[0:00] Good morning.

[0:03] Welcome to the Chesa County Commissioners' Meeting. Today is Wednesday, February 4th.

[0:09] And the time is 10.03 a.m. My name is Josh Maxwell. To my left is Commissioner Marion Moskowitz. To my right, Commissioner Eric Rowe, and together we are your Board of Commissioners.

[0:18] In addition to meeting in person, we are keeping the virtual attendance option to provide flexibility for anyone who wishes to be part of our public meetings, whether it be in this room or on computer.

[0:27] or phone. As per all public meetings, this meeting is bringing.

[0:31] being recorded for broadcast on the county's website, chesco.org. If you are making any form of presentation to the board, or if you wish to make a public comment today, we ask that if you are attending in person, you can forward to this podium.

[0:42] Uh, just state your name before speaking, or if you're on Zoom, please use that raise your hand feature and wait to be recognized to give public comment. You will now call the meeting to order. And I'll ask our friends from the CYWA to please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

[1:01] States of America.

[1:14] Right.

[1:17] Announcements,

[1:18] it is, uh, uh, Health Heart Month, Commissioner Musk.

[1:22] Yes, good morning, everyone.

[1:25] Um, we have a very special proclamation here today.

[1:29] Last November, 911 telecommunicator Kayla Wetlaufer answered a call from Terry Burzillo.

[1:35] Terry's husband, Robert, was suffering from an apparent heart attack, and she needed help.

[1:40] Kayla dispatched first responders, and using her training and knowledge, calmly led Terry through performing CPR on Robert.

[1:50] Robert survived a left anterior descending heart attack thanks to Terry's quick actions.

[1:56] Kayla's decisive instructions and the assistant of the crews from the Paoli Fire Company.

[2:02] Robert and Terry visited the Chester County Department of Emergency Services in December, where they met and hugged Kayla.

[2:08] and thank the entire 911 call center for the job they do day in and day out. I'm going to read the proclamation, and then we have some guests here.

[2:20] Whereas, the citizens of Chester County value their health.

[2:24] And their family's health and support initiatives that raise awareness of public health issues such as heart disease.

[2:31] And whereas heart disease is the number one cause of death in the nation, including in Chester County, with coronary artery disease being the most common type of heart disease.

[2:42] Which can lead to a heart attack.

[2:44] And whereas between 2019 and 2023.

[2:48] 21% of all deaths in Chester County were due to heart disease.

[2:54] And whereas heart disease is often called the silent killer because it can develop without obvious warning signs, leaving people unaware of their risks until a serious event like a heart attack occurs.

[3:06] Although symptoms such as unusual fatigue, pain in the jaw, neck, arm, or back, shortness of breath, and dizziness are common symptoms which should be taken seriously.

[3:19] Whereas a heart attack happens every 40 seconds in the United States, with about 1 in 5 causing damage without the person even being aware.

[3:28] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Commissioners, County of Chester Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

[3:33] Hereby proclaims February 2026 as Heart Health Month in Chester County, and we call upon all citizens.

[3:41] To learn the signs of heart attack and take quick action by calling 911.

[3:46] Because every second counts, signed by all 3 commissioners, Commissioner Maxwell, Commissioner Rowe, and myself, and today we have Robert and Terry Barzillo joining us from Naples.

[3:57] You're looking pretty good there, sir.

[4:00] I'm feeling good.

[4:01] And, uh, Kayla… Kayla wet law for the 911 telecommunicator who helped Terry perform CPR, and of course, our Health Director Gene Franklin, who will share some heart health tips. Thank you so much for joining us today.

[4:15] Thank you. Thank you, and on behalf of my wife, Terry and I, we want to thank the county commissioners.

[4:22] Chester County, Michelle, and. Taylor, who reached out to me and really, from my perspective and my wife's perspective.

[4:30] the opportunity to acknowledge Kayla's effort that particular night.

[4:36] Ironically, Commissioner, you read. That… that proclamation, I had zero symptoms, I've been under a cardiologist's care for.

[4:46] Four years, I've been, you know, doing all the right things.

[4:50] Um, in that tragic night, November 14th, my wife and I.

[4:54] We're recently back from… I had a business trip in Europe. The back side of that.

[5:00] trip, we spent a couple days, actually, in Our Lady of Lourdes.

[5:04] shrine in southern France, which was somewhat ironic. And then 3 days later, I'm emptying the dishwasher at 9 o'clock at night.

