The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— July 19, 2024 (130th edition) ——

Delaware County Council released a statement in the hours after the horrific assassination attempt that occurred this past weekend on former President Donald Trump that resulted in the tragic death of Corey Comperatore and injuries to two other bystanders.

Delaware County Council, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, and City of Chester Mayor Stefan Roots announced the kickoff of the Summer 2024 Safe Streets Program on July 19. The program was created to temporarily address a critical shortage of patrol officers in the Chester Police Department (CPD) by utilizing select County employees for non-patrol duties, thereby freeing up CPD officers to perform patrol duties- adding more officers to the streets. The program is expected to continue until the end of the summer, addressing the need to prevent and respond to the increase in crime that typically occurs in summer months.

Members of the County team with the required training and credentials can apply to serve in the paid positions. All expenses incurred by the County in connection with the program will be paid out of available grant funds from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. 

During the Spring of 2024, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer convened a meeting of stake holders, including the leadership of the County’s Park Police and Department of Emergency Services, and Chester Police Commissioner Steve Gretsky to assess the CPD’s critical staffing shortage. The CPD, like many police departments across the County and the nation, has struggled to recruit an adequate number of officers. As a result, the department’s roster has only 65% of the number of officers that it needs.

Commissioner Gretsky identified two positions—the turnkey and the operations positions—which are essential to the department’s operations, but that do not involve any patrol responsibilities. Both positions are performed entirely within the offices of the CPD. Traditionally, the duties of both positions have been performed by CPD officers qualified to work on patrol. 

Creative and Effective Solutions

During the meeting, leaders discussed creative and effective solutions to staff the vacancies. One idea was to utilize Delaware County Park Police Officers and staff from the Department of Emergency Services Department (DES) to temporarily fill those positions, allowing CPD to have two more CPD officers available for patrol duty. The stakeholders agreed that qualified volunteers from the Delaware County Park Police and DES who were interested in earning overtime compensation could be solicited, and the County could utilize grant funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to pay the overtime expenses. The initiative, Operation Safe Streets, was presented to County Council at a public meeting on Tuesday, July 16, and was unanimously approved by Council at their meeting the following day.  

“The County is hopeful that this partnership is successful with assisting the City of Chester during an anticipated rise in crime during the summer months” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “We deeply appreciate the collaboration and commitment that has already been demonstrated by everyone involved in devising this creative approach. We commend District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Park Police Chief John Diehl, and Acting Director of Delaware County’s Department of Emergency Services Ed Beebe for their dedication and efforts to keep our community safe.”

Cooperation and Collaboration

“Our success in reducing gun violence in the City of Chester—and throughout the County—relies on many things, not just law enforcement. However, without an adequate number of officers, the task is immeasurably more difficult. I am incredibly grateful for the cooperation of my colleagues throughout the County who have come together to help us support the City’s police department during the difficult summer months,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

“As always, I am grateful to County Council, led by Dr. Monica Taylor, the District Attorney, the Park Police and the County’s DES, for stepping up to help the City of Chester in these challenging times. Our residents know that the County is looking for every mechanism it can deploy to assist the City, and we are most appreciative. I also want to thank the folks at PCCD for their continued commitment to the needs of our great City,” said Stefan Roots, Mayor of the City of Chester.

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor joined the County’s Director of Public Works, Danielle Floyd, PennDOT Assistant Construction Engineer Robert Magee, Middletown Township Manager John McMullan, Nether Providence Township Manager Dave Grady, and Upper Providence Township Council Member Elgin Akarsoy to hold a ribbon cutting to officially reopen the Manchester Avenue Bridge (County Bridge #94) on July 15. 

The reconstruction of the Manchester Avenue Bridge, an important thoroughfare providing connections between several municipalities within Delaware County, began in August 2023.

Led by a highly skilled team from Loftus Construction, Inc., and ongoing support from PennDOT and Middletown, Nether Providence, and Upper Providence townships, the project finished 7 months ahead of schedule. 

The original bridge was a reinforced concrete closed spandrel arch underfill constructed in 1925 that ran across Ridley Creek. The scope of work for the bridge included important stormwater management and safety features, including: 

• The bridge was replaced with 77’-7” concrete PA Bulb-tree beam 
• The hydraulic opening was increased which will decrease the water surface elevation of the 100-year flood
• Upgrades to open channel drainage with the installation of a rock lined swale
• Upgrades to safety features, including the installation of a guide rail to current standards.
• Installation of a stop sign at Knowlton Road and South Ridley Creek Road

“Safe and reliable infrastructure is critical,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Delaware County Council remains committed to investing in our bridge infrastructure, ensuring that our bridges remain structurally sound and safe for the public.”

The $2.25M construction project was funded using state and County funds and 80% of the construction costs will be reimbursed by PennDOT, which is a significant win for the County’s budget and taxpayer dollars. 

“The opening of County Bridge 94 represents another example of the progress the County is making to prioritize the replacement of structurally deficient bridges,” said Danielle Floyd, Delaware County’s Director of Public Works. “The success of this project is also due in large part to the cooperation and partnership between the County and the local municipalities.”

