OXFORD – September was declared “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month” during a Tuesday, Sept. 7, Oxford City Council meeting.
City officials pointed out, “one in seven men will get prostate cancer in his lifetime” and “prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among men.”
September should be used to spread awareness and education, as well as to encourage early detection strategies, officials noted.
In other business, a local small business was honored.
Seaview Outfitters, a “mom and pop” active wear store which started in Oxford in 2011, paid off its loan with the city. SO participated in the city’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), a loan which allows people without a lot of money to open small businesses in Oxford. Economic Development Director Alan Kyger ripped up their mortgage as city council applauded.
Seaview Outfitters was recognized as one of the RLF’s success story, as not only have they paid off their loan, but they have also opened one additional store in Bloomington, Indiana and will open another in Lexington, Kentucky in the near future.
Next on the agenda was a notice of a stock transfer for Walgreen Co. DBA Walgreens.
In 2012 Walgreens and Alliance Boots entered into a three-year merger plan, and the merger is now affecting Oxford. On the table was a permit to carry beer, wine, “and certain prepackaged mixed drinks.” This permit also allows Sunday alcohol sales.
During the meeting, there were two public presentations:
• A freshman at Miami University spoke to council regarding Miami University’s Community DIVE (Diverse Immersion & Volunteer Experience). She took part in this pre-semester program which allowed her to move into her dorm early and learn about different volunteer programs located in and around the Oxford area. This was the first year this program was offered.
The student shared, the experience was meaningful to her and she thought it was a good way to showcase different curricular and co-curricular activities in the area. As an out-of-state student from Wisconsin, it also gave her a way to interact with “like-minded individuals.”
• A reverend spoke on a crime which had occurred the night before. A man was beaten at apartment complex Parkview Arms as the reverend watched. He called 9-1-1, but he claimed he did not receive the attention he hoped from the police, that they “viewed it as a joke.”
He noted, the complex is home to some known drug dealers and addicts. He claimed residents are scared to call the police when criminal activities occur at Parkview Arms. He noted, since calling 9-1-1 he has already received death threats.
In other business council:
•Approved a resolution releasing a lien on a home in relation to repayment of an RLF. Owners of the business Quarter Barrel had previously paid off their RLF with the city, but a lien placed on a property to ensure repayment was failed to be released. The family went to refinance their house, only to be told that the lien was still active. Council approved releasing the lien and issued their apologies.
•Authorized an agreement between the City of Oxford and Miami University for “ambulance and first aid service during specified events” on campus. For the past two years the city has been offering these services to the university under a “direct pay approach,” but now the university wishes to pay the individuals under a contract.
Held the first readings of:
•An ordinance replacing another entitled “Vendors and Solicitors” with one of the same name. It was drawn up in 1963 and City Manager Douglas R. Elliott Jr. explained it is overdue for an update. He said of the ordinance, “The proposal before you tonight includes a reasonable limitation on commercial and non-commercial solicitation. Hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and it also requires registration and credentials for commercial solicitors, with a $50 filing fee. Lastly, there is a provision that prohibits solicitation of residents if a ‘no solicitation’ or similar worded sign is posted near the entrance.”
• Several ordinances which were either replacement ordinances of the same name, or, in one case, a new ordinance to clarify an existing loophole. Police Chief John Jones explained there was a mix-up with wording — someone in the office caught unclear language in several existing ordinances. This language did not allow for Public Safety Assistants to fulfill duties they have been doing for years. To prevent future issues the language was clarified to allow PSA’s to do their jobs.
Chief Jones’ first ordinance will replace Oxford’s “Impounding and Booting of Vehicles; Redemption” ordinance with one of the same name. A new ordinance entitled “Parking Enforcement Unit” will be adopted. “Snow Routes” ordinance will be replaced with one of the same name. Another ordinance will repeal sections entitled “Definitions,” “Prohibitions,” and “Penalties.” A new ordinance of same names will be adopted.
There was only one second reading of an ordinance and it was amending ordinance No. 3335 and “declaring it an emergency.” This is an ordinance to “make supplemental appropriations” for 2016.
During the meeting, it was announced:
•Parks & Recreation’s fall flipbook of events is almost ready for distribution. An online version is already available.
•On Oct. 24, there will be an open forum at Tallawanda on opioids and drugs and how to prevent their abuse in the Oxford area.
The next Oxford City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Oxford’s Courthouse.
