By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Police Chief Sam Iacono offered an important reminder to residents at the most recent Oxford Borough Council meeting—“If you see something, say something.”

Iacono referenced the fact that officers of the West Chester Borough Police Department were alerted by members of the public that an individual was concealing a firearm and walking along the area of North High Street in West Chester, near where a large rally was starting to take place. Because they were alerted, police officers were then able to identify the suspect and conduct a pedestrian stop. The individual, later identified publicly as Kevin Krebs, was questioned and then taken into custody after an unlicensed firearm was found during a search. The suspect did not have a registered conceal-to- carry permit. No one at the rally was harmed.

“The fact that someone said something may have saved other lives,” Iacono said.

Iacono and borough council briefly discussed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and how they could interact with Oxford Borough police officers. Pennsylvania is a key state for ICE operations. The state is home to four ICE detention facilities, with Philadelphia being the location of both a Special Agent in Charge principal field office and an Enforcement and Removal Office. Iacono said the borough has no responsibility with ICE except with cases where there are criminal charges.

In Pennsylvania, the level and nature of cooperation between borough police, and other local law enforcement agencies and ICE is a complex and evolving issue. There is a 287 program: This federal program allows ICE to deputize state and local law enforcement officers, granting them the authority to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under ICE’s direction and oversight. Some Pennsylvania police agencies, including borough and township departments, have signed up for this program. The Borough of Oxford has not.

Iacono informed council that two people showed up for a recent police department civil service exam, and he is hopeful that they will pass and will be eligible to go on a civil service list as qualified candidates.

He also reminded the public about the new Paul Miller Law, which prohibits using hand-held devices while driving, even when stopped at a red light or in traffic. This includes calling, texting, using the internet, or any other use of a device while operating a vehicle. The law, which went into effect on June 5, allows for hands-free devices for emergencies and navigation.

Mayor Phil Harris reported that the Oxford Borough police took a tour of Whitehall to address some concerns about the apartment complex. They plan to hold a town hall meeting on July 26 for the public. He reminded everyone, “If you have a police issue in the borough, call 911 immediately. Don’t wait until later.”

Borough solicitor Stacey Fuller updated council on new developments for Providence Place.

“We received the contract we have been waiting for and are reviewing it,” Fuller said.

She added that she is also working on Niblock Alley issues with property owners and also the Moran Farm development. She is hopeful that they will have more items to bring to borough council in July.

Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen told council members that a name has not been decided upon yet for the Moran farm development.

Garcia-Allen also informed council that she is working on the final design of a water main on Locust Street with the engineers.

“I am also working on our commercial code specifically the fire code,” she said. “The state is currently updating the International Property Maintenance Code, but we hope we are finally nearing completion.”

DVRPC will be doing their traffic study on Mt. Vernon Street. Garcia-Allen said they are also working through other traffic-calming measures for the street.

According to the borough manager, 55 water meters have yet to be changed. She said they are working with the residents to avoid shut-off. There are still some issues they are dealing with.

It was also confirmed that the two applications for park grants have been submitted.

Council member Amanda Birdwell discussed funding that the borough provides to entities such as Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., the Oxford Area Recreation Authority and the Oxford Library. After a lengthy discussion, Garcia-Allen explained that these specific entities have contracts with the borough for the services that they provide. Among other requirements, the documents state what is required from the entity and what the borough is expected to fund. There are numerous agencies that the borough donates to, but these three agencies have contracts with the borough.

Part of the discussion was whether the borough could impose a tax to cover the costs of what the borough provides to the entities. However, the consensus was that the borough council or the solicitor should look at the contracts before making any decisions about a potential tax to fund these costs.

In other business, council discussed safety and vandalism at the Oxford Memorial Park. Council discussed installing cameras. It was decided that any person seeing vandalism in the park should call 911 right away. Calling 911 is the quickest way to notify the police of issues.
An official map of the borough was discussed, and the map would be used to help designate any properties that the borough might be interested in should the property be put up for sale. There will be further discussion about the map.