Oxford public meetings in 2024
21 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners will vote to enter closed session under state law to discuss personnel and legal matters. In open session, they will consider an MOU for ARPA funds, a contract for a comprehensive plan, and a request from Thomas Salvage for a trash pickup fee increase. Discussions also include removing woody material along the Strand, relocating banking to Shore United, and adjusting headland elevation to meet Army Corps permitting requirements.
- MOU for ARPA funds
- Thomas Salvage rate increase request for trash and recycle pickup
- Contract for professional services for Comprehensive Plan
- Discussion on removal of tombolos and headland elevation to meet Army Corps of Engineers permitting
- Request for sidewalk repairs
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners will hold a regular meeting including a closed session for personnel matters. They will consider donation requests of $15,000 for Oxford Community Center and $500 for Oxford Garden Club, discuss the town manager search, and consider moving town banking from BayVanguard to Shore United Bank. Other items include updates on FEMA grant, sewer line repair at 101 South Street, and police vehicle discussion.
- Oxford Community Center donation request $15,000
- Oxford Garden Club donation request $500
- Move banking from BayVanguard to Shore United Bank
- Repair cost of sewer line at 101 South Street (Mr. Rooter)
- Appointment to Talbot Economic Development Commission
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners will consider Resolution No. 2419 to repeal and replace rules for conduct at public meetings, including limiting public comment to designated times and setting a three-minute limit. They will hold a public hearing on Ordinance No. 2416 to amend the floodplain management ordinance, changing the definition of substantial improvement to a rolling five-year period and allowing engineer confirmation instead of a flood elevation certificate for lowest floor height. The meeting will also include a closed session to consult with legal counsel, updates on hiring an administrative clerk and a town manager search, and a presentation on transferring a fire truck and ambulance. Other business includes advertising for a town planner, adjusting office hours, and using AEcom for planning commission support.
- Vote on Resolution 2419 to replace rules for public participation at meetings, including a three-minute comment limit and restrictions on when comments may be made
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2416 to update floodplain management definitions for substantial improvement and elevation certificate requirements
- Closed session under §3-305(b)(7) to consult with counsel for legal advice
- Presentation on transfer of fire truck and ambulance from Tim Kearns
- Updates on administrative clerk hiring and town manager search with Baker Tilly
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners will consider two resolutions: one setting a new fee schedule for the town's mooring program (Resolution 2411) and another amending the police manual to compensate officers for off-duty court appearances (Resolution 2418). They will also hear an update on storm water pumps from GMB and administer an oath of office to a new Board of Zoning Appeals member. Other discussions include the Strand project, town manager search, and an accessibility grant update.
- Resolution 2411: New fee schedule for town mooring program, effective July 23, 2024
- Resolution 2418: Amendment to police manual for officer court appearance compensation (minimum 2 hours)
- Presentation by Brent Jett (GMB) on storm water pump update for Mill Street and W. Pier St
- Oath of office for Stephen Selden to the Board of Zoning Appeals
- Unfinished business: Strand update, town manager search, and employment application draft
Commissioners
The Commissioners of Oxford will discuss amending the Floodplain Management Ordinance and rules for conduct at commission meetings. The body will also consider adopting a revised 2024 Emergency Operations Plan and hiring a consultant for building and floodplain permits.
- Ordinance No. 2414 to revise the definition of 'substantial improvement' in the Floodplain Management Ordinance
- Resolution No. 2415 to adopt the revised 2024 Town of Oxford Emergency Operations Plan
- Proposed increase to the Accommodations Tax from 4% to 6%
- Proposal to submit an accessibility grant to the Christopher Reeves Foundation
- Oath of office for Stephen Selden to the Board of Zoning Appeals
Commissioners
The Commissioners of Oxford will provide input on a proposal to increase the public accommodations tax from 4% to 6%. The body will also administer oaths of office for the Board of Zoning Appeals and Historic Commission.
