City council swears in new officer, discusses Cook Field construction project

Oxford City Council discussed Cook Field construction, the emergency cold shelter and swore in a new police officer at its Feb. 3 meeting.

Oxford Police Department swears in new officer

Oxford Police Chief John Jones swore in the department’s newest officer, Elana Schwartz, a Miami University alumna. Schwartz has worked for the Oxford Police Department as a part-time public safety assistant. Schwartz graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy in January.

“I just [want to] express my gratitude to not only my chief, but to my department for believing in me,” Schwartz said. “I’m really excited to get started; this is something I’ve had the goal of doing for a long, long time.”

Undergraduate students present Arena District survey findings

Undergraduate research team leaders Bri Fitzgerald and Anna West presented the results of their community survey on the construction of a new sports arena on Cook Field. Fitzgerald and West highlighted widespread community opposition to the construction and the low community prioritization of athletic programs and facilities.

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When asked about possible self-selection bias in the survey, Fitzgerald acknowledged the limitation but supported the overall findings.

“We recognize that there is some amount of response bias, as in most surveys,” Fitzgerald said. “We did everything in our power to reach every group in the Miami community and the City of Oxford to give everyone the best chance of sharing [their opinions].”

The final report of the survey will be published in the coming weeks and will be shared with the Miami University Board of Trustees.

Cold shelter solution discussed

Ann Fuehrer, a board member for Oxford Area Solutions for Housing (OASH) and chair of Oxford’s housing advisory committee, discussed the use of the Oxford Winter House.

The emergency cold shelter has hosted 30 people and five pets since Dec. 12. Four of the people housed have or are in the process of achieving stable housing and three guests have gained employment.

The shelter will close on Feb. 28 in accordance with the city grant that helped fund it. OASH will pursue a shelter that operates year-round.

Resolution delaying applications for electronic signs in Oxford passed

Community Development Director Sam Perry presented a resolution to prevent new applications for electronic signs in the City of Oxford. This resolution was initiated by city employees following an application made by Brick Street Bar. The resolution will not affect Brick Street’s application but will prevent all other applications until Dec. 31, 2026. The delay would allow time for the City of Oxford to create a zoning code that protects free speech while following Department of Transportation requirements. Perry said that electronic signs can increase driver distraction. Currently, Oxford only has electronic signs to display gas prices.

Council will meet again on Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Oxford Courthouse.

pfennikp@miamioh.edu