2010 News

September 2, 2010

“One of Morrisville’s Gems”
Commissioners Visit Morrisville Library for Bi-Monthly Business Meeting and a Round of Proclamations

First settled in 1632, Morrisville Borough is a key link to American history. Before the American Revolution, within a two block radius of the current Morrisville Library on N. Pennsylvania Avenue, lived two signers of the Declaration of Independence – Robert Morris and George Clymer. On September 1, the Board of Bucks County Commissioners paid a visit to small but significant borough and its Episcopal church-turned-library which is directed by Diane Hughes. Morrisville Borough Mayor Rita Ledger thanked Commissioners Charles H. Martin, chairman, Jim Cawley and Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW for their ongoing support of the Morrisville Library.

Ms. Hughes offered a brief presentation about the library, which features stained glass and a converted altar area that houses fiction books. As a token of appreciation, she gave each commissioner a copy of the new book, “Images of Morrisville.” Returning the gratitude, Chairman Martin presented Ms. Hughes and the library a new Bucks County flag to fly outside the facility.

The commissioners delivered a series of proclamations and commendations, with Commissioners Cawley recognizing “National Suicide Awareness Week (Sept. 5-11).” Each year, nearly 30,000 Americans take their own lives, representing the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. Chairman Martin followed by proclaiming Sept. 17 as “National POW/MIA Recognition Day” throughout the county. Of the 89,000 American soldiers who remain missing since World War II, three of them are Bucks Countians from the Vietnam War (Major Ronald Kemmerer of Quakertown, Captain Walter Sigafoos, III of Richboro, and Major Frank Parker, III of Quakertown).

Commissioner Marseglia joined the festivities by commending the four lower Bucks County churches that joined forces to coordinate last winter’s “Code Blue” program for homeless residents. They included Langhorne Terrace Ministries, United Christian Church, Emmaus Road Lutheran Church and Woodside Presbyterian Church. All four churches will be involved with efforts during the winter of 2010-11, which commences in December. In addition, Commissioner Marseglia recognized Code Blue Program Coordinator Penny Martin of the organization Advocates for Homeless & Those in Need (AHTN). Code Blue volunteer information is available at the website, www.advocates4homeless.org.

The commissioners also were honored by Kendria McWilliams, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Lower Bucks Chapter, for their ongoing support of the Red Cross Homeless Shelter in Levittown. Over the last year, 388 people have stayed at the shelter, a 20 percent increase over previous years. In addition, the chapter helped secure more than 11,000 pints of blood through drives. “It is of incredible value to have your support,” Ms. McWilliams told the commissioners.

The business portion of the meeting included the approval of 19 contract resolutions for 10 county departments. Among them was a $145,740 Natural Areas Program Grant to purchase a 55-acre easement on West Rock Rd. in East Rockhill Township. The Faro property is mostly wooded and bisected by the Three Mile Run stream, which includes 20 great blue heron nests, according to county Open Space Coordinator Kris Kern. These rookeries are extremely rare in our region, Ms. Kern added.

For the Purchasing department, the commissioners approved a pair of consulting contracts to identify and implement opportunities to reduce electric and natural gas energy costs in the face of impending rate increases. According to county Purchasing officials, the county also will reach out to school districts, libraries and perhaps municipalities to discuss energy service sharing opportunities.

For Finance, the board unanimously approved a $2 million grant application and agreement through the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for the construction of a pavilion at the James A Michener Art Museum in Doylestown. According to museum officials, the project is slated for a February, 2011 groundbreaking and will employ approximately 70 construction workers.

Commissioner Marseglia voted against a $324,071 contract renewal for professional liability insurance, and abstained on a $125,000 contract with Penn E&R, Inc. to provide environmental and engineering services, repairs and maintenance at the Hidden Valley Landfill in Nockamixon Township.

Recognizing the significance of the Morrisville Library to the community it serves, the commissioners also approved a $1,000 “other civics” contribution to the facility.

The next commissioners’ meeting will take place on September 15, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., at the Churchville Nature Center, 501 Churchville Lane, Churchville, PA 18966. For an audio account of the September 1 meeting, please visit the home page of the official county website, www.BucksCounty.org.