• PFAS: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released proposed standards to regulate PFAS chemicals in drinking water. The proposed maximum level is 4 parts per trillion, which is the lowest detectable level given current testing technology. The aquifer that supplies the drinking water to Oakwood is positioned at an elevation much higher than the aquifer from which Dayton draws its water. The city of Dayton is used as a backup water supply to Oakwood. Fortunately, Oakwood’s eight production wells have produced 100% of Oakwood’s water for the last 15-20 years. About 2 ½ years ago, the Ohio EPA tested Oakwood’s water for PFAS chemicals and none were detected. Mr. Klopsch noted that he would like to see a cost/benefit analysis to determine if the benefits outweigh the costs to monitor and remove PFAS chemicals from drinking water, particularly at such a microscopic level.
• Medic Vehicles: Mr. Klopsch introduced Oakwood Public Safety Lieutenant Damian Baggett and reviewed the highlights of his career. He invited Lieutenant Baggett to share information about Oakwood’s emergency medical services. Lieutenant Baggett spoke about the duties and responsibilities of Dr. John Ewing, the Oakwood EMS Medical Advisor. Oakwood’s emergency medical technicians and paramedics are provided with comprehensive training opportunities to provide exceptional advanced emergency care to the community. Lt. Baggett shared an emergency 9-1-1 medic call where a quick response time and advanced medical training and equipment helped to save the patient’s life. It is essential to have two reliable ambulances, one serving as a primary vehicle and the other serving as a backup. A used medic vehicle was purchased in 2022 to replace an ambulance that was experiencing problems with the brake module that could not be repaired. Oakwood provides mutual aid as needed to Dayton and Kettering. Oakwood assisted other jurisdictions on 41 calls in 2022. In the past five years, Oakwood has only needed assistance from another jurisdiction one time.

Mayor Duncan thanked Lt. Baggett and the Oakwood Public Safety Department for all of their efforts on behalf of the city.

Mr. Klopsch noted that after the elimination of the Ohio estate tax, the fully consolidated public safety concept was questioned by some citizens, suggesting that there may be a less expensive way to provide public safety services. He stated that many examples over the years show that the consolidated operation concept in Oakwood is definitely worth the expense.

Mr. Klopsch reported that Mayor Duncan is recovering from a triple bypass open heart surgery six weeks ago. He’s doing great!

Mayor Duncan chuckled and shared a story from his time in the hospital where an ICU nurse that graduated from Oakwood High School said that she didn’t think Oakwood had a mayor, only a city manager. The nurse grew up across the street from Mr. Klopsch.

Old Business: None.

New Business: None.

There being no other business, at 6:04 p.m. Dr. Coyne adjourned the meeting.