Mr. Klopsch began the meeting by discussing the following:

• RTA Trolley System Removal: Over the past 5-6 months, the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has been removing the overhead trolley wire system that is obsolete and no longer in service throughout Oakwood. Work will continue over the next few months.
• Food Waste Recycling – Food Bank and Montgomery County: Montgomery County is seeking a $10 million federal grant to fund a partnership with the Food Bank to expand composting efforts. This program would create a comprehensive network of opportunities for people to drop off their food waste to be converted into rich nutrient compost.
• Hard-to-recycle Plastics – Hefty® ReNew™ Program: The Hefty® ReNew™ Program allows residents to purchase specific orange bags from local retailers and place materials in those bags that were previously unacceptable in the loose co-mingled recyclable container.
• Workforce Attraction and Retention: The competition to recruit new workers as well as retain existing ones is challenging in today's environment. City staff continues to look for ways to stay competitive in the labor market.
• Gardner Pool: 2024 was a successful pool season. There were staffing limitations during the last two weeks of the season when school was back in session. The pool opened at 4 p.m. on weekdays, rather than at 12 noon. Mr. Klopsch commented on this year’s Dog Splash event.

Mr. Klopsch shared that the city again received the Auditor of State Award for excellence in financial reporting. The award is a testament to the fine work of Finance Director Cindy Stafford, CPA. Less than 10% of public entities in Ohio receive this honor.

• 2024 FINANCIALS THROUGH AUGUST: Finance Director Cindy Stafford presented the following financial data:
  • General City Services receipts through August are at 74.64% of budget, while disbursements and encumbrances are at 64.86% of budget. These numbers are in line with where we expect them to be. This is attributed to the timing of real estate and income tax receipts. Mrs. Stafford noted that the income tax receipts are 4.7% higher than last year at this time.
  • Refuse Fund receipts through August are at 68.90% of budget and disbursements and encumbrances are at 72.61% of budget.
  • Enterprise Funds receipts through August are at 65.06% of budget and disbursements and encumbrances are at 62.77% of budget. This includes $500,000 of capital expenditures. If expenses continue as planned, the Water Fund will end the year below $1 million, which is why a water rate increase will be proposed for 2025.
• 2024 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS/CAPITAL EQUIPMENT: The following 2024 capital projects/expenses were discussed:
  • General City Services
    • Computer Equipment: $50,000
    • Street Banner Replacement: $15,000
    • Cameras… In-car and Body Worn: $15,000
    • 911 Vesta Equipment Upgrade: $30,000
    • Hanging Baskets: $35,000
    • S-29 2000 Air Compressor Replacement: $30,000
    • Pre-wet Deicing System: $20,000