2010 News

January 5, 2010

Holding the Line – Again – In 2009
Fourth Straight “No Tax Increase” Budget Highlights 12 Months of County Progress, Prudence and Physical Improvement

During 2009, Bucks County government faced an array of challenges. A year that featured another geographically diverse parade of Bucks County Commissioners’ business meetings, the signing of an historic “21st Century Alliance” with the Namdong District of the Republic of South Korea, and a targeted approach to protecting the Bucks County community from the H1N1 flu ended with a familiar theme, however. For the fourth straight December vote, the Board of Commissioners held the line on county property taxation, as Chairman Charles H. Martin joined Commissioner James F. Cawley, Esq. to approve a $446.95 million, “zero tax increase” budget on Dec. 16. Commissioner Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW voted against approving the budget for the second consecutive year.

Not since before1972 has there been a four-year string of level county property taxation. Chairman Martin praised the “fine work” of Acting Chief Operating Officer/Director of Finance Brian Hessenthaler and Deputy Finance Director David Boscola in managing the county’s fiscal outlook during turbulent economic times. “It is with great pleasure that I move not to raise taxes for the fourth year in a row,” Commissioner Cawley told a large audience at the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau in Bensalem Twp. In seconding the motion, Chairman Martin added, “I also don’t want to raise your taxes.”

In addition to the county’s comparatively stable financial status, 2009 featured a collaborative approach to business and commerce issues facing Bucks County and its 54 municipalities. During February, Commissioner Cawley joined forces with 8th District Congressman Patrick Murphy to appoint and convene the Bucks County Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB). Composed of leaders from multiple disciplines with very different fields of expertise, EDAB endeavored throughout the year to form a set of recommendations and provide a framework for the county’s future. Along the way, more than 2,800 businesses participated in the EDAB business survey – a first of its kind. Those answers and opinions have helped guide subsequent discussions and policies.

The past year also included a reshaping of the county’s administrative suite, as Chief Operating Officer/Chief Clerk David M. Sanko tendered his resignation. The commissioners promoted Mr. Hessenthaler to supplant Mr. Sanko in an acting capacity.  Sanko subsequently became the executive director of the Pennsylvania State Association of Townships. In addition, Executive Director of the Planning Commission Lynn T. Bush was named acting chief clerk – earning her the distinction as the first female chief clerk in the county’s 327-year history.

As the closing of 2009 triggers the advent of a new decade, the turning of the calendar marks an opportune time to reflect on the many diverse accomplishments on behalf of the citizens of Bucks County. Following is a month-by-month synopsis of the year in county government:

JANUARY
LAYING A FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS

During the first commissioners’ business meeting of the year, Commissioner Martin was appointed to chair the board by a 2-1 vote (Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia dissented). It marked his eighth appointment as chairman. He previously chaired the board during 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2007.

A theme of fiscal restraint was sounded during that first meeting, as the board approved the purchase of 16 leased cars for county detectives who work in the District Attorney’s office. The $170,480 purchase reflected an initial savings of approximately $100,000 when compared to the life of the lease for each vehicle. COO Sanko also offered a cautionary note during his bi-weekly reporting, highlighting a predicted Pennsylvania budget shortfall in the $1.5-2 billion range.

January featured an environmentally friendly capital improvement, as the roof of the Bucks County Health Department’s office building at the Neshaminy Manor Complex was replaced with an energy efficient, TPO white roof.  Thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO, is a white, reflective, energy-efficient and cool roof product. It is ENERGY STAR®-rated and Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC)-certified.  The white material reflects the sun and in turn reduces a building’s energy use and cooling costs.

Bucks County Fire Marshal Nicholas E. Rafferty, CFI announced that Bucks County was one of only five local fire marshal offices in the nation to receive a federal Fire Prevention and Safety grant. Named “Operation Safe Home,” the $40,100 grant, which was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provided at-risk, low income families throughout Bucks County with 10-year, lithium smoke alarms and fire-prevention awareness materials. The smoke-alarm units are designed to be tamper-proof, offering an additional public-safety benefit. Rafferty and Assistant Fire Marshal Mark Kramer joined local volunteer fire companies, canvassing targeted neighborhoods. Fire officials inspected and, if needed, installed new smoke alarms throughout the year.

