By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Oxford Borough Council has once again received what it deems to be an insufficient land development plan from Enox Land, LP for the proposed Moran Farm development so final approval has once again been delayed.

Council member Peggy Ann Russell and other council members were clearly unhappy to see that some of the necessary changes in the plans were not yet completed.

Russell said, “Our solicitor wasn't supposed to be here tonight but she changed her plans thinking that this plan would have the necessary changes cleaned up so this could move forward. They (Enox Land LP) still do not have a clean plan. They need to know if this plan is not clean by September 22, this plan will be denied.”

Council also wanted it noted that they are paying for the solicitor to attend the council meetings, and it has been necessary to have her available at the past two meetings due to the Enox Land plan for the Moran Farm.

Borough council had a lengthy discussion at the Aug. 18 meeting, and at that time council

denied approval of the plan. However, the council did approve an extension on the review of the plan until and through Sept. 8, and the hope was that a cleaned-up plan would be submitted by the developer at that point.

“I am very frustrated they are dragging this on,” said council member Amanda Birdwell. 

At the time of the meeting the Oxford Police Department and Union Fire Company had not been approached for their approvals of the details of the plan, plus other items have not been addressed. Council members held concerns about whether emergency vehicles could even reach the open space in the development that was to be used for recreational purposes. At the end of the discussion, borough council confirmed the plan will come up on the agenda for the Sept. 22 meeting, and Enox was granted another extension.

In other news, Oxford Borough Council was happy to approve the appointment of Shayna Smith as the Junior Council Person for the 2025-2026 school year. Smith was sworn in by Mayor Phil Harris and took her place at the council table.

Borough council president Kathryn Cloyd welcomed Smith to her new position.

“In the future, you will have a chance to give your report and to add your items to the agenda,” Cloyd said.

Borough council’s preliminary budget for 2026 will be coming up for review. For those wishing to attend the next meeting with a budget discussion,  an evening meeting of the Finance Committee is scheduled for Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Borough Hall. It will be the only evening meeting for the remainder of the year. Other Finance meetings will be scheduled at 5 p.m. Additionally, the regular Police and Public Safety meeting is scheduled for the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Borough Hall.

The following items were approved by Oxford Borough Council at the recent meeting:

• Authorization to advertise an ordinance amending Chapter 26, Water, Part 1, Rules, Regulations, Rates and Charges.
• Resignation of police officer Karlianna Diemedio.
• Request to hire Jamie Cruz as a full-time police officer.
• Approval of the 2026 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the Police Pension Plan in the amount of $164,351.07.
• Approval of the 2026 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the Non-Uniformed Employee Pension Plan in the amount of $61,549.65.

Borough manager Pauline Garcia-Allen told council that a draft of the Police Study update is now ready. The Borough has been working with the neighboring townships and the Department of Community and Economic Development on this update.

The next Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 22.