Oxford public meetings in 2022
45 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Commissioners
The Commission authorized the signing of grant agreements for the Strand Shoreline Improvements project. They also approved a letter of support for the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health's relocation to a new center on Rt 50. A letter to Talbot County regarding water and sewer designations was also approved.
- Approved signing of grant agreements for Strand Shoreline Improvements funding from NWF and MD DNR
- Approved letter of support for University of Maryland Shore Regional Health relocation to Rt 50
- Approved letter to Talbot County regarding Water and Sewer designations
- Approved November 15, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved filing of November Disbursements Report for audit
- Moved public hearing for Ordinance 2216 to January 10, 2023
Planning Commission
The commission recommended that the Board of Appeals favorably consider a variance for setbacks at 214 N. Morris Street. Members also discussed setback clarifications for a vacant lot at 101 South Street and planned workshops to update the Comprehensive Plan's Land Use chapter.
- Approved minutes of November 1, 2022
- Recommended favorable consideration of variance for setbacks at 214 N. Morris Street (Unanimous)
- Decided to correct appeal document for 214 N. Morris Street to include two outdoor units instead of three (Unanimous)
Historic District
The commission approved two building permits for residential modifications and tabled one permit due to a lack of representation. Members also discussed potential guideline updates for electric vehicle charging stations and historic tree protection.
- Approved replacement of garage door with double French doors and side lights at 205 Tilghman Street (unanimous)
- Approved pool and pool house plans at 103 Tred Avon Avenue (unanimous)
- Tabled permit #22-100 for deck and fencing at 514 E. Strand pending representation
- Approved minutes from November 7, 2022 meeting
Commissioners
The Commissioners introduced Ordinance 2215, which would require the Appeals Board to review the record of proceedings from the Planning Commission or Historic District Commission. A public hearing for this ordinance is scheduled for December 13, 2022. The board also approved previous meeting minutes and the October Disbursements Report.
- Approved October 25, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved filing of October Disbursements Report for audit (unanimous)
- Introduced Ordinance 2215 to amend the Oxford Zoning Ordinance appeal process (unanimous)
Board of Port Wardens
The Board of Port Wardens approved a permit for Robert Fay to remove an existing pier and floating dock and construct a new pier. The approved plan includes three finger piers, four boat slips, and seven mooring piles, with a layout shift of 7 feet per a revision drawing dated 10/26/22.
- Approved minutes from August 18, 2022 and October 13, 2022
- Approved Permit #22-03 for Robert Fay at 305 Market Street (unanimous)
Historic District
The commission approved building permits for a church ramp and deck project and two residential equipment installations. The church project includes a new deck, ramp, and sidewalks, while the residential approvals require specific screening for HVAC and propane tanks.
- Approved heat pump and boiler replacement at 214 S. Morris Street with a white picket fence for screening (Unanimous)
- Approved propane tank placement at 107 Norton Street subject to shrubbery or white wooden picket screening (Unanimous)
- Approved demolition of existing ramp and construction of new deck, ramp, sidewalks, and stoop at Waters United Methodist Church (Unanimous)
- Approved October 3, 2022 meeting minutes
Planning Commission
The commission approved the September 6, 2022, meeting minutes. Town Manager Cheryl Lewis introduced the process for updating the town's Comprehensive Plan, which is required by the state every 10 years. The commission will review land use planning and plan chapters over the coming months.
- Approved September 6, 2022, meeting minutes
Commissioners
The Commissioners approved Ordinance 2213 to increase fines for town code and parking violations. They also approved Ordinance 2214 to amend the FY 2022 General/Enterprise Budget and re-appropriate funds. Additionally, the board approved annual health reimbursement plan renewals for employees and retirees.
