Oxford, Mississippi Board of Aldermen Convenes for Routine Meeting

On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the City of Oxford, Mississippi Board of Aldermen held its regular board meeting at the City Hall Courtroom at 5:00 pm. The meeting was open to the public and some commission members were in attendance via teleconference, in accordance with the City’s Code of Ordinance.

Meeting Overview

As per protocol, the assembly commenced with the adoption of the meeting’s agenda followed by the Mayor’s report. The approval of the minutes from the previous Regular Meeting on July 2, 2024, and Special Meeting on July 9, 2024, were authorized. Furthermore, the accounts for city departments were approved, these processes spearheaded by Ashley Atkinson.

Staff Changes and Authorizations

Several personnel matters were deliberated during the assembly. The committee entertained requests for permission to accept resignations of employees from the Oxford Police Department and the Environmental Services Department. Subsequently, it authorized hiring new staff for the same institutions, with two part-time employees also approved for the Police Department. The committee also assented to hiring seasonal workers for the Environmental Services Department.

Traveling Permissions and Conference Attendances

Travel requests featured prominently in the assembly’s deliberations. Permissions were sought and given for employees to attend various conferences, workshops, and training programs. City departments affected by these approvals include Oxford Police Department, Environmental Services Department, the Municipal Court Clerk’s office, and others.

Charitable Initiatives and Proposals

The assembly considered a request to accept voluntary work for the Oxford Animal Resource Center as well as to receive donations on its behalf.

Infrastructure and Development Projects Considerations

The committee also addressed several infrastructure and development projects set to reshape the city’s landscape. Approvals were requested and granted for the installation of light pole banners on prominent city avenues, while Oxford Utilities was authorized to develop and publish a Customer Privacy Policy.

A heated moment occurred during an appeal hearing concerning the Courthouse Square Historic Preservation Commission’s approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness requested by The Landshark. The assembly also assented to a request to close the sidewalk in front of Boure’ for exterior painting over a 15-day period.

Upcoming Projects

A plethora of future infrastructure projects were also laid bare during the assembly. The board granted permission to advertise for bids for the North Lamar Sewer Improvement Project. The assembly explored options on bids received, contract awarding, and signing utility agreements for the Highway 7 Water Main Relocation Project, in both its Phase II-B and Phase II-C stages. The assembly also reviewed a request to advertise for Engineering Proposals for the Pegues Road Extension Project.

Upon conclusion of the talks, the assembly considered meeting for an executive session and announced a recess to meet again at 9:00 am on Thursday, July 18, 2024.