New executive director of Oxford Seniors announced

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OXFORD — Steve Schnabl was announced as the new Executive Director of Oxford Seniors during the Oxford City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 18.

Retiring Executive Director Joan Potter-Sommer will remain on the job until April 28, to help the transition go smoothly. Schnabl is a resident of Oxford, but comes to the new position from the senior center in Hamilton.

Oxford Police Department (OPD) Officer Mark Ledermeier, OPD Officer Richard Butler, and Miami University Police Department (MUPD) Officer Michael Jarvi were honored for their life saving efforts on Feb. 25. Officer Butler was awarded the Oxford Police Division Life Saving Award. Officers Ledermeier and Jarvi received a Certificate of Commendation.

The officers assisted Bradley Bartuch, who was found lying face down on the sidewalk south of The Woods, a bar located at 17 N. Poplar St.

Officer Butler found Bartuch not breathing and began CPR. Officer Jarvi assisted in Butler’s efforts to save Bartuch, while Officer Ledermeier controlled the “volatile” crowd.

Also during the meeting, Mayor Kate Rousmaniere read two proclamations, one recognizing April 22 as Earth Day and the other recognizing April 28 as Arbor Day. The city will celebrate Earth Day in the morning in the Uptown Parks and Mayor Rousmaniere urged all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees.

ShareFest Board President Dr. Carol Michael spoke at the meeting regarding ShareFest 2017. Started in 2005, ShareFest is centered around the simple idea that Miami Students leave many items behind during move-out week. When the students leave Oxford for the summer, they simply cannot take all of their dorm or apartment items with them. They leave a lot of trash standing along the streets, including reusable items.

ShareFest collects these items and give them to those in need. 2017 recipient groups include: Butler County Children Services, Butler County Success, The Family Resource Center, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, Lighthouse Food Pantry, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, and Oxford Community Choice Pantry. Some of these organizations will sell the donations they received, while some will give away their donations for free.

This years ShareFest will begin on May 10 and the organization is looking for volunteers to help. More information can be found at sharefestoxford.com.

Council approved a resolution supporting a request by the Oxford Environmental Commission to submit a letter to the Ohio Governor, Senate and House of Representatives to reconsider their opposition to the Renewable and Energy Efficiency Standards and to actively pursue the development of renewable energy.

In February, the State of Ohio proposed legislation that would reduce existing, mandated renewable and energy efficiency standards and reduce the final energy target for 2027.

Council approved a resolution declaring it necessary to improve portions of certain properties by repaving, re-curbing, and repairing the sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. Property owners have already been sent notices and have been informed of the project and their need to repair the defective sections. They were also informed that if they chose not to do the repairs, the city would proceed to have the work done and charge the cost against the property.

In order to accommodate a canopy at the northern most outlots, a city water main had to be relocated outside of its recorded easement. In order to perform this relocation, council held second readings of two related ordinances:

•An ordinance approving the partial vacation of a waterline easement located within lot 2832 of Bishop Square Phase II. Construction of new buildings has begun on outlots in the Bishop Square development off Locust Street.

•An ordinance accepting a waterline easement from EVR Investments LLC over the property, for the purpose of relocating a city-owned waterline outside of its recorded easement.

In other news:

•City Manager Doug Elliott Jr. reminded council that there will be charter changes that will be on the next general election ballot in November, for city residents to vote on. As the election gets closer, Elliott will be speaking in front of various organizations about the proposed changes.

•Oxford Police Chief John Jones spoke briefly on the upcoming Fresh Air Fair on Saturday, April 29.

•Council member Edna Southard spoke about a previously discussed proposition of renaming Collins Run Road. The road is being straightened to flow seamlessly into Main Street and now that it will be one cohesive road, Southard believes it should be simply named South Main Street. There was a previous objection from Oxford Township, but council believes the change will simplify some traffic in town. To make this change possible, a future ordinance will have to be proposed. Staff resolved to look into the issue.

The next Oxford City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. in Oxford’s Courthouse.

By Kelsey Kimbler

[email protected]

Reach Kelsey Kimbler at 937-683-4061 or on Twitter @KKimbler_RH

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