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

Mr. Stephens explained that this is an ordinance to update Oakwood’s laws on noxious weeds and mowing. It does not make significant changes to the existing requirement that grass and weeds be mowed or maintained at a height of 8” or less. However, Council recognizes that there is a growing movement to think about landscaping in new or non-traditional ways, particularly with regard to the use of native plants, rain gardens, and butterfly gardens. These kinds of plantings have always been permitted in Oakwood, but have not been clearly addressed in the Code, which is the purpose of the ordinance is being introduced.

This ordinance makes the following changes:

1. It updates the title of the chapter from “Weeds” to “Landscape Management.”
2. It adds relevant definitions, as well as a statement of purpose that reads:
   “The purpose of this chapter is to encourage the use of vegetation throughout the City to maximize ecological and aesthetic benefits while respecting existing community values regarding landscaping to include well-maintained yards, preservation of sight lines, compatibility with existing structures, and public safety. Ecological benefits of “managed natural landscapes” include enhancement of pollinator support habitat, stormwater management, carbon sequestration, erosion control, and preservation of biodiversity.”
3. It eliminates the species-specific list of weeds contained in the current ordinance. Instead, it defines “weed” in a manner that encompasses any type of vegetation that is neglected or overgrown.
4. For properties that are placarded due to high grass or weeds and mowed by the city, the new ordinance will allow a streamlined notice process that makes it easier to deal with subsequent violations after the first violation.
5. It adds provisions to expressly authorize property owners to establish “managed natural landscape areas” on their property. It is important to note that this does NOT give homeowners permission to neglect their yards or allow them to “go wild.” The key concept behind a managed natural landscape area is that it must be “managed and maintained” as required by the new ordinance.

This was a first reading of the ordinance, so Mr. Stephens made no motion.

Leisure Services Report: Ms. Carol Collins, Leisure Services Director, delivered the following report:

Gardner Pool opened over Memorial Day weekend. There have been 461 family pool memberships, 61 single memberships and 92 senior memberships purchased so far this season. The Oakwood Community Center (OCC) has three “Summer Fun at the Pool” family nights planned on the following Sunday dates: June 19, July 3 and August 14. Pool staff will organize relay races and fun games throughout the night. The pool will close at 9 p.m. on all three nights, one hour later than normal.

The Oakwood Dolphins continue to dominate their league with over 160 swimmers. The registration deadline for the OCC and “Swimtopia” is Sunday, June 12.

Gardner Pool staff offers swim lessons that are certified by the American Red Cross. The lessons are available for toddlers with parents all the way to advanced Level V and VI.

Gardner Pool offers two different types of water workouts. A “Deep Water Workout” is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, and “Water Aerobics” is available on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

The Oakwood Community Center will be offering the following summer camps and activities: Quilting Camps, Irish Dance Camp, Camp Shafor, Kiddie Camp, Skyhawks Sports Camps, Girls Field Hockey Camp, Camp Hodge Podge, Ballet Dance Camps, Kidz Home Alone & Better