- Approved Ordinance 2213 to increase fines for town code and parking violations (unanimous)
- Approved Ordinance 2214 to amend FY 2022 General/Enterprise Budget and re-appropriate funds (unanimous)
- Approved annual renewal of Oxford Employee Health Reimbursement Plan (unanimous)
- Approved annual renewal of Oxford Retiree Health Reimbursement Plan (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2215 honoring Stacy Dulin (unanimous)
- Approved September 26, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved filing September Disbursements Report for audit (unanimous)
Board of Port Wardens
The Board of Port Wardens approved a bulkhead replacement permit for 100 Myrtle Avenue and approved modifications to permits for Campbell's Bachelor Point Marina and Jack's Point Boatyard. A consultation was held regarding bulkhead and pier work at 212 and 214 Tilghman Street. Discussion on mooring inspection procedures was deferred for further review.
- Approved Permit #22-06 for bulkhead replacement at 100 Myrtle Avenue (unanimous)
- Approved modified application for Campbell's Bachelor Point Marina to include timber bulkhead replacement (unanimous)
- Approved Campbell's Jack's Point Boatyard application with new configuration drawing (unanimous)
Historic District
The Oxford Historic District Commission approved seven building permits, including a controversial wire fence for Suzanne Beyda at 223 S. Morris Street, which passed 3-2 after debate over whether it complied with design guidelines. Other approvals included a porch replacement, fence extension, signs, deck, windows, and a shed conversion. A consultation on a pool house at 103 Tred Avon Avenue drew concerns about its modern design and size.
- Approved Permit #22-80: Richard Schramm at 208 S. Morris Street to replace unsafe brick porch floor with gray A-Tech synthetic wood flooring (unanimous).
- Approved Permit #22-79: Susan Haggerty at 206 South Street to extend a 4' white picket fence 6" off the north property line (unanimous).
- Approved Permit #22-81: 202 Bank, LLC at 202 Banks Street for a free-standing monument sign, subject to zoning review and potential size reduction (unanimous).
- Approved Permit #22-78: Ellie Kelepouris at 207 Tred Avon Avenue to replace deck with pervious composite deck and install trellis for HVAC screening (unanimous).
- Approved Permit #22-83: Christopher Rissmiller at 214 N. Morris Street to replace three windows and construct a new back porch (unanimous).
- Approved Permit #22-61: Suzanne Beyda at 223 S. Morris Street to install double-loop hairpin wire fencing, connecting north and south sides (3-2 vote).
- Approved Permit #22-84: Ingrid Matuszewski at 216 South Street to add doors and windows to existing shed for art studio conversion (unanimous).
- Held consultation: Discussed pool house design at 103 Tred Avon Avenue; commission expressed concerns about modern look and size relative to the house.
Commissioners
The Commissioners approved minutes and disbursements, introduced Ordinance 2214 to amend the FY 2022 budget, and set a public hearing for October 25. They also swore in new Planning Commission and Zoning Board members, and discussed traffic studies, leaf pickup, and tree health.
- Approved September 13 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved August Disbursements Report for audit (unanimous)
- Introduced Ordinance 2214 amending FY 2022 budget (unanimous)
- Scheduled public hearing for Ordinance 2213 (fine increases) on October 25
- Scheduled public hearing for Ordinance 2214 (budget amendment) on October 25
- Administered Oath of Office to Cameron Mactavish (Planning Commission) and David Poe (Zoning Board of Appeals)
- Set November 15 and December 13 as single meeting dates for those months
Commissioners
The Commissioners approved the appointment of Lucy Garliauskas and Cameron Mactavish to the Planning Commission for five-year terms, expanding the board to seven members to assist with the upcoming Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code update. They also introduced Ordinance 2213 to increase fines for code violations, with a public hearing set for October 25, 2022. The town manager reported progress on the Strand Beach Shoreline Improvements project and plans for a budget revision to cover paving and sidewalk improvements.
- Appointed Lucy Garliauskas to Planning Commission for 5-year term (2-0)
- Appointed Cameron Mactavish to Planning Commission for 5-year term (2-0)
- Introduced Ordinance 2213 to increase fines for code violations (2-0)
Planning Commission
The Oxford Planning Commission denied a request for a side yard setback variance for a heat pump at 212 South Street and voted to send a negative recommendation to the Board of Appeals. They also rejected a building permit for a garage at 104 Tred Avon Avenue, requiring a variance, and voted not to send a recommendation to the Board of Appeals for that property. The commission approved the annual report letter to the Maryland Department of Planning.
