Oxford Holds City Council Meeting and Work Session: Highlights Include Stroke Awareness Day Proclamation and Recognition of Student Government Day Participants

Oxford, AL – Oxford held their Regularly called City Council Meeting and Work Session on April 23rd, 2024.

Work Session

The work session was packed room with updates on agenda items and residents speaking informally with the Council. During the work session several residents spoke to the council and Chief Partridge about the stray dog issues in Oxford. Council President Spurlin did assure residents it was an issue the city of working on. He also asked Chief Partridge to speak to the matter. * Please see full article for more information.

Another resident spoke about propter that was city owned being overgrown and asked for the Council to look into the matter. Council President Spurlin did tell her that they would look it what could be done.

City Council Meeting

• Call to Order
  • Councilwoman Hubbard – Present
  • Councilman Gardner – Present
  • Councilman Waits – Present
  • Councilman Henderson – Present
  • Councilman Spurlin – Present
• Welcome/Invocation –  Chief Gary Sparks
• Pledge of Allegiance – led by Student from Oxford High School
• Approval of Minutes of April 9, 2024 – Unanimously Approved
• Old Business
• New Business
  • Proclamation – Stroke Awareness Day
    • The City of Oxford recognized the critical importance of Stroke Awareness Day, given the alarming national statistics and the significant impact of stroke on individuals and communities. With approximately 795,000 Americans experiencing new or recurrent strokes each year, and stroke being the leading cause of death, claiming 150,000 lives annually, and causing long-term disability, awareness and prevention efforts were paramount. Recognizing the efforts of organizations such as the University of Alabama in Birmingham, the Alabama Department of Public Health Systems, and the East Alabama Emergency Service Incorporated Agency in stroke research, planning, and emergency response, the City of Oxford resolved to declare April 24th as Stroke Awareness Day. This proclamation aimed to raise awareness among citizens about the signs and symptoms of stroke, the importance of early detection, access to healthcare services, prevention measures, and the crucial role of local emergency medical services in providing emergent care during stroke emergencies.

• • Recognition – Student Government Day
    • The City of Oxford took a moment to acknowledge the students slated to participate in Government Day during a meeting, where each student’s name was announced. This annual event, set to unfold next week, offers Oxford High School seniors a unique opportunity to engage with local governance by shadowing various city government offices.Mayor Alton Craft expressed deep enthusiasm for the program, emphasizing its significance in fostering civic engagement and providing students with firsthand insight into municipal operations. “It means a lot to get the students involved and see what their government does, and we always learn something from the students,” Mayor Craft remarked. “They are very smart. We who currently serve do the same things over and over, get set in our ways, and don’t think outside of the box. These young people are always thinking outside of the box and their enthusiasm always gets the city staff really fired up.”The students, having been elected by their peers, will commence their day at 8:30 a.m. in the esteemed surroundings of the city council chambers at Oxford City Hall, situated at 145 Hamric Drive East. This immersive experience promises to offer invaluable insights into the inner workings of local government, empowering the next generation of leaders with knowledge and perspective.

• • Ordinance No. 2024- 12 – Ordinance annexing the property of Cale and Breanna Smith, 1950 Peaceful Valley Road, Talladega County. – Unanimously Approved
  • Consent Agenda – Unanimously Approved
    • Resolution No. 2024- 44 – Resolution reappointing Alyssa Enzor and Ronnie Higginbotham to the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
    • Resolution No. 2024- 45 – Resolution declaring certain vehicles/equipment surplus and authorizing their sale/disposal.
    • Resolution No. 2024- 46 – Resolution authorizing the Mayor to appropriate $15,700.00 for digital production of the 2024 ASUN Softball Championships at Choccolocco Park.
    • Resolution No. 2024- 47 – Resolution approving a License Agreement between 3D Sports Group, LLC and the City of Oxford and authorizing the Mayor to sign the same.
• Council Comments/Reports
  • Coucnilmember Hubbard praised Hunter Gentry for his role in getting the city’s seal placed in the Council Chambers.
  • Councilmember Henderson notes that May 2nd will be National Prayer Day. All are invited to meet at City Hallam noon to pray.
• Mayor’s Comments
  • Mayor Craft personally related the thanks of Talladega racing staff for all the hard work by Oxford first responders. He said it was noted and appreciated.
• Set Public Hearings for May 14, 2024, to consider the following requests which were considered by the Oxford Planning Commission at their April 2, 2024 meeting:
  • Zoning request from Cale and Breanna Smith to zone property located at 1950 Peaceful valley Road as Agricultural District (AG)
  • Zoning request from Marcella Fox to rezone property located at 432 Mahaffey Road from Agricultural District (AG) to Manufactured Home District (MH)
• Visitors – None
• Motion to adjourn (next regular Council Meeting, May 14, 2024)

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