2008 News
September 18, 2008
Founding Fathers Got It Right
Commissioners Conduct Bi-Monthly, “Constitution Day” Meeting at Plumstead Christian School
Two hundred and 21 years ago, the United States’ founding fathers affixed their signatures to the Constitution, enacting a uniquely resilient system of government that continues to balance powers between three branches while allowing for continuous evolution. Yesterday, during the Board of Bucks County Commissioners’ bi-monthly meeting in the café of Plumstead Christian School, Chairman James F. Cawley, Esq. conducted an anniversary “other civics” lesson for members of the senior class at the Plumstead Twp. secondary school.
“Do yourselves a favor – as citizens, as Americans, and as people who are going to vote in November for the first time,” Cawley urged the group at the conclusion of his presentation. “Let it (the Constitution) become part of you, and it will serve you well.”
The meeting doubled as a show of patriotism for Plumstead Christian CEO Dean Whiteway, a former member of Canadian Parliament who recently became an American citizen. Mr. Whiteway expressed gratitude for his citizenship while leading the meeting attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
After Commissioners Cawley, Charles H. Martin and Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW presented each student with a pocket-fold copy of the Constitution, the members of the Class of 2009 sat through a two-hour meeting that included the approval of resolution contracts involving 14 departments and the tabling of one other item.
The commissioners approved five contracts to provide recreational and educational programs at senior centers around the county, including Warminster’s Benjamin H. Wilson Senior Center, the Bensalem Senior Citizens Association, Richboro’s Council Rock Senior Citizens Association, Ottsville’s Eastern Upper Bucks Senior, Inc., and Morrisville’s Senior Servicenter.
The board also approved 10 Children & Youth contracts, including a $594,707 agreement to provide shelter services through the Bucks County Housing Group, Inc., a $425,000 agreement to provide intensive family services through Doylestown’s Tabor Children’s Services, and a $676,164 contract to provide academic, summer and scouting outreach program with the YWCA of Bucks County.
The 2008 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program moved forward through the approval of 42 contracts with non-profit organizations and municipalities totaling $1.387 million. Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia cast “nay” votes for three of the 42 items, citing an objection to the use of CDBG money for historic preservation items.
For Human Services, the commissioners authorized an $89,300, one-year contract to provide shelter, case management and monitoring services for Levittown’s American Red Cross, Lower Bucks Chapter.
Also approved were four one-year Mental Health/Mental Retardation contracts totaling more than $12 million, including an agreement to provide case management, family support and rehabilitation services with Doylestown’s Lenape Valley Foundation ($5.125 million), a contract to provide family support, community habilitation and respite services with Neighbors, Inc. of Highland Park, NJ ($176,068), a contract to provide case management, family support and rehabilitation services with Sellersville’s Penn Foundation for Mental Health ($3.302 million) and a contract to provide case management, family support and rehabilitation services with the Penndel Mental Health Center ($3.695 million).
During his bi-weekly report to the commissioners, Chief Operating Officer David Sanko discussed multiple issues, including objection to the $25 administrative fee that was included in the budget for child support clients. Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia suggested that the board write a letter to state officials decrying the fee, a suggestion with which Commissioners Cawley and Martin concurred.
The COO report also included a call for volunteers for Bucks County’s third annual Pandemic Flu Drill (Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at five sites throughout the county). To sign up as a volunteer, please access the online form on the Pandemic Drill Page. Volunteers can also call the Health Department at 215-348-3318. Those who submit applications will receive training in preparation of the event, and will also receive a flu vaccine provided they medically qualify.
Mr. Sanko also highlighted a pair of personnel actions that subsequently received approval from Commissioners Cawley and Martin (with Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia voting “nay” on the entire personnel list), including the county’s new health director, Dr. David Damsker. “These hires represent a real add to our team, and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to preparedness and safety,” Mr. Sanko told the assemblage.
The COO also highlighted the new 911 Emergency Communications management team, newly appointed Director Pete Ference (who had been serving as acting director) and Deputy Director Audrey Kenney, who currently serves as York County’s director of 911 communications. The 911 the center is undergoing relocation from Doylestown to the new facility in Ivyland, and is set to open in the very near future.
Another item on Mr. Sanko’s list was the announcement of a mortgage foreclosure/financial aid referral help line, 1-800-942-2669, which will be staffed by members of the county’s Consumer Protection and Community and Business Development departments.
In reference to September’s status as National Preparedness Month, Mr. Sanko also reminded the public to remain ever vigilant about public safety and report suspicious activity. “You’ll know what looks out of place,” he added. “We can be alert without being alarmed.”
For a full audio account of the September 17 meeting, please go to www.BucksCounty.org and click on the link on the commissioners’ meeting page.