[5:12] Which we normally have a routine, my wife empties it, I… or my wife fills it, I empty it, and uh… Got to the last glass, and I dropped it and fell to the floor, and that's all I remembered.

[5:26] for… until I came out of Paley ICU. But I'll let my wife add a few comments there, but again.

[5:34] Um, she'll acknowledge what Kayla helped her through. When Bob dropped the glass.

[5:40] I got up immediately to go help him pick up the shards of glass, and when I got.

[5:45] to the island. I didn't see him, but I thought he was already on the floor picking up the shards of glass.

[5:51] And as I walked around the island, he's on the floor in terrible respiratory distress.

[5:56] I… tilted his airways, trying to get air into his.

[6:02] body, but he was too dire, and I needed to call 911.

[6:08] Where Kayla… put me right… she kind of stunned me.

[6:16] she asked me what is going on. I described Bob's condition.

[6:21] She said to me, lady. Get control of yourself. We're going to do this together.

[6:27] And just by the command of her voice. she gave me the courage to do it. I'm not in the medical profession, and I don't know how hard to do CPR.

[6:37] And I swear all the doctors who are now saints in heaven were there with me.

[6:43] as Kayla was guiding me, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

[6:47] to save my husband's life, and it was a… Anyway, Kayla was wonderful. She guided me through the CPR, and um.

[6:57] The dispatchers came. quickly, and she guided me through everything, and I am so appreciative, Bob and I are both very appreciative, because he's here with us today. Amen.

[7:10] Yeah, and it just, you know, like that, um, you know, the EMTs from Paley Firehouse, I went to visit them also, uh.

[7:17] They were there within 6 minutes, got me to Pale Hospital. Within 5 minutes, and.

[7:23] frankly, as a result of all that, as I tell some of my friends, if the Eagles' offense worked as efficiently as.

[7:30] That night, with that entire gang, led by Kayla.

[7:34] Uh, they'd be playing on Sunday, but, um… I'm currently going through cardiac rehab down here. I had the option of doing it down here, which, um… No offense, but I'd rather be in a little Florida warmth.

[7:47] So I just finished session number 7 out of.

[7:50] 36. And, uh, everything's going well. And, um, actually, when I tell my story down here at the hospital.

[8:00] I keep hearing over and over it was a miracle case.

[8:05] It's kind of unexplained again why it happened, but… I'm here to talk about, and again.

[8:12] We heartfeltly appreciated the opportunity to actually tour the center also, and.

[8:18] As a 40-plus year Chester County resident, my wife and I.

[8:22] Uh, it makes us proud of. what Chester County has put together and the leadership at it.

[8:28] That happens out of that facility, so thank you very much.

[8:32] We're so glad you're here, and I have a question. Do you still unload the dishwasher?

[8:36] Oh, I do. No, I'm… that's my… that's my gig.

[8:38] And loads it.

[8:42] Um, uh…

[8:43] Yeah, no, no. No, I mean, again, on top of it, not to make it morbid, but I've also under… have been recently undergone lung cancer treatment, and… Cancer treatment, so… And I feel great. So, again.

[8:56] Um, some of that holy water was thrown on me as I was getting, um… Out the door, but no, everything's… everything's good. And again.

[9:06] I'd like to publicly thank Kayla and the team there at the EOC.

[9:11] So, before we get any farther, are you Kayla?

[9:12] Or a job.

[9:15] Can we stand up?

[9:26] Yeah. Love you, Kayla! That's the unsung hero.

[9:44] Hi, um, can you guys see me on the TV?

[9:48] It's good to see you guys!

[9:51] Um, thank

[9:52] you so much for having me here. Um, I don't have a speech prepared, so I'll just do my best here. Um…

[9:58] I got… when I got to meet them when they came in, it was really…

[10:01] It was probably life-changing for my job. We don't usually get to hear about a lot of success stories, and I don't usually get to meet the people.

[10:09] Who do survive when we do those things, so meeting them really.

[10:13] Um, it made me remember why I love my job and why I love what I do, and it made me so excited for like the future and helping other people and.

[10:21] doing more, so I'm just so glad that I got to be a part of their story.

[10:25] And they're just as lovely as they are on TV in person.

[10:29] They were so wonderful, and my center still talks about them coming in and hugging everyone and meeting everyone, and we'll probably talk about it for a long, long time. It gave everyone like a.

