Oxford public meetings in 2021

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners approved a letter of support for a $320,000 DNR Coastal Gateway grant application, with a $200,000 town match, for Strand Road, parking lot, and living shoreline improvements. They also formally adopted the Retiree Insurance Reimbursement Plan, providing up to $4,000 annually for eligible retirees' health insurance costs. The meeting was held virtually due to high COVID transmission rates, and a closed session was held for personnel discussion.

• Approved November 9, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Filed November 2021 report of disbursements for audit (unanimous)
• Approved proclamation honoring Dale Benson (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for DNR Coastal Gateway grant application for Strand Road, parking lot, and living shoreline improvements (unanimous)
• Adopted Retiree Insurance Reimbursement Plan resolution (unanimous)
• Adjourned into closed session for personnel discussion (unanimous)

Board of Port Wardens

The Board of Port Wardens approved Permit #21-03 for Gail Steckler's new pier at 106 Benoni Avenue, with a condition reducing the total length to 50 feet to ensure navigational clearance between neighboring piers. The board also approved a revision to Chairman Campbell's previously approved permit for Campbell's Jack's Pt. Boatyard, contingent on state and federal approvals. Both decisions were made during the virtual meeting on December 9, 2021.

• Approved Permit #21-03 for Steckler pier, reduced to 50 ft total length (all in favor)
• Approved revision to Campbell's Jack's Pt. Boatyard pier reconfiguration, contingent on state/federal permits (all in favor)
• Approved minutes of November 18, 2021, with correction changing '34' to '30'

Historic District

The commission approved permits for a brick patio extension, Hardiplank siding, a rear addition, a shed replacement, a solar equipment relocation, and a studio window/shed change. A permit for window replacement at 213 South St. was tabled because the applicant was absent and details were unclear. A consultation on a renovation at 203 N. Morris St. ended with members expressing concerns about the design.

• Approved Permit #21-111 for a brick patio extension and stone step at 102 Tilghman St.
• Approved Permit #21-113 for Hardiplank siding on a guest cottage at 305 Market St.
• Approved Permit #21-97 for a rear addition at 106 N. Morris St.
• Approved Permit #21-114 for a shed replacement at 106 E. Strand, with a note to be sent on siting.
• Approved Permit #20-42 revision to relocate Tesla equipment to the south side of the accessory building at 200 West St.
• Approved Permit #20-42 revision for cedar shingle door panels and evergreen plantings at 200 West St.
• Approved Permit #21-117 for window changes and shed enlargement at 221 S. Morris St.
• Tabled Permit #21-100 for window replacement at 213 South St.; applicant to be contacted to attend a future meeting.

Board of Port Wardens

The Board of Port Wardens approved Permit #21-04 for a replacement vinyl bulkhead and stone revetment on Pier Street, and tabled a request by Gail Steckler for a new pier until its December 9th meeting pending additional information, including a legal opinion on property lines.

• Approved Permit #21-04 for Pier Street: replacement of 135 linear feet of vinyl bulkhead and construction of stone revetment, as supported by MDE and Army Corps permits.
• Tabled Permit #21-05 for Gail Steckler's proposed 4-foot-wide, 80-foot-long pier at 106 Benoni Avenue until the December 9th meeting, pending revised drawings and a legal opinion on property lines.
• Discussed a consultation request from Charles Clancy regarding an in-water docking system, but took no action; Chairman Campbell will contact him to discuss further.

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners approved Ordinance 2114 authorizing the purchase of properties at 101 High Street and 200 Market Street to provide additional parking in the Historic Commercial District. A public hearing was scheduled for January 11, 2022. The meeting also included routine approvals of minutes and disbursements, and reports on maintenance and police activities.

