CITY OF OAKWOOD
STATE OF OHIO
MARCH 1, 2021
The Council of the city of Oakwood, State of Ohio, met in a work session and executive session for personnel matters at 6:30 p.m. in the second floor training room of the city of Oakwood, 30 Park Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio, 45419. Council then met in a regular session at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the city of Oakwood.
The Mayor, Mr. William Duncan, presided, and the Clerk of Council, Ms. Lori Stacel, recorded. Mayor Duncan opened the meeting by asking all present to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.
City Council was present at City Hall while respecting social distancing guidelines. Four staff members were present and dispersed throughout the room. The meeting was streamed live from the Oakwood city website and telecast live on Cable Access Channel 6.
Upon call of the roll, the following members of Council responded to their names:
Officers of the City present were the following:
The following visitors registered:
Mrs. Hilton advised Council she had read the meeting minutes of the February 1, 2021 regular session and work session and the February 22, 2021 work session and executive session. Mrs. Hilton reported she found the minutes correct and complete. Therefore, it was moved by Mrs. Hilton and seconded by Mr. Stephens that the minutes of the sessions of Council aforementioned be approved as written and the reading thereof at this session be dispensed with. Upon a viva voce vote on the question of the motion, same passed unanimously and it was so ordered.
STATUS REPORTS
2021 State of the City Address – Mayor Duncan gave the following address:
“Members of City Council, honored guests, City staff and citizens of Oakwood:
Despite a worldwide pandemic, government mandated shutdowns, school closings, social and political unrest, endless admonitions to wash your hands, wear masks and social distance, the city of Oakwood has adapted and persevered. Accordingly, and on behalf of Oakwood City Council, it is my honor to proclaim that Oakwood continues to be the premier residential community in the Dayton region. The State of our City is Oakwood Strong.
We have this distinction because of our beautiful neighborhoods, our excellent public schools and library, unmatched city services, including public safety, public works, recreation and leisure, and most of all because of our citizens.
Community ambience is the character and atmosphere of a place. All our traditions and community events were affected by the pandemic. 2020 will forever be defined as before March 8, 2020 and after March 8, 2020. Cancelled or altered events included our new resident breakfast, Care Walk, That Day in May, the Tree City USA awards program, Oakwood Community Center programs, weddings and blanket concerts at Smith Gardens, Oakwood High School graduation, the ice cream social, the family fall festival and the holiday of lights. Restaurants and small businesses closed, and the Oakwood Life magazine that started in 2011 is no longer published. Even the Oakwood Register ceased publication for about 10 weeks.