Spring Break
Council approves revised ordinances
Legislation limits use of outside furniture, increases penalties for existing restrictions
Christopher Washington
Issue date: 4/6/07 Section: Front Page
Oxford Mayor Jerome Conley said the new furniture ordinance accomplishes Oxford's goal for a cleaner city. Additionally, he said he enjoys the student interaction and social games played during weekends.
"I love seeing the engagement of kids out having a good time," Conley said. "To me, it points to a vibrancy (within the students)."
City Councilor Alysia Fischer echoed Robinson's sentiments, but also expressed concern regarding the enforcement of the ordinance. She said she is fearful students will challenge what is considered outdoor furniture.
"I'm hoping that people won't push (the limits of the law) and will just put things away," Fischer said.
Although students are permitted to use indoor furniture and tables outside, violators who maintain them outdoors will be fined under the ordinance. According to the new legislation, perpetrators will be charged a fourth-degree misdemeanor with a $250 fine, a third-degree misdemeanor with a $500 fine and a second-degree misdemeanor with a $750 fine for the first, second and third offenses, respectively. Subsequent offenses after the third will result in a first-degree misdemeanor with a continuation of the $750 fine.
In addition, the city council meeting also rendered new legislation for the litter and noise ordinances. City council ruled that the litter ordinance requires that all yard litter be removed from property lawns and disposed. The new ordinance was designed to parallel the fines of the furniture ordinance. But prior to the new litter law, violators received a fine of $100, $250 and $500 thereafter for the first, second and third offenses, respectively.
Conley said the fine was raised because of the little effect the $100 fine has on the community.
According to Howington, two types of litter exist that could produce fines from the city. Howington said litter from an open garbage bag can result in a fine from Oxford's department of code enforcement while litter and trash produced specifically from a party could lead to a visit and fine from Oxford police.
"I love seeing the engagement of kids out having a good time," Conley said. "To me, it points to a vibrancy (within the students)."
City Councilor Alysia Fischer echoed Robinson's sentiments, but also expressed concern regarding the enforcement of the ordinance. She said she is fearful students will challenge what is considered outdoor furniture.
"I'm hoping that people won't push (the limits of the law) and will just put things away," Fischer said.
Although students are permitted to use indoor furniture and tables outside, violators who maintain them outdoors will be fined under the ordinance. According to the new legislation, perpetrators will be charged a fourth-degree misdemeanor with a $250 fine, a third-degree misdemeanor with a $500 fine and a second-degree misdemeanor with a $750 fine for the first, second and third offenses, respectively. Subsequent offenses after the third will result in a first-degree misdemeanor with a continuation of the $750 fine.
In addition, the city council meeting also rendered new legislation for the litter and noise ordinances. City council ruled that the litter ordinance requires that all yard litter be removed from property lawns and disposed. The new ordinance was designed to parallel the fines of the furniture ordinance. But prior to the new litter law, violators received a fine of $100, $250 and $500 thereafter for the first, second and third offenses, respectively.
Conley said the fine was raised because of the little effect the $100 fine has on the community.
According to Howington, two types of litter exist that could produce fines from the city. Howington said litter from an open garbage bag can result in a fine from Oxford's department of code enforcement while litter and trash produced specifically from a party could lead to a visit and fine from Oxford police.
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