During a Jan. 27 news conference in the courthouse community room, Chairman Martin and Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia joined District Attorney Michelle Henry and Director of Corrections Harris Gubernick to announce the launch of Pennsylvania’s automated victim notification system.

Known as PA SAVIN (Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification), the system helps victims of crime track the status of an offender housed at the county correctional facility.  “Crime victims deserve all the information and support that we can provide,” said Commissioner Martin, “This new system will allow a victim to be in control, instead of perpetuating the cycle of victimization.” District Attorney Henry stated that many inmates are transferred county to county and the ability to provide PA SAVIN’s service both locally and across county lines will best provide victims, their families and the community at-large with an important and complete empowerment tool in the fight against crime.

FEBRUARY
Dawn of the EDAB Era in Bucks County

During the summer of 2008, Commissioner Cawley promised a fresh, collaborative approach to economic issues in the county. Economic development has been a priority theme since he became a member of the commissioners’ board in 2005. During a February 18 news conference at the Bucks County Courthouse, Cawley and Congressman Patrick Murphy formally welcomed the members of Bucks County’s Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB). The board unites influential members of the county community in the common goal of strengthening business initiatives, implementation and marketing. As such, it represents a cross-section of government, industry, banking, health care, biotechnology and business networking. Cawley and Murphy were joined by Chairman Martin for the announcement.

“I am honored that so many diverse leaders of our community have agreed to take this step forward in redoubling our efforts to retain and create jobs here in Bucks County,” Commissioner Cawley stated. “We want to streamline and fortify the process for everyone involved. This board will explore ways to do business more easily in our great county.” Initially, the EDAB members were charged with three basic questions: Where are we? Where do we want to go? How do we get there?

EDAB brought together more than a dozen of Bucks County’s finest minds, including former Bucks County Commissioner Andy Warren, Bucks County Community College President Dr. James J. Linksz, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center Chief Operating Officer James Horan, and executive directors of the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce, Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce and the Pennridge Chamber of Commerce. County Planning Commission Executive Director Lynn Bush and Margaret McKevitt have been instrumental in coordinating the group’s work, as well. “It is incumbent upon all of us to continue making Bucks County more competitive in an increasingly global environment,” Commissioner Cawley noted. A report and recommendation will be made to the Board of Commissioners early this year.

The first months of the year also included the advent of a new surplus donation program, as the county offered items such as furniture and computer equipment to county non-profit agencies.

Chairman Martin reiterated that the county will “continue to poll our non-profits to determine their need for charitable giving, outside the realm of money.” Initial donation recipients included the
Morrisville Senior Center and the Lenape Valley Foundation. A non-profit wish list form can be found on the county Web site, www.BucksCounty.org.

MARCH
Honoring a Distinguished Gridiron Hero

On March 4, inside the auditorium of Bristol Township’s Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, the commissioners joined 500 students to proclaim “Steve Slaton Day” throughout the county. The ceremony recognized the football exploits of the Houston Texans NFL running back, a Levittown native who starred at Conwell-Egan and at the University of West Virginia.

“I am very excited to be here receiving this honor,” Mr. Slaton began the speech he crafted several hours before the triumphant return to his alma mater. “I would like to thank the commissioners of Bucks County. I can remember sitting in this auditorium just a few years ago, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my future.”

Slaton’s path from Levittown to the NFL was filled with obstacles, ones that he has eluded and outrun with a blend of talent, motivation and desire. Flanked by members of his family, including his parents, Carl and Juanita Tiggett-Slaton, Mr. Slaton basked in the adulation of his special day. The proclamation was especially gratifying for Commissioner Cawley, a 1987 graduate of then-Bishop Egan Catholic High School.