Public Works Director Danielle Floyd

The old bridge this past winter

Under construction

The crew at work

Over $11M in Continued Investment in our Bridge Infrastructure

Pennsylvania has the ninth-largest bridge inventory in the nation. Despite a 4.5% decrease in the number of poor-condition bridges, Pennsylvania contains the second-highest number of poor condition bridges among the 50 states. While the state has significantly reduced the number of poor condition bridges through traditional and non-traditional means such as Public-Private Partnerships, inadequate funding over the years has failed to address the ever-increasing repair deficit.

Of the 43 bridges owned by the County, four bridges remain in poor condition and the working is working on a comprehensive plan for repairs. The County currently has two additional bridges under construction, one of which is scheduled to open by the end of the year and the second in early 2025, representing an investment of over $11M in bridge reconstruction. 

The County continues to demonstrate good use of federal and state dollars to improve the safety of the County’s transportation network through its bridge program, and remains committed to working with DVRPC, PennDOT, and state and federal delegations to advocate for increased funding to invest in roads, bridges, and highways on behalf of County residents and taxpayers.

The Manchester Bridge (County Bridge #94) is now open for business! 

Delaware County’s Department of Emergency Services will be holding a recruitment event on August 10 at the 911 Center in Lima. 

911 Telecommunicators play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. The recruitment events offer an excellent opportunity for residents to learn more about this rewarding career and explore the various aspects of the job.

The recruitment event will offer residents the opportunity to meet the Delaware County Emergency Services team, learn more about the duties of a 911 telecommunicator, and discover why a career as a 911 Telecommunicator may be rewarding and a great fit. 

911 telecommunicators are the lifeline between people experiencing emergencies and the emergency response teams. They are responsible for answering emergency calls, dispatching the necessary services, and providing vital instructions to callers in distress. The role requires excellent communication skills, quick thinking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Being a 911 operator is not just a job; it’s a chance to make a significant impact on the community and save lives.

More information on open 911 telecommunicators positions and how to apply can be found on the County's 911 Call Taker web page. To register to attend the info session, click the Registration button below.

During the July 17 Public Council Meeting, America250PADelco Director Andrea Silva provided an update on planning for the upcoming America250 celebration. 

On July 4, 2026, Delaware County and counties across the nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States—the U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration. This provides counties all across the nation with a unique opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and envision our future. 

Delaware County appointed its first slate of America250 Commission members in preparation for the celebration. America250PADelco is the official nonpartisan entity charged by Delaware County Council with planning the 250th anniversary and working with residents, organizations, and community leaders to contribute their energy, ideas, and enthusiasm to ensure this celebration is memorable and truly represents the spirit and diversity of our community.

The Delaware County America 250 Commissioners will assist in planning, encouraging, developing, and coordinating the commemoration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial in Delaware County. Commissioners will assist in forming partnerships across Delaware County with community partners, including America250PADelco Committee members, the Delaware County Commerce Center, Visit Delco, and stakeholders, to facilitate the raising of funds to support commemoration efforts, and to designate, oversee and monitor official America250 projects in the Delaware County.

So far, 16 Delaware County residents who have a demonstrated history of public and charitable service to Delaware County and hold great enthusiasm for creating an inclusive and memorable U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration and been nominated to serve on the Commission:

1. Oliver Bass, Natural Lands, Springfield
2. Ambassador Secretary Kenneth J. Braithwaite, Summa Equity, Chadds Ford
3. Clem Cheng, Retired Human Resources, Media
4. Ralph Cicalese, WSFS Bank, Swarthmore
5. Laura Goodrich Cairns, Delaware County Commerce Center, Aston
6. Dr. Maria Edelberg, Delaware County Intermediate Unit, Havertown
7. Paul Hewes, Delaware County Historical Society, Media
8. The Honorable Thomas H. Killion, Wyatt Elevator Company, Glen Mills
9. Jannie K. Lau, Retired technology executive, Villanova
10. Kevin M. Madden, Delaware County Council, Haverford
11. Robert A. MacPherson, Visit Delco, Media
12. Danielle Peyakovich McNichol, McNichol Law Office/ Fastest Labs, Glen Mills
13. Christine A. Reuther, Delaware County Council, Wallingford
14. Tony Shahan, Newlin Grist Mill, Glen Mills
15. Robert Simpson, Brinker Simpson & Company, LLC, Springfield
16. David J. White, DWD Mechanical Contractors, Morton

“It is an honor to welcome these Delaware County citizens with decades of public service to the Commission,” said Andrea Silva, America250PADelco Director. “I am confident that their leadership, Delco pride, and extensive experience in building partnerships and support will add tremendous value as we continue to make this commemoration memorable and meaningful. I look forward to working alongside them in planning and executing the most significant and inclusive anniversary in our nation’s history.”

Commissioners will help Delaware County connect to programs of America 250, America250PA, and other regional celebrations working to make this the largest, most inclusive commemoration and celebration in American history.

