Mr. Stephens asked if the number of citations on Shroyer Road has changed since the Road Diet was implemented.
Chief Hill shared that the number of citations on Shroyer Road has decreased significantly. There were approximately 236 citations in 2016 compared to approximately 35 in 2018. With the changes on Shroyer Road, the normal flow of traffic has slowed down significantly.
Mr. Stephens asked if the radar speed sign is still being used.
Chief Hill reported that the sign is still actively being used. It is currently located in the 300 block of Claranna Avenue. The sign helps to evaluate areas of concern.
Mr. Stephens inquired about narcotic crimes.
Chief Hill shared that the majority of narcotic arrests stem from traffic stops or when narcotics are found on individuals. Rather than criminal conviction, the focus for people who sustain an overdose is toward treatment.
Mr. Stephens asked if all public safety officers will be involved in the ACORN Program.
Chief Hill shared that initially there will be five public safety officers, including Captain Pruszynski and PSO Ballinger.
Mayor Duncan and Mr. Stephens asked that Chief Hill relay to the public safety department that their efforts are appreciated and they continue to do a great job.
CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Mr. Klopsch provided an update on the following items:
The 2019 Budget is now available on the City website. The budget book contains valuable information for residents, including a Capital Improvement Plan and the City Manager Budget Message providing a synopsis of the City’s financial situation. Kudos to Finance Director Cindy Stafford and her staff for all of the work in putting this together.
City staff is working on the 2018 Annual Report. The report will be delivered, along with the next edition of the Community Center events brochure, to every property owner and business in Oakwood at the end of March. Kudos to Ms. Stacel for all of her work organizing and proofreading the report.
The parking lot at the Oakwood Community Center has been a great addition. The parking patterns along Patterson Road have improved resulting in fewer parked vehicles on the street. Residents that utilize the Community Center appreciate the convenience of the 25 parking spaces.
City staff has started preparing for the opening of Gardner Pool over Memorial Day weekend. Kudos to Leisure Services Director Carol Collins and Program Supervisor Karen Earley for getting everything ready.
The City website has information on the different methods in which the City communicates with residents. There are several communication methods such as the bi-monthly Oakwood Scene newsletter, the City website, press releases to the Oakwood Register and Dayton Daily News, Facebook, e-mail distribution, and a telephone notification system called CodeRED. With CodeRED, City staff can send messages to telephone numbers across the entire city, or within any selected geographical area. The telephone database automatically contains all landlines, but only includes cell phone numbers if they are specifically added to the database. Additional telephone numbers may be registered on the CodeRed website which can be accessed from the home page of the City website.
The City is implementing a new improved service to provide more convenient online payment options. Over the next few weeks, the Finance Department will be rolling out a new web-based payment portal. Information will be available on the City website, including a link to the portal where citizens can sign up for this new service.
Law Director Rob Jacques explained that each year, scouts in the Miami Valley Council conduct a food drive known as “Scouting for Food.” Scouts distribute plastic collection bags to homes, and return a week or two later to pick up donations of canned goods and other non-perishable items. This year, in connection with the Miami Valley Council’s 100th anniversary and in partnership with both the Hall Hunger Initiative and The Foodbank, and sponsored by Dayton Power & Light, the scouts have set an ambitious goal of collecting 101,000 pounds of food. In addition to the door-to-door distribution of collection bags, there will be collection boxes placed