Shoppe opened in July. The Toasty Barker vintage shop opened in August and we welcomed the Goodwill store in December.

In addition, Kettering Health Network purchased the 2600 Far Hills building from an out of state owner and plans to make a significant investment in our community in the next year or two. We will also recognize a gem of Oakwood as Dorothy Lane Market celebrates its 70^th anniversary this year.

Special Celebrations: In 2017 we dedicated Lane Stadium. Over the last several years, the City of Oakwood, Oakwood City Schools and the Oakwood Athletic Boosters worked in collaboration to create a $4 million dollar asset to benefit hundreds of Oakwood student athletes and others in our community. We also dedicated Veteran’s Corner at Lane Stadium. Council member Rob Stephens, along with financial support from the Oakwood Rotary Foundation, should be commended for their efforts honoring Oakwood veterans, past and present.

You are aware of our excellent parks, gardens and green space. We dedicated a new eco-friendly pocket park at Oakwood Avenue and Schenck Avenue. Cook Park is aptly and deservedly named after our former Mayor and community servant, Judy Cook.

Sugar Camp and Shroyer Road: After a successful mediation between the developers, the Pointe Oakwood neighbors and the city, “Element Oakwood” began sitework along the lower portion of Old River Trail. We expect this 84 unit condominium project to be completed in 2019.

We also approved an additional office building for Russell Wealth Management at Sugar Camp. We expect this building will be completed late this year.

The Shroyer roadway redesign was completed in 2017. This successful project has already reduced accidents and vehicle speeds and has improved the ambiance of the Shroyer Road corridor.

Neighborhoods: We have outstanding diversity in housing choices. Although most of our housing stock is over 70 years old, our homes and properties are better maintained than any other city around and our home values prove it. In 2017, 72% of Oakwood home sales were higher the County appraised value.

Well Governed, Well Managed and Financially Strong: When I joined City Council in 2003, it was my belief that Oakwood was well governed, well managed and financially strong. I still hold that belief and will continue this tradition.

I would like to thank the citizens of Oakwood for allowing me to represent them as a member of Oakwood City Council for the past 15 years. I would also like to thank Oakwood City Council for allowing me to serve our city as Mayor for the last eight years. I also serve as President of the Greater Dayton Mayors & Managers Association. I am proud to serve with Vice Mayor Steve Byington who begins his 11^th year on City Council and represents our City on the First Suburbs Consortium of Dayton and MVRPC. I am also proud to serve with recently re-elected Rob Stephens and Anne Hilton each of whom begin their ninth year on City Council and Chris Epley who begins his fifth year on City Council.

This Council, like those that preceded it, operates in a collegial style and everyone believes in doing the right thing for the citizens of Oakwood. We listen to one another, no one has hidden agendas, and we believe in community service.

With the help of City Council, city staff and the citizens of Oakwood, we will continue to be well governed, well managed and financially strong.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve you.”