MINUTES

The Council of the city of Oakwood, Ohio met in a work session on Monday, November 6, 2023 in the second-floor meeting room at the city building, 30 Park Avenue. The Mayor of the City, William Duncan, presided.

Council members in attendance were Mayor William Duncan, Vice Mayor Steve Byington, Councilmember Rob Stephens, Councilmember Anne Hilton and Councilmember Leigh Turben. Staff in attendance were City Manager Norbert Klopsch and Law Director Rob Jacques.

Mayor Duncan called the work session to order at 6:30 p.m. and reviewed the agenda for the regular session this evening. Thereafter, he led a discussion on the following agenda items:

• STATUS REPORTS: Mayor Duncan shared that he will read a Proclamation recognizing the week of November 12 -18, 2023 as “International Fraud Awareness Week.”
• VISITORS: Mayor Duncan noted that he will recognize winners of the 2023 Scarecrow Row contest at the regular session this evening.
• LEGISLATION: Council discussed the following legislation scheduled for presentation at the regular session this evening:
  • A Resolution of necessity for a property tax issue, Vice Mayor Byington
  • An Ordinance to increase water and sanitary sewer rates, Mrs. Turben
• AN OAKWOOD MOMENT: Mayor Duncan shared that he will highlight Veterans in Oakwood and Dr. Tom Hardy’s retirement as Chief of Staff of the Dayton VA Medical Center.
• COUNCIL COMMITTEES
  • Finance, Vice Mayor Byington
    • 2024 Budget: Mr. Klopsch mentioned that staff is preparing the 2024 budget based on the cost figures presented at the October 17 Budget Review Committee meeting and consistent with discussion at the October 23 City Council Retreat.
    • Income Tax Remittance: Mr. Klopsch explained the city’s plans to begin using Fifth Third Bank as our tax filing/payment processing center beginning in 2024.
  • Planning & Zoning, Vice Mayor Byington
    • Sign Ordinance: Mr. Klopsch mentioned that staff is working on a sign code amendment in regard to how the code addresses single and double-sided yard signs. This amendment will likely be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council in April/May 2024.
  • Public Utilities/Waterworks/Sewer, Mrs. Turben
    • Montgomery County Solid Waste District: Mr. Klopsch commented on how the Montgomery County Solid Waste District (MCSWD) is considering imposing a fee for the drop-off of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) material, to begin in 2026. There is currently no fee for this service. As a member of the MCSWD Financial Advisory Committee, Mr. Klopsch is opposing the fee.