In early March, the commissioners joined General Services Director Jerry Anderson to announce the unveiling of a Web cam dedicated to the construction of the new county parking garage. The camera offered a convenient way to monitor progress of the structure, which continues to rise steadily. “We’re doing everything we can to keep county residents and visitors informed about this significant capital project,” Chairman Martin noted. In order to be responsive to all concerns, the county also set up a telephone hotline regarding the garage project.

On March 9, the commissioners joined District Attorney Michelle Henry and Director of Corrections Harris Gubernick at the Bucks County Community Corrections Center to demonstrate Bucks County’s commitment to enhancing law enforcement interoperability through participation in Secure Communities.

This program, administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), electronically checks the immigration history of every individual booked into detention facilities in Bucks County.  The new process simultaneously checks the detainee's fingerprints, scanned digitally, against the full DHS database.  ICE will automatically be notified when non-U.S. citizens are in custody. Bucks County operates three systems, one in each of its corrections facilities.

On March 18, the commissioners met at the Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center, joining fully costumed Revolutionary War re-enactors, elected officials and concerned community members to participate in a rally to support the visitors’ center. State funding cuts became a year-long theme of concern for county residents.

On March 23, at Doylestown’s Aldie Mansion, Commissioner Cawley and Congressman Murphy led the initial EDAB meeting. During that session, the board decided that the first strategic step was “to listen.” The board also committed to examining the county’s current economic state, exploring best practices, and establishing timelines for action. It set an ambitious goal of presenting a plan to the Bucks County commissioners by December 2009.  “This process has gone from ‘good idea’ to ‘necessity’ based on today’s economic conditions,” Cawley stated.

APRIL
Recycle, Reuse and Revitalize

The first commissioners’ meeting of April featured a visit to Chalfont’s Habitat for Humanity, a key partner in the county’s affordable housing mission. The board toured Habitat’s Restore, which showcases 13,000-square feet of deeply discounted retail merchandise including desks, tables, building materials such as doors, windows and frames, mirrors, sofas, televisions and other items. Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County Executive Director Linda Andrews detailed the “adaptive reuse and green focus” projects her organization has undertaken. “If these items (many of the ones for sale in the Restore) hadn’t come here, they would have ended up in a landfill somewhere,” she explained. “In this economy, there are a lot of people who need a hand up, and that’s what we provide.”

By describing a multiplier system that has been applied to the Emerald Hollow development in Trumbauersville, Ms. Andrews told the board and a packed room of meeting attendees how $1.459 million of county investment turned into more than $22 million of benefit to Bucks County communities.

The theme of the month’s second meeting, which took place at the Delaware Valley College Farm Market on April 15, was Earth Day and environmental stewardship. Fittingly, the board approved acquisition of the 67-acre Weidman property in Bedminster, the 127th farm preserved through the county’s Agricultural Land Preservation program.

The meeting also showcased a presentation by Community Services Division Leader and Planning Commission Executive Director Lynn Bush. She provided an update on the BEGIN (Bucks Employees Green Initiative) Committee’s efforts, indicating the county is on track to recycle 4 tons of cans and bottles each year. Commissioner Cawley reflected on a time when employees in the commissioners’ office in the courthouse would collect plastics, glass and cans to take them home to be recycled. That was his motivation for initiating the now successful county program. Bush also highlighted a record 1.1 million pounds of collected household hazardous waste that was removed from the waste stream as a result of the county’s 2008 HHW partnership. Looking to the future, she alluded to better environmental property management and further energy-saving measures to be implemented.

MAY
Public Health Preparedness & Response

During the first week of May, the county Health Department was notified of the first H1N1 “probable” involving a county resident. As part of an effort to inform the public and maintain a safe, pragmatic approach, county Health Director Dr. David Damsker, MPH, coordinated his department’s efforts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, regional partners and local hospitals, school districts and physicians. “Individuals have responsibilities, communities have responsibilities and the government has responsibilities.  If we all do our part, we can reduce the spread of this virus,” he noted.