- Denied appeal for heat pump setback variance at 212 South Street (unanimous)
- Sent negative recommendation to Board of Appeals for heat pump variance (4-1, Baker abstaining)
- Rejected building permit for garage at 104 Tred Avon Avenue (unanimous)
- Voted not to send recommendation to Board of Appeals for garage variance (3-2)
- Approved annual report letter to MD Department of Planning (unanimous)
Historic District
The Oxford Historic District Commission approved 11 building permits, denied one for fiberglass window replacement on a contributing historic home, and tabled a fence dispute between neighbors. A permit for copper roofing on a church steeple passed 3-1. The commission also discussed limiting future agendas to 8 applications.
- Approved in-ground pool and fence at 305 N. Morris St. (unanimous)
- Approved navy shutters and composite decking at 202 E. Strand (unanimous)
- Tabled fence permit at 223 S. Morris St. pending neighbor agreement
- Approved cedar shingle roof replacement on 'Byeberry' house (unanimous)
- Approved retractable awning and trash screen fence at 206 Tred Avon Ave. (unanimous)
- Approved pool deck, hot tub, and fence at 219 South St. (unanimous)
- Denied fiberglass window replacement at 106 Benoni St. (unanimous)
- Approved copper roofing on church steeple at 225 S. Morris St. (3-1, Stanley recused)
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners approved three resolutions: one changing the oath of office procedure for newly elected commissioners, one extending polling hours to 8 am–8 pm on Election Day, and one updating the town fee schedule effective October 1, 2022. All votes were unanimous. The town manager also reported progress on paving, traffic calming, and stormwater RFPs.
- Approved Resolution 2210 amending oath administration procedure (3-0)
- Approved Resolution 2211 extending Election Day polling hours to 8 am–8 pm (3-0)
- Approved Resolution 2212 updating the Oxford Fee Schedule effective October 1, 2022 (3-0)
- Approved minutes of August 9, 2022 meeting (3-0)
- Approved filing July 2022 disbursements for audit (3-0)
Board of Port Wardens
The Board of Port Wardens reviewed a permit for an in-kind pier replacement at 105 First Street, but deferred a decision because the proposed 6-foot width exceeded the existing 4-foot pier, requiring updated drawings and MDE approval. Multiple consultations were held on floating dock requests, with guidance given on size limits and non-conforming structures. No final votes were taken on any permit or consultation.
- Permit #22-05 for 105 First Street pier replacement deferred; applicant must submit scaled drawings and apply to MDE
- Consultation with Todd Jones on floating dock at 309 Bonfield Avenue: board noted size limits and MDE permit requirement
- Consultation with William Saum on floating dock at 107 Pleasant Street: board explained size calculation and application process
- Consultation with David Kane on floating dock at 215 South Street: board determined pier is non-conforming, no modifications allowed
- Consultation with Ronnie Cutts on bulkhead and travel lift at Tilghman Street: board provided feedback, no decision made
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners adopted the Talbot County Hazard Mitigation and Community Resilience Plan as the town's hazard mitigation plan. They also approved several appointments, including Henry Hale as alternate on the Board of Port Wardens, and accepted $900,000 in DNR grant funds for the Strand Beach Project. The meeting included reports and discussions on various topics, but no other major decisions were made.
