Oxford City Council approves funding for new playgrounds, updates tobacco licensing regulations
Oxford passed updated regulations for tobacco businesses and passed several resolutions related to developments at local parks during a recent city council meeting.
Oxford City Council approved new playground projects and updated tobacco regulations during its Oct. 15 meeting. The council’s actions come after a moratorium passed two years ago aimed at keeping nicotine products out of the hands of minors and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The moratorium requires retailers to obtain licensing through the city and limits the number of licenses issued. While the ordinance was initially planned to be enforced in early 2024, it was delayed by a state law passed in April that aimed to restrict local municipalities from regulating nicotine products. Oxford joined Columbus and several other cities in a lawsuit challenging that state law.
City approves updated tobacco restrictions
The council unanimously approved amendments to the Oxford Municipal Code for tobacco retailer license requirements following a legal settlement between the state and City of Columbus over the law. City staff and council members previously discussed the amendments during an Oct. 1 meeting.
Oxford did not enforce its tobacco licensing restrictions while the lawsuit it joined with Columbus was pending. Under the new ordinance, the city can revoke licenses if retailers are found selling to minors or creating a public nuisance.
“Most people that we’ve talked to that are local owners of businesses have [been] expecting us to move forward with it,” Community Development Director Sam Perry said during the meeting.
Playground projects and other park improvements
Council members unanimously approved a resolution allowing the city to enter into an agreement with Playground Equipment Services for a new playground at Merry Day Park, with costs not to exceed $100,500. The project, which was recently completed, will be funded by a Butler County Community Development Block Grant.
In addition, the city adopted a separate resolution authorizing the city manager to apply for another Community Development Block Grant fund of up to $126,370 to renovate a toddler playground at Oxford Community Park. Funding from grants can be distributed 20% for grant administration and 80% for direct capital cost.
“We had talked in the past about housing, but when we apply for this funding now, we will not get it until October of next year,” Assistant City Manager Jessica Greene said. “It’s really hard, and the dollar amount is not quite enough for an undetermined housing project.”
The council also approved a resolution naming the new dog park in construction on Bonham Road, across from Leonard Howell Park, as “Barkham Park.”
The next city council meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5 in the Oxford Courthouse.
