2009 News

October 8, 2009

Commissioners Visit Pearl S. Buck Historic Site, Preserve More Than 300 Open-Space Acres
Bi-Monthly Business Meeting Showcases Conservation Easement on the Grounds of Hilltown Township’s Pearl S. Buck Site

Returning to the same room in which they signed a historic 21st Century Alliance with the Namdong District of the Republic of Korea July 24, the Board of Bucks County Commissioners, Chairman Charles H. Martin, Vice Chairman James F. Cawley and Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW conducted a full slate of business today. Inside the barn Pearl S. Buck once used a community center, the commissioners unanimously added three more farms to the county’s Agricultural Preservation list, approved a $3.15 million Parks and Recreation acquisition of 101 acres in Bridgeton Township that is adjacent to the Delaware River, and agreed to acquire an $828,217 conservation easement on the grounds of the Pearl S. Buck Foundation.

“This is a lovely spot in Bucks County,” Chairman Martin stated during his opening remarks. “It’s always great to come up here.”

Prior to the board’s approval of 30 items for 15 departments, Hilltown Township Supervisor Rich Manfredi welcomed the county officials and thanked the Commissioners for “all you’ve done to preserve open space in Hilltown Township.”

Following a round of proclamations and commendations, county Agricultural Preservation Director Rich Harvey presented three farms for the Commissioners’ consideration, including the 71.87-acre Farbotnik farm in Solebury Township, the 62.77-acre Horne Farm in Haycock Township, and the 27.42-acre Tumolo Farm in Nockamixon Township. According to Harvey, the Farbotnik property grows corn and soybeans, the Horn tract also cultivates corn and soybeans, and the Tumolo farm is a nursery that lies adjacent to a previously preserved farm. The three farmland acquisitions bring Bucks County’s Agricultural Preservation Program totals to 134 farms comprised of 11,486 acres.

The board approved a pair of Pennsylvania Department of Health grants for annual bioterrorism and public health preparedness totaling just over $376,000. While explaining those items, county Health Director Dr. David Damsker also provided a brief update on the arrival of H1N1 vaccine from the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC). “Right now we’re in the early stages,” Dr. Damsker explained, noting that the first vaccines will be given in concert with school districts.

With Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia dissenting, Chairman Martin and Commissioner Cawley approved a contract increase for a countywide newsletter regarding flu preparedness. The mailing will reach approximately 273,000 households in all 54 of Bucks County’s municipalities, and includes information about the fourth-annual Pandemic Flu Drill, which will offer season flu vaccinations at four locations on Saturday, Oct. 17. The drill will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. During the first three pandemic flu drills, county Emergency Management and Health Department officials combined with medical and non-medical volunteers to provide more than 13,000 inoculations.

By a 2-1 vote with Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia dissenting on all items, the board approved 43 personnel items from a variety of departments.

The proclamation/commendation portion of the meeting included recognition of Bucks County Youth Services Librarians and Specialists Day by Commissioner Cawley, the commendation of Bucks County Security Officers Ed Howe and John Wolper for their role in a July courthouse conflict by Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia, and the presentation of a Bucks County 9-1-1 Youth Hero Award to Bensalem’s William Pinto by Chairman Martin. The young Mr. Pinto assisted his father during an emergency situation by remaining calm, dialing county 9-1-1 personnel, and providing the location of the incident. “This was really special, because it was my father,” the 9-1-1 Youth Hero stated, “but I would do it for anyone else who would need it.”

The recognition of the Youth Services Librarians and Specialists also included the presentation of the 2009 Pennsylvania “Best Practices Award” to the Bucks County Free Library system. Over the last couple years, summer reading participation has spiked due to kickoff promotions that included the eating of a chocolate-covered bug by Commissioner Cawley and Library Board Chairman Det Ansinn and a Guitar Hero contest. Next year, the Library system is planning a dunk tank to generate interest in its summer reading program.

Acting Chief Operating Officer Brian Hessenthaler delivered his first bi-weekly update, touting a glitch-free September 29 Special Election, inviting residents to participate in the county’s Public Information Web survey (which runs through October 16), underscoring the Pandemic Flu Drill dates, and commenting on the fluid Pennsylvania budget situation. “It seems to change from day to day,” Mr. Hessenthaler observed. “We are looking to the final state budget for a little bit of direction. Commissioner Cawley also weighed in on the budget delays, stating that Bucks County “has our financial house in order. This is incredibly frustrating, and extremely disappointing.” For a full audio account of the meeting and a copy of the business agenda, please visit www.BucksCounty.org. The next meeting of the commissioners will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21 at the Crossing Vineyard and Winery, 1853 Wrightstown Rd., Washington Crossing, 18977.