Oxford Board of Selectmen

Nov. 2, 2017

Oxford Municipal Building

Improvements

What happened: Selectmen discussed and approved paying for improvements for the grounds, ball field and facilities at Pismo Beach.

What it means: Recreation Director Connie Staples gave selectmen an update on the work that still needs to be done, including improvements to the snack shack and electrical building. The Recreation Department has held fundraisers and gathered donations to pay for 25 percent of the project. The remaining $23,001 — with a $300 cushion for unexpected expenses — will come from the fund balance.

What’s next: As much work as can be completed before snow flies will be done. The plumbing has to wait until the spring since the system has already been winterized.

Fees

What happened: Selectmen approved a fee for solid waste disposal at the Transfer Station for commercial haulers.

What it means: The fee is $90 per ton. Selectmen recently discovered only one commercial hauler was being charged the fee; the other three were not. Transfer Station Manager Warren Bennett opposed the fee since he felt it was double-charging the Oxford residents who pay to have their trash hauled. Selectman Ed Knightly abstained because he works at the Transfer Station.

Tax write-off

What happened: Selectmen agreed to table writing off back taxes for $2,168.25, plus fees and interest, for a mobile home previously located on Cole Pond Road.

What it means: The mobile home was tax-acquired by the town two years ago, but is no longer on the property. Dennis Spencer, the owner of the mobile home, still allegedly lives in town and town officials will try to talk to him about the bill.

What’s next: The issue will be revisited at a future meeting.

Power restoration

What happened: Town Manager Butch Asselin said 240 CMP customers in Oxford are still without power because of the powerful wind storm this week.

What it means: He was told most of the remaining Oxford customers will have their power restored by 7 p.m. Friday. The remaining customers in Oxford and around the state should have their power restored by 10 p.m. Saturday.

What’s next: Asselin is preparing documents to show the cost of manpower and equipment used during the storm and the cleanup to hopefully recoup some money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Fire/Rescue

What happened: Fire Chief Gary Sacco gave an update about Fire and Rescue activities.

What it means: The new Engine 6 is in service and all of the trucks have gone out for annual service and inspections. The Hampton Inn donated a room free of charge for the town radio equipment and antenna to improve the signal and communication. Four firefighters are looking at vendors for new turnout gear.

What’s next: The 1986 Engine 3 is out of service and will go out to bid.

Executive session

What happened: Selectmen held an executive session with Asselin and Code Enforcement Officer Joelle Corey-Whitman regarding the prosecution of a code enforcement violation pending in District Court.

What it means: No action was taken after returning to open session.

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