[10:39] a boost in remembering why we do what we do, because even my coworkers don't really get to meet the survivors, so…

[10:46] It was very wonderful.

[10:48] And thank you so much for having us here and honoring us all. They deserve it.

[10:52] Nice job, Kayla.

[10:53] Kayla,

[10:54] I… Thank you. Kata, I hope you understand what a blessing you are to these folks and everyone you talk to on the phone who you help save these lives. You have the opportunity to meet these two, but I imagine they're not the only two people who you've helped and whose lives you've saved, you and your team do that every single day.

[11:13] And I feel embarrassed that you don't get acknowledged enough and we don't think about the work that you do down there enough, but know that this is a great example of your hard work, your dedication, the preparation you put in.

[11:25] And we could not feel more blessed to have you in our presence and have you out there saving lives of Chester County residents. Thank you so much. Thank you, I appreciate it.

[11:31] Yeah, that is true.

[11:33] Thank you.

[11:41] So is the plan for… does Marion know the plan? We're gonna do… Jean wants to give us some advice. Uh, do we want to do the photo first, or Gene, you want to give us some advice?

[11:50] How do you follow that. Hello, Terry and Robert.

[11:53] So, let's next year not plan for

[11:57] a heart event?

[11:58] Hi.

[11:59] For Heart Month, because we, you know, but I have to tell you, Terry, you did exactly.

[12:04] as they say, even though it was silent in Robert, you called 911, and you probably think.

[12:11] Many, much

[12:12] like your…

[12:13] colleagues that you were just doing your job. Yeah.

[12:15] We

[12:16] get a

[12:17] lot of those kinds of calls. Yes, so…

[12:19] Listen, the

[12:20] proclamation said it all. It is really about the, the.

[12:24] keeping track of your blood pressure, moving, so yes, Robert, you will continue to move and do the dishwashing, unloading, because it's good for us. You don't have to do the big.

[12:31] Yeah.

[12:35] scary gems and all that, just move. Move blood pressure.

[12:40] Whole Foods, and pay attention to the symptoms. Things that go unexplained should not be ignored. It is far better to call the professionals at 911.

[12:50] than to ignore it. So, the proclamation was spot on. Thank you for acknowledging it, and kudos to you, Kayla. Thank you.

[12:58] And best health to both of you.

[12:59] Thank you. Thank you.

[13:02] Thank you.

[13:19] It's not different.

[13:27] It's 2026.

[13:32] Right.

[13:48] Everyone else for children.

[13:51] That's fine.

[13:57] I will.

[14:00] Or we'll just do.

[14:04] You don't need to.

[14:08] Uh,

[14:09] Bob?

[14:11] Bob, we're just about to take a photo. If you want to get back on

[14:14] camera just for a second, we'll, uh, we'll get you…

[14:16] There you go. And I'm gonna… I'm gonna count you down here to make sure you guys are smiling for this photo.

[14:17] Okay, there you go.

[14:21] So… okay, here we

[14:23] go.

[14:26] All

[14:27] right, everybody say cheese.

[14:30] Great.

[14:31] Jeez.

[14:34] Thank you so much.

[14:37] Thank you so much. Thank you, I appreciate that.

[14:39] We're doing one more photo, Bob.

[14:41] Or just this Kevin.

[14:42] While you're there, give a hug for me.

[14:44] There we go. Alright.

[14:47] All

[14:48] right, photos are done.

[14:49] Excellent. Thank you, everybody. Thank you so much.

[15:01] Alright, we have National 2-1-1 day, uh, to keep it going on the one runs. Commissioner Broth.

[15:07] Good morning. Whereas 2-1-1 is a vital free service available 24 hours a day, every day to assist residents in accessing a

[15:15] multitude of health and human service supports and needs.

[15:19] And whereas PA211 is a subsidiary of the United Way of Pennsylvania.

[15:24] and is operated by regional contact centers throughout the Commonwealth.

[15:28] And whereas, in 2024, the Chester County Department of Human Services introduced the Human Needs Network in partnership with PA211 to provide a comprehensive local information and referral service and crisis response system for all Chester County residents through a centralized database of service providers and a local contact center staffed by the county's own information.

[15:51] and referral navigators.

[15:53] And whereas, in 2025, the Human Needs Network of Chester County assisted with just under 10,000 calls.

[15:59] into 211 from Chester County residents.

[16:02] averaging 98 homeless intakes each month.

