Mr. Klopsch reported that Oakwood’s water system is in full compliance with OEPA regulations, and commented on the increased attention on public water systems. He introduced Water Plant Superintendent Scott Loper, and shared his qualifications and experience. Mr. Klopsch noted that Mr. Loper received the 2021 “Richard F. Melick Award”. The award is presented annually to a member of the Ohio Section of AWWA who has distinguished himself/herself by giving unselfishly to the field of operator training and technical education through the Ohio EPA, Operator Training Committee of Ohio (OTCO), Inc., and/or the American Water Works Association. Mr. Klopsch then invited Mr. Loper to comment on the 2021 lead and copper water testing and the OEPA Water System Sanitary Survey. Mr. Loper shared information about his prior work experience and commented on the Ohio EPA’s water production and distribution requirements, and how they have increased over the years.

• 2021 Lead and Copper Water Testing: Mr. Loper reported that all of the annual lead and copper water tests have been completed. The EPA requires no additional lead and copper testing this year. The next scheduled sampling period is June-September 2022.
• OEPA Water System Sanitary Survey: Mr. Loper explained that the OEPA Water System Sanitary Survey is a comprehensive evaluation of Oakwood’s water system and the manner in which each component is operated. All aspects of the water system including compliance with administrative/paperwork/record-keeping requirements, and the physical facilities including the water tower, water production wells, water treatment plants and water distribution system were inspected by the OEPA evaluator. Dr. Denka asked about the water hardness and comments made recently by his plumber when replacing a water heater. Mr. Loper stated that he periodically receives calls about hardness and water heaters and recommends that property owners flush their water heaters a couple times per year. The City is operating the water softening plants in the range recommended by the OEPA. Mr. Klopsch explained the purpose of the sacrificial anode as cathodic protection in water heaters. Water heater manufacturers recommend inspecting the sacrificial anodes annually and replacing them when needed to protect the inside of the water tank from corrosion.
• Mental Health Training/PSO Jesse Schaffer Suicide: Mr. Klopsch shared the sad news that Refuse Packer Driver Erwin Johnson passed away unexpectedly on November 2, presumably of a heart attack. He was a 35-year employee and is the second employee to die over the past three months. Mr. Klopsch then asked Chief Hill to comment on the suicide death of Public Safety Officer Jesse Schaffer, and on mental health training in the department. Chief Hill shared the sad news of the sudden death of Public Safety Officer Jesse Schaffer at 28 years old. PSO Schaffer joined the Safety Department in May 2018. Prior to joining the department, PSO Schaffer served in the United States Marine Corps, was a Trooper with Ohio State Highway Patrol, and served several local communities. Chief Hill commented on a program beginning in January 2022 that will change how mental health calls are responded to in Montgomery County. Chief Hill shared that in 2021, the Oakwood Public Safety Department implemented a series of trainings focused on mental health in an effort to equip every officer and dispatcher with the necessary skills to safely and effectively do their job. These trainings include Crisis Intervention Training for Lieutenants and Dispatchers; Talk Saves Lives Presentation; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST); and Mental Health First Aid training for Public Safety Officers.