• Approved Ordinance 2114 authorizing purchase of 101 High Street and 200 Market Street (all in favor)
• Scheduled public hearing for Ordinance 2114 on January 11, 2022
• Approved October 26, 2021 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved November 2, 2021 special meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Filed October 2021 report of disbursements for audit (all in favor)

Planning Commission

The Oxford Planning Commission approved Permit #21-103 for Campbell's Town Creek Boatyard, LLC to demolish and replace a bathhouse and storage building at 106 Richardson Street. The commission deemed the existing structures blighted, allowing construction on the same footprint under zoning ordinance §9.00.E.3. The motion carried unanimously. The commission also approved Norman Bell as the new chairman, replacing David Baker.

• Approved Permit #21-103 for Campbell's Town Creek Boatyard, LLC to demolish and replace bathhouse and storage building (unanimous)
• Deemed existing structures at 106 Richardson Street as blighted, allowing same-footprint replacement under §9.00.E.3 (unanimous)
• Approved Norman Bell as new Planning Commission Chairman (unanimous)

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners voted unanimously to support a proposed 2% increase to Talbot County's accommodations tax, which would raise the rate from 4% to 6%. The increase would direct 1% to the local area where the accommodations are located and 1% to the Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism Office. The motion was made by President Fronk, seconded by Commissioner Wells, and carried with all in favor.

• Supported proposed 2% accommodations tax increase (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:41 pm (unanimous)

Historic District

The Oxford Historic District Commission approved eight building permits, including window and porch replacements, a door replacement, gutter covers, window replacements, a boiler installation, a conservatory revision, and a major renovation. Two applications were tabled: one for window replacement at 213 South St. due to the applicant's absence, and one for a rear addition at 106 N. Morris St. pending additional information. All approvals were unanimous.

• Approved Permit #21-99 for window and porch replacement at 200 N. Morris St. (unanimous)
• Approved Permit #21-106 for front door replacement at 208 Tilghman St. (unanimous)
• Approved Permit #21-105 for gutter covers at 105 High St. (unanimous)
• Tabled Permit #21-100 for window replacement at 213 South St. (unanimous)
• Approved front porch restoration at 106 N. Morris St., tabled rear addition (unanimous)
• Approved Permit #21-104 for LP tanks and boiler at 208 S. Morris St. (unanimous)
• Approved Permit #21-66 for conservatory revision at 301 N. Morris St. (unanimous)
• Approved Permit #21-102 for renovations at 508 Valliant's Lane (unanimous)

Commissioners

The Commissioners rejected both bids for the Oxford Central Park Amenities project as non-responsive, and approved moving forward with RL Ewing for the 2021 repaving project. The park project will be revisited with individual quotes to avoid losing grant funding. The meeting also included routine reports and a letter of support for the Oxford Museum.

• Rejected both bids for Oxford Central Park Amenities (Stone Age Concrete Games, INL Masonry) as non-responsive (unanimous)
• Approved moving forward with RL Ewing bid for 2021 repaving, approving first four line items (unanimous)
• Approved letter supporting Oxford Museums' application to Stories of the Chesapeake program (unanimous)
• Approved September 28, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned into closed session for legal advice and personnel/public safety matters (unanimous)

Board of Port Wardens

The Board of Port Wardens tabled Permit #21-03 for a new pier at 106 Benoni Avenue, owned by Gail Steckler, until the November 18 meeting. The board requested additional information on property width and setbacks. Separately, the board approved a maintenance application for repairs to a bulkhead at 100 Myrtle Avenue, amended to 'repair' only.

• Tabled Permit #21-03 for new pier at 106 Benoni Avenue until November 18 (unanimous)
• Approved maintenance application for bulkhead repairs at 100 Myrtle Avenue, amended to 'repair' only (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Oxford Planning Commission approved two renovation permits: Permit #21-84 for a complete renovation and addition to a circa 1930 cottage at 102 East Strand, and Permit #21-92 for restoration of a historic front porch at 200 Tred Avon Avenue. Both approvals were unanimous, with Chairman Baker abstaining from both votes. The commission also discussed a potential update to Section 32.10 of the zoning ordinance regarding building lines, but took no action.

