2009 News

January 5, 2009

Meeting a Year of Challenges Head On
Throughout 2008, Bucks County Commissioners Balanced Capital Improvement with Fiscal Responsibility and a Comprehensive Management Philosophy

A year that began with one newcomer amongst the three-member Board of Bucks County Commissioners ended with a trend that should be increasingly familiar to the residents of Pennsylvania’s fourth most-populous county: no property tax increase.

For the third consecutive year, Commissioners James F. Cawley, Esq., the board’s 2008 chairman, and Charles H. Martin, vice-chairman, held the line on taxes for 625,000-plus constituents. The 2-1 budget approval vote, which took place Dec. 17 at the Levittown Branch of the Bucks County Free Library, included a dissenting opinion from first-year Commissioner Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW.

Noting the “cost-benefit analysis” of the $467.6 million 2009 budget, Chairman Cawley praised Chief Operating Officer David M. Sanko, Director of Finance and Administration Brian Hessenthaler, Deputy Finance Director David Boscola and county division leaders/department heads for their diligence and dedication to shaping this budget in an increasingly challenging economic climate.

“This is a document that does not just come together some day early in September,” Cawley told those assembled in the Levittown library. “It is a document that all of us in this room work – every day – to try to make sure we’re spending our money as wisely and as prudently as possible.”

Prior to the budget approval and the Dec. 22 groundbreaking for Phase I of the new Justice Complex – a 1,200 parking garage to be located between Doyle and Union streets in the heart of Doylestown Borough – the commissioners joined Public Works officials to shepherd the completion of several significant capital improvements. Those included a Class A Fire Burn Building at the Public Safety Training Center in Doylestown Twp., the 911 Communications Center in Ivyland and the Upper Bucks Government Services Center and District Court 07-2-05 in Richland Twp.

“We look to 2008 and beyond as a continuation of the groundwork that has been laid,” Commissioner Martin observed after he took the oath of office on Jan. 7, kicking off his 14th year as a member of the board. “Clearly, we are in the midst of the largest list of building projects in county annals.”

As 2008 draws to a close, it marks an opportune time to reflect on the many diverse accomplishments of the Bucks County workforce. Following is a month-by-month synopsis of the year:

JANUARY
“INAUGURATION AND REORGANIZATION”

On Jan. 7, inside the Doylestown Courthouse rotunda, Commissioners Cawley and Martin joined Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia for a gala, standing-room-only inauguration ceremony. “Today, we pause to reflect on the great history of our beautiful county and to look forward to its bright future,” Commissioner Cawley told a crowd of several hundred after he accepted the oath of office from President Judge David Heckler. “We, as Bucks Countians, can say with pride that we are a community of enlightenment, of opportunity, of tolerance and, indeed, a community of hope.”

During her initial remarks as commissioner, Ellis-Marseglia set the tone for her philosophy of governance, quoting Frederick Douglass: “Without struggle, there is no progress.”

The commissioners’ 2008 organization meeting took place immediately following the inauguration. Cawley was elected chairman by a unanimous vote of his peers. Martin was named vice-chairman for the year. “You have our gratitude,” Cawley told Martin, who has served as chairman seven times during his tenure (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2007). The commissioners also appointed Guy Matthews as county solicitor and Sanko as chief clerk.

During the Jan. 10 organization meeting of the Bucks County Prison Oversight Board, former Commissioner Sandra A. Miller was elected to appointments both as a community member and 2008 chair of the board. In that capacity, she continued in the leadership role she filled during both 2006 and 2007. Miller served a county-record 16 years as commissioner.

In another show of county leadership, Planning Commission Executive Director Lynn T. Bush was elected president of the Planning Directors Association of Pennsylvania for 2008. She previously served as vice-president. The statewide group was formed in 2004 as a means of sharing information among more than 60 county planning commissions throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Another issue of importance to the commissioners’ board involved unanticipated funding shortages at the American Red Cross Homeless Shelter in Levittown. During their Jan. 16 bi-monthly meeting, they approved a grant application to the Pennsylvania Dept. of Community and Economic Development for $150,000 revenue to support continued shelter operations. They also suggested an outreach to municipal governments and non-profit organizations for shelter assistance. These efforts were met with a very favorable response.

