2008 News
December 4, 2008
Commissioners Weave Holiday Theme Through First December Meeting
Commissioners Consider Contract Resolutions for Nine Departments
A holiday spirit was in the air at the Bucks County Convention and Visitors Bureau (BCCVB) in Bensalem, the tree-adorned setting for yesterday’s commissioners’ meeting. Twenty-five uniquely themed holiday trees will remain on display in the building’s main gallery for the BCCVB’s TreeFest, and served as the perfect setting for several holiday-related items on the day’s agenda. Among the morning’s many gracious hosts was Jerry Lepping, executive director of the BCCVB and President Bill Haas.
Proclamations presented by Commissioners Jim Cawley, chairman, Charles H. Martin and Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW included the national Holiday Mail for Heroes program, organized by the Red Cross. Bucks Countians are encouraged to send a holiday card to current and veteran members of our Armed Forces to “Holiday Mail for Heros”at P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD, 20791. From this collection point, the Red Cross distributes the tokens of thanks and warm wishes to hospitalized service members, both current and veteran.
Also highlighted was the Tree of Hope, Bucks County’s official symbol of support for recovery from addiction. The tree, which will be on display in the courthouse on December 11, will be the centerpiece of a dedication ceremony featuring music, awards of recognition, and personal testimonials on December 17, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. in the first floor lobby of the courthouse. The towering emblem promotes the positive message that recovery from addiction is possible and benefits everyone. It is presented by the Bucks County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and hosted by PRO-ACT (Pennsylvania Recovery Organization-Achieving Community Together).
As he began the business portion of the meeting, Chairman Cawley acknowledged that among the 21 personnel action items was the appointment of Meredith Dolan to the post of acting Human Resources director. Dolan, who serves as the department’s assistant director, will replace Carmen Thome until a permanent appointment is made. Commissioners passed all but one item presented to them on the agenda; a Mental Health/Mental Retardation contract amendment was tabled until more information could be offered. Of the unanimously passed contracts were several that focused on open space. Just over 10 acres on Buckwampum Mountain in Springfield Township were purchased, adding to the county’s existing property in that area. Additionally, a home in Middletown Township will be demolished and turned into park land as part of the county’s hazard mitigation program.
Two bridges were also featured on the morning’s agenda – the commissioners officially declared an emergency regarding the Silo Hill Road Bridge, which was damaged after a 32-ton truck drove over the 6-ton-capacity bridge. The declaration will expedite the structural repair process. Bridge # 21 on Rickert Road in Hilltown Township must meet requirements for additional design work, due to its historical status, before repairs can be made.
In his Chief Operating Officer report, David Sanko announced the public budget hearing will be held on Monday, December 8 at 5 p.m. in the courthouse community room. Sanko expects that before the county’s budget can be finalized, the commonwealth will introduce additional cuts to their budget that will have impact at the county level. Sanko also reminded attendees that this Friday, December 5 at 3:30 p.m. in the courthouse courtyard, 1st Lt. Travis Manion will posthumously be awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medal with Valor for his heroic efforts to drag fellow Marines to safety. His parents will accept the awards which will be presented by the US Central Command deputy commander.
A highlight of the COO report was the announcement of a program that will marry the many demands for equipment on the county’s non-profit agencies with items the county and other businesses can provide, such as surplus furniture and office equipment. Along the topic of corporate citizenship, Sanko thanked Mars Fish Care of Chalfont and Pets Plus of Horsham for their donation of a 50-gallon, fully decorated and stocked fish tank for use by the county’s state-of-the-art nursing facility, Neshaminy Manor.
Near the end of the meeting, following the festive theme of the morning, Marseglia made a motion to donate $5,000 to area food banks this season, which will be administered by the Bucks County Opportunity Council for distribution.
The next commissioners’ meeting, during which the final 2009 budget will be adopted, will take place at the Levittown Branch, Bucks County Free Library, 7311 New Falls Road, Levittown PA 19055.
For a full audio account of the December 3 meeting, please go to www.BucksCounty.org and click on the link on the commissioners’ meeting page.