OXFORD – Wednesday evening’s Town of Oxford board meeting brought approximately seven residents to town hall, a number those at the meeting found surprisingly small as compared to recent meetings.
During the public comment portion of the agenda, three residents opted to speak their minds and address the board, yet the general consensus remained the same – each had something to share, but thought there would be more area residents at the meeting so decided to “save it,” they said.
Bryant La Tourette congratulated the board’s Republican incumbent Jon Hoffman on garnering enough votes in Tuesday’s primary to secure his spot on the general election ticket in November for board re-election. La Tourette said he knew Hoffman didn’t do much campaigning, but the voters showed their support by voting Tuesday.
“The lack of people here – the people that want to take your place – would want to be at a meeting, I’d think,” La Tourette said before letting the board know he had more to say, but opted to save it for a future meeting when more residents would be in attendance.
The tone was similar with the other two residents on hand to address the board. Hofmann was congratulated by the two others who chose to speak, as well.
“Congratulations, John. I had more to say but I thought there would be a bigger crowd,” said another resident.
“Well, there is no one here so I will save what I was going to say,” said a third wishing to address the board. “You guys are doing a great job and have my support, thank you.”
Following the brief public comments portion from the agenda, those who made statements chose to leave, a move that caused the board members to turn their attention to the door before continuing with their business in a near-empty room.
Various issues were addressed while few residents remained.
Those elected to represent the town first discussed information regarding Lifeline Services - a government benefit program providing discounts on telephone service for eligible low-income consumers. Supervisor Lawrence Wilcox received this Lifeline information from the New York State Department of Public Service, the agency that oversees the program.
Additionally, according to the Department of Conservation, the dam in Oxford on McCall Road has been found to be “all in compliance,” said Wilcox after a brief summary of the varying flood control issues.
The town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan must be renewed every six years, added Wilcox, and now is the time to renew said plan. Wilcox said it is his belief each community in the county needs a hazard mitigation plan, and all that was needed to move forward was a letter of intent signed by the town board members to be sent to the county.
A planning board vacancy discussed at the August board meeting – set to be filled – was also addressed, as the man slated to fill the spot has since changed his mind.
“He returned from his vacation with about nine messages on his phone ... all regarding the anti-gas agendas.” said Wilcox. “He decided he didn’t want to take it on. They drove him away.”
A motion was made and carried approving the spot – a term lasting until December 2017 – on the planning board for Rich Anthony.
The board briefly discussed that all members of the STAR Program will have to re-register, and the county department will assist residents with that process if need be.
The Democratic caucus for the Town of Oxford will be held at 7:15, tonight, at the Oxford Fire House.
The next Town of Oxford board meeting is slated for 7:30 p.m., Oct. 9 at the Village Hall.