The Council of the city of Oakwood, Ohio, met in a work session on Monday, May 16, 2022 in the conference 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 City Attorney Rob Jacques.

At 5:00 p.m., Council moved to executive session for property matters.

At 5:30 p.m., Council concluded the executive session and moved back to work session.

Mayor Duncan continued the meeting by discussing the following items:

• COUNCIL COMMITTEES
  • Planning & Zoning, Vice Mayor Byington
    • Insomnia Cookies Application: Mr. Jacques shared that Insomnia Cookies will likely file an appeal of the Planning Commission’s denial of late night operating hours. They have 15 days from the PC decision on May 4 to file a Notice of Intent to Appeal. Mr. Jacques will prepare a memo outlining the process and timeline for the appeal hearing and Council decision.
    • H.B. 563 Short-term Rentals: Mr. Klopsch mentioned that there is a question as to whether or not Oakwood’s short-term rental ban would be affected by HB 563. A recent Dayton 24/7 News article quoted the bill and sponsor as saying that current city rules and regulations on short-term rentals would not be impacted by HB 563. Those rules and regulations would be grandfathered and would remain valid. Mr. Jacques questioned this assertion and will research the matter.
    • Natural Areas/Native Landscaping: Mr. Klopsch stated that staff continues to work on a possible 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. Mr. Jacques commented on the latest text change to a proposed ordinance addressing Landscape Management. Staff will share the ordinance with members of Green Oakwood. The ordinance is planned for a first reading on June 6.
  • Safety & Traffic, Mr. Stephens
    • Regulating Fireworks: Mr. Klopsch confirmed that Council will do a second reading and vote at the June 6 council meeting on an ordinance to continue banning most fireworks in Oakwood.
    • Irving Avenue: Mr. Klopsch commented on the recent UD graduation activities impacting Irving Avenue and safety concerns in the area.
    • Oakwood/Dayton Mutual Aid Agreements: Mr. Klopsch reported that staff is working with the city of Dayton to update a mutual aid agreement for the Irving Avenue area. Staff is also working on a policing mutual aid agreement that would give the Oakwood Public Safety Department certain police powers over the Oakwood owned property at the Old River Sports Complex.