Oxford, AL – The City of Oxford recently marked a significant milestone as officials and residents gathered at Oxford City Hall to commemorate the city’s 172nd birthday bash. Organized by the City of Oxford and the Oxford Arts Council, this celebratory event brought together the community to reflect on the city’s rich history and to share aspirations for its promising future.
The event, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, featured a lineup of notable speakers who delved into Oxford’s past, present, and the vision for the years to come. Hunter Gentry, Director for Oxford Main Street, opened the proceedings by exploring the historical journey of a city thriving after 172 years. Jane Batey, President of the Oxford Arts Council, highlighted the city’s vibrant cultural scene and the numerous events that contribute to its artistic charm.
Council President Chris Spurlin, Mayor Alton Craft, Fire Chief Gary Sparks, and City Engagement Coordinator Brian Graves also took the stage to express their sentiments about Oxford’s journey and the community’s role in shaping its destiny. Mayor Alton Craft drew inspiration from Marshall University’s rallying cry, stating, “I hate to borrow from Marshall — you know, ‘We Are Marshall’ — but we are Oxford, aren’t we?”
Mayor Craft emphasized the uniqueness of Oxford’s approach in recent meetings with other cities, noting that the city is recognized for doing things “the Oxford way.” He explained that this approach involves striving for excellence, promoting inclusivity, and raising the standard for everyone.
Fire Chief Gary Sparks shared a poignant encounter with local high school students, underlining the importance of preserving the city’s history. Sparks recounted the challenges faced in 1984 when Mayor Leon Smith grappled with the city’s financial struggles. Expressing concern about potential disconnection with history among the younger generation, Sparks stressed the importance of events like the anniversary celebration to help students appreciate the contributions of those who came before them.
Mayor Craft echoed the sentiment of a thriving Oxford, acknowledging the city’s growing reputation and welcoming visitors from around the world and the United States. He marveled at the positive feedback, with many expressing surprise at the warm and inclusive atmosphere of Oxford. Craft concluded, “We’ve come a long way, and it’s about embodying the Oxford way, making people feel wanted and included.” The event served not only as a celebration of the city’s past but also as a rallying cry for its continued progress and unity.
City Council Meeting
- Call to Order
- Councilwoman Hubbard – Present
- Councilman Gardner – Present
- Councilman Waits – Present
- Councilman Henderson – Present
- Councilman Spurlin – Present
- Welcome/Invocation – Lem Burrell, Lakeview Baptist Church
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Approval of Minutes of January 23, 2024 – Unanimously Approved
- Old Business – None
- New Business
- Public Hearing – to consider a zoning request from Jimmie Couch to rezone property located at 1907 and 1911 Golden Springs Road from Residential 1 District (R-1) to Central Business District (CBD) – Unanimously Approved
- Amanda Henry spoke in favor of the rezoning. This was her father’s property before his passing. She said there is interest in building a small gas station and strip mall.
- Ordinance No. 2024- 01 – Ordinance rezoning property located at 1907 and 1911 Golden Springs Road from Residential 1 District (R-1) to Central Business District (CBD) – Unanimously Approved
- Ordinance No. 2024- 02 – Ordinance annexing the property of Danny and Kathy Butterworth, 3768 McIntosh Road, Talladega County. – Unanimously Approved
- Ordinance No. 2024- 03 – Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article IV, “Boards and Commissions”, Section 2-285, of “The Code of Ordinances of the City of Oxford requiring nominees and appointees of City boards be residents of the city unless the Council makes an exception for an appointment or nominee. – Unanimously Approved
- Current members will be grandfathered in and continue to serve the remained of their terms.
- Consent Agenda: – Unanimously Approved
- Resolution No. 2024- 04 – Resolution awarding the bid and authorizing a contract for Downtown Structure Demolition with Complete Demolition Services, LLC in the total amount of $118,997.00.
- Resolution No. 2024- 05 – Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Lake Management Contract with Jones Lake Management dba Aqua Services for professional aquatic weed and algae control service at Oxford Lake and Choccolocco Park in the total amount of $24,240.00 per year.
- Resolution No. 2024- 06 – Resolution to suspend the rule requiring the City Council to meet on the second Tuesday of March, 2024 in the Council Chambers at City Hall and to schedule a Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Oxford Performing Arts Center.
- Resolution No. 2024- 07 – Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for $2,000.00 with Camp Lee for the provision of recreational activities to youth in Oxford
- Resolution No. 2024- 08 – Resolution for the placement of a Municipal Lien on the property located at 165 Reaves Drive in the total amount of $184.00.
- Resolution No. 2024- 09 – Resolution for the placement of a Municipal Lien on the property located at 1100 Ingram Street in the total amount of $184.00.
- Resolution No. 2024- 10 – Resolution for the placement of a Municipal Lien on the property located at 92 Ada Drive in the total amount of $184.00.
- Resolution No. 2024- 11 – Resolution for the placement of a Municipal Lien on the property located at 2310 Dale Court in the total amount of $184.00.
- Resolution No. 2024- 12 – Resolution for the placement of a Municipal Lien on the property located at 57 Alan Street in the total amount of $184.00.
- Resolution No. 2024- 13 – Resolution for the placement of a Municipal Lien on the property located at 131 West Oak Street in the total amount of $2,230.16.
- Resolution No. 2024- 14 – Resolution awarding the bid for three (3) 2023 Ford Explorer Police Utility Vehicles to Sunny King Ford in the total amount of $42,920.00 per vehicle.
- Resolution No. 2024- 15 – Resolution amending the FY 2024 Budget and authorizing the purchase of a 2024 Toyota Highlander for the Building and Inspections Department in the total amount of $43,641.00.
- Resolution No. 2024-16 – Renaming City Street to Parkway Crossing.
- Public Hearing – to consider a zoning request from Jimmie Couch to rezone property located at 1907 and 1911 Golden Springs Road from Residential 1 District (R-1) to Central Business District (CBD) – Unanimously Approved
- Council Comments/Reports
- Councilman Henderson thanked all who contributed fishing event and stated he was impressed with the way it was handled.
- Mayor’s Comments – None
- Set public hearings for February 27, 2024, to consider the following:
- A condemnation at 35 Alan Street
- Request from Stan Bush, Diann F. Caulder, Karleen Pate, Katey Pate, Patricia Kerr and PAC Enterprises, LLC to vacate an alley running southwesterly off Mattison Road.
- A zoning request from Danny and Kay Butterworth to zone property located at 3768 McIntosh Road as Agricultural District (AG)
- Visitors
- Motion to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of reviewing potential litigation. – Unanimously Approved
Next regular Council Meeting, February 27, 2024