[16:05] While information and referral mobile navigators supported hundreds more individuals through 211 dispatches.

[16:11] public outreach, tabling, and community events significantly strengthening the county's ability to connect residents with appropriate human services.

[16:20] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Commissioners, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

[16:25] Hereby proclaimed its support for National 2-1-1 Day on February 11th, and encourages all Chester County residents to call 211 for help with any human services need.

[16:37] Including housing, utility bills, food, health care, employment, family, veteran, and mental health services, signed by the Board of Commissioners.

[16:47] Josh Maxwell, Marion Moskowitz, and myself.

[16:50] Eric Rowe. And accepting the National 2-1-1 day proclamation.

[16:54] is Alyssa Reif, Julie Gentile, and Samira Ragaj.

[16:59] The Human Needs Network partners with many nonprofits.

[17:02] Organizations and agencies to meet the housing, utility, food, healthcare jobs, veteran, and mental health needs of Chester County residents, and the CYWA is one of those crucial partners, and we thank Samira for coming in to recognize National 211 Day.

[17:20] Hello, everyone. My name is Julie Gentilli. I'm also not one for being in front of people. I like to be on the back end of things.

[17:28] So, my name is Julie Gentili, I'm the Manager

[17:31] of Information Referral Services with the Department of Human Services.

[17:34] Um, I wanted to thank the commissioners for inviting us here today to accept the proclamation for 2-on-1 day, which is next Wednesday, February 11th. Um…

[17:43] I wanted to also recognize my team and thank them for their dedication and hard work of the work and service they do to assist Chester County.

[17:52] Chester County residents on a daily basis.

[17:55] Um, we received just under 10,000 calls last year, all of which are answered by our resource navigators in a prompt fashion. Uh, we don't have a call tree, so you can call 211 at any time, and somebody's answering the phone 24-7, 365.

[18:10] Um… I would like to say that our contact center is unique, as I always like to phrase it as locals helping locals. I would say 99% of our call center staff, um, are Chester County residents, and we like to assist Chester County folks, and so.

[18:28] the point of us being locals, helping locals, is that we understand resources, we're not being outsourced by another entity, and we really get a feel for what the county has to offer to help individuals in need.

[18:43] I have Alyssa Wright here with me. She's a mobile navigator within the community. Our team is made up of 3 mobile navigators and 4 contact information referral service navigators.

[18:55] Alyssa here works out in the community.

[18:57] Uh, as a mobile navigator, she's stationed usually in public libraries, um, other provider services, being able to take on-site appointments to assist people who may need help filling out applications for SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, any kind of thing that you might need, just a little help to, you know, get your.

[19:16] get you on your way. She and the other two members are there to assist, um…

[19:21] But I think they're a real crucial part of the extension of 201 that we are able to offer community members within Chester County. So I'm going to pass it off to Alyssa real quick.

[19:31] Yeah, so again, I'm Alyssa, I'm one of the mobile navigators. I do really want to thank you for

[19:36] your support for the Human Needs Network.

[19:38] We've really been able to make a difference in the community and instill hope.

[19:42] in a time where people really need it, both individuals and families, and it's really been.

[19:49] A blessing, being able to make that connection with the Chester County residents.

[19:54] And again, we really have an awesome team of the mobile navigators and the call center team.

[20:00] And we're always a call away, we're always happy to help.

[20:03] We'll say real quickly, we do have flyers and posters hanging around Chester

[20:07] County, uh, within the building. Um, if you or an agency would like to hang some posters up, you can contact the Department of Human Services, Julie Gentilli, and we can have one of the mobile navigators drop them off for you. Um, we had earlier in our initiative, when we first started, a lot of the mobile team was out marketing our program.

[20:26] Um, so, they should be everywhere, but if you would like to see more, please contact us and we can get you some posters and flyers. Thank you.

[20:33] Thank you.

[20:39] Good morning, everyone, and I want to thank Josh Maxwell and his team to give us opportunity to speak here, and

[20:46] thank you

[20:47] so much for the support and for everything. I brought my.

[20:52] wonderful staff here, and my board member and for our support, so…

[20:58] I want to start with, you know, we're from the CYWA, we are so proud to be part of the Cheshire County Human Needs Network, as we work every day to end homelessness.

[21:09] Uh, for women and children and family as a whole in our county. This work is only possible through strong partnerships, uh, like 2-1-1 and the community that comes together to address human needs.

[21:23] We are grateful to be part of this effort and.

