November 24, 2021
Lee Evancho
Work Session
- Roll Call
- Councilman Spurlin – Present
- Councilman Waits – Present
- Councilman Henderson – Present
- Councilwoman Hubbard – Present
- Councilman Gardner – Absent
- Resolution No. 2021 – 142 – Resolution condemning the structure located at 214 1st Avenue Pinecrest.
- The owner has asked to have an extension to December 14th. Council will proceed with vote, but will vote to not start condemnation until the 14th.
- Resolution No. 2021 – 144 – Resolution condemning the structure located at 804 Pine Ridge Drive.
- The mortgage holder has asked to have an extension to February 8th. This will allow time for foreclosure. The goal is to get the property repaired and resell it. The Council will proceed with vote, but will vote to not start condemnation until the 8th of February.
- Resolution No. 2021 – 150 – Resolution granting a one-time $50.00 pay raise for City employees in the month of December, 2021.
- After speaking with the Mayor Councilman Spurlan asked that the resolution be modified to a one time $75 raise.
- Resolution No. 2021 – 151 – Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2022 budget to provide recycling services.
- The Mayor spoke and said he felt the city was “Putting the cart the horse.” He also said that the county and Commissioner Henderson did not donate the building to be a recycling center. The intent was to be a police and public safety outpost. The Mayor always intended for the small building in front to be an office for Keep Oxford Beautiful. The barn was never intended to be a recycling center. The Mayor also suggested picking up cardboard and recycling through the ball season and then the city can see how many people are using the program. At that point the city can look at opening up a larger center. He wanted to stress that he isn’t against recycling, but this is a large investment that has been tried before and hasn’t worked. He would suggest that five to ten people are located in each neighborhood to see if they are interested in a recycling program. He also mentioned that this property is large, it is 5.5 acres and many of the community members are concerned that the property would turn into a dump.
- Bill Bunn, with Keep Oxford Beautiful, spoke up and stated it was “My fault, I misunderstood. I thought that we had what you wanted.” He also stated he has no issue stop working not he recycling center portion and start getting a salary and taking cardboard, aluminum/steel, and paper to the county dropoffs, but they would not be able to collect plastic.
- Councilman Spurlin said he thanked the county for the property and he agreed with what the Mayor was saying and could see the benefit in waiting until ball season was over and seeing what the response would be.
- Bill Bunn spoke again and said he had spent $1,500 out of his own pocket this year attending training and purchasing supplies. He was implementing what experts in this field suggested to have a successful recycling program. He also felt the city should continue with the plans in place.
- Jennifer George spoke for a group of community members near the proposed recycling center. They are very concerned with the location that was selected. She stated that trash was already being dropped off there and was blowing in their yard. She also noted that traffic was a large concern. This site will be open to the public and they already have traffic issues with the school at one end and now will have the recycling center at the other end.
- Councilwoman Hubbard spoke and clarified that she had personally spoken to Commissioner Henderson about using a portion of the barn for storage for a recycling center. This was a known use for the donated land.
City Council Meeting
- Call to Order
- Councilman Spurlin – Present
- Councilman Waits – Present
- Councilman Henderson – Present
- Councilwoman Hubbard – Present
- Councilman Gardner – Absent
- Welcome/Invocation –
- Pledge of Allegiance –
- Approval of Minutes of November 9, 2021 – Motion did not pass as Councilwoman Hubbard and Councilman Waits abstained due to previous absence. Councilmen Henderson and Spurlin voted yes.
- Old Business
- Resolution No. 2021 – 142 – Resolution condemning the structure located at 214 1st Avenue Pinecrest. – Unanimously Approved
- Resolution No. 2021 – 144 – Resolution condemning the structure located at 804 Pine Ridge Drive. – Unanimously Approved
- New Business
- Resolution No. 2021 – 150 – Resolution granting a one-time $75.00 pay raise for City employees in the month of December, 2021. – Unanimously Approved
- Resolution No. 2021 – 151 – Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2022 budget to provide recycling services. – No motion or second to the original resolution. Councilwoman Hubbard proposed amending to include the salary portion only. – Motion did recieve a second from Councilman Henderson, but the motion died when Councilman Henderson withdrew his second.
- Councilman Henderson asked if Mr. Bunn felt like he could still do the job with the recycling center. Mr. Bunn did state he would continue because it was that important to him.
- Councilman Waits stated he had a lot of questions about what the Mayor said and what the plan is.
- Motion to amend the lease agreement with Congressman Mike Rogers increasing it by $200 and including an extra office. – Unanimously Approved
- Council Comments/Reports
- Councilman Henderson – Hope everyone has a save and happy Thanksgiving. He is happy that COVID seems to be on the decline and hopefully that will continue.
- Councilman Waits explained why the Mike Rogers lease agreement was increased.
- Mayor’s Comments
- The Mayor reminded everyone about the festival of lights that is happening now.
- He talked about the success of the Rivalry Race even though Oxford lost.
- He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
- Visitors
- Community members questioned what the next step to the recycling center would be. It was explained that before the zoning could be changed there would be a public hearing and all property owners near the location would receive notice.
- A heartfelt thank you was given to Oxford EMS for their help and support with a medical emergency.
- Motion to adjourn (next regular Council Meeting, December 14, 2021) – Unanimously Approved
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