Oxford May Soon Have Warrant Power To Inspect Rentals

BY MAGGIE THOMAS
Miami University journalism student

The city of Oxford could soon obtain search warrants to inspect rental properties.

Oxford City Council tonight will consider a measure to update the city property maintenance code to allow for "administrative search warrants" to inspect rentals.

According to the agenda for tonight's meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. at 118 W. High St., the city wants the ability to obtain warrants to inspect properties "to maintain the safety and security of the renters." Warrants would only be sought when owners refuse to allow inspections voluntarily.

Council will also consider three resolutions to dispose of unclaimed items, which are in possession of the police as criminal evidence or as part of its "lost and found" collection.

If the resolutions pass, the city will sell some items and donate others. The list of inventory includes tools, batteries, cash, and assorted other items.

Police also are in possession of several phones and iPods which have not been claimed. Those would be donated to Smart Phone Recycling to benefit Action Ohio/Coalition for Battered Women.

Speaking with students in a Miami University journalism class on Monday, City Manager Doug Elliott discussed other plans for the city.

Amtrak station is possible

Elliott said the city of Oxford hopes to eventually create an Amtrak train station, build a new aquatics center, and relocate the city administration and police division’s administrative offices.

“Amtrak has reached out to the city of Oxford. They want to expand the Amtrak route… And it’s doable,” Elliott said.

Oxford Mayor Kate Rousmaniere, speaking at the City Council meeting of Oct. 4, said a Sept. 30 meeting with Amtrak officials "moved forward significantly" negotiations on an Oxford station.

On the aquatics center, Elliott noted that plans are underway for a facility at the Oxford Community Park off Fairfield Road on the west side of town.

Plans for a move of city offices, meantime, are further along. The city plans to relocate its administrative offices from 101 E. High St. to the old Lane Library building at 151 S. College. Lane last year moved to a new building near Oxford's Kroger store.

“Our plan is that we would move into the [old] Lane Library this summer,” said Elliott.

After the city offices are relocated, the Oxford Police Department will move into the city administration building.

Elliott noted that the city was able to avoid debt when making this purchase.

“We are doing this with existing funds… The city is doing a good job of keeping a budget,” said Elliott.

Photo: Doug Elliott has served as Oxford City Manager for nine years. -- Contributed photo.