Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen

1.      To enter executive session for the purpose of interviewing candidates for the position of Town Manager pursuant to M.R.S.A. Title 1, Chapter 13, Section 405 (6)(A).

An interim School Board Director is needed immediately to serve until the next annual Town Meeting, June 2021.  If interested, please submit a letter of interest to the Board of Selectmen.  Town of Oxford P.O. Box 153 Oxford, ME 04270 or email to eolsen@oxfordmaine.org.

October 15, 2020

Governor Janet Mills and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Heather Johnson announced today that the Mills Administration has begun distributing the first round of financial awards to Maine small businesses and non-profits through the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program.

Grant letters notifying the recipients of their award were sent yesterday in collaboration with Maine’s seven Economic Development Districts, which will distribute funds by early November. The program, backed by $200 million in Federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF), provides some financial relief for businesses and non-profit organizations that incurred business disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2,329 awards, which include 2,072 to small businesses and 257 to non-profits, total $105 million dollars and average just over $45,000 per award with recipients spanning the entire state. The hospitality sector, particularly lodging and accommodations, represent the largest percentage of recipients, drawing 35 percent of the awards. The grants are intended to help sustain the viability of Maine’s small businesses and nonprofits – not to replace lost profits – and will provide short-term relief to help stabilize Maine’s economy. At the same time, the Administration continues to focus on the state’s long-term goals described in the state’s 10-year strategic economic development plan. The program draws on a recommendation from the Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee.

“There is no question that Maine’s small businesses are struggling to survive unprecedented economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Mills. “While these funds will not make them whole, they offer some lifeline to keep afloat those small businesses that are at the core of our economy. I encourage all eligible businesses and nonprofits to apply for the second round of this relief as I continue to call on Congress to provide more direct aid to the State of Maine.”

The Mills Administration worked with the seven Economic Development Districts across the state to operationalize the program. Based on eligibility requirements, which align with allowable uses of CARES Act CRF monies under guidance provided by the U.S. Treasury Department, the Economic Development Districts determined the eligibility of each application, consulting with state agencies when needed. If a small business or non-profit were determined to not meet eligibility requirements, they were also notified yesterday, including a justification for the denial so that the organization can determine their eligibility for Phase 2 of the grant program.

On September 21st, Governor Mills announced the second phase of the Economic Recovery Grant Program. This second phase expands access to the program by increasing the number of eligible organizations. Under Phase 2, businesses and non-profits that employ up to 250 people are eligible for grant awards. In addition, licensed childcare and behavioral health organizations will be eligible in this round, along with businesses and non-profits that are less than one year old. The application portal for Phase Two of the Economic Recovery Grant Program remains open until October 23, 2020.

“There are a number of areas of our economy that have been severely impacted as a result of the pandemic,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of Economic and Community Development. “We hope this program can help support businesses during this difficult time.”

Grants awarded through the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program may be used to cover expenses including: payroll costs and expenses; rent or mortgage payments for business facilities; utilities payments; necessary operating expenses; expenses incurred to replenish inventory or other necessary re-opening expenses; purchase of personal protective equipment required by the business or business related equipment. Funds must be spent on operations that are strictly within Maine. Recipients are liable for any misuse of funds, and the grants are subject to audit.

Driveway entrances will receive minimal work prior to resurfacing. Entrances will be completed at that time.

The Oxford Recycle building will be closed for repair October 1st through October 11th, 2020. Thank you for your patience during this construction.

Town of Oxford

Notice of Public Hearing

Pursuant to 22 M.R.S.A. § 4305(1)

 The Oxford Selectmen will hold a public hearing September 17, 2020 at 6:00 PM at the Oxford Town Office on the amendments of the 2020-2021 appendices A – H of the Local General Assistance Ordinance. The selectmen’s meeting will immediately follow. Copies are available at the town office.

The Station House Community Center will be closed for cleaning until Monday September 14th, 2020.

