Oxford City Council Honors Truth Radio and Advances Rubato Piano Competition Broadcasts in June 11th Meeting

Oxford, AL – Oxford held their Regularly called City Council Meeting and Work Session on June 11th, 2024.

• Call to Order
• Welcome/Invocation –  David Harmon, Meadowbrook Baptist Church
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Approval of Minutes of May 28, 2024 – Unanmously Approved
• Old Business – None
• New Business
  • Proclamation – Truth Radio
    • Pressented to Reverend Grinstead – The Oxford City Council has issued a proclamation honoring Truth Radio on its 30th anniversary, recognizing its founding on May 29, 1994, and its growth to encompass multiple stations serving 24 counties. Operated by Trinity Christian Academy of Trinity Baptist Church in Oxford, Alabama, Truth Radio broadcasts Christian programming supported by listeners, focusing on spreading the Gospel and fostering Christian growth through diverse content including music, dramas, Biblical preaching, and programs addressing family, financial, and health topics. Mayor Alton Craft has declared May 26, 2024, as Truth Radio Day in Oxford, urging citizens to commemorate the station’s contributions.
    • Reverend Grinstead expressed gratitude especailly during Vacation Bible School, noting the surprising attendance despite it being vacation time. He thanked former Mayor Smith and the current Mayor as well as the city council for their support from the bginnning and now for their support, highlighting the reach of Truth Radio across 24 counties and its impact on listeners’ lives. Reflecting on the station’s growth from its first transmitter on Mount Cheaha to additional sites, he praised the community’s role in its success. Grinstead welcomed visitors to learn more about the station at Trinity Baptist Church, where he hosts interviews daily at noon, inviting all to engage with the radio’s programming.

• • Ordinance No. 2024- 17 – Ordinance annexing the property of Wilber and Melda Matson, 2884 McIntosh Road, Talladega County. – Unanmously Approved
  • Public Hearing – to consider a zoning request from Wilber and Melda Matson to zone property located at 2884 McIntosh Road as Residential 1 District (R-1) – No Comments
  • Public Hearing – to consider a zoning request from Roger Gibbs and Anita Davenport to rezone property located at 704 Hale Street from Residential 2 District (R-2) to Planned Development 3 District (PD-3) – No Comments
  • Public Hearing – to consider a zoning request from Genie Pembrook to rezone property located at 1610 Beck Road from General Business District (GB) to Residential 1 District (R-1) – No Comments
  • Public Hearing – to receive comments on the condemnation notice sent to H. T. Hickman for a structure located at 32 Dessie Circle to show cause, if any, as to why the structure located on the property should not be condemned – No Comments
  • Ordinance No. 2024- 18 – Ordinance zoning the property located at 2884 McIntosh Road as Residential 1 District (R-1) – Unanmously Approved
  • Ordinance No. 2024- 19 – Ordinance rezoning property located at 704 Hale Street from Residential 2 District (R-2) to Planned Development 3 District (PD-3) – Unanmously Approved
  • Ordinance No. 2024- 20 – Ordinance rezoning property located at 1610 Beck Road from General Business District (GB) to Residential 1 District (R-1) – Unanmously Approved
  • Ordinance No. 2024- 21 – Ordinance establishing a Reserve Police Force within the Police Department of the City of Oxford, Alabama. – Unanmously Approved
  • Ordinance No. 2024- 22 – Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article V, “Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace”, of “The Code of Ordinances of the City of Oxford, Alabama” – Unanmously Approved
  • Resolution No. 2024 – 62 – Resolution condemning the structure located at 32 Dessie Circle. – Unanmously Approved
  • Consent Agenda – Unanmously Approved
    • Resolution No. 2024 – 63 – Resolution to suspend the rule requiring the City Council to meet on the second Tuesday of June, 2024 in the Council Chambers at City Hall and to schedule a Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Bynum Community Center
    • Resolution No. 2024- 64 – Resolution approving a Short Term Rental Permit request for 3518 Mary Drive.
• Council Comments/Reports – None
• Mayor’s Comments
  • Reminder that Juneteenth has been moved to July 5th to grant a 5 day weekend.
• Set a Public Hearing for June 25, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.at the Bynum Community Center to consider the Bynum Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements Project
• Visitors
  • Bill Bunn discussed concerns about road signs and road conditions during a community meeting. He raised questions about the maintenance of street signs, particularly those with serious issues or potential malfunctions, and inquired about a sign truck’s status. Bunn also expressed concerns about the condition of Elm Street, especially between a new gas station and other nearby areas, describing its deterioration and the need for improvements to support traffic flow. He mentioned discussions with officials about these issues and confirmed there are plans to resurface Elm Street, though details on widening it remain uncertain.
  • Brian Graves shared exciting developments regarding the Rubato International Piano Competition during a recent meeting. He highlighted efforts to expand the event’s reach through broadcasting, mentioning successful past competitions and plans for future coverage on Alabama Public Television (APT). Graved discussed his meeting with Wayne Gray, APT’s Executive Director, where they agreed to broadcast the 2025 competition, showcasing talented students and promoting the event nationally. He emphasized the opportunity for students to receive a masterclass from APT’s Emmy award-winning production team, enhancing the competition’s broadcast quality. Graved outlined plans for a 90-minute documentary performance special, featuring highlights from the competition and promoting local attractions like the Oxford Performing Arts Center and Children’s Museum. He noted the extensive viewership potential, with APT reaching 1.9 million households weekly and influencing markets beyond Alabama. Graved expressed optimism that PBS stations nationwide might pick up the special, underscoring the significant promotional value at no cost to Oxford.
• Motion to adjourn (next regular Council Meeting, June 25, 2024 at the Bynum Community Center)