• Approved Permit #21-84 for renovation and addition at 102 East Strand (unanimous, Chairman Baker abstained)
• Approved Permit #21-92 for historic porch restoration at 200 Tred Avon Avenue (unanimous, Chairman Baker abstained)

Historic District

The commission approved all four permit applications reviewed at the meeting: siding and roof replacement at 300 Market Street, a porch extension at 507 E. Strand, a garden shed at 305 N. Morris Street, and painting a door at 202 N. Morris Street. All approvals were unanimous. The garden shed approval included a note that site plans must be revised to show the structure's footprint to scale before a permit is issued.

• Approved Permit #21-94 for siding, roof, gutters, and paint at 300 Market Street (unanimous)
• Approved Permit #21-96 for porch extension at 507 E. Strand (unanimous)
• Approved Permit #21-95 for garden shed at 305 N. Morris Street, with site plan revision required (unanimous)
• Approved Permit #21-98 to paint entry door black at 202 N. Morris Street (unanimous)

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners adopted Resolution 2117, updating the town's Adverse Weather Emergency Operations Plan from 2007. They also approved Resolution 2118 recognizing James Thomas's service. The meeting was held virtually due to high COVID transmission in Talbot County.

• Adopted Resolution 2117, the 2022 Adverse Weather Emergency Operations Plan (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2118 recognizing James Thomas's service (unanimous)
• Approved September 14, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners introduced Resolution 2117, the 2022 Adverse Weather Emergency Operations Plan, updating the 2007 plan, with a final vote scheduled for the next meeting. They approved reappointments to several town boards and commissions, and approved the August 24, 2021 minutes and August disbursements. The town manager reported that a USDA grant for a Public Works vehicle and a Police vehicle was awarded, and that ARPA-funded projects (water meter replacement and stormwater engineering) are moving forward with RFPs. The meeting adjourned into closed session to discuss property acquisition and a public safety matter.

• Introduced Resolution 2117, 2022 Adverse Weather Emergency Operations Plan (unanimous)
• Approved August 24, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved and filed August disbursements for audit (unanimous)
• Approved board reappointments for BZA, Port Wardens, HDC, Planning Commission, Parks n Rec (unanimous)
• Adjourned into closed session for property acquisition and public safety discussion (unanimous)

Historic District

The Oxford Historic District Commission approved all 12 building permit applications and revisions presented at its September 13, 2021 meeting, including permits for roof replacements, siding changes, and a new home. The commission also held a consultation for a property at 200 Tred Avon Avenue, discussing a porch restoration and other changes, but took no formal action on that item.

• Approved revision to permit #21-59 for 105 S. Morris St. to remove two brick chimneys and patch roof (unanimous)
• Approved permit #21-86 for 207 S. Morris St. to replace roofing with dark gray asphalt shingles and metal porch roof (unanimous)
• Approved permit #21-85 for 209 South St. to reside shed with board and batten and match house roof/color (unanimous)
• Approved permit #21-89 for 224 South St. to install vinyl railing, window boxes, and address plaque (unanimous)
• Approved revision to permit #21-66 for 301 N. Morris St. to replace exterior elevator with interior elevator (unanimous)
• Approved permit #21-88 for 510 E. Strand to replace driveway and walk with dry laid brick pavers (unanimous)
• Approved permit #21-90 for 220 S. Morris St. for gutters and front yard fencing replacement (unanimous)
• Approved permit #21-82 for 307 S. Morris St. to alter windows and replace door with window (unanimous)

Board of Port Wardens

The Oxford Board of Port Wardens approved Permit #21-02 for David Ober to install a manually operated davit on piling at 104 Tred Avon Avenue. The motion was made by Robert Trevorrow, seconded by Robert Hyberg, and carried unanimously. The board also postponed approval of the August 12, 2021 minutes until the next meeting. No other applications were reviewed.