[21:27] I wanna say something about the 2-1-1. We deal with 2-1-1s like a 911. It's an emergency number for us. Every time we struggle with the code blue, with the shelter residents, 2-1-1, it's…

[21:42] I used to get scared calling 911. I'm like, oops, let me make sure it's 299. But we really appreciate, you know, the effort. They're working so hard. You know, sometimes we get frustrated, but at the end, they help our clients and, you know, I also, like, with those, my staff, they're doing case management at 7:00 at night, 9 o'clock at night, 6 o'clock in the morning.

[22:07] Again, it's a partnership, it's a community, it's a village, it's not one person does everything. We cannot do it without 2-1-1, and I'm sure the 2-1-1 cannot do it with our show.

[22:21] old shelters, and thank you so much for this opportunity. I appreciate that.

[22:25] Thank you so much. Good morning, Commissioners. Thank you for allowing us to speak today. My name's Jerisha.

[22:31] I'm the shelter coordinator, so I see firsthand

[22:33] what happens when people don't know where to turn, and what happens when they finally find help.

[22:39] Every day, we work with individuals and family who are facing housing instability, domestic violence, medical crisis.

[22:45] mental health challenges and extreme financial hardships. Many of them come to us after exhausting.

[22:51] Uh, every option they had.

[22:53] 2-1-1 doesn't just provide information, it provides access, it cuts through confusion, removes barriers, and connects people to real services when timing matters most.

[23:03] Thank you so much. Thank you, guys.

[23:10] Awesome. Oh.

[23:13] Specs. Picture.

[23:17] Um, what's

[23:19] your call?

[23:25] It's like

[23:28] safety.

[23:31] Okay.

[23:32] No,

[23:33] you want to be in photo?

[23:35] Can you make a brief discussion?

[23:39] Yeah, so you're being vigilant.

[23:42] One

[23:43] more secure.

[23:48] Goodbye.

[24:21] Hmm.

[24:26] Good announcements today. All right, so, uh, one final announcement. The Board of Commissioners met an executive Session on Wednesday, January 21st, Monday, January 26th, Wednesday, January 28th, and Monday, February 2nd, to discuss both.

[24:39] personnel and legal matters. Up next, public comment on today's agenda. Mr. Byron. Uh, yes, good morning, Mr. Chairman. Uh, at this

[24:44] time, we invite public comment on agenda items only. If you wish to make a comment on a topic that is not on today's agenda, we ask that you wait for the public comment period that is set aside later in the meeting.

[24:53] Comments on agenda items should be directed to the Board of County Commissioners, and there is a 3-minute time limit per person. We'll provide a 30-second warning and let you know when your time expires.

[25:01] So if you'd like to make a public comment specific to an item appearing on today's agenda, if you're in person, please come to the podium, state your name and municipality before speaking.

[25:09] If you're connected through Zoom, you can use the raise your hand feature or press star 9 on your telephone keypad. We'll invite public comment in person first before moving to comment to those connected through Zoom.

[25:18] Is there anyone here within the Chamber who wishes to comment?

[25:22] Seeing

[25:23] none, now looking online.

[25:24] I see no request to speak.

[25:27] Thank

[25:28] you, Mr. Byron. Can I have a motion to adopt today's agendas?

[25:30] So… Any discussion? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

[25:35] Hearing none, motion passes. Up next, Departmental Spotlight. We had a good one today. We've got Director Martnick, and uh…

[25:41] delegating to Mr. Quinn here to talk about those beautiful.

[25:46] County

[25:47] Bridges.

[25:48] Good morning, everyone. George Martnick, Department of Facilities. Uh, I pulled rank today. I really did.

[25:54] Eric will be presenting, but I wanted to take this opportunity. In light of

[25:58] all the weather that we've had here in the last 3 weeks, in light of Heart Health Month and the 2-1-1 proclamation.

[26:05] Um, I'd like to point out that it is the bridge crew, uh, run by Eric, um, and.

[26:12] And teamed by weight, um…

[26:16] I'm not gonna give last names because they don't like any spotlight on them, but Wade, James, Ronnie, and Tyler, and Diane Michel, too, who's a clerk who really handles the paperwork aspect of it.

[26:26] They really, really worked hard. They were all weekend storms. These people have not slept very much over the last, uh, 3 weeks to a month.

