OXFORD — During their Jan. 16 business meeting Selectmen unanimously approved erecting a new changing room at Pismo Beach, at no cost to taxpayers.
Pam Sessions of The Mountains to Shore Board of REALTORS® and Sarah Foster, president of the affiliated Androscoggin Valley Council, presented a grant proposal available through the national organization for the project.
“As part of our membership with the National Association of REALTORS® we are allowed a place-making grant for a project that would beautify a place the community uses,” Sessions explained. “We are proposing an eight- by 16-foot, four-stall changing room at Pismo Beach.
“We apply for the grant if we get your approval, and then it is built at no charge to the town of Oxford.”

Oxford selectmen approved a grant from the local affiliate of National Association of REALTORS® to construct a four-stall changing room at Pismo Beach. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat
Town Manager Adam Garland advised that as the property deed for Pismo allows buildings only for recreational purposes, it would at the board’s discretion whether a changing room meets the recreation requirement. A grandfathered concrete pad already exists near the boat launch area where it would be installed.
With the board’s approval, Sessions and Foster will pursue the grant.
Other business
In other business, selectmen increased the commercial disposal fee for tires from $150 to $175/ton. Transfer Station Manager Ed Knightly requested the adjustment after the downstream recycling vendor BDS Tire Recycling raised its prices twice since July.
The fee does not apply to residents who turn in tires. Knightly said it primarily pertains to used car dealers and salvage businesses.
The board also approved tax and supplemental abatement requests from four business and residential property owners, for a total of $1,782.70.
The Oxford Fire Rescue Association’s request to set up a toll road fundraiser at King Street and Skeetfield Road was approved. The fundraiser will take place on Valentines Day between 1-5 p.m. Any driver who donates will be rewarded with a pink carnation for their sweetheart.
Police Chief Rickie Jack told selectmen that his department is now fully staffed. The new K-9 is expected to arrive Feb. 8.
Jack and Garland have been reviewing used vehicle options to replace a 2018 cruiser totaled during a motor cycle accident last summer, but have not found a cost-effective solution. The board voted to approve posting an RFP for a new SUV before determining if purchasing a new one is the best route.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is found on our FAQs. You can modify your screen name here.
Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve.
Join the Conversation
Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.