It's rare that we get to write about two major topics in one week in Oxford, but this week is the exception.
stormwater mitigation plans explained
Oxford Maintenance Supervisor Mike Bell probably isn't used to getting applause for the jobs he and his crew do. After all, much of what they do is behind the scenes.
Maybe he should be.
On Monday, September 28 at 2 p.m., the Town of Oxford hosted this event:
Approximately 20 residents of Oxford, mostly those who live in the Mill and Tilghman Street area, listened as Bell described the work he, the town engineers, and the town maintenance crew would be completing to ease stormwater flooding in this section of town.
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Town Manager Holly Wahl introduced the session with the mission to communicate information, get citizen input, and provide answers to residents about the project. Then Bell began explaining what was happening. Here are the slides from her presentation:
Mill_Tilghman_Stormwater_Overview_Draft.pptx
The town is undergoing a project to use drainage swales, repaired culverts, tide gates, storm drain piping and structures, and associated grading improvements to guide stormwater away from neighborhoods and homes to mitigate flooding. Here is a link to the plans for the project:
Over the summer, the town paused lawn waste and leaf collections so maintenance staff could install new water meters and begin this work to mitigate flooding. Some residents complained about paying a subcontractor to do lawn waste and leaf collection.
Almost a million dollars saved doing vital maintenance work with in-house staff while budgeting $39,000 to pay a private contractor, Cousins Landscaping, to collect lawn and leaf waste? Seems like a bargain.
Bell mentioned that the crew just finished a project on Jefferson and Market Streets, earning accolades from the engineers and the residents. The audience broke out in applause for their efforts.
The project will begin next Monday, according to Bell, and could possibly take 30-45 days to complete. He said they currently have almost all materials in hand with the catch basins in production.
After reviewing the project, Bell took questions from the audience regarding flooding in their yards, the draining of stormwater, and the construction of the project infrastructure. Several residents on Stewart Street noted that new drainage pipes don't extend all the way to their street. Bell told them that relief for their street may not be immediately addressed in this phase of the project but in Phase 2.
He promised several residents that he was not putting their concerns or needs on the back burner because he wanted to fix their flooding issues as well as everyone else's. It was the kind of empathy one doesn't always see in a Maintenance Supervisor. Here is a link to the video of the session:
Stream Video - Town Hall Streams
Several residents mentioned that the flooding on their property was exaggerated because properties surrounding them made changes that allowed water to drain into their yards. Town Manager Wahl agreed that this was an issue that needs to be addressed. Maryland law stipulates that If a neighbor’s actions increase, redirect, or concentrate stormwater onto your land, causing erosion, flooding, or structural damage, it is likely considered unreasonable and actionable.
If the water is simply flowing downhill as it always has, it is not actionable.
Wahl said the town commissioners may want to consider passing a "stormwater ordinance."
As the meeting adjourned, attendees were invited to the site of the planned improvements. Before they left, one resident thanked Bell for the great explanation and his and the maintenance crew's hard work.
Stewart Street
Corner of Tilghman Street and Stewart Street
Town Manager Holly Wahl added, "The session also gave residents an opportunity to hear directly from Michael and experience firsthand his extensive knowledge of the Town’s infrastructure, the challenges involved, and the work required to make meaningful, lasting improvements."
"The Town appreciates Michael and the entire Public Works team (Michael Morris, Michael Carroll, Ethan Delude and Caleb Walker) for their continued dedication and hard work on behalf of our community."
Trash collection contract Rumors
The latest rumor among some residents is that the town is not going to use current trash collection services from Thomas's Salvage anymore. This is not true.
While Thomas's Salvage has been collecting Oxford's garbage for decades, the previous administration did not execute a contract with the company which was against the charter. Here is how the situation was explained in a recent town meeting:
According to the Town Charter, all services provided for more than $5000 must have a contract or purchase order. In this case, there is neither.
This means that since collection had been going on without a contract, a new contract cannot just be extended. The town must advertise for sealed bids for these services.
Working without a contract leaves both Thomas's and the Town of Oxford unprotected legally and if problems or miscommunications occur. Town officials say they are very pleased with Thomas's services.
Citizens are reminded that when they hear such information, they should confirm that it is true before they spread it. A quick phone call would do it. Or just reading town agenda notes.