- Recommendation to increase public accommodations tax from 4% to 6%
- Discussion of a fourth police officer position
- Proposal for engineer to review stormwater management plans
- Resolution to establish meeting procedures
- Letters received regarding a plastic bag ordinance
Commissioners
The Commissioners will hold public hearings on two ordinances: one to prohibit retail establishments from providing single-use plastic bags, and another to revise harbor management mooring specifications and establish an escrow account for mooring maintenance. The board will also vote to enter closed session for personnel and legal matters, and consider a $6,570.80 purchase for water well equipment.
- Public hearing on Ordinance #2412 banning single-use plastic bags at retail stores, with a 10-cent paper bag fee
- Public hearing on Ordinance #2413 updating mooring specifications and creating a mooring maintenance escrow account
- Request to purchase UV disinfection bulbs and YSI probes for $6,570.80
- Announcement of professional search firm selected
- Vote to enter closed session for personnel and legal consultation
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners will consider Resolution 2414 adopting an administrative guide for employees and commissioners and clarifying the authority to set meeting agendas. They will also hear a presentation from Delmarva Power on tree trimming, discuss a storm water management plan review fee, and consider a grant application for bulkhead repair. Additionally, they will take oath of office for three new planning commission members and vote on tree removal and planting proposals.
- Resolution 2414 adopting an administrative guide and clarifying agenda authority
- Presentation from Delmarva Power on tree trimming plans
- Discussion of Storm Water Management Plan Review Fee
- Approval of grant application for Bulkhead Repair
- Request for street closure: Morris St. to Pig Alley on September 28
Commissioners
The Commissioners of Oxford will discuss harbor management and mooring fees. The body is introducing a ban on single-use disposable plastic bags at retail establishments and updating mooring specifications.
- Ordinance #2412: Prohibit retail establishments from providing single-use disposable plastic bags
- Resolution #2411: Set the fee schedule for the Town of Oxford’s mooring program
- Ordinance #2413: Revise mooring specifications and establish a mooring maintenance escrow account
- Discussion of Tilghman St. bulkhead
- Vote to use a professional search firm
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners will meet on July 9, 2024, to swear in Commissioner Norman Bell and vote for a President. The agenda includes discussions regarding Town Manager hiring and the approval of Jack’s Point Living Shoreline Installation. Additional reports cover public works, police, fire, and various grant programs.
- Swearing in of Commissioner Norman Bell
- Vote for Commission President
- Approval of Jack’s Point Living Shoreline Installation
- Discussion regarding Town Manager hiring
- Report on FEMA House Elevation Grant
Commissioners
The Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding Ordinance 2408 to set water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2025. The agenda also includes an RFP bid award for Dugout Memorial Park and amendments to the employee manual.
- Public hearing for Ordinance 2408 (Water and Sewer Rates for FY 2025)
- RFP bid award/determination for Dugout Memorial Park Elements
- GMB Contract for Mitigation Engineering
- Resolution 2410 regarding amendments to the Employee Manual
- Report of May 2024 disbursements
Commissioners
The Commissioners of Oxford will discuss police leadership changes and receive department updates. The agenda covers Ordinance 2408, which proposes water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2025; a public hearing on the proposed utility fees is scheduled for June 11. Additional items include storm mitigation updates, water meter software recommendations, April financial disbursements, and state highway causeway planning.
- Ordinance 2408 proposing water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2025 (public hearing set for June 11)
- Storm/Tidal Water Mitigation Project update presented by GMB Brent Jett
- Water Improvement Project review of meter and software recommendations
- Appointment of Lt Chris Phillips as interim police chief
- Town Manager budget requests and updates on state highway causeway mitigation planning
Commissioners
The Commissioners of Oxford are holding a public hearing to consider Ordinance 2405 for the FY 2025 General/Enterprise Budget and Tax Rate. They will also discuss Ordinance 2408, which establishes water and sewer rates for FY 2025. The agenda includes approving recent meeting minutes, receiving department updates, and reviewing a grant application to DHCD.
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2405 for the FY 2025 General/Enterprise Budget and Tax Rate
- Consideration of Ordinance 2408 setting water and sewer rates for FY 2025
- Approval of minutes from the March 26 and April 23 meetings
- Gordon Graves Scholarship Award presentation to Robert Norbury
- Town Manager resolution supporting an application for DHCD Interior/Exterior Mini Grants
Commissioners
The Commissioners will hold a public hearing on an amendment to the FY 2024 General/Enterprise Budget. The board will also continue discussions regarding the FY 2025 budget, tax rates, and stormwater mitigation projects using ARPA funding.
