Mr. Klopsch confirmed that all committee members had received a copy of the minutes of the December 7, 2021 meeting. Mr. Klopsch noted that the minutes will be updated to reflect the attendance of Mr. Boose and asked if there were any other edits. There being no other edits, Mr. Klopsch asked for a motion to approve those minutes. Motion to approve by Mr. Dickerson; second by Mr. Frapwell. Upon viva voce vote, motion passed and the minutes were approved.
Mr. Klopsch began the meeting by discussing the following recent events and City projects:
- 2020 Census: Oakwood gained 370 residents... rising from 9,202 in 2010 to 9,572 in 2020. This is mostly attributed to the Pointe Oakwood residential development, including Element Oakwood.
- Home Sales: In 2021, 91% of homes sold above appraised value, and 97% of homes sold above appraised value so far in 2022, through April.
- “Town of Oakwood”: The Oakwood Historical Society, along with Oakwood City Officials, conducted an unveiling ceremony of Oakwood’s first historical marker last Saturday. The first historical marker commemorates the 150th anniversary of when the first Oakwood homes were built in an area near the Oakwood City Building on 30 Park Avenue in 1872, and the four men who first envisioned a “Town of Oakwood.” Mr. Klopsch thanked John and MJ Gray for their generous donation in support of the historical marker.
- Hillview Fire: The Oakwood Public Safety Department responded to an evening fire a few days ago on Hillview Avenue. The fire started on a gas grill and extended to the garage. Thanks to the quick response of the public safety department the fire was extinguished, there were no reported injuries, and the home was saved.
- Inflation: Gasoline and diesel prices continue to rise due to the high rate of inflation, as well as equipment and other items purchased by the city. City staff continues to monitor the increases.
- Infrastructure Projects: In 2020, political jurisdictions deferred infrastructure projects due to the pandemic which has created a backlog of work. There is a shortage of construction trades contractors to meet the work demand.
- Traffic Enforcement: Daily traffic enforcement in Oakwood remains a high priority for the safety department.
- EV Charging Station: Mr. Klopsch invited Mrs. Wilder to share information about the EV Charging Station. Mrs. Wilder reported that an electric vehicle charging station has been installed in the municipal parking lot on Orchard Drive. Oakwood joined several other area jurisdictions in obtaining an Ohio EPA grant through the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. The grant pays for about $15,000 of the $24,000 cost. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for next week.
- Native Gardens/Anti-lawns: City staff is working on a code amendment that achieves an appropriate balance between meeting the desires of those residents wishing to cultivate natural areas/native gardens and those who prefer traditional landscaping within their neighborhoods and the Oakwood community.
- Personnel: Organizations are finding it more challenging to find employees, including seasonal employees.
- Gardner Pool: The pool was filled this week and city staff continues to prepare for the May 28 opening.
- Spring in Oakwood: Oakwood is beautiful during the springtime as everything comes into full bloom.
- Finances: Oakwood is in good shape financially, even given the impact of the coronavirus.