Oxford Makes Human Trafficking Proclamation and Celebrates the 170th Anniversary of the City

Work Session

The work session started with an update on Chief Gary Sparks.

The Mayor confirmed he will present the proclamations during the meeting.

For the public hearings scheduled public works and code enforcement has no concerns or issues.

Alan Atkinson confirmed that all procedures had been followed for resolution 2022-03 that is on tonight’s agenda.

Councilman Waits asked for a addition to the agenda to permit $500 to be spend on JSU marketing for softball jerseys to have Choccolocco Park on them. This is this would be the fifth year to do this.

John Longshore with OPAC spoke about the upcoming International Rubato Piano Competition. He also introduced Crystal Hancock, Director of Development and Julio Barreto, Director of Music Education. Mr. Barreto shared that 24 international students and six judges will be driving in August 2022. The judges are all from Universities and Conservatories around the world and will have their airfare and hotel stay provided. This cost is $26,000 and they would like to ask the council’s support for this cost. It was also noted that this competition will be open to the public and the audience will get to vote on a winner for best performance.

City Council

• Call to Order
  • Councilman Spurlin – Absent
  • Councilman Waits – Present
  • Councilman Henderson – Present
  • Councilwoman Hubbard – Present
  • Councilman Gardner – Absent
• Welcome/Invocation – David Harmon, Meadowbrook Baptist Church
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Approval of Minutes of January 11, 2022 – Unanimously Approved
• Old Business – None
• New Business
  • Proclamation – City of Oxford – 170th

    

    Anniversary

  • Proclamation – Human Trafficking
    • Jacqueline Wilson President of the Juniur League spoke about how grateful she was to city for their commitment to making Oxford a Trafficking Free City. All city employees have received training and that is only possible due to the commitment from the council and Mayor.
  • Public Hearing – to consider a zoning request from Jay Prince to rezone property located at 349 Taylors Chapel Road from Neighborhood Shopping Center District (NSC) to Agricultural District (AG) – No comments
  • Public Hearing – to consider a zoning request from Gary Morrison to rezone property located at 1822 and 1824 Bynum Boulevard from General Business District (GB) to Residential District (R-1)
    • Gary Morrison spoke to say this is his mother’s house and it has always been a residence. He would like to go back to being zoned residential.
  • Public Hearing – to consider a zoning request from Brenda Holmes to rezone property located at 0 Taylors Chapel Road (2.2 acres) from Neighborhood Shopping Center District (NSC) to Agricultural District (AG) – No comments
  • Public Hearing – to consider a zoning request from Wanda Bolt Fontaine to rezone property located at 5460 U. S. Highway 78 West from Neighborhood Shopping Center District (NSC) to Agricultural District (AG) – No comments
  • Public Hearing – to consider a zoning request from Lorenda Wleklinski to rezone property located at 5500 U. S. Highway 78 West from Neighborhood Shopping Center District (NSC) to Agricultural District (AG) – No comments
  • Ordinance No. 2022 – 06 – Ordinance rezoning property located at 349 Taylors Chapel Road from Neighborhood Shopping Center District (NSC) to Agricultural District (AG) – Unanimously Approved
  • Ordinance No. 2022 – 07 – Ordinance rezoning property located at 1822 and 1824 Bynum Boulevard from General Business District (GB) to Residential District (R-1) – Unanimously Approved
  • Ordinance No. 2022 – 08 – Ordinance rezoning property located at 0 Taylors Chapel Road (2.2 acres) from Neighborhood Shopping Center District (NSC) to Agricultural District (AG) – Unanimously Approved
  • Ordinance No. 2022 – 09 – Ordinance rezoning property located at 5460 U. S. Highway 78 W. from Neighborhood Shopping Center District (NSC) to Agricultural District (AG) – Unanimously Approved
  • Ordinance No. 2022 – 10 – Ordinance rezoning property located at 5500 U. S. Highway 78 W. from Neighborhood Shopping Center District (NSC) to Agricultural District (AG) – Unanimously Approved
  • CONSENT AGENDA
    • Resolution No. 2022- 03 – Resolution accepting for public use and maintenance Alexis Lane, Mollie Lane and Tiffany Lane – Unanimously Approved
    • Resolution No. 2022- 04 – Resolution the Mayor to enter into a Championship Venue Agreement with the Alabama High School Athletic Association and Jacksonville State University – Unanimously Approved
      • Don Hudson spoke about how excited he was for this new partnership and he thanks the council and Mayor.
• Ordinance 2022-11 Real Property Purchase of property at 516 West Oak St – Unanimously Approved
• Resolution 2022-05 Expense of $26,000 to the International Rubato Piano Competition – Unanimously Approved
• Resolution 2022-06 Approve $500 for JSU Marketing for Softball Jerseys – Unanimously Approved
• Council Comments/Reports
  • Councilman Henderson wanted to congratulate all the basketball players for their win at the recent tournament. He also congratulated the Green Power Team for the success at the recent Green Prix event. He is also excited about how versatile the park has become.
• Mayor’s Comments
  • Wanted to thank all the workers for all the do.
• Visitors
  • Gordon Atkinson spoke about two concerns. This first was the traffic outside the park. He was then told about the current projects and the hopes for upcoing projects as well. His other corn was the dogs running free. He wanted to understand why there was no city dog catcher. He was asked to stay and speak to the council, but had to leave due to his own dog being in the car. He did speak to the Chief of Police at the end of the meeting.
• Motion to adjourn (next regular Council Meeting, February 8, 2022) – Unanimously Approved