[26:34] Um, they're bleary-eyed, but just like, um…

[26:38] just like everyone else in the county, when we point out, uh, good news, they have really, really big hearts, um, and put a lot of time and effort into this.

[26:45] I'd like to introduce Eric Quinn today to give you and the county some background on this program.

[26:52] Thank you. Alright.

[26:56] Thanks,

[26:57] George, I owe you $5.

[26:58] Eric Quinn, um, I was not going to use…

[27:04] this picture to

[27:05] start.

[27:06] Um, this… this was…

[27:09] Uh, back in the fall, if you recall, and I kept on looking at this picture, and I was like, man.

[27:14] It's nice and warm. It was nice and warm that day.

[27:18] And, um, if you can… I don't know, who's got the controls? Ah!

[27:22] So we'll go on to this next one here.

[27:24] Here's a picture of that same bridge that was taken just a few days ago. We were out troubleshooting some items out there, and even the, uh… oops.

[27:33] Even the bridge is iced over. So, today we'll talk about… we'll get into the numbers and statistics, we'll talk a little bit about the inspection process.

[27:43] Our Rockstar Bridge crew, as George has already mentioned.

[27:47] How

[27:48] we prioritize projects.

[27:50] Um, where the money comes from, obviously, funding.

[27:54] Um, talk a little bit about the ongoing projects we have, and some design challenges, uh, design and challenges that we.

[28:00] have going on. Next slide, please.

[28:04] Chester

[28:05] County, so the county owns…

[28:07] 93 roadway bridges. There are many other trail bridges, but as far as the roadway bridges, there are 93.

[28:14] 91 of those bridges are maintained by the county. There are two other bridges.

[28:20] That are, uh, co-owned with Montgomery County. They're two bridges that both span over Kyme Street.

[28:26] One of which… I'm sorry, span over the Scoop River, one of which is Kyme Street, which is, uh, in the process of being, uh, rebuilt right now. Next.

[28:34] Please, sure.

[28:39] Oh, this? Oh, I can do this. Okay, thank you.

[28:42] Uh, let's see, 67 of the bridges are classified as in fair or good condition.

[28:50] Where

[28:51] do I have to point this thing?

[28:54] Got 23, uh, bridges that are classified in poor condition. Now, poor condition does not mean unsafe.

[29:00] Uh, if the bridge is open, it is safe for vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

[29:07] Uh, that said, there are 3 bridges that are currently closed.

[29:11] Uh, one of those bridges is actually under construction. That's Allerton Road, right here in East Bradford, right down the hill here.

[29:19] hopefully we'll be open by the end of the year.

[29:24] And then we've got 43 bridges that are posted with weight restrictions.

[29:28] So, if the bridge has no posting, it's good for 80,000 pounds.

[29:34] And then, of course, you know, there are other bridges. Sometimes it's because of the.

[29:40] just the design of the structure. Many of the bridges are well over 100 years old.

[29:44] Uh, and then sometimes it's because of the, uh…

[29:48] You know, just normal deterioration.

[29:51] Uh, the county uses the National Bridge Inspection Standards.

[29:55] Which is federally mandated. Any bridge that is…

[29:59] over 20 feet in span.

[30:02] Uh, needs to be inspected.

[30:04] Uh, uh, every two years.

[30:07] Minimum.

[30:09] Um…

[30:11] The,

[30:12] uh, 90…

[30:14] Um…

[30:17] 90 of the 91 bridges that the county owns are over 20 feet in span.

[30:22] Uh, there's one other, it's, um…

[30:24] South Kyme Street that's 17 feet. We still treat it.

[30:27] As if it's 20 feet, and that gets inspected every 2 years as well.

[30:35] Uh, here's our bridge crew again.

[30:38] These… these folks have to do a little bit of everything. They're really a jack-of-all-trades. One day they'll be.

[30:45] Um, uh, working on the roof. This is actually Harmony Hill, Bridge 120, right off of 322 in between Downingtown and the borough.

[30:53] or downtown in Westchester.

[30:55] Um, uh, in this particular instance, they did a little TLC out here, there were some painting.

[31:02] Uh, we did some parching on the walls.

[31:05] But they really get into a little bit of everything. You know, when you had the storms that go through.

[31:11] Um, depending on the severity of the storm, sometimes we have to go out and do what's called scour inspection. That's when that water is rushing through underneath those bridges so fast that it actually.

[31:21] digs out some of the, uh…

[31:23] Um, uh, dirt from underneath of the foundations.