I want to take a moment to once again remind property owners on Thompson Lake that water levels will start to recede on September 8^th in anticipation of rehabilitation work on the dam starting. The drawdown is necessary for cofferdam placement and to put the town in compliance with the Natural Resources Protection Act permit. The annual drawdown typically occurs after Columbus Day and takes approximately two weeks to complete. In order to take advantage of warmer temperatures and a short construction window, the decision was made to start the project in September. Water levels will decrease to 33 inches below the dam benchmark line which is what it is typically seen during the winter months. For seasonal and non-seasonal residents who have water craft on the lake, I would suggest monitoring water levels daily and making arrangements to get your boats out early. Current water level at the dam is 20”. For further information on the dam project or water levels please contact your local municipal officials or the Oxford Town Office.

Butch Asselin

Town Manager

Town of Oxford

TOWN OF OXFORD
TAX ACQUIRED PROPERTY SALE
The Town of Oxford is currently accepting competitive proposal bids on the following tax-acquired property:

U03-080-00A   CALLAHAN ROAD OXFORD, MAINE

Minimum Bid required. Bid instructions, bid forms and additional information is available on our website www.oxfordmaine.org or at the Oxford Town Office, 85 Pleasant Street, Oxford Maine.   All bids must be received by 3:00 p.m. on September 24th, 2020. The Oxford Board of Selectmen reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Bid Form Required

Notice of Tax Acquired Property Sale

Property Card

$200 Million in Grants Available to Maine’s Small Businesses

Today, Governor Mills announced the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program to help Maine small businesses and nonprofits as they continue to grapple with economic hardships caused by COVID-19.

As of Friday, August 21, every small business and many non-profit organizations with 50 or fewer employees can apply to receive a grant of up to $100,000 to replace COVID-19 related losses. Using federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds, the Governor has committed up to $200 million for this initiative, making it a central pandemic support strategy for Maine’s economy.

The Administration is working in partnership with AVCOG and the other federally designated Economic Development Districts to implement this program. AVCOG will assist in distributing these critical funds to Maine’s small businesses and eligible nonprofits in our region.

We invite you to spread the word as timing is short – the application period begins Friday, August 21 and ends September 9, 2020. Here’s a helpful one pager about the program you can share.

The grant application is available on the DECD’s website, along with program requirements, answers to frequently asked questions and a phone hotline for application support (1-800-872-3838 and press 3, or email: BizAwards.DECD@maine.gov).

DECD will also host webinars to explain the program and answer questions, starting tomorrow.

• Friday, August 21 at 10:00 AM – register here

           Tuesday, August 25 at 11:00 AM – register here 

COVID-19 Micro-Enterprise Business Grant Program

The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) in partnership with the Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) will provide grants of up to $5,000 for businesses with five or fewer employees, with an owner whose income is in the low to moderate range as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Eligibility criteria include:

• Must be a Maine business.
• Must demonstrate a revenue loss as a direct consequence of COVID-19. Funds cannot duplicate those received from other federal, state or local programs (including other CDBG funds).
• Must have five or fewer employees including the owner(s).
• Must have a DUNS Number, which can be obtained here.
• Owner’s household income must be low/moderate as defined by HUD as verified by 2019 tax return.
  • Please see income eligibility by county (opens in new tab). Total annual household income must not exceed these limits.
  • Note: Portland, Biddeford, Auburn, Lewiston, Bangor, Cumberland County (excluding Brunswick) are ineligible.

How to Apply?

Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Business owners must meet with a Maine SBDC business advisor to determine eligibility and submit an application.