• Approved Permit #21-02 for David Ober to install an 800 lb. manually operated davit on piling at 104 Tred Avon Avenue.
• Postponed approval of the August 12, 2021 minutes until the next monthly meeting.

Planning Commission

The Oxford Planning Commission voted unanimously to table Permit #21-84 for Bartley Eckhart and Bonnie Johnson's renovation of 102 East Strand until the next meeting. The decision was made because the commission needed more time to review the extensive application and because the stormwater plan and HDC approval were still pending. The commission also approved the minutes from the July 6, 2021 meeting.

• Approved the minutes of the July 6, 2021 meeting as distributed.
• Tabled Permit #21-84 for 102 East Strand until the next meeting, pending HDC approval and stormwater plan review.

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners approved Resolution 2116 to apply for USDA financial assistance for a public works truck and a police vehicle, with a 35% USDA / 65% town match. They also approved a budget amendment for the vehicles, authorized two RFPs for stormwater improvements and water metering upgrades using ARPA funds, and granted a street closure for the library book sale.

• Approved Resolution 2116 for USDA vehicle financing (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment for $100,000 vehicle purchase (unanimous)
• Authorized RFPs for stormwater engineering/construction and water metering/billing infrastructure
• Approved grant application to Maryland Parks and Playground Grant for pickleball/basketball courts (unanimous)
• Granted Market Street closure for Oxford Library book sale on Sept 25, 2021
• Approved July 27, 2021 minutes and July disbursements (unanimous)

Board of Port Wardens

The Oxford Board of Port Wardens approved a maintenance application from the Bachelor's Point Homeowners Association to replace a deteriorating bulkhead, contingent on state and federal permits. The board also approved a maintenance application for Analipsi, LLC to add rock to existing riprap at 100 West Street, which required no state or federal approval. Minutes from the July 8, 2021 meeting were accepted.

• Approved Bachelor's Point HOA bulkhead replacement application (contingent on permits)
• Approved Analipsi, LLC riprap maintenance application at 100 West Street
• Approved minutes of July 8, 2021 meeting

Historic District

The Oxford Historic District Commission approved three building permits for properties on Benoni Street, including a window replacement, a ductless heat pump installation, and exterior painting. All approvals were unanimous. The commission also discussed storm windows for The Mews building but took no action.

• Approved Permit #21-72 for Cynthia Orem, 101 Benoni Street, to replace a dining room window (unanimous)
• Approved Permit #21-75 for Cynthia Orem, 101 Benoni Street, to install a Mitsubishi ductless heat pump with piping painted to match siding (unanimous)
• Approved Permit #21-77 for Gail Steckler, 106 Benoni Street, to paint trim white, shutters and front door 'Watertown' blue, and porch floor 'Stonington Gray' (unanimous)

Commissioners

The minutes for the July 27, 2021 regular meeting of the Oxford Commissioners contain no substantive decisions. The document is largely procedural, with no recorded votes, approvals, or discussions of specific agenda items.

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners approved several items, including a Crab Skiff Regatta on August 14, a street closing for the Oxford Museum on July 30, a $1,000 donation to the Oxford Plein Air Show, and the appointment of John Pepe to the Board of Appeals. They also granted temporary use of a tennis court for pickleball overflow on a trial basis. The meeting included routine approvals of minutes and disbursements, plus reports from public works, police, and fire company.

• Approved Crab Skiff Regatta off the Strand on August 14, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved closing Market St on July 30, 2021 from 2-7 pm for Oxford Museum event (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 donation to Oxford Plein Air Show (unanimous)
• Appointed John Pepe to Board of Appeals (unanimous)
• Approved Kim Kearns as Oxford representative to Talbot County Parks and Rec Board (unanimous)
• Granted temporary use of one tennis court for pickleball overflow on trial basis
• Approved June 22, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Filed reported disbursements for audit (unanimous)

Historic District

The Oxford Historic District Commission approved all four building permits reviewed at its July 12, 2021 meeting: a door/window replacement at 208 Tred Avon Avenue, vinyl siding and roof replacement at 224 South Street, a kitchen roof raise at 204 Factory Street, and a second-floor conservatory addition with elevator at 301 N. Morris St. The commission also discussed, but took no formal action on, renovation plans for 103 Tred Avon Avenue and the future owner's proposal to add storm windows at The Mews.