The May 6 commissioners’ meeting took place at the Milford Twp. Fire Company, which was doubling as the Upper Bucks Senior Center following a fire at that facility. The meeting included 37 items involving 16 departments, among them a $2.258 million contract with Joseph Jingoli & Son, Inc. to provide construction management services for the parking garage and justice center. The recommendation prompted a lengthy discussion that included explanations from General Services Director Jerry Anderson, who detailed the state grant requirement that the county execute a contract with a construction manager in order to qualify for state funds to defray project costs. Chairman Martin added that the Jingoli bid was much lower than the other two qualified bidders for the job, which came in at $4.9 million and $3.9 million, respectively. Chairman Martin also referenced the recent construction work that Jingoli managed for Chester County’s Justice Center.

On May 20, the commissioners traveled to Solebury Township’s ornate municipal building to conduct a full slate of business. Included on the agenda was the approval of a $600,000 Natural Areas Program Grant for the fee simple acquisition of 45 acres of Ingham Spring and Aquetong Lake, which is located at the intersection of Lower York and Lower Mountain roads. According to Solebury Township Supervisor Mike Kennerley, the property was previously owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The township will contribute $723,000 to the purchase price. “I can’t thank the county enough for recognizing the value of this property,” Supervisor Kennerley noted, adding that Ingham Spring is the largest cold water limestone spring in the Delaware Valley.

Following the meeting, the commissioners headed to nearby Cuttalossa Rd. to cut the ribbon on two refurbished bridges located two-tenths of a mile apart on one of the county’s most scenic thoroughfares. The bridges, Nos. 355 and 169, are two of the 115 owned by the county and maintained by General Services. “This is truly a spectacular setting,” Chairman Martin observed while touring an historic artist’s studio that is situated on the property between the two bridges. “We are happy to have these projects completed for the residents who rely on the bridges for their daily transportation.”

JUNE
National Safety Month with a Local Flair

During the first week of June, the commissioners helped members of the volunteer first-response community and dignitaries to recognize a significant milestone. The board proclaimed 2009 as the “Southampton Fire Company No. 1 – 100th Anniversary Celebration” throughout the county. On Dec. 10, 1909, a group of concerned citizens met to form the volunteer fire company which evolved in the Southampton Fire Company No. 1. Four years later, it was incorporated with 88 charter members. Today, under the direction of Chief Glenn McKenney and President Joseph Reaney, the volunteers respond to nearly 500 calls annually. The company’s Street Rd. headquarters was renovated in 2000, to include many of the latest advances in fire preparation and response equipment.

Chairman Martin, a former Upper Southampton Twp. Supervisor and longtime township resident, savored his homecoming as an opportunity to vote “yes” on the approval of two more agricultural land preservation items – including the 73-acre Wicen farm on Mozart Dr. in Buckingham Twp. And the 36-acre Lichty farm in West Rockhill Twp. According to county Agricultural Preservation Program Director Rich Harvey, the Lichty farm is the first preserved in West Rockhill Twp.

Also in early June, Brian Duke, director of the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging, was elected to the Board of the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging (P4A). Mr. Duke was named an at-large member of the board, which affords Pennsylvania’s 52 AAA’s the opportunity to have direct input into broad issues of statewide and national import, while retaining responsiveness to the character and unique needs of each local community.

The month’s theme of resident protection continued during the second bi-monthly commissioners’ meeting, which took place at the county Public Safety Training Center in Doylestown Twp. The 2009 theme of National Safety Month was “Celebrating Safe Communities.” County Police Training Director Harry McCann explained that the Public Safety Center conducted 103 police training programs in 2008. In addition, the facility hosted training for more than 3,000 police officers, 2,000 firemen and 600 corrections officers over the previous year.

On June 25, the county tested its emergency response procedures during an exercise conducted with the county Health Department and Emergency Management Agency (EMA).  The exercise was conducted within US Department of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program guidelines. Set to an inhalation anthrax exposure scenario, the Health Department provided 1,680 doses of antibiotics at the point of dispensing (POD) located at William Tennent High School in Warminster during the one-hour drill.