Contact one of our SBDC business advisors:

Raynor Large, (207) 783-9186 x214

Lori Allen, (207) 783-9186 x254

________________________________________

These funds are made possible as part of the $11 million that the State of Maine received from the federal CARES Act for its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

Agenda
Town of Oxford
Joint Meeting of Boards of Selectmen
Oxford Elementary School
Thursday, August 13, 2020 6:00 PM

1. Call Meeting to Order-Chairman Scott Hunter
2. Introductions
3. Review of dam maintenance timeline.-Butch Asselin
4. Update on current Thompson Lake Dam project-Butch Asselin
5. Discussion on collaboration between the four communities on future dam projects.-All
6. Discussion on continuing financial assistance for dam.-All
7. Where do we go from here?-All
8. Adjournment

Note*

• For the sake of time, the Oxford Board of Selectmen requests that each adjoining town appoint a spokesperson for their community and that person’s presentation be limited to a maximum allotment of ten minutes.
• This is a workshop for selectmen. Questions or comments from members of the public, in attendance or viewing via Microsoft Teams, will not be accepted.
• Light snacks, bottled water and coffee will be provided.

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

+1 207-352-3541   United States, Portland (Toll)

Conference ID: 473 140 615#

Executive session to be held by the Board of Selectmen on Monday 08/10/2020 at 5 PM to continue reviewing the Town Manager resumes.

Winter drawdown of Thompson Lake will commence on September 8th in preparation of the dam rehabilitation project. Typically the drawdown begins the day after Columbus Day. The drawdown is necessary for the installation of the cofferdam that is going to be placed on the upstream side of the dam and for the safety of the workers performing the work. Lake levels will be no lower than what lake residents have BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO SEEING during the winter months (since 2012). The drawdown will be gradual and take some time to complete. The maximum drop for lake levels during the winter months is 38”. The level will eventually drop to 32”-33” from the benchmark line drawn at the top of the dam. These water levels were established several years ago due to the collaborative efforts of the TLEA, the town and the Maine Department of Inland  Fisheries & Wildlife. To put this in perspective, summer water levels are normally 16” below the benchmark line on the dam.

WORK WILL BEGIN ON THE ALLEN HILL ROAD ON MONDAY 8/10/2020 EXPECT TRAFFIC DELAYS AND SEEK AN ALTERNATE ROUTE IF POSSIBLE.

Thank you

Town of Oxford
Notice of Public Hearing
A public hearing will be held for the consideration
of an Automobile Graveyard and/or Junkyard permit
application submitted by Ayotte’s Used Cars and Parts
on Thursday, July 16th, 2020 at 6:00 PM at the Oxford
Town Office. The regularly scheduled selectmen’s
meeting will immediately follow.

The Oxford Town Office will be closed to the public Tuesday – June 30th, 2020 for the closeout of our fiscal year.

Thompson Lake Dam Advisory Committee Agenda

July 16, 2020  2:00 PM

Oxford Town Office

To join the meeting – click the link below or dial in with the telephone number and conference ID below:

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

+1 207-352-3541   United States, Portland (Toll)

Conference ID: 229 796 229#

A. Call to Order

B. Old Business-None

C. New Business

1. Introduction of Selectmen Samantha Hewey and Joe Stella to committee members
2. Update on East Gate replacement project
3. Discussion on joint meeting with area selectmen
4. Next meeting date and location

D. Adjournment

TOWN OF OXFORD

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Oxford will hold a public hearing on July 2, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at the Oxford Town Office, at 85 Pleasant Street, in Oxford, Maine and via remote hearing described below, for purposes of receiving public comments on the proposed Second Amendment to the Wal-Mart Municipal Tax Increment Financing District (the “District”) and the Development Program.

 The public hearing is being undertaken pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 206 of Title 30-A of the Maine Revised Statutes, as amended.  The proposed Second Amendment includes (1) amending the District’s boundaries so that it now also includes approximately 18.47 acres of the new business park in the Town along Route 26 and north of Roller Rink Road, (2) altering the project cost list, and (3) changing the captured value percentage for the remainder of the term of the District.  The District currently includes the 35‑acre Wal‑Mart lot (Map R13, Lot 5A) as well as a parcel owned by Oxford Water District (Tax Map R6, Lot 4) and some public rights of way.

