Oxford Village’s overall health, accomplishments and goals for the future were the topic of council President Steve Allen’s “State of the Village” address delivered at the municipality’s annual appreciation dinner Monday night at Kalloway’s Restaurant and Pub.
In answer to the question, “Is the village healthy?,” Allen replied, “Yes, without hesitation.”
“Despite numerous funding challenges, the village has achieved many of its goals,” he said.
Allen said that “new projects, initiatives and businesses abound” while the “relationship with the township is at an all-time high.”
Council has “achieved each and every one of its self-set goals” for 2002-03, although “not to perfection,” so officials will continue working on them, he declared.
Despite the unexpected resignation of council member Lynda Brown last year, Allen reported, “Council is very stable and strong.”
Allen expressed his pride in the fact that council recently developed an emergency water plan and is working with the township to develop a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan.
“This will be a boundary-less plan,” he said. “Not a village or township plan, but a community plan.”
Allen briefly discussed council’s establishment of the “Youth Council,” which is “working to address the needs of our community youth, while adding a fresh perspective to the day-to-day business of government.”
Of the village administration, Allen said its achieving the “highest level of teamwork in our history” while continuing to increase its efficiency and education.
Allen said the village’s “very low turnover in staff” equals “dedication.”
The hiring of Don Brantley as the permanent Department of Public Works (DPW) Superintendent was described as one of the “highlights of the year.”‘
Allen also noted the completion of the “long-needed DPW complex upgrades.”
“It’s done and it looks great,” he said.
Of the Oxford Community Development Authority and downtown area, Allen said plans for the southeast parking lot expansion are “under way” and the search for a new OCDA executive director should be completed in the first quarter or early second quarter.
“The downtown continues to be a chosen destination for businesses as well as customers,” he said.
Allen said he’s not concerned about the recent losses of downtown businesses because they’re “very quickly” being replaced by new “stronger” ones.
Regarding the village police department Allen noted the promotion of officer Mike Solwold to the newly created position of sergeant and the addition of a full-time officer at a “minimal cost to taxpayers.”
He said there has been “some turnover in (police) staff,” but they’ve been replaced by “very strong candidates.”
The “continued support” of the village’s Reserve officers was also noted by Allen.
“These guys are amazing,” he said. “They’re there every time we need them.”
“Chief Neymanowski and his team continue to prove that keeping our own police was the best decision that Oxford has ever made,” Allen told the audience.
Concerning village parks, Allen said “big plans” are in store for Scripter and other sites while the concerts in Centennial Park will return next summer as Parkside Dairy owners John and Holly Thomas “continue to be the driving force.”
In the end, what really “makes the community strong” is the more than 65,000 hours local volunteers have contributed to the village, Allen said.
“It’s amazing when you add this up,” he said. “We owe the lion’s share of our success to Oxford’s tireless volunteers.”
Allen addressed the challenges facing the village in 2003-04, which include decreased revenue sharing from the state, upgrades to aging infrastructure, “outside pressures from other governmental agencies and bodies,” the continuance of unfunded government mandates and “providing constructive input for growth issues in surrounding areas.”
Council will begin setting its goals for 2003-04 after the March 10 election, Allen said noting the goals “must be realistic and devoid of private agendas in order to become a reality” and “address the long-term vision as opposed to the today and now.”
Allen urged the audience to “make and keep” individual and team commitments which are “devoid of boundary lines.”
He also urged them to “find one new project or initiative and engage council to assist you in its realization.”
Oxford employees honored
Oxford Village Treasurer Linda Smith was recognized for celebrating her 25th year of service to the community.
“She does a very, very good job,” Allen said, noting he’s never heard her say a “harsh word” about anyone.
Smith was presented a handsome wall clock, a pair of earrings and a bracelet as tokens of the village’s appreciation.
Village Police Chief Mike Neymanowski presented six longevity awards to department employees who have served Oxford for many years.
Dispatcher Debbie O’Farrell received a 10-year certificate while dispatchers Pat Marriott and Steve Porter were given 15-year awards.
Neymanowski noted the department’s dispatchers do a “flawless, exceptional job.”
Officer Sgt. Mike Solwold, who was described by the chief as having “a lot of heart and dedication to the community,” was presented a 10-year service award.
Part-time officer Jim Flores was awarded a 25-year certificate for his decades of service.
Neymanowski said the mention of Flores’ name always brings a smile to someone’s face.