Oxford Borough Council has been diligently working on an Active Transportation Plan with

Anthony Valencia and Brian Donovan from McMahon, a Bowman Company, for a number of months now.

Valencia and Donovan have attended First Fridays and other events to meet and greet residents, shoppers and business owners in an effort to secure their comments and suggestions on that plan.

On the Borough’s website, oxfordboro.org, both surveys and an interactive map have been created to give everyone an opportunity to comment or make suggestions.

Borough manager Pauline Garcia-Allen said, “We really need everyone’s input in order for this project to be successful.”

The surveys and interactive maps online were created to solicit comments from residents, shoppers, and business owners in the borough to help them identify areas in Oxford to improve the ability for residents and visitors to walk, roll, or bike and to access public transportation.

A presentation was made to the council and public regarding the feedback received thus far.

Obstacles that keep people from walking in Oxford were identified. Connections and improvements have been presented so that council members can comment on what should be prioritized.

So far, they have identified project priorities, such as quick implementation projects and capital improvement projects. There were eight projects listed, but there is still time to add to that list.

A draft report will be presented to council on July 12, a revised draft on Aug. 4 and the final report is due on Sept. 11, with adoption on Sept. 25.

Oxford Borough Police Chief Sam Iacono prefaced his report by asking everyone to keep the Pa. State Police in their prayers due to recent events.

Council was informed that the Oxford Police Department has been certified in weapons.

The Oxford Police Department will hold an event with the Oxford School Police and teachers in the school district. The plan is to test equipment and policies in handling school situations.

Iacono also explained why there may be a delay in posting on Pennsylvania Crimewatch regarding some events.

“Before we post to Crimewatch we have to make sure the facts are correct. We may require further investigation, or coordination with the District Attorney. There are a number of reasons why there may be delays in posting,” he said.

A full-time police officer position will be opening up. It is possible it may be replaced by a part-time officer, but if not the borough will need to advertise and put together a new Civil Service list.

It was reported that one officer is coming back after recuperating from an injury, however another officer will be going out for required surgery.

Borough solicitor Stacey Fuller reported that the Ware appeal continues and other issues have arisen. 

Regarding the Moran Farm development, a conditional-use hearing is also being planned.

Fuller is also waiting for the stormwater ordinance which will then be reviewed.

Garcia-Allen is hoping to have the stormwater ordinance by July 17. She continues to apply for multiple grants for the water department, and other departments. She also announced that an RFP went out for engineers, and she hopes to hear back from them soon.

Boy Scout Will Fasick, from Troop 13 was given the green light to continue his plans to construct a September 11 memorial in the Oxford Memorial Park to commemorate those people who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks.

“When the memorial is placed in the park, I hope we can continue to hold live services there to remember those who lost their lives on that day,” Fasick said.

The proposed plan includes a 12 x 12 area with the memorial in the center. The estimated cost is expected to be $13,656. Most of that will pay for the actual monument. Fasick will be working on a future fundraiser to secure those funds.  

Spots, Stevens & McCoy presented a revised recommendation for parking along Lancaster Avenue at Memorial Park. A speed study was conducted which showed the average speed in that area at 41 miles per hour. The plan will change the current parking by taking six spaces and reconfiguring them into three, two of which are for handicapped parking. Council approved a resolution designating the additional accessible parking spaces.

Council approved the special event application for the Oxford Area High School’s Homecoming Parade on Oct. 26 with a rain date of Oct. 27.

Council also approved a new Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement as well as an HARB Certificate of Appropriateness for 43 S. Fifth Street.

Council also granted its approval to advertise the start of the Civil Service test process to take place in the summer and fall to compile a full-time police officer eligibility list.

The next borough council meeting is scheduled for July 17.