Copies of the proposed Amendment to the Development Program will be on file with the Town Clerk prior to the public hearing.  The proposed Amendment to the Development Program will also be available at www.oxfordmaine.org and can also be obtained by calling the Town Clerk at 539-4431 during normal business hours and requesting that a copy be mailed to you.  All interested persons are invited to participate in the public hearing and will be given an opportunity to be heard.

Because space will be limited at the Oxford Town Office for the public hearing, the Oxford Board of Selectmen will also hold this public hearing remotely using Microsoft Teams.  Virtual meetings are allowed using emergency legislation approved by LD 2167; 1 M.R.S.A. §403­A, that authorizes municipalities to conduct meetings online. Allow your computer to install the free Microsoft Teams app to get the best meeting experience.

MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
The meeting link is:

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OTAyYjc4Y2YtODI5Zi00MzRiLTkxMjAtY2RlZDc5MTVlNGZi%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22da8dccc1-c76a-401e-803f-5022846f5724%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22203bcbc6-2f12-482d-848e-ca85b9a6fe5d%22%7d

The meeting link will also be available at www.oxfordmaine.org.

You may also join the meeting by dialing in on your phone: +1 207-352-3541; Conference ID: 433 055 730#.

Public comments will be taken at the meeting and written comments should be submitted to eolsen@oxfordmaine.org.  Written comments will be accepted until Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

20200618 – Oxford Wal-Mart TIF Second Amendment

Per Executive Order 56, the Selectmen voted on June 4th for all registrations that have expired during the COVID-19 pandemic to be due for re-registration on June 30, 2020.

There will be a Selectmen’s Workshop on May 6th, 2020 at 6:00 PM to discuss the Waste Water Department’s dewatering plant.

To Join via Microsoft Teams:

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

+1 207-352-3541   United States, Portland (Toll)

Conference ID: 614 808 26#

In March, Governor Janet Mills directed Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso to allow boaters to operate without a current 2020 registration and Lake and River Protection sticker until April 30, 2020. Boat registrations normally expire at the end of each calendar year. This notice is a reminder that as of May 1^st, 2020, all motorized watercraft on Maine waters must have a valid registration. In addition, all motorized watercraft on inland waters must display the lake and river protection sticker.

Please use the online registration process to complete re-registrations of boats.     https://www5.informe.org/online/boat/

 First time boat registrations cannot be completed online, they must be done by the town office. Please call 539-4431 or email eolsen@oxfordmaine.org.

The Board of Selectmen have moved the Town meeting date to July 11th, 2020 at 10:00 am at the Oxford Elementary School. The State Primary and Referendum Election and the Municipal Election will be held on July 14th, 2020 at the Public Safety Building located at 701 Main St. 8 AM – 8 PM.

The Town office will be closed on Friday 4/10/2020. We will be back in the office on 4/13/2020. Access to the public remains restricted.

Budget meetings will be starting on March 31, 2020. Please look for links here on our website to join and listen.

Please use Town of Oxford FaceBook page (search @townofoxford) to watch and participate in the Board Meeting. We will be putting any questions in front of the Chairman as soon as we can.  Thank you for your patience through this new implementation.

Local Historians Wanted

On July 19 the Oxford Recreation Department will be celebrating Community Days and Maine’s 200^th Birthday. We are looking for photos, memorabilia and historians to help with a presentation. Plans are for this to be held inside the Center with other festivities outside in the arena. Food and entertainment will be in line of days gone by. Please help us make this day an enjoyable and informational day for the community. Stop in or call 539-8094 to volunteer or if you have items to display.

We are looking for someone who would help us with making in-ground baked beans and pig roast. Also searching for fiddlers, blue grass, square dancers and caller and contra dancers. Please call 539-8094 with suggestions.