During late January, Chairman Cawley visited the Bensalem Senior Center to participate in its “Meals on Wheels” program. He was put to work assembling a hot meal of chili, rice and vegetables for the homebound. He then helped deliver meals to 24 residences in the Bensalem area. The Bensalem center distributes approximately 100 meals a day. Countywide, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) provides more than 875 home-delivered meals per week.

FEBRUARY
AFFIRMING A COMMITMENT TO 911 COMMUNICATIONS

The 911 investment coincided with a tragedy that occurred during the last week of January. A Doylestown Borough house fire led to a fatality and an investigation that revealed the caller had been placed on hold. While expressing his “heartfelt condolences” to the victim’s family during a Feb. 13 news conference at the county Emergency Operations Center in Ivyland, Chairman Cawley pledged that the opening of the new 911 Center in Ivyland will provide additional enhancements to assure adequate center supervision and timely and accurate handling of 911 calls and dispatches. The commissioners also called upon PEMA to conduct an audit review of Bucks County’s 911 protocols. That audit review was conducted to ensure Bucks County’s compliance with the Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act. In its findings, PEMA’s audit review confirmed that Bucks County meets or exceeds Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act program requirements.

During its Feb. 20 bi-monthly meeting, the board approved a seven-year, $4.8 million contract with Verizon to purchase and service 911 Emergency Communications telephone switching equipment. According to Sanko, the former director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the technology will allow dispatch personnel to track wireless phone calls. Sanko also noted that the requisite hardware cost approximately $500,000 less than original estimates.

The second month of 2008 also included approval of $2.4 million to continue the county’s flood mitigation program along the Neshaminy Creek, and the rollout of the Area Agency on Aging’s Transportation and Mobility Survey. This survey offered an opportunity for residents 55 and older to provide input about travel behaviors and trends in the senior community.

MARCH
SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY IN MANY FORMS

During its March 5 meeting, the Board of Commissioners issued a wide range of commendations and proclamations. Commissioner Martin recognized Purchasing Director Maureen McIlvaine and her staff on the occasion of National Purchasing Month. During her remarks, Mrs. McIlvaine praised her staff for processing $6.5 million of PNC rebate card transactions, for saving the county $136,000 in office furniture orders through a GSA contract, and for generating more than $40,000 through Internet surplus sales, among other accomplishments. “We try to save money, and have fun doing it,” McIlvaine added.

Commissioner Martin also recognized Consumer Protection Director Michael Bannon and his staff in support of the 10th annual Consumer Protection Week. Bannon thanked the commissioners for raising awareness of increasingly complex consumer issues, including the “Don’t Borrow Trouble” campaign and credit counseling. “We strive to reach folks who need advice before they get into trouble,” he said.

The March 19 bi-monthly commissioners’ meeting was memorable for its Kids Voting theme, which doubled as a lead-in to the April 22 Municipal Primary Election. Fourth-graders filled the gymnasium at Sellersville Elementary School for a presentation about the democratic process. Greeting attendees as the door was Uncle Sam, as portrayed by student Dylan Krans. “We appreciate the invitation extended to us by the students of Sellersville Elementary School to learn more about our democracy,” Chairman Jim Cawley told a gathering of approximately 75 students.

The county’s popular Agricultural Preservation program added a pair of properties to its inventory, the 94.22-acre Allebach Farm in Bedminster Twp., and the 55.25-acre Wukovits farm in Richland Twp. The two acquisitions represented the 113th and 114th farms preserved through the county program, lifting the total acreage to 10,162.

On March 20, Sanko announced the health-related retirement of Solicitor Matthews as the commissioners’ full-time legal counsel. Mr. Matthews’ legacy of service to the county spans two decades, beginning as assistant solicitor in Bucks County beginning in May 1989. He was appointed solicitor in 2001, and undertook full-time responsibilities in January 2006. He currently serves as assistant solicitor.

