Oxford City Council Meeting and Work Session Summary – August 27, 2024

Oxford, AL – Oxford held their Regularly called City Council Meeting and Work Session on August 27th 

Work Session

During the Oxford City Council work session held on August 28, 2024, several key topics were discussed:

1. Agenda Adjustments: The meeting began with acknowledgments that some items, including accommodations for the police department, would be postponed.
2. Janitorial Services Bid: The council reviewed a bid package for janitorial services at the public works building. To begin services by September 1, approval was needed promptly, or the start date would be delayed until mid-September.
3. Zoning and Mapping: Discussion included the city’s zoning maps and annexations. Concerns were raised about ensuring zoning regulations, especially regarding single-family dwelling areas and their density.
4. Community Updates: The council addressed ongoing community projects, including improvements at the Friendship area and road closures for future construction projects. The timeline for these projects was noted to be uncertain, with some potentially extending over several years.

City Council Meeting 

• Call to Order
  • Councilwoman Hubbard – Present
  • Councilman Gardner – Present
  • Councilman Waits – Present
  • Councilman Henderson – Present
  • Councilman Spurlin – Present
• Welcome/Invocation – Jerry Patterson, Calvary Baptist Church
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Approval of Minutes of August 13, 2024 – Unanimously Approved
• Old Business – None
• New Business
  • Proclamation – Donald Heard, Assistant Chief, Fire Department
    • The City of Oxford honored Assistant Chief Donald Heard with a proclamation recognizing his 40 years of dedicated service. The proclamation was presented by Mayor Alton Craft and the City Council. Assistant Chief Donald Heard started his firefighting career on August 14, 1984, with the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department and is currently serving as Assistant Fire Chief. He became Oxford’s first full-time certified firefighter in 1987 after completing certification at Pell City Fire Academy. He also obtained various EMT licenses and worked with the Oxford Emergency Rescue Service. Heard joined the Anniston Army Depot’s Fire and Emergency Services in 1989, where he advanced to Fire Chief in 2004. His leadership earned the department several awards, including the 2015 Army Materials Command Award for Fire Prevention. After retiring from the Anniston Army Depot in 2019, Heard remained active with the Oxford Fire Department, earning the Martin Boyle Volunteer Firefighter of the Year award in 2019 and 2023. During the ceremony, Heard reflected on his extensive career, acknowledging past colleagues and praising the current Oxford Fire Department team for their dedication and excellence. Fellow firefighters shared their personal experiences with Heard, highlighting his skills and contributions to the field. The proclamation celebrated Heard’s longstanding commitment and significant impact on fire service in Oxford.

• • Proclamation – Historic Main Street Oxford
    • The City of Oxford honored Historic Main Street Oxford with a proclamation celebrating its 10th anniversary. The proclamation was presented by Mayor Alton Craft. Historic Main Street Oxford was established on July 22, 2014, with the goals of enhancing downtown vibrancy, preserving historical aspects, and empowering local.  Over the years, Historic Main Street Oxford has earned several awards from organizations such as Main Street Alabama and the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce

      contract with Dixie Cleaning Solutions for Janitorial Services and Public Market Parks.

      As it marks its 10th anniversary, the city commends the efforts of the program’s director, board members, and volunteers, recognizing their dedication to making Historic Main Street Oxford a standout feature in the community. Mayor Craft expressed pride in the achievements of Historic Main Street Oxford and anticipation for its continued success in the future.

• • Consent Agenda – Unanimously Approved
    • Resolution No. 2024- 82  – Resolution for the placement of a Municipal Lien on the property located at 11 Alan Street in the total amount of $184.00.
    • Resolution No. 2024- 83  – Resolution for the placement of a Municipal Lien on the property located at 219 McKibbon Street in the total amount of $184.00.
    • Resolution No. 2024- 84  – Resolution for the placement of a Municipal Lien on the property located at 32 Dessie Circle in the total amount of $13,950.06.
    • Resolution No. 2024- 85  – Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission for Fixed Route and ADA Paratransit Services for FY2025.
    • Resolution No. 2024- 86 – Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission for a comprehensive mapping program for FY2025.
    • Resolution No. 2024- 87 –Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a contract with Dixie Cleaning Solutions for Janitorial Services.
• Motion to adjourn (next regular Council Meeting, September 10, 2024)