Element Oakwood, which was approved by Oakwood City Council in 2017, is located at 310 Old River Trail, across from the Old River Sports Complex. The 84-unit condominium community features a variety of sizes ranging from one bedroom to two bedrooms with a den. Leasing is currently underway in the west building and move-ins began in January 2020. The construction is expected to be complete this summer.

Pointe Oakwood construction began in 2009. There is currently one house under construction, and only two lots remain undeveloped.

Since March of 2020, the following businesses have opened their doors in Oakwood: The Spicy Olive, located at 2510 Far Hills Avenue; Studio 77 Home Design, 2405 Far Hills Avenue; Indie West Studios at 2400 Far Hills Avenue; and OI Medical Aesthetics, 2523 Far Hills Avenue.

The City continuously monitored and responded to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. City staff found ways to continue to provide the services upon which Oakwood residents rely. The City provides essential services such as water, law enforcement, safety services and emergency medical treatment. The City also provides quality of life services like trash collection, street maintenance, outdoor recreation, and zoning services, all of which require in-person attendance.

As the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance and health department directives evolved, city staff found ways to continue operations while keeping staff and residents safe. City staff reacted quickly and put temporary leave policies in place so that employees could take care of themselves and their family members if affected by COVID-19. While city facilities were closed to the public during the shutdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic, city staff found ways to meet Oakwood resident’s needs.

City staff also made physical changes to city facilities. A new drop box was added to the lobby of the city/public safety building so residents could continue to drop off hard copy materials to staff. During the shutdown, barriers were installed at all of the public facing entry desks to protect both the staff and the residents, so city facilities could reopen when allowed. Cleaning schedules, were changed, and employees started sanitizing frequently used areas. Smaller meeting areas were closed and larger areas were rearranged to accommodate social distancing. Inspection procedures were adjusted as needed, and virtual meetings were conducted as much as possible.

City staff adjusted inspection procedures as needed, and conducted phone or virtual meetings as much as possible. All Oakwood employees have continued to find ways to do their job, and serve the Oakwood community. The staff at the Oakwood Community Center worked and planned for weeks to find a way to make the 2020 pool season happen.

Mrs. Wilder then reviewed the 2019/2020 employee retirements and hires. Refuse Foreman Ken Perkins retired with 30 years of service. Public Safety Lieutenant Jeff Yount, Sr. retired with 31 years of service. Public Works Motor Equipment Operator Shawn Huffman retired after 31 years of service. Water Plant Superintendent Gary Dursch retired after 14 years of service to Oakwood, and 30 years of prior service in other communities. Public Safety Dispatcher Cherie Muceus retired after 22 years of service. New hires include: General Service Worker Daryn Witherspoon; General Service Worker Jonathan Wissinger; Public Safety Dispatcher Sara Stimson-Murphy; Water Plant Technician Chris Branscomb; and General Service Worker Tristen Hayslett.

The City is currently recruiting for seasonal positions in the following areas: Day Camp Counselors, Boulevard and Smith Gardens Maintenance; Public Works Laborers; and Pool Concessions and Lifeguards.

Clerk of Council Lori Stacel joined Mrs. Wilder to provide an update on the City website.

Mrs. Wilder reported that in April of 2019, city staff partnered with ProudCity to do a complete overhaul of the Oakwood city website, the design of which was almost 20 years old.

Mrs. Wilder and Ms. Stacel created the website in just 90 days, and the new website was released to the public in June of 2019. During the website creation, Ms. Stacel and Mrs. Wilder partnered with city department heads to create a website that provides a better way for residents, businesses and visitors to access city news, announcements, and information online in a manner that was not available on the old website.

Mrs. Wilder commented that it is hard to believe that creation of the new website started two years ago. It is amazing to see how much the content continues to grow and evolve daily.