- Adopted Talbot County Hazard Mitigation and Community Resilience Plan (unanimous)
- Approved Henry Hale as alternate on Oxford Board of Port Wardens (unanimous)
- Approved acceptance of $900,000 DNR grant for Strand Beach Project (unanimous)
- Approved reappointment of Cheryl Lewis to Talbot County Local Emergency Planning Committee (unanimous)
- Approved reappointment of Suzanne Litty to Historic District Committee (unanimous)
- Approved reappointment of Bob Trevorrow to Port Wardens (unanimous)
- Approved reappointment of Ethics Committee members William Dial, Mary Klair, Cammy Passarella (unanimous)
- Approved July 12, 2022 meeting minutes and filed June 2022 disbursements (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Oxford Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Appeals grant a rear yard setback variance for a proposed two-story home at 100 Stewart Avenue. The front setback is covered under Section 32.10 of the zoning ordinance, so only the rear variance is needed. Neighbors raised concerns about stormwater runoff, but the commission noted that stormwater plans will be required during the permit process.
- Approved minutes of June 7, 2022 meeting
- Recommended rear yard setback variance for 100 Stewart Ave to Board of Appeals (unanimous)
Historic District
The Oxford Historic District Commission approved four building permits and deferred one. It approved replacing 9 side windows at 106 Benoni Street, a Starlink satellite dish at 200 West Street, a gravel driveway at 212 South Street, and a heat condenser with lattice screening at the same address. The commission deferred a fence installation at 223 S. Morris Street to the next meeting. It also discussed an appeal regarding a previous fence permit and held consultations on new construction and shutter replacements.
- Approved replacement of 9 side windows at 106 Benoni Street (unanimous)
- Approved Starlink satellite dish at 200 West Street (unanimous)
- Approved gravel driveway at 212 South Street (unanimous)
- Approved heat condenser with lattice at 212 South Street (unanimous)
- Deferred fence installation at 223 S. Morris Street to next meeting (unanimous)
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners approved $750 scholarships for Sara Chappel and Haley Sadler from the Gordon Graves Scholarship fund. They also approved the library's October 1 book sale with Market Street closure, supported an OCC grant application, and approved the Smith Island Crab Skiff Race for September 17. The meeting included routine reports and a closed session for personnel and legal matters.
- Approved $750 scholarship to Sara Chappel (unanimous)
- Approved $750 scholarship to Haley Sadler (unanimous)
- Approved library book sale on Oct 1 with Market Street closure 8:30 am-2:30 pm (unanimous)
- Approved support for OCC grant application for technology improvements (unanimous)
- Approved Smith Island Crab Skiff Race on Sept 17 (unanimous)
- Approved June 28, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Elected James Jaramillo as Commission President (unanimous)
- Administered oath of office to Commissioner Tom Costigan
Historic District
The Oxford Historic District Commission approved a 120-foot wire fence for Bernie Witter at 213 South Street despite objections from neighbors and two commission members, voting 3-2. The commission also approved several other permits, including a heat pump at 206 Tred Avon Avenue with a screening condition, and a flagstone patio at 204 Factory Street. A request to place large rocks in a public verge at 228 S. Morris Street was withdrawn by the applicants.
- Approved 50-ft privacy fence at 219 South Street (unanimous)
- Approved 120-ft wire fence at 213 South Street (3-2, Deerin, Stanley, Litty in favor; Ingram, Wells against)
- Approved 3-ft Oxford picket gate at 209 S. Morris Street (unanimous)
- Approved metal wire fence replacement at 209 S. Morris Street (4-1, Ingram against)
- Approved heat pump at 206 Tred Avon Avenue with condition to install shrub/tree to screen unit (unanimous)
- Approved brick paver walkway at 228 S. Morris Street (unanimous)
- Withdrawn: request for large rocks in public verge at 228 S. Morris Street
- Approved 1,204 sq. ft. flagstone patio at 204 Factory Street (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Oxford Planning Commission denied building permit #22-46 for a heat pump at 206 Tred Avon Avenue because it violated the 5-foot side yard setback. The commission also discussed pool cover regulations but deferred action until the next meeting when the town planner returns.
- Denied building permit #22-46 for heat pump at 206 Tred Avon Avenue (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of May 3, 2022 as distributed
- Deferred pool cover discussion to next meeting
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners approved a $1,000 donation to the Oxford Business Association to support Plein Air artists, funded from the general budget. They also approved a resolution honoring the Oxford Community Center's 40th anniversary and the annual reinstatement of the Employee Section 125 Cafeteria Plan. The meeting included reports on public works, police, and fire company activities, and discussions on speeding concerns and future crosswalks.