[31:26] So they'll work on scour repair, but, uh, you know, masonry, carpentry, painting, roofing, whatever it takes.

[31:32] Uh, these folks do it.

[31:34] They do it without question, there's no complaining.

[31:38] And it doesn't matter whether it's raining or snowing.

[31:41] Or, uh, you know, 95 degrees out or 9 degrees out, they're out there getting it done. And, uh, very blessed, uh, to have such a good crew.

[31:52] Okay, so the, uh, we have, um… right now there are 18 projects in design.

[31:59] Uh, there are always projects in the pipeline as far as what's going to come up next.

[32:05] We have a prioritization method that we use.

[32:08] First thing we talk about is, uh, you know, it's roughly about 55% is based on the structure itself, so we're looking at the, uh, what's called the.

[32:17] superstructure, which is more or less the bridge, the substructure, which is the foundation.

[32:22] Uh, we look at, uh, um…

[32:24] Again, scour issues, and then the deck.

[32:27] And then we look at serviceability. Those are things like.

[32:31] Uh, what's the detour length if we close the bridge?

[32:34] Uh, deck geometry. Is the bridge one lane? Many of the older bridges are still one lane.

[32:42] And then, uh, ADT, so the average daily traffic, you know.

[32:46] Believe it or not, there are a couple county bridges that only get about 3 or 4 cars a day.

[32:51] Uh, on them, so…

[32:53] And so, you know, a bridge like that, maybe it's in poor condition, but it's only, you know, getting 4 cars a day, it's kind of low on the list as far as replacement.

[33:02] Funding? Most… let's see, we've got a tip that's, uh, with the help of Chester County Planning Commission and, uh, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

[33:14] Uh, we have several projects on the TIP. These are, uh.

[33:19] Uh, generally, um, federal and state funding.

[33:23] And we've got retro reimbursement, that's usually an 80-20, that's through the state, so in those instances, we have two projects going on right now.

[33:30] Uh, in those instances, the county actually basically foots the bill for the entire project.

[33:36] When the project is done, soup to nuts, it's complete.

[33:40] Uh, then the county will get reimbursed 80% from the state.

[33:44] We've got X13, Marcel shale funding. There are currently.

[33:49] three projects right now, in design.

[33:52] Uh, and then Act 89, $5 fee, so everybody's got the registration, you know, when you fill out your motor vehicle registration, there's that $5 fee that goes right in to help, uh.

[34:02] Uh, help us get these bridges, uh.

[34:04] Updated and replaced, or rehabbed as needed. And then, of course, good old liquid fuels, it's been…

[34:10] in place since the 1930s, there's a certain portion that comes back to the county.

[34:14] Uh, to help fund the bridge program.

[34:20] Like I said, there are currently 18 projects in design. I'm not going to go through all of them. Uh, this picture to the right is Harvey's Bridge. It's bridge 92, Newland Township.

[34:30] Uh, this is, um…

[34:32] InDesign for replacement right now.

[34:36] And

[34:37] again, I won't go through the whole list here, but uh…

[34:40] This is… Bridge 300.

[34:44] Thomas Road, Tradiffin Township.

[34:47] In the background, you can see a Pennsylvania Turnpike going over there, so if you… just to give you an idea where it's at.

[34:53] Keep on going down that road, you'll hit… go into the Valley Forge Park.

[34:57] Uh, there's a good example of a one-lane bridge hosted.

[35:01] Also, um…

[35:03] We've got, uh, sewer lines, utilities, all kinds of fun stuff to deal with on this particular project, so…

[35:10] Um, our design engineer is working through all those challenges.

[35:17] These projects, 2026 construction projects, these are either projects that we expect to go into construction.

[35:24] are in construction, or they're going to be finished.

[35:27] This year, for 2026.

[35:29] And as I've mentioned, um…

[35:31] Here's, uh, Allerton Road, that's the Trust Bridge getting picked off of its foundation. That happened just a few months ago.

[35:38] And, uh, we fully… the contractors…

[35:41] They are actually planning on starting work again.

[35:45] Uh, either this week or next week, so they want to get rolling.

[35:50] And we fully expect to have this project, or this bridge back open.

[35:55] Toward

[35:56] the end of 2026.

[35:58] And our outlook, so just… this is all just continuous. We've always got maintenance going on. There's construction.

[36:05] pretty much ongoing.

[36:07] all the time at this point.