Oxford Recreation Department

Station House Community Center 223 King St., Oxford

Due to the weather, the Selectmen’s Meeting scheduled for February 6^th, 2020 is being postponed until Wednesday February 12^th, 2020 at 6:00 PM.

The scheduled workshop for February 12^th, 2020 will be postponed until a later date.

Presidential Primary – Enrolled Republican or Democrat will receive a Party Ballot.

Special Referendum – All voters will receive a Referendum Ballot

Municipal – All Voters will receive a Municipal Ballot to choose one Selectman to fulfill the open position for the remainder of the term – June 30, 2020.

All elections previously held at the Public Safety Building will now be held at the Oxford Community Center located at 223 King St. in Oxford.

Town of Oxford needs three members to fill Budget Committee Vacancies.  For further information call the Town Clerk at 207-539-4431.

Making ice in the rink takes multiple days of temps below 15. This has been a very mild winter, good for heating bills, but not so much for making ice.  We will be keeping a watch on the weather to have the rink up and running as soon as mother nature cooperates.

Thanks for your understanding.

The new compactor is being installed at the Transfer Station starting on Jan. 13th, 2020 and will take several days to build.  The hopper will be closed and the staff will be directing you to containers and the bucket loader. Thank you for your patience while we have the new compactor installed.

The sand for residential use is located at the Highway Garage, just outside the gate on the north side.

Highway Garage 1162 Main St. Oxford Maine 04270

Town of Oxford
Facilities Committee Meeting
Town Office
October 29, 2019
6:00 PM

1. Call to order
2. Approve minutes September 24, 2019 meeting
3. Old Business-None
4. New Business
5. Kevin Mattson to discuss “combining two needs with one solution” approach to replacement of the town office.
6. Discussion on option to lease existing space for new town office.
7. Member Items
8. Next meeting date

Greetings:

In the name of the State of Maine, you are hereby required to notify and warn the Inhabitants of the Town of Oxford (the “Town”), in the County of Oxford, qualified to vote in Town affairs to meet at the Oxford Town Hall, at 85 Pleasant Street in said Town, on October 17th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. then and there to act on the following articles, to wit:

Article 1:          To choose a moderator to preside at said meeting.

Article 2:          To see if the Town will authorize the selectmen to spend $139,900 from undesignated                                  fund balance for the purchase of a trash compactor and steel transfer trailer.

Board of Selectmen Recommendation: Yes

Given under our hands in Oxford, Maine this 4^th day of October, 2019.

All loggers are in place to conduct the water survey.  If you have any questions please call us at 539-4431.

Welchville Dam

Agenda 09-12-2019

Public Hearing Notice
The Town of Oxford

The Town of Oxford will hold a Public Hearing on September 19 2019, at    6:00 PM, at the Board of Selectmen meeting, to discuss acceptance of an Economic Development Program CDBG Grant. The purpose of the grant is to provide assistance to Valley View Orchard Pies for necessary improvements and various facility upgrades.  Public comments will be solicited at this Hearing and will be submitted as part of the Project Development Phase.  All persons wishing to make comments or ask questions about the acceptance of these funds are invited to attend this Public Hearing.  Comments may be submitted in writing to: Butch Asselin, Town of Oxford, PO Box 153, Oxford ME 04270-4205 at any time prior to the Public Hearing.  TDD/TTY users may call 711.  If you are physically unable to access any of the City’s/Town’s programs or services, please call 539-4431, so that accommodations can be made.

There will be a special Selectmen’s meeting on August 29th, 2019 at 6:00 PM.

Selectmen’s Meetings – Agendas and Minutes

MDOT will be starting the finish paving through the Route 121 intersection area and northerly on Monday morning.  Expect some delays.

There will be a special town meeting held August 1st, 2019 at 6:30 PM to vote on the following:

TOWN MEETING WARRANT

SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE DRAFT

SHORELAND ZONING ORDINANCE DRAFT

Regularly scheduled Selectmen’s meeting will immediately follow.