County AAA Director Brian Duke demonstrated his leadership abilities during a pair of national conferences that took place during early spring, in Washington D.C. At the National Conference for Caregiving Coalitions, his address, “The Advocacy Cycle in Action,” was aimed at helping coalitions advocate for legislative changes and obtain support in their communities.

APRIL
BUCKS: FIRST “COOL” COUNTY IN PENNSYLVANIA

In advance of Earth Day (April 22), the commissioners conducted a green-themed meeting April 16 at Bristol Township’s Silver Lake Nature Center. During that session, they committed to the Sierra Club’s Cool Counties Initiative, joining the ranks of counties across America pledging to reduce global warming emissions 80 percent by 2050, and becoming the first county in Pennsylvania to make that pledge.

“I am overwhelmingly proud that Bucks County will lead by example and become the first Pennsylvania county added to the roster of Cool Counties,” Commissioner Chairman Jim Cawley stated. In so doing, Bucks County joined other member-counties in coordinating with local, state and federal governments and other leaders “to reduce reliance on nonrenewable fossil fuels and regional greenhouse gas emissions” and work with those same governments “to enact laws and policies that will ensure that the goals of responsible and sustainable energy use and environmental protection are met.”

During the April 16 meeting, the commissioners also appointed longtime Newtown Borough Mayor
Glenn D. Hains the successor to Guy Matthews as county solicitor. Mr. Hains brings more than 35 years of legal expertise to his new position, which officially commenced in May. Prior to joining county government full time, he practiced with the firm of Thomas F. Goldman and served as Newtown Borough Mayor for 13 years (1995-2008).

On April 16, the commissioners also approved the appointment of Warrington’s Christopher M. Daley as director of security. Prior to joining the county, Mr. Daley served as the director of public safety and security at Delaware Valley College, where he supervised 17 security officers and an assistant director. In that capacity, he was charged with the public safety of over 1,000 resident and 700 commuter students.

The month of April was also noteworthy on the financial front. The commissioners announced that Standard and Poor’s (S&P’s) upgraded Bucks County’s credit rating to the highest level in county history, assigning the county an AA+ rating.  That elevation came less than one year after Moody’s Investment Services increased the county to an Aa1 rating, the highest the county has earned with it.

Chairman Cawley praised the rating news: “This is a victory on many levels. Not only was the county’s financial picture analyzed, but our management team, its philosophy, and the overall stability of the county was also factored in the decision to increase our rating.”

The commissioners also joined Sanko to meet with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, April 17 at Doylestown’s Aldie Mansion. The lunch focused on areas of common interest, including transportation, security/emergency response, cultural institutions, and economic development issues the bordering counties share. It was part of a series of similar meetings Mayor Nutter conducted with surrounding suburban county leaders.

MAY
A MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION OF OLDER AMERICANS

The commissioners joined with members of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) staff and seniors throughout the county to observe the 2008 theme of Older Americans Month: “Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities.” During the May 7 commissioners’ meeting, held in Langhorne’s Pennwood Branch of the Bucks County Free Library, Director Brian Duke urged the community to rally around the ever-increasing demographic of residents who have reached age 60.

In keeping with that theme, Commissioners Martin and Ellis-Marseglia joined hundreds of volunteers from the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for a 34th annual luncheon May 15 at King’s Caterers. During 2007, Bucks County’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) created an opportunity for 726 volunteers age 55 and over to provide 116,384 hours of community service to 125 non-profit agencies throughout the county. Among the honorees was 100-year-old Elva Kiernan of Morrisville – the program’s only centenarian.

During its May 21 meeting, hosted by Wycombe’s Lingohocken Volunteer Fire Company, the commissioners’ board amplified on the theme of emergency service to recognize May 18-24 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. Jeryl Digideo, director of Bucks County Emergency Health, received a proclamation as she stood surrounded by EMS workers. Digideo accepted the proclamation on behalf of the more than 1,000 emergency medical technicians (EMT’s) and 250 paramedics who serve 17 stations and seven sub-stations throughout Bucks.

Also during the Lingohocken work session, the commissioners adopted an ordinance for financing by the Bucks County Community College Authority to provide funds for their capital expansion program.  The $20.285 million bond will provide for the construction of the Lower Bucks fire training center, expansion of the upper Bucks campus, and ADA compliance projects.

