Oxford Board of Selectmen

April 6, 2017

Oxford Town Hall

Public hearings

What happened: Selectmen held public hearings on proposed updates to the 1958 Building Code and an Oxford Appeals Board Ordinance.

What it means: Code Enforcement Officer Joelle Corey-Whitman told selectmen she has been unable to find any updates to the 1958 Building Code. As of Dec. 1, 2010, the state of Maine mandated all towns with populations of at least 4,000 that adopted building codes on or before Aug. 1, 2008, adopt and enforce the new Maine Uniform Building and Energy Codes. Corey-Whitman said she hoped to add updates that will, in part, make it easier for non-tradesmen to understand the requirements. The Appeals Board Ordinance update would, in part, allow selectmen to appoint two alternate members.

What’s next: Selectmen tabled a decision to enact proposed updates and instead voted unanimously to send the document to a committee headed by Appeals Board member John Palmer. Palmer said it usually takes six to eight months in committee to develop a workable document.

Rodney Smith remembered

What happened: Interim Town Manager Becky Lippincott announced that a celebration of life will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at the Oxford Recreation Center on King Street for former Code Enforcement Officer and former interim Town Manager Rodney Smith who passed away March 30 at the age of 69.

What’s next: The board announced the Town Report will be dedicated in his honor.

Appeals Board appointment

What happened: Selectmen made an appointment to the Appeals Board.

What it means: Jocelyn Bradbury was appointed unanimously to fill the vacant seat on the five-member panel. She is an active member of the Oxford community, volunteering for several athletic events.

Liquor license

What happened: Selectmen unanimously approved a liquor license renewal for Polly’s Variety, doing business as Polly’s Pit Stop. A hearing was waived.

What it means: The applicant requested to waive the public hearing requirement because it has had the license for five years with no complaints. 

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Members of the Oxford Fire Department were presented the American Red Cross Workplace Safety Heroes Award by state Rep. Kathleen Dillingham, R-Oxford, at the selectmen meeting Thursday at the Town office. The award recognized their role in rescuing Norway Fire Capt. Christine Yates when she fell through the floor of a burning house in Oxford last year. Standing, from left, are Dillingham, rescue Capt. Patty Hess, Deputy Chief Paul Hewey, junior firefighter Dakota Herrick, Pvt. Mike Doze and fire Capt. Shawn Cordwell.