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Mrs. Hilton advised Council she had read the meeting minutes of the November 4 regular session and work session and November 18 work session and executive session. Mrs. Hilton reported she found the minutes correct and complete. Therefore, it was moved by Mrs. Hilton and seconded by Mr. Epley 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.

Report from Citizen Budget Review Committee – Mayor Duncan invited Budget Review Committee Chair Dave Dickerson and Vice Chair Bill Frapwell to make a few comments about the committee’s role in providing input on financial matters.

Dave Dickerson and Bill Frapwell addressed Council. Mr. Dickerson shared that the Oakwood Budget Review Committee (BRC) has been in place for over 30 years. The committee consists of 35 members with five representing each of Oakwood’s seven voting precincts. The committee’s role is to advise city staff and Council on city financial matters, and to communicate the viewpoint of Oakwood residents regarding the extent of public services they desire and their willingness to pay the associated costs. The key to the committee is that members provide not only their own opinions but also provide the opinions of other Oakwood residents.

The committee was very pleased to see city staff propose a balanced budget for 2020 for the second year in the row. The committee worked with city leaders to cut costs and to find new sources of revenue so that we can continue to receive the finest city services here in Oakwood.

In regards to the proposed 2020 budget, the committee met four times this year to receive detailed briefings on financial matters and to provide feedback and counsel to Oakwood city leaders. They believe that the budget proposal before City Council tonight is a responsible one and will meet the needs of the Oakwood community. The BRC fully endorses the budget and recommends to city council that the 2020 Budget be approved as presented. Recognizing the capital equipment needs in maintaining the City, including the stormwater infrastructure, the BRC also supports the $3 per month increase in the residential stormwater fee.

On behalf of the citizen volunteers on the budget committee, Mr. Dickerson thanked Council and city staff for providing the BRC an opportunity to serve the community.

Mr. Frapwell shared that city staff works hard to find ways to save money while still effectively running the City. He thanked Mr. Klopsch and city staff for going out of their way to provide financial information with transparency. He closed his comments by stating that the BRC and citizens of Oakwood appreciate having a sense of where the money is going.

Mayor Duncan thanked Mr. Dickerson and Mr. Frapwell for their leadership and also thanked the members of the Budget Review Committee for their voluntary service. He shared that there are a few openings on the BRC, so City Council will be looking for qualified candidates.

Honoring Detective Jorge Del Rio – Mayor Duncan stated that we will now play a video honoring Detective Del Rio for his service to the Dayton community. Following the video, Mayor Duncan added that he was honored to attend Detective Del Rio’s funeral along with Oakwood Public Safety Chief Hill, Captain Jones and Captain Pruszynski.

Mayor Duncan invited Chief Hill to share some personal comments about Detective Del Rio. Chief Hill read the following statement:

“Nobility – greatness of character and high ethical qualities or ideals that serve a cause greater than self; faithfulness to a higher calling or purpose.

The nobility of policing defines the career of Detective Jorge Del Rio. For 12 years, Detective Del Rio patrolled the streets of the City of Dayton until his true calling came, his assignment to the Dayton DEA Drug Task Force. Since 2001, Detective Del Rio served our region in this capacity making an immeasurable impact. Detective Del Rio was a highly skilled and highly trained investigator who was a natural for this assignment.