Oxford meeting roundup: Water system contract vote, election review, waterfront permits on recent agendas
Oxford's recent government meetings covered a proposed $698,500 water system contract, election procedure changes, and waterfront permit reviews — but minutes have not yet been published for any of the three sessions, so outcomes are not yet confirmed in the public record.
Commissioners — July 8
The Commissioners of Oxford were scheduled to vote on several resolutions and ordinances, though minutes from the meeting have not been published.
The largest dollar item was Resolution R2603, a proposed $698,500 contract with Somerset Well Drilling Co. for a test well as part of the Oxford Water System Improvement Project.
Other scheduled items:
- **Resolution R2602** — establishment of a permit fee for work on Town roads, sidewalks, or rights of way.
- **Resolution R2601** — adoption of the 2045 Comprehensive Plan, with a public hearing set for **Aug. 11**.
- **Ordinance 2605** — amendments to the Short-Term Rental Ordinance, also with a public hearing set for **Aug. 11**.
- Proposed expenditures of **$15,000** for a tide gate valve at Tilghman Street and **$25,000** for Market Street / Jefferson Street stormwater improvements.
Because minutes are not yet available, it is not confirmed which items passed, failed, or were tabled.
Board of Election Supervisors — July 16
The Board of Election Supervisors was scheduled to debrief recent elections and discuss potential procedural changes. Items on the agenda included:
- A debrief of election successes and challenges.
- Proposed lengthening of the absentee application deadline.
- A proposed change to the number of canvassers per process.
- Proposed removal of write-in candidates.
- Proposed cancellation of elections for unopposed candidates.
No outcomes are confirmed; minutes have not been published.
Board of Port Wardens — July 16
The Board of Port Wardens was scheduled to nominate a new Chairperson and review several waterfront permits:
- Recommission of old #9 mooring (Campbell).
- Demolition of an old pier and construction of a new pier, finger piers, and boat lift at **5023 Hels Half Acre** (Schmitt).
- New Maintenance Permit at **510 E Strand** (Kordell).
- Discussion on auxiliary floats and shoreline change permits.
No outcomes are confirmed; minutes have not been published.
Coming up
Historic District Commission — July 20 (today): The HDC is scheduled to review several exterior modification applications, including a fence replacement at 101 Stewart, a driveway material and garage door change at 210 Market, an HOD materials change request at 512 Strand, an interior remodel and bay window expansion at 200 Tred Avon, and a propane tank installation at 101 South Street. The commission will also consider approval of minutes from its previous meeting.
Public hearings — Aug. 11: The Commissioners have scheduled public hearings on the 2045 Comprehensive Plan (Resolution R2601) and Short-Term Rental Ordinance amendments (Ordinance 2605).