Oxford board approves 2 Auto Class II Licenses

Praises volunteers for 300^th celebration

Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

OXFORD - After agreeing to remove a sign that Oxford Selectboard Chairman John Saad stated was on State property and then fielding questions about his business to be located at 381 Main Street, Fernando Beltran was approved for a new Class II License for Fernando’s Auto Sales. Also approved at the July 24 meeting for the same type of license and contingent upon a successful CORI check as well as a bond receipt, was Mohamad Mansour of 109 Main Street (BP gas station).  Selectman Saad spoke to Mr. Mansour about past customer complaints and indicated that Mr. Mansour must be a responsible retailer to his customers in the granting of the Class II license.

The board reappointed all current election workers and approved the appointment of four new ones: Precinct 2 - Peter Stefan, Jr. and Elizabeth Zingarelli; Precinct 3 – Joan Goodell; and Precinct 4 – Rose Wing.

The board approved a special one-day (Sunday, Aug. 26) pouring license for all alcoholic beverages for Singletary Rod & Gun Club, as well as a Special Animals Permit for Monica & Marion Royston of Huguenot Road for their 18 rabbits and 10 hens.

A request for extra signage for Carbuncle Pond was passed over as selectmen discussed the over-abundance of signage in town presently and the need for signage reduction.

The Board then approved the State Primary Warrant submitted by Town Clerk Lori Kelley and also approved a Fall Festival request submitted by Albert DuBois, Chairman of the Oxford Lions Club. The Festival is to be held at the Bandstand on Saturday, 9/22/12, rain or shine, from 9am-4pm for the general public.

The next agenda item approved was the 1^st Annual Bike Marathon to benefit the Oxford Community Center with the event to be held on September 22 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Town Manager Joseph Zeneski then read notifications of the State Primary & State Election Calendar that included dates of Aug. 17 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. as the last day/hour to register new voters or change party enrollment for the Sept. 6^th State Primary; and Oct. 17 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. as the last day/hour to register new voters or change party enrollment for the November 6^th State Election.  All town residents may register to vote, change their name, change their voting address, or change party enrollment at the Town Clerk’s office during regular business hours of 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or by sending a mail-in registration form to the Town Clerk (postmarked by the deadlines listed above), 325 Main St., Oxford MA 01540.  Additionally, notice was given regarding voter registration for the October Special Town Meeting. The last day/hour to register to vote before this meeting is Friday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. with guidelines the same as the aforementioned.

Selectmen Dennis Lamarche thanked the 300^th Town Anniversary Committee for the July 8^th parade and activities, asserting that the group and its many volunteers “have worked hard and deserve tremendous kudos.” Selectman Michael Voas also remarked that everyone should be praised as well as the Police Department and the Town Clerk. He declared that “we need all the help we can get. We have a big year coming up.” Selectman Henry Lamountain stated that he wanted to make sure that Oxford has funds to go forward to continue the great success they’ve had thus far. Chairman Saad then thanked Deb & Dennis Lamarche for all their hard work and dedication as well.

Selectwoman Jennie Caissie and the other board members then praised the Oxford Little Leagues for their great wins and wished them continued success, stating how proud they felt for the Oxford teams’ wins. Ms. Caissie stated that the team was fundraising for their upcoming trip to New Jersey and if townspeople wanted to contribute they could contact Paul Fitzpatrick of the Oxford Little League.

The subject of town constables’ ability to legally carry firearms during the course of their duties was brought up and Selectwoman Caissie requested that the board obtain information from the Police Chief regarding the matter.

Chairman Saad then asked that the Highway Dept look into the new traffic light installation at the junction of Route 12-South and Cudworth Road. He indicated the left-turn arrow, when waiting in the Route 12-South lane to make a left turn onto Cudworth Road, is non-functioning and requested a report on its repair. The subject of using the Town Maintenance Dept to keep all buildings and properties in running condition was then discussed. Selectman Lamountain indicated that a question had arisen regarding the money saved through the use of the Town Dept as opposed to using outside contractors. Town Manager Zeneski stated that he would put together a report on the savings. Chairman Saad then highly praised the town maintenance people and stated that “this department has saved the town thousands of dollars.”

The evening’s final comments were made by Town Manager Zeneski indicating he had received correspondence from the Cable Access Board and looks forward to new audio/video equipment for the meeting room.