The staff of the Butler County Solid Waste Management District presented their updated management plan at Tuesday’s city council meeting, and council passed it 4-0.

The plan emphasized an increase in county-wide recycling by adding curbside recycling programs, maintaining current programs and increasing drop boxes. Council members Prue Dana, Dave Prows and Bill Snavely were not present at the meeting.

According to Mary Moore, division head at the Butler County Department of Environmental Services, the new plan would increase the solid waste generation fee from $1 per ton to $2 per ton. Moore explained that the average household generates 3.19 tons of garbage a year.

To help offset the increase the county is offering incentives to help encourage recycling. The incentives include giving $7 per ton based on the amount of waste recycled. Oxford currently recycles at an 11 percent rate.

City Service Director Michael Dreisbach explained that the new plan may show a slight increase for residents at 20 cents per month.

A number of building projects received their first reading at council. Stewart Square and the Cobblestone Community Church on Kehr Road both received praise from council for the organization in presenting their plans.

Council members discussed primarily the traffic situation at the intersection of Spring Street and College Avenue. Jeff MacDonald, owner of ACE Hardware, asked council to consider leaving the intersection a four-way stop.

“ Leave the intersection the way it is,” MacDonald said. “I haven’t found anyone who came into my store that complained about traffic. Give it a try without out a stoplight.”

Councilman Alan Kyger was unsure if the lanes in the intersection should be widened or left alone.

Stewart Square architect Scott Webb had no preference on whether or not the intersection should have a stoplight. He also noted that the addition of lighting to a 16-foot alley near Heather Lane may not be necessary.

Council also discussed the Cobblestone Community Church, which will create a 43,000 square feet church and two 20,000 square feet buildings on the old South Farm property. The plans also show a 38-lot subdivision.

Cobblestone Pastor Bob Hostetler explained to council that much of the 57 acres of the development will remain undisturbed with 39 acres remaining woodland. Kyger expressed concern that it would be best if the pond that is near the property was controlled by Cobblestone.

Council also passed a resolution 4-0 allowing the city manager to enter into a development agreement with Anchor Properties, Inc. in the building of the Walgreens on Locust Street. The proposal called for a land swap. The city would give the parcel of land between the bend on Locust and Spring streets in exchange for the contractor straightening Locust.