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Mr. Jacques referenced a PowerPoint presentation and shared information about the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s (PUCO) “Apples to Apples” online tool that allows individual customers to shop around for alternative electricity suppliers. He displayed search results from the online tool showing a list of electricity suppliers, along with their rates and terms. He pointed out that there are often variable rates or teaser rates, as well as other risks that need to be taken into consideration. Mr. Jacques stated that because of all of these potential risk factors, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel generally recommends staying with their utility provider’s “standard offer.”

Mayor Duncan thanked Mr. Jacques for his report.

AN OAKWOOD MOMENT

Vice Mayor Byington recognized the Oakwood Academic Decathlon Team for winning their 10th consecutive Division III national title. He explained the ten-event competition that earned them the title and individually recognized the nine Academic Decathlon students.

Dr. Ramey congratulated the team and thanked City Council for recognizing them at the meeting.

VISITORS

Cheryl Vargas, 210 Telford Avenue, thanked Personnel and Properties Director Jennifer Wilder and Code Enforcement Officer Ethan Kroger for listening to her suggestions regarding the Oakwood weed ordinance and natural landscaping. She appreciates that city staff made some thoughtful changes to the ordinance to clearly address native plants and landscaping.

LEGISLATION
AN ORDINANCE
BY MRS. HILTON NO 4959
REPEALING CURRENT SECTION 549.01, SALE OR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS, OF THE OAKWOOD GENERAL OFFENSES CODE, AND ENACTING NEW SECTION 549.01, SALE OR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS, OF THE GENERAL OFFENSES CODE, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADDRESSING THE PROVISIONS OF H.B. 172 CONCERNING THE RIGHT OF MUNICIPALITIES TO RETAIN REGULATIONS AND PROHIBITIONS ON THE DISCHARGE, IGNITION AND EXPLODING OF FIREWORKS THAT EXISTED PRIOR TO THE ENACTMENT OF H.B. 172

A copy of the ordinance, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.

Mrs. Hilton explained that the Governor of Ohio recently signed H.B. 172, which amends state law to legalize the discharge of fireworks on private property on certain designated days of the year. H.B. 172 also provides that pursuant to its constitutional home rule authority, a city may choose to restrict the days and times that a person may discharge consumer grade fireworks or may impose a complete ban on the use of consumer grade fireworks.

Oakwood is almost entirely residential, and has nearly 4,000 housing units within 2.2 square miles. Given this density, fireworks pose a significant risk to persons and property, and the Director of Public Safety has recommended that Council opt out of H.B. 172 and reaffirm Oakwood’s existing ban on possessing, selling or discharging fireworks. Of note, Oakwood has prohibited fireworks for over 100 years, dating back to 1920.

The ordinance being introduced will update and reaffirm Oakwood’s ban on fireworks before the new state law takes effect on July 1, 2022. The ordinance was introduced with a first reading at the April 4 Council meeting.

Thereupon, it was moved by Mrs. Hilton and seconded by Mrs. Turben that the ordinance be passed.

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

MR. WILLIAM D. DUNCAN YEA
MR. STEVEN BYINGTON YEA
MR. ROBERT P. STEPHENS YEA
MRS. ANNE HILTON YEA
MRS. LEIGH TURBEN YEA

There being five (5) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said ordinance was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.