- Approved May 24, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Filed May 2022 disbursements for audit (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2208 honoring Oxford Community Center 40th anniversary (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution for Employee Section 125 Cafeteria Plan reinstatement (unanimous)
- Approved $1,000 donation to Oxford Business Association for Plein Air artists (unanimous)
Historic District
The Oxford Historic District Commission approved four building permits: an elevator addition at 200 E. Strand, a fence/screen door/sidewalk removal at 313 S. Morris Street, a paint color change at 202 N. Morris Street, and a pergola at 208 Factory Street. They also approved a request to paint a shed white at 212 Tilghman Street. All approvals were unanimous.
- Approved elevator addition at 200 E. Strand (unanimous)
- Approved fence, screen door, and sidewalk removal at 313 S. Morris Street (unanimous)
- Approved paint color change to Wales Gray at 202 N. Morris Street (unanimous)
- Approved pergola at 208 Factory Street (unanimous)
- Approved painting shed white at 212 Tilghman Street (unanimous)
Commissioners
The Commissioners approved three ordinances: the FY2022 budget amendment, the FY2023 budget with a tax rate of $0.32 per $100 of assessed value (up from $0.3187), and new water/sewer rates with a 3% annual increase. They also discussed the Middle Passage signage project, expressing support for a sign but not a larger sanctuary. No public comment was received on the ordinances.
- Approved FY2022 budget amendment (Ordinance 2203) (unanimous)
- Approved FY2023 budget with $0.32 tax rate (Ordinance 2204) (unanimous)
- Approved new water/sewer rates with 3% annual increase (Ordinance 2205) (unanimous)
- Approved May 10, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved April 2022 disbursements (unanimous)
Commissioners
The Commissioners discussed the proposed Middle Passage signage at the Strand waterfront but did not make a decision, agreeing that significant public input is needed before determining a location. They approved the meeting minutes and received reports on public works and police activities. A public hearing for the FY 2023 budget and water/sewer rates was announced for May 24, 2022.
- Approved May 10, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Deferred decision on Middle Passage signage location pending public input
- Announced public hearing for Ordinances 2203, 2204, 2205 on May 24, 2022
Planning Commission
The Oxford Planning Commission denied Permit #22-26 for a propane tank at 206 Tred Avon Avenue due to setback violations, and denied Permit #22-38 for a heat pump at 26108 Bachelor Harbor Drive, but recommended the Board of Appeals consider approving a variance for the heat pump. The commission also discussed a potential zoning ordinance amendment to allow automatic pool covers instead of fences, but took no action.
- Denied Permit #22-26 for propane tank at 206 Tred Avon Avenue (unanimous)
- Denied Permit #22-38 for heat pump at 26108 Bachelor Harbor Drive (unanimous)
- Recommended Board of Appeals consider variance for heat pump (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of March 1 and April 5, 2022 meetings
Historic District
The Oxford Historic Commission approved three building permits for fence replacement, porch repair, and railing installation, and denied one door replacement application after the applicant withdrew it. The commission also discussed proposed changes to a property on S. Morris Street and elected a new chairman.
- Approved fence replacement at 110 E. Strand (unanimous)
- Approved porch repair and railing replacement at 106 E. Strand (unanimous)
- Approved railing installation at 109 Benoni Street (unanimous)
- Door replacement at 104 E. Strand withdrawn by applicant
- Elected James Deerin as new chairman (unanimous)
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners approved Ordinance 2202, amending the harbor line to eliminate nonconforming status for several piers in Crockett's Cove. They also introduced three ordinances for FY2023 budget, water/sewer rates, and budget adjustments, with public hearings set for May 24, 2022. Additionally, they discussed a proposed Middle Passage Marker at the Strand, scheduling a workshop, and considered a potential annexation request for 15.5 acres south of the Public Works facility.
