwood. These comments bother him and he would like to be part of the solution.

Healy Jackson, 118 Lonsdale Avenue, shared that one of the tragedies of the ABLE report is that it recreates or draws attention to a perception that Oakwood is not open to people of color. While the report has created conversation, it perpetuates the unsubstantiated belief that Oakwood is unwelcoming. Mrs. Jackson challenged anyone in the audience or listening to the meeting to take the lead on creating a committee. She said that she is not sure why residents are looking at city legislators to come up with a solution versus the community coming forward with a proposal. She shared some ways in which she tries to make Oakwood welcoming, and urged others to do the same. She suggested participation with other communities, and inviting people into Oakwood for meetings or lunch so individuals can feel welcome in the Oakwood community.

Mr. Dorf came to the podium to speak a second time. He shared that he agrees with Mrs. Jackson's comments, but feels that it would behoove City Council to take the lead on addressing this issue. There are a number of citizens eager to help, but he feels it is the responsibility of City Council to respond when citizens reach out with concerns. Some citizens reached out via emails, but did not get responses. As Council considers putting together a committee, they should include faith leaders.

Mayor Duncan thanked everyone for sharing their comments. He stated that City Council will take the comments into consideration. City Council and city staff have been working very hard over the past few months to understand and analyze the ABLE report.

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