Donovan Takes His Place On Commissioners; Greer Elected President
Newly Elected Commissioner Dave Donovan and Talbot County Clerk Kathy Dulin Duvall
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If Dave Donovan's recent election to Oxford Commissioner by 44 votes didn't convince him that he had a great deal of support in the small town, Tuesday night's town meeting should have. After Commission President Norm Bell called the meeting to order, Donovan was sworn in to office by Kathy Dulin Duvall, the Talbot County Clerk. As he finished with his oath, the crowded meeting room spontaneously gave him an energetic standing ovation.
Donovan defeated incumbent Commissioner Tom Costigan in the race.
Shortly after Donovan took his seat, current Commission President Norm Bell nominated Commissioner Katrina Greer to be President of the Commissioners. Bell supported the nomination by lauding Greer's efforts and hard work last summer when the town was without a town manager. Donovan seconded the nomination and the vote was unanimous.
Just as suddenly as the first standing ovation, a second one erupted for Greer who has been characterized by many in the town as someone who is always working for the town and asking important, probing questions about finances, contracts, town processes and operations, etc. It was a well-deserved moment for Greer.
In her first act as Commission President, Greer handed over the duty of reading Oxford Resolution 5202 to Norm Bell. The resolution honored the efforts of United States Postal Service workers Stephanie Lewis and Cher Thomas whose actions helped save the Oxford Post Office and the mail of customers. During the fire that erupted there last month, Lewis and Thomas stayed at the office hours after the fire was extinguished to collect and protect customer packages and mail. During the time they stayed, the region was suffering a heat wave and the Post Office had no air conditioning. The Resolution concluded:
"We, the Commissioners of Oxford, do hereby recognize Stephanie Lewis and Cher Thomas for this significant achievement, which reflects great courage, judgement, and care."
That also triggered a standing ovation from the attendees.
L to R: Commissioner Norm Bell, Cher Thomas, Stephanie Lewis, Commissioner Dave Donovan, Commissioner Katrina Greer
Oxford Election Board Chairman Debbie Krolicki gave a report regarding the efficiency of the recent Commissioner's election. She stated that the committee was satisfied that the election was successful and all valid votes were counted. She thanked her committee and proposed that they meet with commissioners to discuss possible changes to committee terms and practices going forward.
Town Manager, Holly Wahl gave her report:
- She thanked the Fire Company, employees of the post office, and the Cawley family during the recent fire in the post office. Will and Irina Cawley, residents of the town, volunteered their time to clean the office up after the fire. The Post Office building, which is owned by the town, had not been included by the previous town administration on the town's insurance as a scheduled asset. However, the insurance company will cover repair work at a rate that reflects the actual fair value of the building. There was no estimate of when the work will be finished.
- Bay Vanguard Bank notified the town that they are terminating their lease of the bank building in town on 9/30/2025. Bay Vanguard gave a "take it or we leave" ultimatum to the town after Commissioners planned to remove accounts from the bank since Bay Vanguard would not negotiate a competitive interest rate on the town's money or for a loan the town needed. Oxford is talking to other banks who may be interested in placing a 24-hour full-service ATM in the town.
- Water Bills are being migrated over to the Muni-Link system. This system will allow customers to track their water usage and pay bills online. Here's a link to their webpage: Muni-Link - Cloud Based Utility Billing Software Wahl asked for people's patience during the process.
- Town Commissioners and administrative staff attended Maryland Municipal League where they met with cabinet secretaries and other officials from the state.
- Committee Openings July 31 - Historic District Commission, Board of Port Wardens, Community Resilience, and the Election Commission all have vacancies that need to be filled by the end of this month. Applications are being accepted at the town website: Volunteer | Oxford, MD
- Oxford was just awarded a NOAA grant for $1,000,060.00 to administer stormwater management. The town applied for the grant earlier in the year. This will be a huge boost to the town's efforts to improve operations and infrastructure, etc.
Under new business Commissioner Greer suggested that the Commissioners schedule weekly work sessions in person or via Zoom which would be open to the public. Ideas to address town issues could be shared and discussed so that citizens would have opportunities to comment before actions are officially voted on in meetings. Greer and Bell stated they want to be more proactive rather than reactive. Donovan said he hoped they could set a basic agenda and priority list moving forward in the next six months. This will be an ongoing discussion.
During public comment, town resident Art Muir stated his support for a 24-hour full-service access ATM centrally located in town. He also asked what would be done with the bank building.
Theresa Deijter welcomed Donovan to the Commissioners and then asked about if there was a concern regarding mold mitigation with the post office. Wahl said that the building had been taken down to the studs and there was no mold.
In closing remarks, newly elected Commissioner Dave Donovan thanked all the residents of Oxford and said that he had never seen such active participation in an election as there was in Oxford. He also thanked former Commissioner Tom Costigan for his service to the town.
As the meeting wound down, phones went off with storm warning alerts and a loud clap of thunder precipitated adjournment.
Many in the town commented about the fact that Oxford is entering a new chapter which will include more transparency, accountability and professionalism in its governance.
Recording of the meeting can be found here:
