Oakland to unveil improved website

Oakland residents will be able to pay their water bills online, sign up for event notifications, have access to a community calendar and more when the town’s new website is launched this summer.

The town commission learned the details May 10 during an interactive presentation. This new website will be more user-friendly and allow residents and guests more options, such as a list of frequently asked questions, links to the Oakland Nature Preserve and Oakland Avenue Charter School, copies of all meeting agendas and minutes and a way to pay bills online.

Residents can click the “Notify Me” button to be alerted about specific events or the “How do I…?” button for assistance in navigating the page.

The launch of the new website is expected in late July.

In other news:

• Thirteen-year-old Luke Rosser, of Oakland, spoke to Oakland commissioners about his desire to see a pump track added to the town so teenagers have a place to be active. A pump track is a small looping trail of dirt berms and smooth dirt mounds for bicycling. Rosser, a Type 1 diabetic, is passionate about exercise and said teens need a safe place for this activity. The commission agreed that this is a good idea and will pursue options. Rosser hopes to put on a bike race in 2017, too, with the proceeds benefitting diabetes.

• The commission proclaimed May 15-21 National Public Works Week and presented a framed poster to Public Works Director Mike Parker. Water customers can stop by Oakland Town Hall through May 21 to pick up a free water-saver shower head.

• Elected officials passed the first reading of an ordinance that amends the Oakland’s regulations on small landscape irrigation use. This change provides for specific enforcement and penalties and will allow the town to score higher on grant funding eligibility.

• Commissioners approved the final plat for the first phase of the Oakland Trails subdivision, a 305-family community of bungalows and homes on 108 acres north and west of the intersection of West Colonial Drive and Deer Island Road.

• Sen. Geraldine Thompson gave a legislative update to the commission, outlining some of the bills she filed that passed.

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at [email protected].