2007 News

May 30, 2007

Bucks County Commissioners Kick Off Flood Task Force Meetings
Inaugural Gathering Well-Attended

Last night, Commissioners Charles H. Martin, James F. Cawley and Sandra A. Miller welcomed their newly established 17-member Delaware River Flood Task Force at the group’s first meeting held at the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission in New Hope. Martin told the group, appointed by their respective townships and boroughs earlier this month, “The agenda is yours.” He emphasized that the clout of the group is greater than that of any individual entity.

Cawley thanked the members for their participation, and told them, “Unless we attack regionally, we will have little hope of success,” adding that he looks forward to meaningful solutions to the areas flooding problems.

“Government works best when different levels work together,” Miller told the crowd as she welcomed them. Ex officio members Chief Operating Officer David Sanko, Planning Director Lynn Bush, Emergency Services’ John Dougherty, Parks and Recreation Director Bill Mitchell were also in attendance.

Martin then turned over the forum to New Hope Borough Manager John Burke, who will serve as acting chair. “Thanks to the county commissioners, we will have more of a regional scope,” he told his fellow members. In order for the task force to get a flavor for issues inherent to each municipality, each member was afforded the opportunity to share their concerns and hopes.

The lively discussion codified several topics for the group to explore, including the impact of New York reservoirs on downstream flooding, timely communication with residents when an event is to occur, storm water management impact, and home elevation/buyout feasibility.

From that discussion, a mission statement will be developed, which will give the group its direction moving forward, and suggestions for subcommittees will also be taken. The group will meet monthly. Members are:

Bensalem Township - Len Poncia
Bridgeton Township - Gard Holby
Bristol Borough - James Dillon
Bristol Township - Kevin Dippolito
Durham Township - Peter Bent
Falls Township – Edward Copper
Lower Makefield - Scott Burgess
Morrisville Borough - John Buckman
New Hope Borough - John Burke
Nockamixon Township - Nancy Janyszeski
Plumstead Township - Karen Helsel
Riegelsville Borough - Todd Myers
Solebury Township - William Tinsman
Tinicum Township - Boyce Budd
Tullytown Borough - Mary Ann Gahagan
Upper Makefield Township - Dan Worden
Yardley Borough - William Winslade