• Approved Permit #21-61 for Robert and Nancy Lefenfeld at 208 Tred Avon Avenue to replace a hinged patio door and flankers with an Andersen A series door and windows, plus a new white screen door (unanimous).
• Approved Permit #21-70 for James and Mrs. Bredar at 224 South Street to replace aluminum siding with vinyl siding in Heritage Cream, install a charcoal roof, new exterior lights, and proportional shutters (unanimous).
• Approved Permit #21-63 for Jay and Alice Ann Martin at 204 Factory Street to raise the roof over the kitchen, add windows and a door with transom windows, per plans dated 6/15/21 (unanimous).
• Approved Permit #21-66 for David and Constance Poe at 301 N. Morris St. for a second-floor conservatory addition and a free-standing glass elevator on the south elevation, per drawings received June 26, 2021 (unanimous).
• Discussed renovation plans for 103 Tred Avon Avenue (new first-floor bedroom, bath, laundry, Hardiplank addition) but took no formal action.
• Discussed The Mews' proposed storm windows over existing windows on Morris Street; no decision made.

Board of Port Wardens

The minutes for the July 8, 2021 meeting of the Oxford Board of Port Wardens were posted on the town website. The document contains no substantive decisions or actions, only the meeting record itself.

• No decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Planning Commission

The Oxford Planning Commission denied a building permit for a 63" x 42" wooden sign on wheels at 101 Mill Street, proposed by Barbara Paca's Water's Edge Museum, because the town's zoning ordinance prohibits portable signs. The commission voted to deny the application but recommended the applicant appeal to the Board of Appeals, suggesting they look favorably on the sign due to its historical significance. The vote was carried with Chairman Baker abstaining.

• Approved the minutes of the June 8, 2021 meeting as distributed.
• Denied Permit #21-62 for a portable wooden sign at 101 Mill Street, as it violates the zoning ordinance prohibiting portable signage.
• Recommended the applicant appeal the denial to the Board of Appeals, with a suggestion to view the sign favorably due to its historical importance.
• Noted an upcoming public hearing on August 11 for a fence ordinance.

Commissioners

The Commissioners approved three ordinances: amending the FY2021 budget, adopting the FY2022 tax rate and budget, and setting water and sewer rates for FY2022. They also approved a resolution adding Juneteenth as a paid holiday and changing the town administrator title to town manager, and accepted ARPA funding. Additionally, they introduced ordinances for forest conservation and a commissioner salary increase, and made several appointments.

• Approved Ordinance 2107 amending the FY2021 General and Enterprise Budget.
• Approved Ordinance 2108 adopting the FY2022 Tax Rate and General and Enterprise Budget.
• Approved Ordinance 2109 setting Water and Sewer Rates for FY2022.
• Approved Resolution 2111 adding Juneteenth as a holiday and renaming the administrator title to Town Manager.
• Approved acceptance of ARPA funds and authorized the town manager to sign related documents.
• Approved Resolution 2113 to apply for DHCD funding for off-street parking near the Historic Commercial District.
• Introduced Ordinance 2113 (Forest Conservation) and Ordinance 2114 (Commissioner salary increase) with public hearings set for July 27, 2021.
• Appointed Norman Bell to the Planning Commission and Judy Bixler to the Tourism Board; approved closing Mill Street on July 4th from 2-6 pm.

