William H Kelsey

The Oxford Town Board meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics. The board will continue to work with NBT for the Town's insurance and gather information about the UTV porker ride. Erin Graham was appointed as the Assessor for the Town, and the Assessor Clerk position was removed. Lawrence Wilcox was appointed to the Board of Assessment Review. The Dog Control Officer's report was reviewed. The board discussed creating a Deputy Superintendent position and putting out a bid for propane, diesel, and kerosene. Buckley's Excavating was approved for the Lyon Brook project. The board also considered the Superintendent's request for a pay increase for the next budget. An executive session was held. The yearly salary for the Town of Oxford Assessor was set. The board reviewed and approved bills and claims.

The Village Board accepted low bids for the fire station capital project, covering plumbing, electrical, and general plumbing contracts. They also discussed increasing the lease for the South Canal Street parking lot and considered bidding on properties up for tax sale, ultimately deciding against it but considering liens on properties previously demolished by the village. The board approved a resolution for a loan application to the NYS Fire Fighter Revolving Loan Fund for an ambulance purchase. They discussed funding options for a DPW sweeper and authorized its procurement, addressing bidding requirements. Additionally, the board initiated steps to hire a full-time Deputy Clerk-Treasurer and updated the vision plan for Oxford, including a comprehensive plan.

The meeting addressed timber management, discussing access to Boname Park for logging, including potential easements and the use of different access points. Options for surveying land at Boname Park were reviewed, and a motion was passed to approve a specific survey option. The Fire Department's capital project was discussed, focusing on the repair costs of truck 267 and potential future expenses. The possibility of selling the truck was also considered, along with the exploration of funding from The Raymond Foundation. The purchase of an ambulance was addressed, including the decision to forgo a firefighter grant and explore alternative funding options. Lastly, a resolution was passed regarding the waiver of competitive bidding for the purchase of replacement influent pumps for wastewater management, and the renewal of the union contract was discussed.

The Board of Trustees reviewed invoices, discussed fire department matters including a barn fire and ladder truck repairs, and considered a timber management plan for Boname Park. They also discussed Halloween trick-or-treat hours, staffing for the village clerk-treasurer position, and a revised meeting schedule. Additional topics included EMS coverage, wastewater plant issues, and the purchase of a used street sweeper.

The Board discussed code enforcement issues, including properties not meeting minimum standards and the need for stricter enforcement. Actions to address these concerns include issuing citations, reviewing and raising fine levels, and hiring a second code officer. The Board also discussed a timber management plan for Boname Park, including thinning the timber, potential revenue from harvesting, and the development of a management plan. The Board also discussed the OFD report, EMS report, Police Department, Waste Water Plant, and Department of Public Works.