From the miscellaneous good news file, Chairman Cawley called on the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau’s Bill Haas. Mr. Hass presented “Dream Destinations,” a book published by Life magazine that features Bucks County as one of the world’s greatest 100 places to vacation. “New England’s got nothing on this,” Haas read from the book to those gathered.

May also featured introduction of the first redesign of the commissioners’ special tile in two decades. The new tile, fired in blue glaze, is an artistic representation of the county seal. Adam Zayas, head ceramist, credited assistant head ceramist Christine Hoenstine with the final design which he classifies as more in line with traditional Moravian design than the current commissioners’ tile. Also involved was former Commissioner Miller, who holds a special place in her heart for the Tile Works. The redesign project was one of her last as longest-serving commissioner in Bucks County.

JUNE
HEROES AND HISTORY

On June 3, the commissioners joined the family of Army Sgt. First Class Shawn Suzch to honor the 1994 Pennridge High graduate and Hilltown Twp. native as a Hometown Hero. In attendance were Shawn’s wife, Angela, his nine-month-old daughter, Alyssa, and his foster parent, Rick Pforter.

Chairman Cawley complimented Sgt. First Class Suzch for his perpetual courage and dedication, adding, “I can’t help but feel a great deal of pride for the great sacrifices those like Shawn made for me, for my family, for people he never even met.” As the sun-drenched crowd listened reverently, Cawley added that Shawn was a man who “never deviated from his belief of honor and service to one’s nation.”

The 17 Hometown Hero banners, the first 16 of which were dedicated on Oct. 19, 2007, are on permanent display for visitors to the Bucks County Courthouse courtyard.

Underscoring its emphasis on emergency preparedness, on June 7 Bucks County tested its response procedures during an exercise conducted with the county Health Department and Emergency Management Agency (EMA).  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) oversaw the exercise planning, which was conducted within US Department of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program guidelines.

Set to an inhalation anthrax exposure scenario, the Health Department provided the appropriate antibiotics to 230 heads of households at the point of dispensing (POD) located at Maple Point Middle School in Langhorne. Different from the Pandemic Flu Drill held last October where every member of the public would have to be vaccinated at the POD, under the head-of-household model, one person from each household would report to the POD to receive pill-form medication for their family.

On June 10, Commissioners Cawley and Martin officially re-opened county Bridge No. 223 in Nockamixon Twp. with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The bridge was reconstructed after being damaged by high storm water from the Gallows Run which flows underneath. The historical beauty of the stone, double-arch bridge was maintained while ensuring state-of-the-art engineering. 

The second commissioners’ meeting of the month was held on June 18, at the sparkling new visitors’ center of the Pennsbury Manor complex in Falls Twp. The restored 17th century-era facility pays homage to the legacy of William Penn. It also formed an appropriate backdrop for a letter the commissioners sent to Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell and members of the Bucks County state legislative contingent imploring them to restore funding levels for district attorney salaries across the commonwealth. In the letter, the commissioners wrote, We urge you to “appropriate funds to cover 65 percent of full-time district attorney salaries as part of the Commonwealth budget, as stipulated by Act 57 of 2005.”

JULY
THE STATE OF BUCKS COUNTY: “OUTSTANDING”

On July 1, the commissioners joined officials from Bucks County Community College and members of the firefighting community to cut the ribbon on the new Fire Burn Building in Doylestown Twp. The   
custom-designed, state-of-the-art, high rise fire simulator was exclusively designed to Bucks County training requirements by Edmeades & Stromdahl Ltd., and constructed by WHP training towers. The training building provides opportunities for firefighters to practice skills needed to fight commercial, industrial and residential fires.

“We are proud that the facilities at the Bucks County Public Safety Training Center are full back ‘on line,’ and we continue to be the area leader for emergency responder training,” said Chairman Cawley, “This burn building will prepare firefighters from throughout the region with a multitude of training situations, to protect them as they protect us on a daily basis.”

During the planning stage, intensive research looked at designing and building an affordable, versatile, and realistic training tower that would provide a variety of environments and conditions for firefighters.