Planning Commission

The Oxford Planning Commission approved a lot line subdivision between the Kordell and Campen properties at 510 and 506 E. Strand, respectively, to help the Kordells comply with lot coverage requirements. The commission also held consultations on a proposed home addition at 508 E. Strand and received updates on The Mews building development. No building permits were reviewed.

• Approved lot line revision between 510 and 506 E. Strand (unanimous)
• Held consultation on 508 E. Strand home addition (no action)
• Discussed The Mews building development (no formal action)

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners approved Resolution 2110 updating the employee manual with an organizational chart change, and approved requests for a 5K race and a Market Street closure. Budget ordinances for FY2021-22 and water/sewer rate changes were scheduled for a public hearing on June 22, 2021. No other substantive decisions were made; most items were reports or discussions.

• Approved Resolution 2110 updating employee manual (unanimous)
• Approved OCC 5K Race and Fun/Pet Walk on Oct 23, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved Market Street closure June 16, 4-7 pm for Oxford Museum event (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for budget ordinances 2107, 2108, 2109 on June 22, 2021

Historic District

The minutes for the June 7, 2021 Historic District Commission meeting are procedural only, with no substantive decisions recorded. The document contains no details on approvals, denials, or discussions.

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners adopted five 2021 international building and property maintenance codes (Ordinances 2102-2106) and introduced ordinances for the FY2022 budget with a tax rate of $0.3187 per $100, a 3% water/sewer rate increase, and a budget amendment, all with public hearings scheduled for June 22, 2021. They also approved revised plans for the Mews building, including retail and apartments, and approved a Medicare insurance stipend for employees.

• Adopted Ordinance 2102 (2021 International Building Code) (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2103 (2021 International Residential Code) (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2104 (2021 International Energy Conservation Code) (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2105 (2021 International Existing Building Code) (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2106 (2021 International Property Maintenance Code) (unanimous)
• Approved revised Mews building plans with retail and apartments (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance 2107 (FY2021 budget amendment) with public hearing June 22
• Introduced Ordinance 2108 (FY2022 budget, tax rate $0.3187) with public hearing June 22

Board of Port Wardens

The Board of Port Wardens met on May 13, 2021, but the minutes contain no record of any decisions, approvals, or discussions. The document is largely procedural, consisting of navigation menus and boilerplate text, with no substantive actions taken.

Planning Commission

The Oxford Planning Commission approved the February 2, 2021 minutes and reviewed one building permit. For Permit #21-34, the commission denied the application for a 5-foot fence but unanimously recommended that the Board of Appeals grant a variance for the height. The commission also discussed a sign request for a quilting studio at 206 S. Morris Street, agreeing that the zoning ordinance's restriction on signs affixed to fences was not intended for such a placard, and preferred the small sign over a larger alternative.

• Approved minutes of February 2, 2021 as distributed
• Denied building permit #21-34 for 5-foot fence at 104 Sinclair Street (unanimous)
• Recommended favorable variance to Board of Appeals for 5-foot fence at 104 Sinclair Street (unanimous)
• Discussed sign request for 206 S. Morris Street; no formal action taken

Historic District

The Oxford Historic District Commission approved all six building permit applications reviewed at its May 3, 2021 meeting, including fencing at 210 Factory Street and 200 South Street, window replacements at 224 South Street and 212 Caroline Street, a home business sign at 206 S. Morris St., and an HVAC unit at 216 South St. The commission also discussed solar panels for 200 West Street, hedge heights, and The Mews, but took no formal action on these items.

