Mr. Klopsch announced the promotion of Ethan Kroger to Planning & Zoning Manager and the appointment of Sangita Anand to Human Resources Manager.

Mr. Klopsch began the meeting by discussing the following:

• Yard Debris Disposal: The city continues to enforce the prohibition on placing yard debris in the roadways, except for leaves during the 10-week leaf collection between October and December. City staff addresses illegal dumping of yard debris in streets by imposing a $150 fee for violations. This has resulted in much less debris in the street.
• Staff Needs: The competition to recruit new workers as well as retain existing ones is challenging in today’s workforce. City staff continues to look for ways to stay competitive in the labor market.
• Water System Hydraulic Model: The City continues to analyze the water system infrastructure and develop long-range plans for various capital improvements. The model was created several years ago as an important tool in determining the best approach and timing to plan capital improvements. More information will be shared at the October 17 BRC meeting.
• Electricity Purchasing – Opt-in Aggregation: Mr. Jacques explained that the cost of electricity is broken down into delivery (hardware) and supply (electricity). Energy consumers have the option to choose where they purchase their electricity. They can use the default service provider, choose a third-party provider, or participate in a government aggregation program that contracts with a third-party provider. Oakwood is a member community of the Miami Valley Communications Council (MVCC), which sponsors a regional electric energy aggregation program. The program offers a competitive rate of 6.57 cents per kWh for conventional electric energy. There is also a 100% renewable energy option at 6.97 cents per kWh. The current provider is Energy Harbor (through December 2025). The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's “Apples to Apples” website tool provides a comparison of current natural gas and electric supplier price options and contract terms from a variety of third-party natural gas and electricity sellers. The aggregation program will initially be a contract period of a little more than two years, including the remainder of this year and then all of 2024 and 2025, with a locked-in rate. The provider chosen for this program, based on a competitive RFP process, is a company called Energy Harbor. All residential and most commercial businesses in Oakwood are able to participate in the program. Oakwood participates on an “OPT-IN” basis, meaning that no one is enrolled automatically or forced to participate. Oakwood residents and small businesses may enroll by calling (866) 636-3749 or on the city’s website at www.oakwoodohio.gov/electricaggregation.

Mr. Klopsch shared that the city again received the Auditor of State Award for excellence in financial reporting. The award is a testament to the fine work of Finance Director Cindy Stafford, CPA, and her Finance Department staff. Less than 10% of public entities in Ohio receive this honor.

• 2023 FINANCIALS THROUGH AUGUST: Finance Director Cindy Stafford presented the following financial data:
  • General City Services receipts through August are at 77.93% of budget, while disbursements and encumbrances are at 71.87% of budget. These numbers are in line with where we expect them to be. This is attributed to the timing of real estate and income tax receipts and the blanket purchase orders that are submitted at the beginning of the year to cover expenses for the entire year. Mrs. Stafford projected that the income tax receipts will come in a little less than the $11 million that was budgeted for the 2023 fiscal year.