The Oxford-University Transportation commission has appointed an interim director, after the passing of former superintendent Ron Biggs.

Donna Zampella is now the OUT commission’s interim director, and her appointment was announced during Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting.

Biggs, who had been the first person to manage the OUT system in 2008, died of a heart-related illness on December 8, according to the Lafayette County Coroner. He was 65 years old.

Zampella was present at the Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday, as OUT was requesting the Aldermen to approve the system’s proposed budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, which had previously been approved by the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Aldermen honor retiring building official Randy Barber

Randy Barber has served Oxford since 1997, and the Board of Aldermen gave him a send off on Tuesday as he retires as the city’s building official.

In his 21 years, Barber has worked in Oxford Planning Department as a Building

Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer, and has also worked in Oxford’s Public Works Department as an Engineering Tech before being promoted to Building official in 2005.

The Aldermen adopted a resolution honoring him, and a part of it read: “Randy Barber has made a mark on the City of Oxford, through his service to its citizenry, has positively touched many lives; and that his legacy will be remembered and celebrated for many years to come.”

Mayor Robyn Tannehill also took the time to thank Barber personally.

“Randy has always the voice of reason,” Tannehill said. “You’ve left your fingerprints on a million things across this community and we thank you.”

The resolution also states that Barber is responsible for $1,300,000,000 in construction and nearly $8,200,000 in permits.

“I started kind of low on the totem pole,” Barber said at the meeting. “But, like I said, everything worked out. It’s been a heck of a ride.”

Mayor announces free parking for the holiday weeks

Mayor Tannehill also announced, during her brief mayor’s report, the Oxford’s Square will have free parking after 5 p.m., as opposed to after midnight, from Tuesday until New Year’s Day.

The square will also have free parking all day on Christmas Eve.

Tannehill said more hours of free parking a gift to Oxford, and it allows for all residents to quickly finish any remaining Christmas shopping they