• Approved permit #21-37 for 51' of Oxford style picket fencing at 210 Factory Street (unanimous)
• Approved permit #21-38 for window replacement at 224 South Street (unanimous)
• Approved permit #21-44 for home business sign at 206 S. Morris St., placement left to Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Approved permit #21-49 for HVAC unit at 216 South Street with screening (unanimous)
• Approved permit #21-46 for 4' picket fence at 200 South Street (unanimous)
• Approved permit #21-45 for window replacement at 212 Caroline St. (unanimous, Chairman recused)

Commissioners

The Commissioners voted unanimously to proceed with the current Beach Strand Coastal Resilience design, a project aimed at protecting the beach and Strand infrastructure from sea level rise and erosion. They also introduced five ordinances to adopt the 2021 International Building Codes, with a public hearing set for May 25, 2021. The meeting was otherwise routine, including approval of prior minutes and reports from public works and police.

• Approved Beach Strand Coastal Resilience design (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinances 2102-2106 adopting 2021 International Building Codes (unanimous)
• Approved April 13, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Filed March 2021 disbursements for audit (unanimous)

Commissioners

The minutes for the April 13, 2021 regular meeting of the Oxford Commissioners contain only procedural and administrative content, with no substantive decisions, approvals, or votes recorded. The document primarily consists of website navigation and boilerplate text, with no details of any actions taken by the board.

Board of Port Wardens

The Board of Port Wardens approved Permit #20-05 for Penny Klotz to replace an existing bulkhead in-kind, remove two piers, and construct a single pier with a platform, finger pier, and three mooring piles. The approval is contingent on state and federal permits. The board also discussed future harbor line review and noted upcoming permit reviews for May.

• Approved Permit #20-05 for Penny Klotz, 207 South Street, as submitted, contingent on state and federal permits.
• Approved and accepted the minutes of March 11, 2021 as distributed.
• Discussed future review of the harbor line, agreeing to make individual notes for later discussion.

Historic District

The Oxford Historic District Commission approved four building permits: a flagstone patio at 105 N. Morris Street, picket fencing at 210 S. Morris Street, window replacement at 304 E. Strand, and a screened porch at 302 E. Strand. They also approved an addendum for a semi-permanent exhibit structure at the Oxford Museum. Two consultations were held, one for a kitchen renovation at 204 Factory Street and one for deck railing at 108 E. Strand, with no final decisions made.

• Approved Permit #21-25 for a flagstone patio with brick border at 105 N. Morris Street, including option for a small piece to the door.
• Approved Permit #21-26 for removal of boxwoods and installation of 32' of picket fencing at 210 S. Morris Street.
• Approved Permit #21-27 for replacement of 8 Anderson windows with new double-hung Anderson windows at 304 E. Strand.
• Approved Permit #21-28 for adding screens and a screen door to the existing porch at 302 E. Strand.
• Approved addendum to Permit #21-19 for a semi-permanent exhibit structure at the Oxford Museum, with fencing length modified to 66'.
• Held consultation with Jay Martin for kitchen renovation at 204 Factory Street; no decision, but suggested submitting permit with additional details.
• Held consultation with Catherine Bitter for deck railing at 108 E. Strand; no decision, but requested alternative options.

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners approved a long-term lease for the historic MEWS building to local business owner Rich Leggett, who will complete interior construction for retail and rental units. The lease includes a purchase option after five years, with conditions that the property remain mixed-use and well-maintained. Other actions included approving prior meeting minutes and the February disbursement report, and receiving updates on public works, police, and fire activities.

• Approved lease of MEWS to Rich Leggett (unanimous)
• Approved February 23, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 9, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Filed February 2021 disbursement report (unanimous)

Board of Port Wardens

The Board of Port Wardens held a virtual consultation with the new owner of 106 Benoni Street, Gail Steckler, and her engineer, Cheryl Tomey, about a proposed pier. The board did not approve or deny the application; instead, they discussed concerns about setbacks, a covenant, and neighbor relations, and advised Steckler to continue working with her neighbors and engineer before submitting a permit for future review. The board also approved the minutes from the December 10, 2020 meeting.

• Approved the minutes of the December 10, 2020 meeting.
• Discussed, but did not decide on, a proposed pier for 106 Benoni Street; the applicant was advised to continue working with neighbors and engineer before submitting a permit for future review.
• Chairman Campbell announced plans for maintenance dredging at his Town Creek boatyard in early April, with permits on file.

