The Element Oakwood condos are located at 310 Old River Trail, across from the Old River Sports Complex. The 84 unit community will feature a variety of condo sizes ranging from one bedroom to two bedrooms with a den. Pre-leasing has already begun from a sister community, the Allure, located in Centerville. The estimated construction completion date is March 2020.

Russell Wealth Management returned to City Council last summer and gained approval of a revised building plan, which included a smaller office building, now slated to be a 2-story 16,600 square foot office building, with access as a right-in/right-out drive from West Schantz. The property has been an active construction site since early October, and Synergy Development anticipates a late summer completion date.

There have been a few changes in the Far Hills Business District. Leeli & Lou Boutique, a women’s style bar that provides trendy clothing, jewelry, and gifts, moved to 2512 Far Hills Avenue. Huffman Travel relocated within the business district to 2507 Far Hills Avenue.

Mrs. Wilder then reviewed the 2019 employee retirements and hires. The Department of Leisure Services welcomed year-round, part-time boulevard maintenance worker Daryn Weatherspoon in April. Maintenance Worker Phillipe Preveteau retired last month after 27 years of service in the Public Works Department. General Service Worker Brian Faruki separated from the City in May after serving Oakwood for three years.

The city of Oakwood launched a new and improved website on Friday, June 21, 2019. The new website can be accessed by visiting www.oakwoodohio.gov. The new website offers many new features including a powerful search engine available on each page, easy access to frequently asked questions, and issue reporting. The new website includes a mobile-friendly interface that adapts to all devices (phones, tablets, laptops, desktops) creating a better user experience for mobile users.

Mrs. Wilder then provided an overview and demonstration of the new website, including mobile device views. The main landing page provides a snapshot of news and announcements, and upcoming meetings and events. The community page is designed to provide information about Oakwood for visitors, those looking to move to Oakwood, or looking for employment within Oakwood. The department pages provide all of the details regarding resident services.

If there is an emergency issue that needs to be communicated to residents, there is an alert bar that can be displayed on each page of the website to relay important information.

Mrs. Wilder encouraged residents to continue providing feedback on the website.

Mrs. Wilder recognized Clerk of Council Lori Stacel and all of city staff for their hard work and input on the website. The City is excited to provide a new touchpoint to enhance communication with Oakwood residents and visitors.

Mayor Duncan commented that the new website is incredible and will be managed in-house.

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Mr. Klopsch provided an update on the following items:

Mr. Klopsch thanked Personnel & Properties Director Jennifer Wilder and Clerk of Council Lori Stacel for their leadership and work in creating the website. All of city staff contributed by providing information and suggestions. Ms. Stacel will continue updating the website to ensure the information is timely and up-to-date.

Construction work around the City is continuing throughout the summer, but will be limited once school begins on August 13. The City strives to bid projects early to ensure that most of the construction work is completed before the first day of school.

The 2019 asphalt repaving project started last week. The milling will occur for a few more days and then the overlay will begin. Additional information is available on the City’s website.

The annual Sidewalk, Curb and Driveway Apron Project is well underway. Most of the work is taking place in the eastern quadrant of Oakwood.

Roadways throughout Oakwood are in the process of being re-striped. The work will continue throughout the month of July.

Vectren gas line work for 2019 is underway on E. Schantz Avenue and Volusia Avenue, east of Oakwood Avenue, and in the Hadley and Corona area. This is a multi-year project to replace the original bare steel and cast iron pipeline infrastructure. By 2022, all of the underground gas infrastructure in Oakwood will be rebuilt.