A copy of the resolution, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.

Vice Mayor Byington explained that Ohio is included in ongoing litigation involving the national prescription opioid epidemic. This is complex, multi-district litigation occurring nationwide, and there are many defendants including opioid distributors, manufacturers, and pharmacies.

In 2021 Oakwood signed a document known as the OneOhio Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”). In doing so, Oakwood joined with political subdivisions throughout the state to agree on a mechanism for distributing any opioid settlements that may be reached.

The OneOhio framework has already been used to distribute several opioid settlements to Oakwood and other local governments. These include state-level settlements reached in 2021 with several opioid distributors, and in late 2022 with several pharmacies and opioid manufacturers.

The resolution being introduced tonight will authorize Oakwood to accept a new settlement with Kroger, which will likewise be distributed via the terms of the OneOhio MOU. Tonight’s resolution will also authorize the City Manager to accept any future opioid settlements, provided they are structured to allow distribution according to the terms of the OneOhio MOU that is already in place and allowing efficient distribution.

As with each of these settlements, any money received by the city is restricted for use in abating the opioid epidemic.

Vice Mayor Byington stated that resolution will constitute legislative approval of the Kroger settlement as required by the court, as well as any future opioid settlements. Thereupon, it was moved by Vice Mayor Byington and seconded by Mrs. Turben that the resolution be passed.

Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded:

There being five (5) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said resolution was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.

STAFF REPORT

Public Safety Department Presentation: Chief Alan Hill, Public Safety Director, referenced a PowerPoint presentation and updated Council on the following topics: Capital Improvements; Speed Signs; Personnel Changes; PSAP Compliance; Use of Force Stats; Good Choice Tickets; Citizen Police Academy; Animal Complaints; and Animal Resource Center.

Chief Hill highlighted this year’s capital improvements. A Power Load Cot for Medic 27 was purchased with the assistance of a grant from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The Public Safety Department purchased a 2024 Chevy EV Blazer. The vehicle will be delivered once available after a software issue suspended production. A replacement ambulance was ordered in January and will be delivered in the fall.

Radar speed signs continue to be an effective analysis tool for the Safety Department. This valuable resource allows the department to identify true areas of concern and best allocate traffic enforcement resources.

Captain Kevin Pruszynski retired after 28 years of public safety service, serving the city of Oakwood for 14 years and the city of Dayton for 14 years before joining Oakwood.

In May 2016, the state of Ohio implemented 19 standards for all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP). All dispatch centers were required to achieve compliance within two years from the date of adoption. Some standards were put into place to challenge the viability of individual dispatch centers and to promote regional dispatch centers. Montgomery County PSAPs are audited for compliance and Oakwood continues to be in full compliance with the standards required for operating a PSAP. In May 2019, Montgomery County PSAPs were audited for initial compliance by the Ohio Department of Administrative Services Ohio 9-1-1 Program Office. Oakwood remains in full PSAP compliance.