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners denied the Oxford Garden Club's request to use the town park for an event, citing the need to maintain COVID-19 protocols and consistency with prior denials. They also discussed forming a committee to review town signage regulations, with no formal action taken. The meeting was largely procedural, with updates from public works and police, and a closed session was held for legal advice.

• Denied Oxford Garden Club request to use town park (unanimous)
• Deferred approval of February 23, 2021 minutes to March 23, 2021
• Held closed session for legal advice (motioned and seconded)

Historic District

The Oxford Historic District Commission approved four building permits: a new picket fence, window replacements, a sign replacement, and a museum restoration project. The commission also held consultations on several property proposals and discussed improving access to design guidelines.

• Approved new cedar picket fence at 105 N. Morris St. (unanimous)
• Approved window replacements at 408 S. Morris St. (unanimous)
• Approved sign replacement at 104 Factory St. (unanimous)
• Approved Oxford Museum restoration at 101 S. Morris St., subject to zoning review (unanimous)
• Approved aluminum pool fence at 502 E. Strand (unanimous)

Commissioners

The Commissioners approved submitting a multijurisdictional grant application for stormwater design, committing an estimated $50,000 in infrastructure improvements and $9,000 for services. They also approved the February 9 meeting minutes and January disbursements. No other substantive decisions were made; discussions included the Strand resilience design and a proposed salary increase for commissioners.

• Approved February 9, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved filing January disbursements for audit (unanimous)
• Approved grant application for stormwater design with $50,000 infrastructure match and $9,000 for services (unanimous)

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners held a virtual meeting with no formal votes on substantive items. They discussed the Strand Coastal Resilience Design, heard updates on public works and police, and agreed to consider forming a commission to monitor shoreline adaptation. They also reviewed concerns about state legislation SB 486 and SB 245, and approved sending a letter on SB 486.

• Approved January 26, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed Strand Coastal Resilience Design, no action taken
• Agreed to consider forming a commission on shoreline adaptation, no formal vote
• Approved sending letter to legislature on SB 486 concerns
• Granted permission for virtual triathlon event in 2021

Historic District

The Oxford Historic District Commission approved five building permits for porch, shed, deck, vestibule removal, and pool projects, and tabled a master bedroom addition pending more detailed plans. All approvals were unanimous. The meeting was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Approved porch replacement at 305 N. Morris Street (unanimous)
• Approved 96 sq. ft. shed at 304 E. Strand (unanimous)
• Approved deck and walkway reconfiguration at 304 E. Strand (unanimous)
• Approved vestibule removal and door replacement at 304 E. Strand (unanimous)
• Approved 10' x 20' fiberglass pool with pavers and fencing at 404 S. Morris St. (unanimous)
• Tabled master bedroom addition at 217 South Street pending more detailed plans

Planning Commission

The Oxford Planning Commission tabled Permit #21-10 for a master bedroom addition at 217 South Street after the applicant acknowledged errors in the plat and discussed setback issues. The commission advised the applicant to either work within the 25-foot Critical Area setback, seek a variance, or resurvey the property. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was otherwise procedural.

• Tabled Permit #21-10 for 217 South Street addition pending further information
• Approved minutes of September 1, 2020 and October 6, 2020 as distributed

Commissioners

The Oxford Commissioners met virtually and heard a detailed presentation from engineers on the Strand Beach living shorelines project, discussing design concerns with residents. No formal decisions were made on the project; the engineers will address concerns and provide more information later. The board also approved the January 12 meeting minutes and discussed a proposed scholarship program in honor of former Commissioner Gordon Graves, with the town manager to draft a plan for review.

• Approved January 12, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Heard Strand Beach living shoreline design presentation; no action taken
• Discussed creating an R. Gordon Graves Scholarship Award; town manager to draft program for next meeting