The 2023 proposed budget reflects no increases in income tax, property tax, or any increases to refuse, water, sanitary sewer, or stormwater fees. The goal is to avoid property tax increases over the next few years, after renewing the 2.72 mill issue last year, and asking for a renewal of the 3.75 mill issue in November 2023. Year-end balances in all five fund categories are good. Rate increases will likely need to be discussed next year in a couple utilities.

Mr. Klopsch provided the following comments on this year’s events and City projects:

• The tennis courts at Orchardly Park were refurbished and two public pickleball courts were added in July of this year (one tennis court was converted into two pickleball courts.) The pickleball courts have been a great addition to the community.
• The improvements at Gardner Pool are underway. The work includes demolition and replacement of the concrete deck, installation of fencing around the zero depth wading pool (children’s pool), and installing new pool lifeguard stands and diving boards. Kudos to Leisure Services Director Carol Collins, Pool Manager Karen Earley and Engineer Chris Kuzma for overseeing the project. The work will be completed by next spring.
• The CenterPoint (formerly Vectren) gas line work along Far Hills Avenue continues. The work should be completed before the Christmas holiday.
• The 2004 Oakwood Comprehensive Plan and achievements towards the Goals and Objectives of the Plan are available on the city website.

He then reviewed the following goals and objectives for 2023:

• Kettering Health Network will likely announce plans for the 2600 Far Hills property.
• City staff will continue working with the Oakwood Investment Group to develop the two remaining commercial parcels including the Sugar Camp western lot and Randall Residence property.
• An engineering hydraulic model of the water production and distribution system is being built to analyze the water system infrastructure and develop long range plans for capital improvements.
• A camera will be purchased to explore and investigate the sanitary sewer system, and staff will develop plans for future infrastructure improvements.
• City staff is developing a multi-year plan for rebuilding Oakwood’s traffic signal system.
• There will be improvements made to Fairridge Park, Shafor Park and Orchardly Park over the next few years.

Vice Mayor Byington explained that Oakwood has a citizen budget committee that includes 32 members and is represented by residents from each of the eight voting precincts. That committee met four times this year and at its November 29^th meeting, voted to endorse this 2023 budget. Budget Review Committee Vice Chair Bill Frapwell is here this evening to comment on the Budget Review Committee’s endorsement.

Budget Review Committee Vice Chair Bill Frapwell shared that Oakwood City Council and City Staff always take the time to explain the fiscal situation of the city with transparency. The committee members met four times this year either in-person or via Zoom and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the 2023 budget.

Mayor Duncan thanked the Budget Review Committee members for their service and input.

Mr. Frapwell noted that there are a lot of talented people serving on the Budget Review Committee.

Unexpected technical difficulties resulted in the loss of audio from Vice Mayor Byington for the remainder of the meeting. Mayor Duncan continued presenting the ordinance.

Thereupon, it was moved by Mayor Duncan and seconded by Mr. Stephens that the second reading be waived and that the ordinance be passed tonight.

Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded:

Mayor Duncan acknowledged Vice Mayor Byington’s vote, via video, in favor of the ordinance.