By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Hugo Sandoval, the owner of El Nayarit Mexican Store at 4 S. 3rd Street in Oxford, came before Oxford Borough Council again to ask where the Republican group would be setting up on the November First Friday even in the downtown.

He was told by council that the group would be setting up in front of the Sonny Beas location across the street. Sandoval reiterated that he had not been told before the October First Friday that the group would be setting up a table in front of his store, and it concerned him.

Pat Carnivale, chairman for the Republican Committee, Area 19, said, “It was not my intention that that would happen. Someone is going rogue. It is not my committee.”

Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen explained, “We will be talking about the existing ordinance that covers this issue after the first of the year. We will work on that. It is our intent to have it in place for the next round of First Fridays.”

Council member Amanda Birdwell brought up a concern saying, “What if someone puts something on my street that I find offensive? Does that require a permit?”

The borough's solicitor, Stacey Fuller, explained, “It is difficult to identify what would be considered offensive. If a public entity would pick and choose, the authority is limited. It would depend on the facts, circumstances and the situation as to whether or not the municipality can do anything.”

Birdwell also asked, “Is someone allowed to set up a table without a permit?”

Fuller replied, “It depends. There must be some way we can regulate that. There are certain ways we can prohibit, including if they would incite violence. The Supreme Court said you can regulate political speech. We have quite a list that we will go over in the new year.”

Carnivale said, “Everyone should come back. Dialogue is important.”

Katherine Miller, Democratic Committeeperson said, “I would like to set up a table for democrats. My constituents were upset that we got moved outside of the First Friday footprint.” 

Garcia-Allen said, “We will be processing all of this. I apologize to Mr. Sandoval for not notifying him in advance.”

In other business, council approved the agreement between the Borough of Oxford and the Oxford Police Association for 2023-2026, consistent with the Interest Arbitration Award dated April 12, 2024. 

Council also approved free parking in the borough-owned parking garage on Election Day.

The ongoing sidewalk situation on N. Third Street at Wheeler Blvd. was discussed. Garcia-Allen explained that the borough is trying to ensure that there are continual sidewalks that run up to the Oxford Commons. Three properties need sidewalks in this area. Because this project is along a PennDOT road, it will require a Highway Occupancy Permit and because of that, it will be more expensive. The borough will apply for a grant in 2026 and work with Lower Oxford Township to coordinate this project.

Under public comments, Catherine Miller stressed that she felt traffic was very bad there and that she felt there was a need for a pedestrian crossing zone.

Council President Kathryn Cloyd congratulated the Gawthrop Greenwood Law Firm for 120 years of dedicated service. This law firm serves as the borough’s solicitor.

Cloyd also congratulated Garcia-Allen on her three-year anniversary as borough manager with the Borough of Oxford.

The next Borough Council meeting will be held on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Borough Hall.