- Public hearing for Ordinance 2404 (FY 2024 Budget amendment)
- Continued review of FY 2025 General/Enterprise Budget and Tax Rate
- Discussion of GMB Stormwater/Tidal Water Mitigation using ARPA funding
- Update on the Water Meter RFP
- Review of R Gordon Graves Scholarship Applications
Commissioners
The Commissioners will discuss Ordinance 2405 regarding the FY 2025 General/Enterprise Budget and Tax Rate. The agenda also includes updates on stormwater mitigation using ARPA funding and a bid for Dugout Memorial Park. Additionally, oaths of office will be administered to the Clerk-Treasurer and Election Board members.
- Ordinance 2405: FY 2025 General/Enterprise Budget and Tax Rate
- Update on GMB Stormwater/Tidal Water Mitigation using ARPA funding
- Update on bid for Dugout Memorial Park
- Ordinance 2404 Amendment to the FY 2024 General/Enterprise Budget
- Water Meter RFP update
Commissioners
The Oxford Commissioners will review updates on town operations and consider several policy and financial items for future action. A key focus is the draft FY 2025 General/Enterprise Budget and tax rate, which outlines planned spending and sets the property tax levy for residents. The body also holds a public hearing on Ordinance 2403 to amend floodplain management rules, which governs construction and development near local waterways. Most agenda items are presented as updates or discussions rather than final votes.
- Public hearing on Ordinance 2403 amending the Floodplain Management Ordinance
- Draft FY 2025 General/Enterprise Budget and Tax Rate update
- Bikeways Grant design contract discussion
- Stormwater/Tidal Water Mitigation next steps with remaining ARPA funding for greater Tilghman and S. Morris areas
- Bid results for the Dugout Memorial Park RFP
Commissioners
The Commissioners will hold a workshop on hiring practices followed by a regular meeting. The agenda includes reviewing the GMB Engineer’s bid analysis for water meter replacements and discussing amendments to the FY 2024 budget.
- GMB Engineer’s Bid Analysis and Recommendation for Water Meter Replacement RFP
- Workshop regarding Amendment to the FY 2024 General/Enterprise Budget
- Discussion of FY 2025 General and Enterprise Budget and Tax Rate
Commissioners
The Commissioners will review bid results for the Water Metering Portion of the Water Improvement Project. The agenda also includes a discussion on a Living Shoreline at the First Street ‘street end’ and a draft ordinance to amend the Oxford Floodplain Management Ordinance.
- Bid results for the Water Metering Portion of the Water Improvement Project
- Draft Ordinance 2403 amending the Oxford Floodplain Management Ordinance
- Discussion regarding Living Shoreline at the First Street ‘street end’
- Job postings for Chief of Police and Public Works
Commissioners
The Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding Ordinance 2401 to amend zoning regulations for cannabis businesses. The meeting also includes discussion on the FEMA Community Rating System and changes to the Oxford Floodplain Management Ordinance.
- Public Hearing: Ordinance 2401 (Cannabis Business Zoning)
- Resolution 2402 – Philip Horner / Citizen Air Patrol
- Discussion: FEMA Community Rating System and Floodplain Management Ordinance changes
- Discussion: Living Shoreline at the First Street ‘street end’
- RFP Water Improvement Project
Commissioners
The Commissioners will review the FY 2023 Financial Report presented by Town Auditors. The meeting also includes a discussion on Ordinance 2401 regarding zoning regulations for cannabis businesses.
- Presentation of FY 2023 Financial Report
- Ordinance 2401: Amending the Oxford Zoning Ordinance for cannabis businesses
- Public Works, Police Department, and Fire Company updates
Commissioners
The Commissioners will review December 2023 disbursements and minutes. The agenda includes updates from Public Works, Police, and Fire departments, as well as a discussion on the Tilghman Street Traffic Study.
- Tilghman Street Traffic Study update
- Planning and Zoning Coordinator job posting
- Bikeways Grant Agreement review
- December 2023 disbursement report