- Approved Ordinance 2202 amending harbor line for Crockett's Cove piers (unanimous)
- Introduced Ordinance 2203 for FY2022 budget adjustments and re-appropriations (unanimous)
- Introduced Ordinance 2204 adopting FY2023 budget with tax rate of $0.32 per $100 assessed value (unanimous)
- Introduced Ordinance 2205 setting new water and sewer rates with 3% increase (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2206 honoring Gretchen Gordan (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 2207 honoring Wendy Palmer (unanimous)
- Approved Historic District Commission member moves: Julie Wells to full, Tom Costigan to alternate (unanimous)
- Approved March 2022 disbursement report for audit (unanimous)
Board of Port Wardens
The Oxford Board of Port Wardens approved a shoreline erosion control permit for the Commissioners of Oxford, which includes living shoreline improvements along Strand Road, pending state and federal approval. The board also approved three maintenance permits for repairs to private piers and docks. A consultation was held with a property owner about a potential floating dock, but no decision was made. The board reviewed a draft ordinance to amend the harbor line in Crockett's Cove and expressed support for it.
- Approved living shoreline permit for Strand Road (unanimous)
- Approved maintenance permit for Justin Warner, 311-313 S. Morris St (unanimous)
- Approved maintenance permit for MKW Family, LLC, 209 South St (unanimous)
- Approved maintenance permit for Tred Avon Yacht Club, W. Strand (unanimous)
Commissioners
The Commissioners approved Ordinance 2201, amending zoning to allow accessory buildings on lots without a principal use when divided by a paper street. They also accepted a USDA loan of $2,572,000 and grant of $2,102,000 for Phase One water system improvements, totaling $4,674,000, and authorized the town manager to execute the necessary documents. A public hearing was held for the USDA project, and a budget workshop was scheduled for the following week.
- Approved Ordinance 2201 (zoning amendment for accessory buildings on paper street lots) (unanimous)
- Accepted USDA loan of $2,572,000 at 1.25% interest and grant of $2,102,000 for water system improvements (unanimous)
- Authorized Town Manager to execute loan/grant documentation (unanimous)
- Approved March 22, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Granted Oxford Garden Club approval for Memorial Day Service
- Deferred discussion on Middle Passage signage designs to next meeting
Planning Commission
The Oxford Planning Commission voted 3-1 to recommend adoption of Ordinance No. 2201, which would allow accessory buildings on lots without a principal use when noncontiguous lots are in common ownership and divided by a paper street. The commission also denied a building permit for a buried oil tank at 100 Myrtle Avenue due to setback issues, with a favorable recommendation sent to the Board of Appeals. A consultation on a proposed swimming pool at 100 Sullivan's Alley was held, with members agreeable to the plan.
- Denied Permit #22-06 for a 250-gallon buried oil tank at 100 Myrtle Avenue (3-1, with favorable recommendation to Board of Appeals)
- Recommended adoption of Ordinance No. 2201 to allow accessory buildings on lots divided by paper streets (3-1, Baker abstaining)
Historic District
The commission approved a permit for solar shingles and two energy storage systems at 200 West Street, despite concerns about visibility and historic integrity. It also approved several other permits, including siding replacement, a fence, and a door color change, while denying a permit for a new front door at 104 Strand. Consultations were held for two properties, and the commission discussed material procurement issues.
- Approved Permit #22-21 for siding and trim replacement at 314 Tilghman St. (unanimous)
- Approved Permit #22-12 for solar shingles and energy storage at 200 West St. (unanimous)
- Approved Permit #22-25 for shutter and front door color change at 206 Tred Avon Ave. (unanimous)
- Approved Permit #22-28 for a picket fence at 226 S. Morris St. (unanimous)
- Denied Permit #22-29 for a new front door at 104 Strand (unanimous)
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners approved moving forward with two MEMA grant applications for residential elevations and stormwater infrastructure to mitigate flooding, and approved a Notice of Intent for a $26.27 million USDA loan/grant for water system upgrades. They also approved an MOU for the state's Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, introduced Ordinance 2002 to amend the harbor line for nonconforming piers, and approved hiring Cameron McTavish as a trails liaison. All votes were unanimous (2-0) with Commissioner Jaramillo absent.
