Oxford City Council honors K-9 unit

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OXFORD — A furry member of Oxford Police Division retired back in November and was recognized for his service at the Oxford City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The K-9 unit consists of Cole and his handler Sargeant Ryan Sikora. Police Chief John Jones recognized the teamwork both individuals have provided the department since 2011.

Cole’s retirement was forced due to a degenerative muscular disorder.

“My guess is, if Cole had a say in the matter, he would still want to come to work despite his disorder,” Jones said.

In 2014, Cole helped with the seizure of a large quantity of the drug ecstasy and $24,000 stolen from a vehicle. Cole even helped apprehend a wanted person. Jones added, “Obviously Sikora is responsible for much of Cole’s success. I want to thank him for his dedication to Cole and our K-9 program in general.”

Jones also thanked Dr. Molly Buckley and the staff at Animal Care Clinic for the care they have given Cole over the years.

Jones presented officers Cole and Sikora with a plaque honoring their service as a team.

OPD has budgeted money to get a “replacement K-9” and they are currently in the process of acquiring the new dog. The department has had four officers apply to be the dog’s handler. OPD hopes to have a K-9 unit in place later this year.

In other business, Economic Development Director Alan Kyger spoke to council regarding a notice received concerning the D1 “beer only” permit Rapid Fired Pizza has requested. The business has already been approved for the same permit, but due to some necessary changes, permit is now void and they had to apply again.

Rapid Fired Pizza is not yet open in Oxford, but is expected to open in the next several weeks.

Council actions

Three resolutions were approved, including:

•A resolution reappointing Mayor Kate Rousmaniere as council’s representative to the Supports to Encourage Low-Income Families (SELF) Board. This is will extend her term until Jan. 31, 2019.

•A resolution authorizing the city manager to obtain professional services from Oxford Real Estate, Inc. for the sale of city-owned property located at 18 Gardenia Drive and at 4134 Millville Oxford Rd.

Both pieces of property are surplus and do not currently serve a municipal need or purpose. The city has previously attempted a sale of these properties without the use of a Realtor or Multiple Listing Service, but found a lack of initial interest. Oxford Real Estate was found to have the lowest commission rate, according to city officials.

•A resolution authorizing an agreement with the Board of Butler County Commissioners, the Board of Township Trustees of Oxford, and the Oxford Museum Association, Inc. establishing conditions for the city’s use of certain right-of-way and public infrastructure for purposes of the Oxford Area Trail.

The city has previously obtained a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the construction of the Oxford Area Trail, a bike and pedestrian path. A part of this trail will use existing public infrastructure consisting of the roadway, the parking area, and the Black Covered Bridge.

First readings were held on:

•An ordinance to approve replacement pages to the Oxford Codified Ordinances, as they are updated once each year to incorporate ordinances adopted by city council and changes in state laws.

•An ordinance repealing and replacing Oxford Property Maintenance Code Chapter 7, entitled “Fire Safety Requirements.” This is to amend the code to reflect changes made to the Ohio Residential Code in 2016, regarding new and remodeling work on one- to three-family dwelling units.

•An ordinance amending ordinance number 3381 to make supplemental appropriations for 2017.

A second reading of an ordinance approving the Oxford Planning Commission’s recommendation for preliminary plan approval for Phase I of a planned development at 5728 College Corner Pike. The proposed use will include self-storage buildings on the north end of the site and commercial, retail, and offices to the south side of the site.

There will be an Oxford City Council work session on Tuesday, Feb. 7, starting at 6:30 p.m., which will feature Ohio State Representative Candice Keller. Following that meeting is the next city council meeting, at 7:30 p.m.

By Kelsey Kimbler

[email protected]

Reach Kelsey Kimbler at 937-683-4062 or on Twitter @KKimbler_RH

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