By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Many people living in a local municipality may not realize the importance of attending the local township or borough council meeting. However, that local municipality supports and impacts the daily lives of residents in profound ways, often not fully realized by citizens. 

That is a problem facing Oxford Borough Council, which is having a difficult time finding a Junior Council Person (JCP).

Since 2000, the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) has been promoting and encouraging high school students to get involved in and learn more about borough government in the Commonwealth by becoming a Junior Council Person. Since that time, hundreds of students have participated in the program in boroughs throughout the state. The JCP Program is an outstanding opportunity for young leaders to participate in the governing process of their own communities. 

A Junior Council Person may find that he or she does have an interest in learning what it is really like to volunteer for the local community. These young people may be able to provide valuable information as borough council members set policies about curfews for persons under 18, laws forbidding bike-riding on sidewalks in the business district, laws deciding where a historic district is, or decisions about whether a skateboard park can be built in the community. These decisions can impact young people. There are many things a borough council member does that can affect all residents in the community so becoming a Junior Council Person is a great way to learn how anyone can make changes where they live.

Oxford Borough Council members hope that this experience will spark an interest for their potential involvement in the future, as voters, elected officials, and engaged citizens. Likewise, Oxford Borough Government can benefit now from the voices and concerns raised by young people. 

Junior Council Member responsibilities include the following:

• Provide current and “next generation” insights to the council using strong communication skills (including written, verbal, photography, video, and online communication).
• Learn about the process and procedures of local government.
• Serve as a constant, positive representative of the Borough of Oxford and the surrounding community.
• Attend monthly council meetings, budget sessions, and other special meetings as appropriate.
• Participate in related community projects and events.
• Observe all borough council meeting rules.

Junior Council Persons are not allowed to vote or attend any executive sessions that take place.

The Junior Council Person’s term is one year, and runs from September to May. A member may serve and reapply for consideration for a second term.

Applications are accepted from May 1 to July 30 each year. Interviews are conducted during the month of August with the appointment made at the end of August. Please contact the Borough Council President or Borough Manager if you have questions about this unique opportunity. If interested, call the borough at 610-932-2500.

Applications are available on the website at oxfordboro.org or you can visit the borough and pick one up at One Octoraro Alley in Oxford. The completed application can be returned to the Oxford Borough Hall

Learn more about the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Junior Council Person Program.

In other business at the meeting, Oxford Borough Council reminded the public that Borough Hall will be closed on Monday, May 26, to observe Memorial Day.

Council approved the Rio Supply Inc. Pay Application No. 4  in the amount of $212,176.24 for the grant-supported water meter replacement project. Council also approved a resolution appointing Chester County Tax Collection Committee delegates for the Borough of Oxford and a letter in support of the Chester Water Authority remaining a publicly owned utility.

Council member Peggy Ann Russell asked Oxford Police Chief Sam Iacono where unused prescription drugs could be turned in now the Oxford Police Department is no longer accepting them.

Iacono said that any unused prescription drugs can now be dropped off at the CVS in Nottingham.