JULY
An Historic Alliance Formalized

On July 24, at the Pearl S. Buck Historic Site, the commissioners joined Mayor Yoon, Tae Jin of the Republic of Korean’s Namdong District to affix their signatures to an historic document.A 21st Century Alliance, which unites the 620,000 citizens of Bucks County with the 460,000 citizens of Namdong District to “move forward with substantial cooperation,” represents the first such agreement in the 327-year history of Bucks County. The signing made for a day of celebration, shared formalities, and the beginning of a unique relationship aimed at diversifying both communities. The setting was timely, as well.

“This is an extremely exciting day,” Chairman Martin observed after offering the Korean delegation (Mayor Yoon and 11 travel-party members, including Namdong Council representatives and six business owners) a Korean welcome, “Ahn Yang Ha Shi Mi Ka.” “While this alliance is intended to strengthen our shared bonds of industry and commerce, it also will foster ties involving culture, education, research and environmental stewardship.”

As co-chairman and founder of the Bucks County Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), Commissioner Cawley is particularly pleased about the alliance and its potential for shared progress. “This is exactly the type of partnership we envisioned when we convened our economic development board,” he noted.

On July 15, the commissioners visited Peace Valley Park for their annual evening picnic meeting. This year’s event featured county Security Guard Dave Howell and his three-year-old Maltese/Poodle mix, Hamilton. During a county employee “Cutest County Canine Contest” that produced nearly 700 votes, Hamilton prevailed by a small margin over nearly 200 of county-employee owned colleagues – including Chairman Martin’s English bulldogs Maggie and Sophie and Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia’s trio of four-legged friends, Joey, Kandi and Lola.

The Cutest County Canine Contest, which was sponsored by Doggie Deli in Doylestown Borough,
dovetailed with a monetary donation to the Bucks County SPCA and a pair of commendations to Upper Makefield Police Officers Harry Vitello and Lee Crawford. On March 28, 2009, Officers Vitello and Crawford rescued 46 abused Yorkshire puppies from an abandoned home with no running water in Upper Makefield Township. Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia subsequently adopted one of the puppies, Joey. Officer Vitello also adopted two of the rescued puppies.

AUGUST
Grange Fair Brings Personnel Changes

On Aug. 12, the commissioners opened the 61st Annual Middletown Grange Fair No. 684 in Wrightstown by approving 56 contracts for 22 departments. They also acknowledged the departure of county Chief Operating Officer /Managing Director David M. Sanko.

Since joining the county in January, 2005, Mr. Sanko teamed with Finance Director Brian Hessenthaler to help oversee three consecutive years with no county tax increase (2007-09 budgets) and a significant increase in the county’s general (or rainy day) fund balance. He also shepherded ongoing improvements in the county’s Emergency Management structure, contributed to the success of a 10-year, $87 million Open Space Referendum during November, 2007, and spearheaded the “Bucks Votes” education campaign prior to the November, 2006 General Election.

Both Commissioner Chairman Martin and Vice Chairman Cawley expressed deep gratitude for Mr. Sanko’s service. “Bucks County is the envy of almost every county in Pennsylvania,” Chairman Martin said of Mr. Sanko’s tenure as a county financial steward. Commissioner Cawley praised Mr. Sanko for his ability to leave Bucks County government “much better than he found it. In conducting the business of county government, he was above reproach.” Mr. Sanko’s announcement followed a full slate of business that included the preservation of the 130th and 131st farms in the county’s ongoing Agricultural Land Preservation program.

The meeting also included the promotion of acting Human Resources (HR) Director Meredith Dolan to the director post. The Warrington resident has served in the county’s Human Resources department since 1994, first as coordinator of staff training where she was responsible for conducting the county’s new hire program and in-service training, and then in 2000 as assistant HR director.

