2006 News
October 4, 2006
Bucks County Commissioners Visit Northampton Twp. Senior Center for Bi-Monthly Meeting
Information Services Contract, Open Space and Park Acquisitions Highlight Agenda Apporving Resolutions for 17 County Departments
Boasting pool tables, spacious multi-purpose rooms and even a pair of bocce ball courts, the two-year-old Northampton Twp. Senior Center stands as a jewel among Bucks County’s 13 senior centers. This morning, Commissioners James F. Cawley and Sandra A. Miller enjoyed an opportunity to view the facility from an inside perspective during their bi-monthly meeting.
“This is a beautiful facility, and it is a pleasure to be here,” Cawley told the gathering before enjoying a tour of the center.
Cawley and Miller approved resolutions for 17 government departments, including a five-and-a-half year contract with Lawson Software, Inc. of St. Paul, MN to provide software, support and maintenance for an Enterprise Resource Planning System.
“This is exactly where the county needs to go,” said Information Services Director Don Jacobs, explaining that the contract represents a huge step forward in transitioning away from the county’s mainframe system to a “more network-type program.” “This will long outlive our support necessities. We won’t have to put (information) in triplicate like an old re-run of M*A*S*H.”
“This is a major upgrade, a step of significance” Miller said.
Kris Kern, the county’s open space director, trumpeted the commissioners’ use of a Municipal Open Space grant to acquire 16.6 acres in Riegelsville Borough. The acquisition, which includes a 25-percent match from Riegelsville, will allow the creating of a walking trail running the entire length of the borough.
“This was a top priority,” Kern said. “We were very pleased to see this application come through.”
The commissioners also approved a resolution to acquire 2.05 acres in Springfield Twp.’s Buckwampum Mountain region as parkland in lieu of condemnation.
“We’re getting there,” said Executive Parks and Recreation Director William Mitchell about the 40 parcels of land (totaling 151.31 acres) that the county has acquired in close proximity to this property since 1964.
The commissioners approved a contract increase for the Household Hazardous Waste Program that was necessitated by increased participation levels. The program enjoyed another strong turnout last Saturday in Quakertown, the final event of 2006.
During his Chief Operating Officer’s report, David M. Sanko praised county Emergency Management Director John Dougherty for his role in helping to organize the tri-state Department of Homeland Security Summit that will take place Wednesday, Oct. 11 at Willow Grove Naval Air Station.
“We are continuing to follow the best practices for making the region safer,” Sanko said.
Sanko also lauded the progress of the ongoing Bucks VOTEs education program, which recently added a 30-second Comcast public service announcement by television personality Lynn Doyle. Pursuing a “prepare, not scare” approach in the days leading to the Nov. 7 General Election, Sanko underscored the county’s commitment to provide “the tools to conduct a flawless election.”
Cawley and Miller presented three proclamations, including the recognition of October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” “Fire Prevention Month” and “National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.”
Miller provided a poignant moment in the proceedings by recognizing the 911 Garden of Reflection Committee, which saw years of hard work come to fruition with last Saturday’s dedication ceremony. Miller and Cawley attended the solemn ceremony.
“There are no words to express the beauty of the Garden,” Miller said of the Lower Makefield site. “The county commissioners and all Bucks County residents are grateful to the committee, especially the survivors.”
Miller urged county residents and tourists alike to visit the Garden of Reflection, adding, “ Bucks County is a treasure trove of history and culture. If you haven’t been (to the Garden), go. It’s beautiful.”