Oxford City Council Highlights Youth Engagement and Community Partnerships at March 12th Meeting

Oxford, AL – Regularly called City Council Meeting on March 12th, 2024.

• Call to Order
  • Councilwoman Hubbard – Present
  • Councilman Gardner – Absent
  • Councilman Waits – Present
  • Councilman Henderson – Absent
  • Councilman Spurlin – Present

• Welcome/Invocation –  Greg Turner, Oxford First Baptist Church

• Pledge of Allegiance – Conner Heaton

• Approval of Minutes of February 27, 2024 – Unanimously Approved

• Old Business – None

• New Business

  • Proclamation – National 311 Day

    • Mayor Alton Craft recognized National 311 Day and extended appreciation to Sandra and Christie for their dedicated service in answering Oxford’s 311 lines.

• • Proclamation – Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

    • A resolution was presented recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to Pati Tiller, the Executive Director of The Arc of Calhoun and Cleburne Counties (ARC). Tiller was accompanied by a group of ARC students as she received the proclamation, highlighting the organization’s commitment to raising awareness and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

• • During the pre-meeting, Sheriff Matthew Wade presented plaques and buckles to the City Council. Mayor expressed excitement about partnering with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office for the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office PCA Pro Rodeo, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the city and law enforcement for the upcoming event.

• • Presentation – Vision One

    • The Tuesday night city council meeting at the Oxford Performing Arts Center served as a platform to highlight the efforts of a new generation in enhancing their community and surrounding area. With over 90 students actively engaged in the Oxford City Schools Vision One program, attendees witnessed the dedication of these students to brainstorming and implementing initiatives aimed at improving the city. Meeting regularly with city leaders, Vision One students not only share their ideas but also develop innovative solutions to address the needs of the city and its residents. Moreover, they are expanding their reach by considering regional collaboration, also Alexandria High School was welcomed into the program to showcase how such initiatives can benefit other communities as well.

• • Public Hearing – to consider a zoning request from Michael B. Ray to zone property located at 3084 Gunnells Lane as Residential 1 District (R-1) – No Comments

  • Public Hearing – to consider a zoning request from James and Teresa Denney to zone property located at 200 Denney Road as Residential 1 District (R-1) – No Comments

  • Ordinance No. 2024- 07 – Ordinance zoning property located at 3084 Gunnells Lane as Residential 1 District (R-1) – Unanimously Approved

  • Ordinance No. 2024- 08 – Ordinance zoning property located at 200 Denney Road as Residential 1 District (R-1) – Unanimously Approved

  • Ordinance No. 2024- 09 – Ordinance amending Chapter 6, Article II, “Keeping of Livestock, Rabbits and Fowl”, of “The Code of Ordinances of the City of Oxford, Alabama – Unanimously Approved

  • Consent Agenda: – Unanimously Approved

    • Resolution No. 2024- 28 – Resolution declaring certain vehicles/equipment surplus and authorizing their sale/disposal.

    • Resolution No. 2024- 29 – Resolution approving a Short Term Rental Permit request for 204 McCullars Lane.

    • Resolution No. 2024- 30 – Resolution adopting the Senior Center Code of Conduct.

    • Resolution No. 2024 – 31 – Resolution authorizing the Mayor execute an application for Appalachian Regional Commission fund assistance and committing $891,614.00 in both in-kind and local cash match for water and sewer infrastructure improvements to service the Oxford West Industrial Park.

    • Resolution No. 2024 – 32 – Resolution to amend the Engineering Services Agreement with CDG, Inc. for professional engineering services performed relative to the structure removal and drainage improvements in the downtown area to include an additional $2,700.00 for lead and asbestos testing for two structures.

• Council Comments/Reports

  • Councilmember Waits thanked Commissioners Howell and Shears for being a the meeting and supporting the kids. He also thanked the kids for all their hard work.
  • Councilmember Hubbard wanted to stress how much this program can be used to grow regionalism and she encouraged every to look forward to an account and new facility that will also promote regionalism.
  • Coucilmember Spurlin Reminded everyone of the upcoming Rodeo in a week and the Fishing Rodeo in June.

• Mayor’s Comments

  • Welcomed the Alexandria students for coming and being active in thier community.

• Set a public hearing for March 26, 2024, to consider a condemnation at 65 Moore Street

• Visitors – None

• Motion to adjourn (next regular Council Meeting, March 26, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.)