Trustee Mr. Miller called the regular meeting of Oxford Township to order at 7:00 p.m.

Trustee Mr. Miller led those in attendance in recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Trustees Mr. Leber, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Parker, Road Superintendent Dunlap, and Fiscal Officer Pelletier were present at roll call.

Fiscal Officer Pelletier electronically distributed the minutes of the previous regular meeting for review prior to the meeting.

Owen Knupke, a township resident, addressed the Board about a longstanding drainage problem on Taylor Road. Mr. Knupke described a mismatched system of road drain tile that collects drainage from Campbell St. and Taylor Rd. and field tiles and experiences significant pressure surges during heavy rainfall, leading to repeated failures. An estimate of $9,186.00 was received from Bores for installing approximately 315 feet of 12-inch PVC high-density star sewer with sock and stone bedding, connecting to the existing 6-inch field drain tile on Taylor Road. The scope of work includes rock placement, culvert installation, yard restoration, and off-site disposal of any excess spoils.

A property owner retained an attorney and obtained a court-approved extension through the end of June 2026 to address outstanding code violations. The health department has separately issued a 14-day notice of violation. As of the day before the meeting, no visible progress had been made on the property. The board will monitor the situation and pursue further action if no progress is demonstrated by the deadline.

An owner in North Monroeville has begun cleanup and is making progress. The board intends to consult with county officials to determine the next steps given the current status.

The North End Property near Perkins Township has improved somewhat. Mowing has occurred, and yard cleanup appears to be underway. The property is currently listed for sale by owner.

One shed permit was issued for a small outbuilding on Mason Road. No further issues were noted.

The township's annual tire recycling event could not be scheduled for the regular offset weekend this year due to a scheduling conflict. The Zoning Inspector requested authorization to rent a min-excavator unit for the weekend to load tires at a rental cost of $330.00, with delivery and pickup included, due to the fact that the OMG mini was also in use elsewhere.

Road Superintendent Dunlap has passed the spray license exam and is now recertified. The annual continuing education requirements can be completed online.

Significant construction activity related to the Apex wind farm is ongoing and will increasingly affect township roads. Heavy equipment, including large excavators are traversing township roadways. A deteriorated culvert along the construction route is of particular concern given the extreme weight loads involved. The Sheriff’s Department monitors for overweight loads during the project.

Mid-June 2026 is the start date for the shelter house roof project.

Drains on the Huber Road bridge were found to be plugged following recent heavy rainfall and have been cleaned out and restored to proper function.

Tree limbs overhanging the roads and signs have been cleared.

Trustee Mr. Leber met with Otarma for the scheduled risk management assessment and property tours. Employees are now covered under a single general form, replacing the individual paid MVR reports previously required.

The annual Erie County Township Association picnic is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Oxford Twp. Picnic shelter beginning at 5:30 p.m.

A contractor met with the township to assess the feasibility and cost of making the township building accessible to people with disabilities. Separate quotes will be provided for (1) the main entrance and (2) the restrooms to allow phased completion if needed.

Trustee Mr. Miller will also contact the contractor about the current timeline for the shelter house roof project.

The Board was updated on recent events at the property under survey. While surveyors were on site laying pins and marking boundaries, an intoxicated individual approached the survey crew, confronted them, and urinated near them. The survey crew believed they heard gunshots, which were subsequently fired near the survey site. 

The board noted the incident in the official record. Trustee Mr. Parker will advise the survey company to contact the township immediately if any further incidents occur. The board will continue to pursue completion of the survey and boundary marking.

A neighboring resident reported that school buses are entering the township cemetery to turn around and cutting the corners of the interior drive. Trustee Mr. Parker will contact the appropriate school district representative to address the issue and, if necessary, request that the school identify an alternate turnaround location or implement measures to protect the cemetery drive.

The membership roster for the Erie County Township Association requires updating for Oxford.

Fiscal Officer Pelletier reported the following:

After an extended effort to close a mobile phone account associated with two deceased former account holders, Pelletier contacted an AT&T representative. After involving the Erie County Prosecutor's office by copying it on correspondence, AT&T has agreed to credit the township for most of the outstanding charges associated with the account. The account has been closed.

Pelletier is preparing the annual tax budget. A public notice will need to be published for the required public hearing.

No communications noted.

No old business.

An estimate of $9,186.00 was received from Bores for the installation of approximately 315 feet of 12-inch PVC high-density star sewer with sock and stone bedding, connecting to the existing 6-inch field drain tile on Taylor Road.

The Erie County road maintenance agreement was presented for review and execution. It requires the signatures of all three trustees and the fiscal officer. The executed agreement will be returned to the Erie County Engineer's office.

Two bids were received for Higby Road resurfacing: A.J. Riley at $88,303.00 and Erie Blacktop at $79,802.00. The board determined that the resurfacing work can be performed in-house at approximately 60 to 70 percent of the estimated bid costs.

Two bids were received for Schaefer Road resurfacing: A.J. Riley at $89,958.00 and Erie Blacktop at $83,604.00. The board determined that the resurfacing work can be performed in-house at approximately 60 to 70 percent of the estimated bid costs.

Two bids were received for Kelly Road resurfacing: A.J. Riley at $45,723.00 and Erie Blacktop at $51,935.80. The board determined that the resurfacing work can be performed in-house at approximately 60 to 70 percent of the estimated bid costs.

Two bids were received for Peru Center Road resurfacing: A.J. Riley at $70,560.00 and Erie Blacktop at $62,039.25. The board determined that the resurfacing work can be performed in-house at approximately 60 to 70 percent of the estimated bid costs.

The board discussed reports of unauthorized vehicle access to the park grounds, specifically vehicles being driven onto and parked on the grass in the area between the shelter house and the field, near the septic system. The board agreed that signage prohibiting vehicles from driving over the septic system should be posted.

Mr. Leber moved to pay all Oxford Township bills as presented, and Mr. Parker seconded. A verbal vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Parker moved to adjourn the meeting, and Mr. Leber seconded. A verbal vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.

Brian Miller, Trustee – Chairman _________________________

Melissa Pelletier, Fiscal Officer