- Approved MOU for MD Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (2-0)
- Approved moving forward with MEMA application for residential elevations (2-0)
- Approved moving forward with MEMA application for stormwater infrastructure mitigation (2-0)
- Approved Notice of Intent for USDA water system funding up to $26,274,000 (2-0)
- Introduced Ordinance 2002 to amend harbor line for nonconforming piers in Crockett's Cove (2-0)
- Approved hiring Cameron McTavish as liaison for county trail efforts (2-0)
- Approved March 8, 2022 meeting minutes (2-0)
- Approved January and February 2022 disbursements for audit (2-0)
Board of Port Wardens
The Oxford Board of Port Wardens approved two maintenance applications: one for Patrick Mayock to repair his dock at 101 E. Division Street, and another for Tom Wheeler to install vinyl sheathing behind the bulkhead at 514 E. Strand. Both were approved unanimously. The board also discussed the harbor line revision at Crockett's Cove and agreed to support the third proposal to correct the entire cove, with further work on a harbor line map to follow.
- Approved Patrick Mayock's dock repair at 101 E. Division Street (unanimous)
- Approved Tom Wheeler's bulkhead repair at 514 E. Strand (unanimous)
- Agreed to support the third harbor line revision proposal for Crockett's Cove
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners introduced Ordinance 2201, a zoning text amendment allowing accessory buildings on noncontiguous lots divided by a paper street or right-of-way, with a public hearing set for April 12, 2022. They also approved submitting a Notice of Interest for a flood mitigation grant and agreed to allow pickleball stripes on the tennis courts. The meeting was held virtually due to high COVID transmission rates.
- Introduced Ordinance 2201 to amend zoning for accessory buildings on noncontiguous lots (motion carried)
- Approved submitting Notice of Interest for MEMA flood mitigation grant (all in favor)
- Agreed to allow pickleball players to add stripes to tennis courts
- Approved February 8, 2022 meeting minutes (all in favor)
- Deferred Report of Disbursements for January 2022 to March 22 meeting
- Agreed to hold Secret Gardens of Oxford Tour in Town Park
- Discussed Middle Passage signage location, site meeting to be scheduled
Historic District
The Oxford Historic District Commission approved six building permits, including window replacements, shed demolition, deck-to-porch conversion, pool coping and deck replacement, house raising with addition, and rear elevation reconstruction. The commission deferred a permit for solar tiles on a roof at 200 West Street until the next meeting, pending more information. All approvals were unanimous.
- Approved replacement of 9 windows and a white wooden storm door at 213 South Street (unanimous)
- Approved demolition of 1 of 2 sheds at 109 High Street (unanimous)
- Approved demolition of existing deck and replacement with screened-in porch at 109 High Street (unanimous)
- Approved pool coping, concrete pavers, Trex deck, and vinyl fencing at 514 E. Strand (unanimous)
- Approved raising house, new foundation, and two-story addition at 406 S. Morris Street (unanimous)
- Approved rear elevation reconstruction and attached garage at 104 Tred Avon Avenue (unanimous)
- Deferred solar tile and energy storage permit at 200 West Street to next meeting (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Oxford Planning Commission approved a building permit for demolition of an existing dwelling and garage at 104 East Street and construction of a new 1.5-story home. The approval acknowledges the existing non-conforming footprint within the 50-foot buffer, but the owners plan to rebuild conforming to zoning. The motion was unanimous.
- Approved Permit #22-14 for demolition and new construction at 104 East Street (unanimous)
Board of Port Wardens
The Oxford Board of Port Wardens approved two pier construction permits (Permit #22-01 for Hazen Marshall and Megan Hauck, and Permit #22-02 for John Devlin) unanimously. The board also voted to recommend to the Town Commissioners a harbor line relocation for Robert Fay's property, but deferred action on his dock permit until the harbor line amendment is approved.
