Ms. Bohardt shared that vet offices offer microchipping as does ARC. ARC offer this service on a walk-in basis for $10.

Mr. Stephens asked how many of the animal complaints are related to dogs.

Chief Hill estimated around 200. The majority of the dog complaints are related to dogs barking or dogs loose.

Vice Mayor Byington asked about the rules for barking dogs.

Chief Hill said that it relates to excessive barking over a period of time.

Mrs. Jackson asked what is done when the public safety department takes possession of a dog that is not licensed.

Chief Hill explained that upon reuniting the dog, they refer the owner to ARC and encourage them to license their pet.

Council thanked Chief Hill and the representatives from Montgomery County ARC for their report.

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS: Mr. Klopsch reported on the following:

Mr. Klopsch recalled two different city employees adopting animals that were recovered from the public safety department. The animals in custody are given a lot of attending and are cared for.

There is a lot of visibility of Oakwood Public Safety officers throughout the city. They do a great job keeping the community safe.

The Far Hills Storm Sewer Reconstruction Project was completed in approximately 12 months. It was a major improvement to the storm sewer system. He thanked everyone impacted by the disruption of the project. He recognized Law Director Rob Jacques and City Engineer Chris Kuzma for all of their efforts with the project.

The Sidewalk, Curb and Driveway Apron Project is taking place in the Far Hills business district. The project will be disruptive but will result in long-term improvements.

The resurfacing of Far Hills Avenue began last week. Barrett Paving is making good progress.

Mr. Klopsch recognized two Miami Valley Communications Council (MVCC) employees who have worked closely with the city behind the scenes. Government Producer Joe MacKenzie was hired by MVCC in 1999 as a part-time Government Production Technician and became a full-time Government Producer in April 2007. During his career, Joe received numerous Philo T. Farnsworth Awards recognizing excellence in community programming in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan. Joe will be leaving MVCC in early August to take a newly created broadcast communications teaching position at Springboro High School. He recorded and produced many Oakwood events and City Council meetings. Chief Engineer Nick Evert began working at MVCC in June 2017 as Chief Engineer. He provided technical support for Oakwood’s public access channel and all audio and visual equipment owned by MVCC. He also coordinated, installed and provided technical support on Zoom equipment in council chambers and the OCC. Nick left MVCC in November 2022 to take a work-at-home position. Mr. Klopsch thanked them for all of their assistance and wished them both the best of luck.

Mr. Klopsch closed his comments by sharing that he had the honor and privilege of recognizing three wonderful people at the Oakwood Rotary Club meeting last Friday. The Oakwood Rotary Club presented the Civic Leadership Award to Mr. Andy Aidt for his commitment to voluntary public service. Mr. Aidt serves as a citizen volunteer on the Oakwood Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is often presented with land issues where neighbors or the community as a whole disagree. Mr. Aidt has served on the Planning Commission for nearly 20 years. In 2008, Mr. Aidt was elected by fellow commission members as the vice chair, and in 2018 as chair. Mr. Aidt has done an exceptional job. The Oakwood Rotary Club Community Service Award was presented to Finance Director Cindy Stafford and Assistant Finance Director Tracy Martin. Mrs. Stafford joined Oakwood in 2008 and has done an excellent job leading a small but mighty Oakwood Finance Department. Year after year, the city has received the Auditor of State Award for Excellence and Financial Reporting. Mrs. Martin has been with Oakwood for 37 years and is the second longest-serving employee. She joined Oakwood in 1987 as a public safety dispatcher and transitioned to the Finance Department in 2005 where she was an account clerk until 2019.