August 25, 2021
Lee Evancho
Work Session
Councilman Spurlin started the work session noting there was a short agenda, however many speakers.
The first matter discussed was the Ordinance # 20211-21 which concerns making the Health Care Authority of the city as its emergency medical service and the only ambulance provider in the city of Oxford.
Bill Bunn with Keep Oxford Beautiful addressed the Council regarding portable recycling bins called event containers. He learned about these while visiting the Tuscaloosa recycling center. These are foldable containers clearly marked with the recycling symbol. They could be set up at Choccolocco Park and other areas. The cost is around $900 for two packs of five containers each and a pack of 100 bags. This item will be voted on at the next meeting.
The next matter discussed was brought by Fire Chief Sparks. He has previously talked to the Mayor about the air packs used by Oxford Firefighters. The current model of “buddy breathers” used were purchased in 2012. Since their purchase the standard has changed to a universal coupling system. Currently, if a firefighter goes down, the County 911 center is notified and the neighboring city, Anniston, would send two engines. Anniston recently voted to upgrade their system to the universal standard. Oxford’s current breathing system would not be compatible. Chief Sparks requested making the purchase to upgrade the current equipment to the new standard. This purchase would be roughly $350,000, but would save the city $20,000 if purchased before September 1st. There are possible discounts that could be applied; however that would be the maximum cost. There was much discussion between Councilman Waits and Chief Sparks. Councilman Waits wanted to make sure the equipment purchase wouldn’t be rendered obsolete after purchase, and he wanted to make sure that this purchase would cover all of Oxford’s firefighters. Councilwoman Hubbard also wanted to understand the exact changes that had been made to the upgrade. Chief Sparks was able to explain the upgrade and confirm that all firefighters would have the new standard and that this would make the equipment good for the seven year lifespan of the bottles and other existing portions of equipment. The funds for this purchase could come out of the already budgeted air packs funds or through CARE funds.
Hunter Gentry and Amy Henderson spoke to thank the council for supporting them in the release and creation of their book, Images of America: Oxford. There will be a book signing this Saturday at 10:00 am at the Oxford Public Library in the community room. Books will also be available for purchase for $23.95. This event is open to the public.
A representative from ERA King wanted to address the council about an interesting situation that has come up. There is a property that was inherited and currently has a triplex on it. It was recently surveyed and determined that the triplex is on a portion of land that is on a city right of way. They are asking if the city is willing to do a quit claim deed to that portion of land. The council requested the formal survey and documentation to review and discuss.
Phil Bain with Kemp & Associates spoke about the city’s recent audit. He felt the city was in good shape. He noted that seven departments were slightly over appropriations, but this was not a large concern. He also stressed the city had strong internal controls. He then reviewed the summary of the 102 page report given to the city.
Rusty Gann spoke to the council about possible ideas for a secondary entrance into the Oxford Exchange. He wanted to present an idea that would utilize the existing bridge. He felt this would give the city additional retail space. The council debated what the next steps would need to be. Would they send out an RFP (request for proposal), or use the consultant they are currently contracted with and simply expand the scope of the current project they are working on? That consultant is CDG Engineers and Associates. The consensus of the council was that it was more timely and would create fewer issues to expand the existing consulting project vs starting from scratch and creating possible conflicts.
City Council Meeting
- Call to Order
- Welcome/Invocation – Tommy Screws, Calvary Baptist Church
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Approval of Minutes of August 10, 2021 – Unanimously Approved
- Old Business – No Old Business
- New Business
- Ordinance No. 2021 – 21 – Unanimously Approved
- Ordinance amending Chapter 12, Article II, of the City Code: Ambulance and Transportation Ordinance
- Ordinance No. 2021 – 21 – Unanimously Approved
- Consent Agenda
- Resolution No. 2021- 96 – Unanimously Approved
- Resolution declaring certain vehicles/equipment surplus and authorizing their sale/disposal.
- Resolution No. 2021- 96 – Unanimously Approved
- Council Comments/Reports
- Councilman Henderson wanted to congratulate Councilman Waits on the birth of his grandchild. He also wanted to congratulate Ben Nunnally on his new job as the Jacksonville Public Information Officer starting September 8th. He then sadly mentioned the passing of a community member.
- Councilman Waits also mentioned an additional passing of a community member.
- Mayor’s Comments
- The mayor spoke of an additional passing as well as an injury of a city employee during an ATV accident.
- Visitors
- Ben Nunnally addressed the council to say it, “Has been a blast.” He also noted that the economic growth of Oxford rivaled the whole county. He thanked them for having him. Councilman Spurlin noted that Ben has always been fair and honest. Ben jokingly noted he hated leaving before Big Time Entertainment opened. Chief Partridge was quick to joke that Ben should invite all of Jacksonville to come visit, have dinner, and stay the night in Oxford’s wonderful hotels!
- Motion to adjourn – Unanimously Approved
Next regular Council Meeting, September 14, 2021