- Approved Permit #22-01 for new pier and shoreline stabilization at 4480 Bachelors Point Road (unanimous)
- Approved Permit #22-02 for pier replacement at 211 South Street (unanimous)
- Recommended harbor line relocation for Robert Fay's property to the Commissioners (unanimous)
- Deferred decision on Permit #22-03 dock configuration pending harbor line amendment
Historic District
The commission approved permits for a fence at 309 Tilghman Street, window and door replacements at 300 S. Morris Street, and a porch/patio project at 209 South Street, all unanimously. A gravel driveway application at 212 South Street was tabled pending property line staking and additional details. Consultations were held for properties at 203 N. Morris Street and 210 Tilghman Street, with favorable feedback on the latter.
- Approved Permit #22-05 for gated fence at 309 Tilghman Street (unanimous)
- Tabled Permit #22-01 for gravel driveway at 212 South Street pending survey
- Approved Permit #22-03 for window and door replacement at 300 S. Morris Street (unanimous)
- Approved Permit #22-02 for porch and patio work at 209 South Street (unanimous)
Commissioners
The commissioners held a public hearing on Ordinance 2119 to acquire properties at 101 High Street/200 Market Street, hearing resident concerns about price, use, and financing. They deferred adoption of amendments and the ordinance to the February 8, 2022 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included routine approvals and reports.
- Approved January 11, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Closed public hearing on Ordinance 2119 (unanimous)
- Deferred adoption of Ordinance 2119 amendments to Feb. 8, 2022
- Agreed to apply for additional state funding for Strand Beach project
- Adjourned to closed session for legal and personnel discussions (unanimous)
Board of Port Wardens
The Oxford Board of Port Wardens approved Permit #21-05 for Greg Pang and Wonhee Kim to construct a 90' x 6' pier with a platform, boat lift, jet ski lift, and mooring piles at 103 N. Morris Street. The board also held a consultation with Robert Fay about replacing his dock at 305 Market Street, but no decision was made; they discussed recommending a harbor line amendment to allow the work.
- Approved Permit #21-05 for pier construction at 103 N. Morris Street (unanimous)
- Held consultation on dock replacement at 305 Market Street; no action taken
Commissioners
The Commissioners held a public hearing on Ordinance 2119 to acquire properties at 101 High Street/200 Market Street, with residents raising questions about price, parking, and historic preservation. The hearing was kept open until the January 25, 2022 meeting for further public comment. The board also approved GMB Amendment #7 for $124,522.75 for wastewater treatment plant engineering and a budget amendment for two new town vehicles.
- Approved December 14, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Kept public hearing on Ordinance 2119 open until Jan 25, 2022 (unanimous)
- Approved GMB Amendment #7 for $124,522.75 for wastewater plant engineering (unanimous)
- Approved budget amendment for two new town vehicles (unanimous)
Historic District
The Oxford Historic District Commission approved a permit for a new garage with driveway at 101 Tilghman Street, subject to height verification and flood regulations. The commission also held a consultation on solar shingles for a house at 200 West Street but took no formal action, and discussed a potential ordinance regarding two parcels on Pork Alley.
- Approved garage with driveway at 101 Tilghman Street (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of December 6, 2021 as distributed
Planning Commission
The Oxford Planning Commission denied building permit #21-125 for Verizon at 203 Oxford Road because the proposed 500-gallon above-ground fuel tank and 6-foot fence violate the town's zoning ordinance (tanks over 300 gallons must be underground, fences max 4 feet). The commission unanimously voted to deny the application but send it to the Board of Appeals with a positive recommendation, as members would approve the requests if they had the authority. The applicant must correct drawings and address code issues before the appeal hearing.
- Denied permit #21-125 for Verizon's 500-gallon above-ground tank and 6-foot fence (unanimous)
- Sent application to Board of Appeals with positive recommendation for both items (unanimous)