On July 2, the commissioners conducted their meeting at the American Legion Post 79 in New Hope, where they received an update on the Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery from county Military Affairs Director Dan Fraley. According to Mr. Fraley, Phase 1A of the project will include a 12-acre early burial area with temporary facilities, followed by the second construction phase (1B). Upon completion, the 64-acre Phase 1 will provide 15,550 full casket gravesites, 15,100 pre-placed crypts, 6,500 in-ground cremation sites and 4,100 columbarium niches.

“This was a long battle, but we won. The VA recognized the beauty of this location. We won, because the veterans wanted it here,” Fraley told the audience, which included veteran Fred Caldwell, who personally collected 1,200 signatures in support of the Bucks County cemetery site. “The VA will build this in five sections. It will be built in the local architectural style, with cobblestones and slate dormers.”

On July 10, inside the Bucks County Community College auditorium, the commissioners delivered their annual “State of the County” addresses to members of the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce. “It is my pleasure to tell you that the state of Bucks County is outstanding,” Chairman Cawley observed before delivering a sweeping update of the county’s strong fiscal picture and asking commissioner colleagues Martin and Ellis-Marseglia for their support in the creation of an Economic Development Advisory Board to the commissioners. The proposed board will consist of representatives from large corporations, Chambers of Commerce, small business owners, federal, state and local government officials, and members of the public at-large. Its overarching goal will be to make suggestions to streamline the business development process through collaboration and cooperation.

“Our goal in Bucks County is to be the best in a good region,” Cawley said. “We can no longer sit back and wait for the world to come to us. We must market ourselves aggressively, and with purpose.”

Following Chairman Cawley to the podium, Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia capitalized on her first State of the County address to discuss themes of human services and safety. During her first six months as commissioner, she was proud to influence county services in the areas of Veterans access, Corrections injury reporting, the ongoing Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT), the Bucks Employees’ Green Initiative (or BEGIN) Committee, and the Cool Counties Initiative. “The first six months have been challenging, but I am pleased that we have been able to find common ground,” Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia told the gathering.

During his 14th LBCCC State of the County address, Commissioner Martin offered a comprehensive analysis of the Johnsville Naval Base redevelopment in Warminster/Northampton/Ivyland. “This is truly a success story,” he noted.

The second commissioners’ meeting of July took place on the banks of one of the county’s most-significant natural resources, the 501-acre Lake Towhee Park. The evening session included a picnic of chicken, hamburgers and salads. Eighteen years ago, according to county Executive Director of Parks and Recreation Bill Mitchell, Lake Towhee was dredged, creating a “moving stockpile” for the 30 tons of clay the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works in Doylestown utilizes annually.

During its July 21 evening meeting, Doylestown Borough Council passed four ordinances that advanced planning and implementation of the new Bucks County Parking Garage and Justice Center to the next phase. Following presentations by Commissioner Chairman Cawley, Commissioner Martin and county Public Works Special Projects Coordinator Gerald Anderson, council approved the measures.

AUGUST
MIDDLETOWN GRANGE FAIR NO. 684: GOING STRONG AT 60

Each August, the Board of Bucks County Commissioners receives the honor of opening the Grange Fair with a ceremonial procession and conducting one of its meetings inside the entertainment tent. This year’s event was augmented by the dedication of a 4H Memorial Garden near the Grange Fair flagpole. A memorial plaque that was discovered on the fairgrounds’ perimeter last year and relocated for fairgoers to enjoy commemorates former 4H leader and Vietnam War casualty, Marine 2nd Lt. William Stanley “Butch” Geary.

Following the ceremony, Commissioners Cawley, Martin and Ellis-Marseglia conducted a “green-themed” meeting featuring the approval of resolutions for 21 departments. Those resolutions included the preservation of three farms totaling 176 acres and two open space acquisitions consisting of 146 acres. The 68-acre Alyce Stick farm in Springfield and Durham townships, the 57.6-acre Joseph Reedman farm in Plumstead Twp. and the 49.9-acre Judith Siegfried farm in Durham Twp. lifted the county’s agricultural preservation total to 119 farms comprised of 10,490 acres.