Each year, the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP), the Pennsylvania Waste
Industries Association (PWIA) and the Keystone Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) recognize exemplary recycling and waste reduction achievements throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. During the Grange Fair, the commissioners proudly accepted the 2009 “Pennsylvania Waste Watcher Award” on behalf of the two dozen employee and citizen members of the Bucks Employees Green Initiative (BEGIN) Committee and county Recycling Coordinator Art Feltes.

Feltes also worked with Grange Fair officials and the Wrightstown Township supervisors to implement plastic bottle and aluminum can recycling receptacles for the first time in the event’s history. The results of the venture were impressive. Over five days, fairgoers recycled more than 2,000 plastic soda bottles, 700 plastic milk bottles and 300 aluminum cans.

SEPTEMBER
National Preparedness Month 2009: Focus on the Flu

Even as children returned to school, the county continued to emphasize the importance of preparedness – particularly regarding mounting concerns about H1N1 and seasonal flu inoculations. Dr. Damsker announced that the county’s 4th annual Pandemic Flu Drill would take place at four different locations on Saturday, Oct. 17. The drill has become a Health Department model for mass inoculation events.

On Sept. 2, at the Warminster Fire Company, the business resolution portion of the commissioners’ meeting featured a wide-ranging discussion of contract change orders but, ultimately, all of the proposed contracts were approved. They included a pair of neighboring open space acquisitions in Richland Township, the 35.4-acre Landgreen property and the 11.3-acre Nace property, a pair of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation contracts to continue the Comprehensive Highway Safety and DUI Enforcement programs, the order of 8,500 seasonal flu vaccination doses, and a $70,600 FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety grant award to continue the “Operation Safe Home” program. According to Assistant Fire Marshal Mark Kramer, the Operation Safe Home program installed more than 1,500 free smoke alarms over the last year. The goal for the next fiscal year is the distribution of 3,000 free smoke alarms, which are funded through a competitive federal grant.

Throughout the year, the commissioners also sought public input on several key issues, including online surveys regarding the future of the county Parks & Recreation department and the official county Web site, www.BucksCounty.org. Data from these surveys will be drawn upon for subsequent policy planning.

The second commissioners’ meeting of September featured a visit to Churchville Nature Center. During that meeting, Lynn Bush was appointed acting chief clerk, and the board approved contracts that include electrical, HVAC, plumbing and general construction items that were drawn from federal “stimulus” funding and came in $275,000 under previous bid specifications. Further, the project will serve as a guide for future county projects that seek to attain the LEED certification, which is sanctioned by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED is an internationally recognized buildings certification system. During a presentation about the environmentally friendly elements of the Churchville expansion, project architect George Donovan touted the multiple green elements of the project, including: geothermal wells, radiant floor technology, a green roof, rainwater storage, porous paving parking areas, photovoltaic (solar) panels, occupancy sensors and other features.

On Sept. 29, Mr. Hessenthaler officially became acting chief operating officer. Chairman Martin praised both Mr. Hessenthaler and Ms. Bush for stepping up in the chain of responsibility, stating, “ Both of these individuals have exhibited a tireless work ethic and leadership qualities that will serve us all well during this interim period.”

OCTOBER
Growing an International Alliance

Building on the 21st Century Alliance event of July, Commissioner Cawley spearheaded a Bucks County delegation that visited the Republic of Korea during the week of Oct. 12. Touting a “very aggressive agenda,” the Bucks County visitors were extremely impressed with what they saw in the new international partner for progress.

Ultimately, the delegation spoke to Korean leaders from multiple areas of expertise and attended the Sorae Port Festival, one of Incheon’s premier cultural events. “This is an alliance to stimulate economic development and job creation in our two locations, and to promote cultural and educational exchanges,” Commissioner Cawley stated. “We are exploring ways to cooperatively bring Namdong businesses here to Bucks County and open up markets for Bucks County businesses in South Korea.”

During the Oct. 7 commissioners’ meeting, back at the Pearl S. Buck Historic Site, 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.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, in spite of a steady rain framing the county’s Fourth Pandemic Flu Drill, more than 6,450 seasonal flu vaccines were administered at four walk-in locations: Pennridge South Middle School, Unami Middle School, Log College Middle School, and Rohm & Haas/Dow Chemical in Croydon. By comparison, the 2008 drill vaccinated over 4,500 citizens.

