5/2/12 Oxford Town Meeting approves School Committee compensation; authorizes Bay Path Vocational renovation

Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

Oxford’s May Town Meeting brought out 171 voters to review and act on 29 articles presented by Town Moderator Russell Rheault. In addition to customary & usual money transfers, voters approved compensation for the School Committee with the Chairman’s annual stipend to be $750 and members allowed $650. The Finance Committee had opposed the measure.

Additionally, voters unanimously approved demolition of the 5 Sigourney Street property (formerly the school administration building) for expansion of the Town Hall parking lot and also approved revolving fund authorizations to credit fees & receipts from wiring, plumbing, and gas inspections. The voters also allowed a $30,000 transfer to the Tercentenary Trust Fund to pay for services hosting the Town’s upcoming anniversary celebration with the understanding that any funds not used will be returned to the Town.

The warrant article for becoming a member of the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project for three years was defeated due to the annual $60,000 cost. The Planning Board recommended the article for passage while the Finance Committee voted it down. Selectman Saad spoke about the Board of Health’s support of the article due to the many areas in town surrounded by wetlands and swampy areas that breed mosquitoes. Selectmen Chair Caissie suggested that more information be obtained and perhaps placing the article on the October Town Meeting Warrant.

An exemption for excise tax was passed applicable to active and full-time military service members wherein their motor vehicle would not be subject to the tax if they were deployed or stationed outside U.S. Territories for a period of at least 45 days. Additionally, voters approved the $73,800,000 borrowing authorized by the Southern Worcester County Reg’l School District for the purpose of renovating the Bay Path Reg’l Vocational High School. John Lafleche, the school’s Business Manager, and Michael McKeon, building architect, were present and gratefully acknowledged the positive impact upon passage of the article.

Voters also passed Article 24 authorizing petition of the General Court for special legislation amending the Town Charter to provide submission of the budget by the Town Manager at least 45 days prior to the Annual Town Meeting instead of 90 days. The Finance Committee had also recommended passage of this article. Final article acceptances included safety personnel radio coverage improvements, allowing a solar farm to be located on Town-owned land east of Industrial Park-East, and receiving a land gift from the Robert Chaffee Trust. Lastly, a non-binding vote was taken regarding non-regionalization of the new animal shelter/animal control position.