Also during August, the commissioners announced that a total of just under one ton of cans and bottles were collected during the first three months of the county courthouse recycling initiative. This initiative was spearheaded by the BEGIN (Bucks Employees Green Initiative) Committee in an effort to make county offices more environmentally responsible. Though the county has been recycling paper since 1996, the committee wanted to further enhance its recycling program by adding a commingled initiative to its program, including aluminum cans, and glass and plastic bottles.

SEPTEMBER
A CALL TO ETERNAL VIGILANCE

Each September, the commissioners take special care to stress the importance of National Preparedness Month. On Sept. 11, in the courthouse courtyard, the board joined dignitaries, fellow employees and members of the county first-responder community to remember the 18 Bucks Countians who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. This year’s ceremony also included a show of appreciation for Bucks County Emergency Services Director John Dougherty, who served with distinction as the chairman of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Counterterrorism Task Force.

The keynote address was presented by former Pennsylvania Director of Homeland Security and Senior Advisor to the Governor Keith Martin. His speech focused on themes of vigilance and awareness. “Physically, in this beautiful setting, we are at a time and place of remembrance and respect for what happened and who sacrificed,” Mr. Martin observed. “Mentally, we’re at a time and place for reflection and resolve on a day appropriately designated as Patriot Day, and a month designated as Emergency Preparedness Month.”

The commissioners also urged residents to learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by local municipality. Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count. One way to be informed is to sign up for ReadyNotifyPA, a community alert system that sends information to your e-mail, PDA or mobile device. Subscribe now at www.ReadyNotifyPA.org.

The September commissioners’ meetings focused on two distinct themes, as the first was conducted on the covered bridge that sits in a Perkasie park and the second – a “Constitution Day” meeting – was held before the senior class of Plumstead Christian School. During the second meeting, Chairman Cawley taught a brief Constitution lesson to the 12th graders.

The year’s ninth month was also noteworthy for a pair of significant hires, Director of Operations Gerald Anderson and Director of Health Dr. David Damsker. In his new position, Anderson will oversee the General Services Division, comprised of Public Works, and Parks & Recreation. Additionally, he will assist the COO in daily operations, and act as the primary liaison between the county and its advisory boards and affiliated authorities.

An accomplished medical doctor with a public health background, Dr. Damsker was the Board of Health’s unanimous choice as the new health director. Originally from Pennsylvania, he previously served as the community health medical director for the Wake County, North Carolina Human Services department.

OCTOBER
CUTTING RIBBONS, ENHANCING SERVICES

On the first day of October, the commissioners journeyed to Richland Twp. to cut the ribbon and officially open the state-of-the-art, 8,500-square foot Upper Bucks Government Services Center (GSC). The Upper Bucks GSC, located at 226 California Rd. in Richland Twp., replaces the much smaller, former county GSC at 515 West End Blvd. in Quakertown. Surrounded by dignitaries, including Sanko, former Commissioner Miller, State Representative Paul Clymer, Richland Twp. Supervisor Rick Orloff, Public Works Special Projects Coordinator Joe Bush, county row officers, division leaders and department heads, the commissioners signaled a new era of service for one of the county’s fastest-growing areas. “This will be a one-stop shop for the residents of upper Bucks,” Chairman Cawley said of the $2.617 million facility.

The Oct. 15 meeting featured the ribbon cutting for the new 911 Communications Center in Ivyland. The 8,500-square foot annex is an exciting addition to the existing Emergency Operations Center.

“This morning, for the second time in two weeks, we are taking another bold step in the ongoing capital improvement of Bucks County government,” Chairman Cawley stated. “On Oct. 1, we cut the ribbon on the new Upper Bucks Government Services Center in Richland Twp. Within the last year, we have opened the county’s first Forensic Facility, a new Fire Training burn building in Doylestown Twp., a new district court and moved forward on multiple other projects.”

On Saturday, Oct. 18, the county Health Dept. combined with community volunteers to conduct the third annual Pandemic Flu Drill. Over the course of four hours, more than 4,500 vaccines were administered in five locations: Ottsville Fire House, Quakertown Freshman Center (where Commissioner Charles H. Martin received his flu shot), Holicong Middle School, Bucks County Rescue Squad, and William Penn Middle School. Two locations featured a drive-in set up.