Following the Oct. 21 commissioners’ meeting at Upper Makefield’s Crossing Vineyards, the board joined Solebury Township officials and members of the Bucks County Covered Bridge Society, the Vanzandt Society, the Pidcock Creek Watershed Association and Bucks County General Services Division cut the ribbon today on the restored, historic Van Sant covered bridge. Originally built in 1875 and reconstructed in 1955, it is one of seven covered bridges owned by the county. It is 86-feet long and 16-feet wide, with a weight limit of seven tons. Most of the reconstruction work was completed by the talented masons and bridge crew from the Bucks County General Services Division, which limited repair costs to $73,600.

NOVEMBER
Protecting Vulnerable Populations

On Nov. 3, the county Board of Election conducted another successful round of balloting throughout the county. Two days later, during a courthouse press conference, Health Department Director Dr. David Damsker announced plans to immunize students throughout Bucks with the H1N1 vaccine. “When we discussed how we as a health department could have maximum impact on the primary prevention of the CDC’s priority groups, our conclusion was to offer assistance to the county’s 13 school districts,” Damsker said. Initially, the PA Department of Health reported that nearly 60 percent of H1N1 cases are being seen in those ages 5-19, precisely who the county’s plan targeted. The plan was shared with all 13 school superintendents and district nurses in September, a plan Damsker described as “well-received.” By year’s end, approximately 65,000 vaccines had been administered.

Veterans Day, Nov. 11, featured Chairman Martin joining Janet Manion, executive director of the Travis Manion Foundation, to launch a partnership that creates a comprehensive network connecting current service members, veterans, family members, and survivors with individuals and organizations offering assistance. The endeavor, known as the Military Community Network of Bucks County (MCN BC) was conceived when Janet Manion (whose son, 1st Lt. Travis Manion, USMC, was killed in Iraq) approached the commissioners with a concern about the gap between those needing, and those offering services. Chairman Martin noted, “The commissioners get contacted by many people with concerns – but rarely do they also offer solutions. Janet came to us with a real issue, and an idea to effectively address it.”

Veterans and their families can turn to www.militarycommunitynetwork.org for help. Whether users are looking for veteran-friendly employers, assistance with resume and interview skills, programs for children affected by deployment, education assistance, financial assistance, or even companies offering military discounts, this will be the place to go in Bucks County.

DECEMBER
A Difficult Year Comes Full Circle

Prior to approving another zero-tax increase budget on Dec. 16, the commissioners conducted a Dec. 10 public budget hearing in the courthouse community room. For the first time in several years, concerned members of the public showed up to voice their concerns – particularly about reduced state funding for the county library system. In response, the commissioners approved an allocation of $150,000 for the library system for 2010.

On Dec. 15, members of the Bucks County delegation which visited the Republic of Korea’s Namdong District during mid-October joined Commissioner Cawley to unveil a unique “21st Century Alliance” gift from that historic visit. The two-paneled, fabric painting, which was completed on a stage during the Bucks delegation’s visit to the Incheon Sorae-Port Festival, is the inspiration of award-winning fabric artist Yeo-song Seo.

“This very special work of art will be on public display as a symbol of the first international alliance of its kind in Bucks County’s 327-year history,” Commissioner Cawley noted. “Together, we are bridging international boundaries, while paving a partnership for progress and constructive citizen diplomacy. Like the tree in this painting, our alliance is rooted on a deep – and growing – foundation.”

The county’s first-ever Code Blue cold weather emergency declaration was issued on Dec. 18, 2009. The Code Blue endeavor will feature a consortium of volunteer agencies and churches to help homeless individuals find shelter in frigid winter conditions. If the temperature dips below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period, Code Blue alerts will be issued through the county Emergency Management Agency and Health Department.

For a record of all county news releases, please visit www.BucksCounty.org and click on “news” in the navigation bar.