Oxford contracting with BSWCD

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OXFORD — The City of Oxford will be contracting with Butler Soil and Water Conservation District (BSWCD) to perform plan review services related to soil and wetland conditions, specifically for subdivision and planned development projects.

During the Oxford City Council Meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 21, Community Development Director Jung-Han Chen presented to council a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BSWCD.

“What brought about this was a conversation that we had relating to the environmental area for the subdivision and plan development. A local engineer suggested that we should contract with Butler Soil and Water Conservation for their specialty in obtaining the high water table and delineating the wetland,” Chen explained.

“Having a local office can really help us locate those environmental resources. That is why we are asking for your approval to enter into the MOU.”

Environmental Commission member Vincent Hand then took the podium in support of the resolution.

“While I am not speaking on the behalf of the commission, this idea is something that we have discussed. It seems like a very good idea for dealing with sensitive areas,” he said.

“The second perspective I would offer on this is as a former employee of an environmental consulting firm. I will tell you that the rate offered here is about half of what you would pay to a for-profit firm.”

He added, according to staff paperwork, the city will be paying BSWCD $35 per hour, but the going rate for the same work is roughly $75 per hour. Additionally, BSWCD will get the work done in two hours, while an independent firm would take longer — making the bill that much more.

“I think it is a good deal and a wise move,” he finished.

Council voted to approve the resolution.

Economic Development Director Alan Kyger brought forth a notice to legislative authority to transfer a permit from Miami King, Inc., DBA Wild Bistro first floor and basement, 37 E. High Street, to American Sunshine Holdings LTB DBA Wild Bistro first floor and basement, 37 E. High Street.

“This is a transfer of a D5 liquor permit, a permit that gives you access to beer, wine, and liquor on site. It is a transfer of Wild Bistro to Wild Bistro. How does that happen? Back in August I informed you that Wild Bistro had transferred ownership, this is catching up to that,” he said.

“I did visit with the new owners. They do run a restaurant. One little side note, we’ll see there is a typo in their names. Ohio Liquor Control may ask us to do this again in a month. This is a restaurant and, as you know, we really do not have an excessive alcohol problem with our restaurants.”

In other news:

•Council approved a resolution granting the Talawanda Recreation, Inc. (TRI) a two-year lease and authorizing theOxford City Manager to execute the new lease.

•The council will have two new members in the new year. Both have already gone through new member orientation.

•Holiday Fest will be held from Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 2.

The Oxford City Council will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Oxford Courthouse.

By Kelsey Kimbler

[email protected]

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

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