On Oct. 31, Finance and Administration Director Hessenthaler announced the successful collaboration or the county commissioners, chief operating officer, various bank officials, financial advisors and legal counsel to monitor conditions most favorable to issue $55 million worth of bonds. The bonds will be used to fund several county projects, including $25 million for open space preservation and $14 million for the new county parking garage on Broad St. in Doylestown Borough. The county’s favorable status led to more than $5 million savings over the life of the bonds.

NOVEMBER
COUNTY VOTING MACHINES ACE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

On Nov. 5, following a large turnout for the Nov. 4 General Election, the commissioners met on the stage of the historic Newtown Theater. Although a nay vote was cast from Commissioner Marseglia, plans to construct the county’s new, 1,200-space parking garage on Broad St. moved forward by a 2-1 margin. Commissioners Cawley and Martin approved a $20.512 million agreement with Lobar, Inc. of Dillsburg, PA for general construction of the garage. Lobar was the low bidder among the nine companies who participated in the process.

During the election, a total of 332,000 total votes that were recorded in Bucks County in a process that “was conducted very well,” according to Board of Elections Chairman Martin. It was the first Presidential election conducted on the county’s Danaher electronic machines.

The Nov. 19 commissioners’ meeting was highlighted by the approval of a $6.57 million contract with New York City design firm Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK) to provide architectural services for a new Doylestown Justice Center. The resolution passed by a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia dissenting. County Director of Operations Gerald Anderson told the commissioners’ board that the $6.57 million figure represented a savings of approximately $5.5 million from a March, 2008 proposal of over $12 million from HOK. “We felt that was too much,” Anderson noted, adding that the new agreement was structured last week. Commissioner Martin expressed his sentiments about the design contract by observing: “The desire was to continue (moving forward on the Justice Center project), but not at any cost.”

The month of November also brought a celebration, as Chairman Cawley joined U.S. Senator Arlen Specter and other dignitaries for the groundbreaking of the 205-acre Washington Crossing National Veterans Cemetery. Military Affairs Director Dan Fraley also was in attendance as hundreds of veterans joined in the event. Phase I of the project will be launched during 2009.

DECEMBER
ANOTHER BUDGET, ANOTHER YEAR OF HOLDING THE LINE ON TAXES

A year of prosperity and prudence was underscored by the Dec. 17 passage of $467.6 million budget that was scrutinized line item by line item. Following a Dec. 8 public preliminary budget hearing and weeks of careful analysis and fine-tuning of that document, Sanko and Hessenthaler presented a final budget to the commissioners that pared $3.84 million of the initially projected $7.1 million shortfall.

As an indication of Bucks County’s strong fiscal management and long-term vision, the 2009 budget will draw down just $3.2 million from the county’s general fund balance. That “rainy day” fund, which has grown steadily under Sanko and Hessenthaler’s watch, will carry into 2010 at just over $68 million. The general fund is integral to bolstering the county’s bond ratings, as it is a key indicator of any government’s financial solvency. Chairman Cawley was particularly pleased that the county property tax millage rate will remain at 21.942 for the third consecutive year.

On Dec. 22, Chairman Cawley and Commissioner Martin joined President Judge David Heckler and members of Doylestown Borough government to break ground on the 1,200-space parking garage. The project in its entirety, including the design, development and construction of the parking garage and justice center, will last approximately 46 months. Wrapped in a long coat and scarf, Chairman Cawley deemed the event a long-awaited, “historic” occasion.

Finally, during the concluding week of the year, the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau received notification that the county has been named “One of the Top 29 Places to Visit in the World in 2009” by Sherman’s Travel. Furthermore, the county was ranked No. 3 in the United States, ahead of such tourist destinations as Washington, D.C. and Sarasota, FL. For more information about Bucks County’s many diverse attractions, please visit the Web site, www.visitbuckscounty.com.

The Board of Bucks County Commissioners extends wishes of good health and happiness for the New Year to all Bucks Countians.