Oxford Borough Council continues to discuss paying for curbing in the borough. The big question is whether the individual property owners or the borough itself will pay for improvements to sidewalks and curbing. These are topics that have been discussed for years, and council continues to seek a fair solution.

Seeking grant funding is one possibility, but grant funding is very competitive. Future projects, including one for Mt. Vernon Street, are being discussed. Borough officials continue to do their due diligence by talking to engineers and the borough solicitor. It is anticipated that the Mt. Vernon project will not include sidewalks, but does have curbing, which could cost upwards of $500,000.

If property owners are asked to pay, and refuse to pay, or are not able to pay, attaching a lien on the property may be a possibility. Curbs are a necessary requirement for stormwater management and to protect the longevity of the road. Council will continue to discuss this matter going forward.

A project on Hodgson and Eighth Street is also under consideration. The borough continues to look at the ordinance language and will discuss it with engineers. Council members are aware of the hardships that property owners could face if sidewalk or curbing improvements are mandated.

The Oxford Borough website was also discussed at the meeting.

“The new Oxford Borough website is up and running,” Oxford Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen explained. She invited everyone to check out the website and sign up to receive notifications. The site features a drop-down menu, an Instagram tool and is available in a multitude of languages. The website will continue to be updated. The plan is to use it as an educational tool for residents and anyone interested in the Borough of Oxford.

The new website enables residents to become more informed and involved in their community and it gives them a front row seat to local government.

At the April 5 meeting, Oxford Borough Council approved a resolution amending the borough’s Civil Service Commission rules and regulations. This will amend the rules for the physical agility part of the testing process. Going forward MOPAC standards will be used.

Borough council also approved the appointment of Cierra Neidigh to the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB).

A special event permit application for the Oxford Presbyterian Church’s Apple Festival on September 28 was approved, as was a Special Event Permit Application for Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. First Fridays. The First Friday lineup includes May Cinco de Mayo, June in Bloom, August Hometown Harvest, October Oxford Pride, November Heroes, and December Country Christmas, which is scheduled this year for Dec. 6.

Oxford Mayor Phil Harris presented Jay Kennedy, treasurer for the Oxford Library Board, a proclamation for National Library Week. The Oxford Library, and all libraries, are a vital part of the community they serve. The Oxford Library is often a setting for classes for adults and children, and it provides information on employment, taxes, health, plus books, movies, access to computers and the internet, and so much more.