City of Oxford, Mississippi Board of Aldermen Assembles for Town Meeting

The City of Oxford in Mississippi held its regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The session, commencing at 5:00 pm, took place in the City Hall Courtroom, with provisions for certain commission members to participate via teleconference. This rendezvous came as a continuation of the democratic muscle the city flexes to support local governance.

Meeting Agenda Points Discussed

The meeting kicked off with the adoption of the agenda, followed by the Mayor’s Report. The Board then moved towards the approval of minutes from the last Regular Meeting held on June 4, 2024, and discussed the approval of accounts for all city departments.

Fixed Assets Management and Human Resources

Major highlights of the meeting covered a range of topics from fixed asset management to human resources matters. The Board granted permission to transfer equipment from the Oxford Fire Department to the Oxford Park Commission and allowed surplus equipment from the Park and the Buildings & Grounds Departments to be declared and authorized for disposal.

Human resource items included approving a series of promotions, retirements, hiring, and other HR activities involving Oxford Fire Department, Oxford Police Department, Animal Resource Center Department, and Oxford Utilities-Water & Sewer Division. The Board also authorized volunteers for the Oxford Animal Resource Center.

Approval of Water/Sewer Adjustments and Travel Requests

Other items on the agenda included approving water and/or sewer adjustments, accepting donations on behalf of the Oxford Animal Resource Center (Oxford ARC), and evaluating travel requests for professional development activities such as attending the National Best Friends Conference in Orlando, FL and the Crisis Communication Training in Pearl, MS.

Appreciating Retirees and Considering Health and Safety Measures

Firm recognition was given to the recently retired Oxford Fire Department employees, Larry Gillespie, and Brian Vaughn, with the adoption of Retirement Resolutions in their honor.

Public safety matters were not overlooked, a request from the Oxford Garden Club to install a fountain in Lake Patsy at Lamar Park was considered, and a public hearing was scheduled for the proposed condemnation of a structure located at 130 Price Hill Drive.

Community Festivities and Infrastructure Developments

Community involvement was encouraged with the approval of a Parade/Assembly Permit for Tamara Howell to host a Walk for Jesus on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The Board also discussed the contract renewal with UKG for Payroll Services.

Further, notable topics included discussions regarding amendments to The Lamar Regulating Plan and a proposed ordinance for establishing a Housing Accelerator Overlay District. An important discussion continued concerning the closure of South 11th Street to facilitate the Oxford Square Stormwater Detention Project.

The meeting evidenced the local government’s commitment to growth, community development, and continued service improvement with further discussions about HVAC Replacement Project for the Oxford Conference Center Rifle Range and Thacker Heights Water Main Improvement Project.

Staying Involved in Local Governance

Local residents are encouraged to attend future Board of Aldermen meetings to stay informed and contribute to local policy-making effectively. This session serves as an inspiring testament to the workings of a democratic community, proactively addressing municipal affairs from personnel issues to asset management, town safety to infrastructure development, and community festivities.