Delaware County residents who wish to learn more about the role of supporting the America 250 efforts may contact Andrea Silva at andrea@america50padelco.org or (610) 566-2225 ext. 104.

Learn more at www.america250padelco.org.

Residents are invited to attend a public hearing to discuss the County Human Services Block Grant Plan. The funds will be utilized to support Delaware County community members with special needs. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and/or submit information and suggestions.

We will be holding two public hearings: 

Tuesday, July 30, 6:00 p.m. 

Delaware Government Center

201 W. Front Street in Media

County Council Public Meeting Room

> MEETING LIVE STREAM

Wednesday, July 31, 6:00 p.m.

Delaware Government Center

201 W. Front Street in Media

County Council Public Meeting Room

> MEETING LIVE STREAM

Residents can email their public comments in advance, or during the hearings. Emails must be submitted with the same information that is requested at a public meeting including the person’s name and address. Emails may be sent to HS_BlockGrant@delcohsa.org. Note: On the subject line, please type "COMMENTS."

Public comments will be accepted until each hearing is adjourned. The public comments will be read into the record during the hearing and the Department will respond if warranted. Emailed comments deemed inappropriate, or which do not contain the commenter’s name and address, will not be read into public record.  

Planning for the County Human Services Block Grant Plan Fiscal Year 24/25 is currently underway, and a summary will be available on the Human Services’ website upon completion. The plan must be submitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by August 12, 2024.

We look forward to seeing and hearing from residents and organizations who are interested in the process and the work provided by the Block Grants. 

The Delaware County Government Center and Courthouse were abuzz with excitement as nearly 150 employees and their children participated in the County's Take Your Child to Work Day on July 17.

The day kicked off with a warm welcome from the Honorable President Judge Linda Cartisano, who gave an engaging lesson on the structure and duties of the Courts and County government. Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor and County Executive Director Barbara O’Malley then provided the children with an enthusiastic overview of the roles of County government and the importance of community involvement and civic engagement. 

Following the morning introductions, the children toured the Government Center, engaging with numerous departments including the Department of Emergency Services, Adult Probation, Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Voter Registration, Weights and Measures, the Delaware County Health Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and the County’s Office of Sustainability.

The fun, interactive sessions provided the nearly ninety children with an opportunity to learn about each department and their functions, and the services they provide to Delaware County residents.

Highlights of the morning included:

• Touring the 911 Emergency Response vehicle and exploring the technology used by 911 staff
• CPR demonstrations from the County’s Health Department team
• A demonstration of arrest equipment and riot gear by the Sheriff’s Office
• A Weights and Measures demonstration showing how the accuracy of commercial products are maintained
• A mock vote, courtesy of the Bureau of Elections, allowing kids to choose between George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Ben Franklin
• An explanation of CID's role in pursuing criminal investigations
• A station providing colorful education materials illustrating Delaware County's active efforts to ensure sustainability and its resiliency to climate change

911 Emergency Response vehicle

CPR demonstrations

Criminal investigation procedures

Sustainability efforts explained

Delaware County v. Gritty

The highlight of the day was a mock trial, held in the historic Delaware County ceremonial courtroom presided over by Delaware County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Linda A. Cartisano, featuring famous Philadelphia mascots including Gritty, Swoop, the Phillie Phanatic, and Phillies player Bryce Harper (all played theatrically by the children!). 

Under honorable Judge Cartisano's direction, with Deputy District Attorney Geoff Paine lending his talents to the prosecution and Chief Public Defender Chris Welsh guiding the defense, the children assumed roles as judge, jury, bailiff, prosecution, and defense teams in a riveting and dramatic case against Gritty, who was alleged to have stolen the Phanatic's hat!

The trial concluded with the jury declaring Gritty not guilty, as a single feather left behind by Swoop revealed the true culprit (it is unclear if charges will be brought against Swoop).

President Judge Linda Cartisano presides over a trial involving Philadelphia mascots Gritty, Swoop, the Phillie Phanatic, and Phillies player Bryce Harper.

The young Public Defender makes her case before the jury

Deputy District Attorney Geoff Paine helps with the prosecution

The jurors carefully weigh the evidence. The verdict? Not guilty!

Take Your Child to Work Day's morning activities concluded with smiles before the children spent the rest of the afternoon with their parent, seeing firsthand their involvement in the County's daily operations, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the workplace and the role of our local government. 

Thanks to all of the children, parents, and employees who made the day a success!

Thanks to the children and staff who made Take Your Child to Work Day a big success!

The Delaware County Department of Parks & Recreation annual Rose Tree Park Summer Festival concert series continues, with free concerts scheduled throughout the summer, Wednesdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m.

The complete schedule can be found on the Parks and Recreation website.

Upcoming Performances: July 19 - July 25

Concerts are weather permitting; there are no rain dates. Admission and parking are free. Handicapped parking is available.

For the complete schedule, visit the Rose Tree Summer Festival website. 

For more information—including recorded messaging about cancelations that may occur to inclement weather or air quality concerns—please call (610) 891-4455.

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