The action came at a Monday, November 9, town meeting attended by about 40 residents.

The ordinance was composed by the Oxford Horse and Livestock Association with assistance from attorneys and submitted to selectmen a few months ago.

Basically, it states that farming operations shall not be deemed to constitute a nuisance because of objectionable odor from livestock, manure, fertilizer or feed; noise from livestock or farm equipment; dust created during plowing or cultivation; and use of acceptable chemicals.

It also protects farmers against complaints of water pollution from livestock or crop production unless it affects private or public drinking water supplies.

The ordinance further provides that prior to the sale of exchange of property in Oxford, landowners or their agents must present to the buyer a disclosure notification stating that the community aims to protect and encourage agriculture.

The ordinance asks that landowners sign the disclosure statement prior to the sale and that a copy be filed with the Board of Selectmen or its designee and published in a local newspaper.

While the ordinance was strongly supported by horse owners and others who farm, some others felt it was unfair to those who were affected adversely by farming activities.

Resident Joan Tichy said, while she was glad to see measures implemented to improve the relationship between farmers and non-farmers, she didn't feel the latter was represented.

First Selectman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers responded that the Oxford Horse and Livestock Association was willing to work with any homeowner who has problems with how farming material, including manure, is handled.

Michael Tichy suggested there should be a limit on the number of animals a resident can keep.

"Someone could have 200 animals on a half-acre lot," he said.

Another resident, Eric Tichy recommended that the disclosure clause be removed, saying it could affect a homeowner's ability to sell a piece of property.

"It puts undue responsibility on the seller," he said.

Dorothy Aiksnoras-Vallee, co-president of the OHLA, responded that the disclosure clause was one of the major reasons why the ordinance was proposed.

She said the clause made it clear to people new to the town that Oxford is a farming community.

Resident Alicia Federico agreed the disclosure clause was important.

"It opens a discussion with people who may not understand that this is a rural community," she said.

Ms. Federico said the fact that the town is pastoral is a valuable selling tool rather than an impediment.

She also agreed that residents should have redress if they have complaints about a farming operation and the ordinance provides for that.

One section of the document allows that, if a remedy is not found by working with a town-designated agricultural agent, a person can file a grievance with the state Department of Agriculture and Department of Health.

In other town meeting business, residents approved an ordinance governing snow plowing activities.

Mrs. Drayton-Rogers explained that the ordinance was drafted in cooperation with the Public Works Department in response to complaints from residents about vehicles striking mounds of snow spread across roads by private contractors.

In part, the ordinance provides that contractors and homeowners may not push snow or ice from driveways or parking lots on town roads. In cases where there is no alternative, plowers must plow the snow piles off the road until the road is safe.

The ordinance also provides that the town will not repair or replace mailboxes and posts that fail to withstand the force of snow pushed from the street to the roadside.

It will, however, replace mailboxes that are actually struck by a plow blade or truck with a standard mailbox and 4x4 post.

Residents also approved an ordinance banning dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles from streets, sidewalks and other town property, including parks, playing fields and open space.