[36:09] Um, we've got our inspections again, we use those inspections in our NBIS inspections to help us evaluate and figure out what's going to be coming in in the pipeline.

[36:20] in the future. And uh…

[36:24] You know, obviously, engineering and design. This particular project is…

[36:28] Bridge

[36:29] 199. This is, um…

[36:31] more or less a rehabilitation project. This is, um…

[36:35] Uh, in between two different municipalities, which creates its own challenges.

[36:40] And, uh, right now we're working through.

[36:43] To, uh… hopefully get this one

[36:44] in construction in a year or two.

[36:48] That's

[36:49] it. Any questions for me?

[36:51] I

[36:52] do have a question, Eric. I've been waiting to ask you this question.

[36:56] Our covered bridges are so precious to us.

[36:59] And I find it…

[37:01] frustrating when a truck goes through that doesn't fit.

[37:05] in any of these things, is there anything that we can do to protect our bridges from this.

[37:10] craziness. Sorry. I get so upset about, uh…

[37:14] Our bridge

[37:15] engineer,

[37:16] our consulting company, Traffic Planning and Design, our bridge engineer's name is Brett Coleman, he was on the front title.

[37:25] Um, he actually designed for the municipality, I can't recall which municipality it was, but the covered bridge on Raps Dam Road.

[37:33] It's got these big steel headache bars that go over.

[37:38] And boy, do they get hit. Um, they've been…

[37:42] They've been hit multiple times.

[37:44] You know, that's an option.

[37:47] But it's not, you know…

[37:49] I can't say that it's a very lovely thing to look at.

[37:53] Although it is, of course, an option.

[37:56] Um… other than that, you know, we've got our headache bars up there, and we've got our postings, uh, for height restrictions.

[38:04] And that's really where we're at right now, but if we want to put those big steel headache bars up, we can do it for sure.

[38:10] Although 197 stars were working out there right now, and the one neighbor.

[38:18] Uh, she said, uh, you're not gonna put one of those things up like Rapstam Road, are you? So, anyway.

[38:24] Design challenges.

[38:28] Thank you guys, really appreciate it. Thank you.

[38:33] Alright, moving right along. Um…

[38:38] Uh, we have our consent agenda, a single vote will approve the following routine items of business without discussion unless an individual item action is requested by any Commissioner. The minutes of January 21st?

[38:48] Resolution BOC0526-0626, uh, some grants, HR agenda, budget change 2225.

[38:55] 0326, and vouchers estimated by our controller. Can I have a motion? So moved.

[39:01] Discussion? All the favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, motion passes. No obitus today. New business, we do have some contracts, and we'll get started with CYF. Director Large.

[39:13] Good morning, Commissioners. Eve Large, Director of the Department of Children, Youth, and

[39:17] Families. I have one contract on the agenda for your consideration this morning.

[39:23] It is with Sherbakova Law. It is for $50,000, a term of 1-1-2026 to 6-30-2026.

[39:32] And this is for Guardian ad litem Legal Services for Children Involved with juvenile Dependency Court.

[39:38] Thank you, Director. Thank you. All right, filling in for the coroner's office, um, just for the meeting, I think, I would expect Mr. Byron. I am not qualified otherwise.

[39:47] Uh, the coroner's office has 1 contract, uh, for the calendar year 2026 in the amount of $35,000. The contract provides for forensic DNA testing for the Chester County Coroner's Office.

[39:57] Thank you so much. Core Diamond.

[40:02] Do you think it's cold in here? I don't think it's cold in here. I didn't want to put my jacket down and then have to walk back

[40:09] and get

[40:10] it and walk out. All right, we're taking

[40:11] a poll. Keep going. I'm actually sweating, so…

[40:13] Good morning, my name is Julie Maitri, I'm from Court Administration. Sorry, I needed some comedic relief today, and that made my day. We have two contracts on the agenda. The first is Shelly Chauncey. The contract is in the amount of $46,800 with a term of.

[40:32] January 1st, 2026 to December 31st, 2026, and this contract provides legal counsel for dependency court matters. And then the second contract is with Luongo Belwar LLP is in the amount of $46,800, the same term, January 1st, 2026, to December 31, 2026, and this contract also provides legal counsel for dependency.

[40:57] Sorry, that was a lot. Thank you so

[41:00] much. Thank you. Have a good day.

[41:03] Uh, drug and alcohol.

[41:07] Good morning, Kinsley, Deputy Director, Drug and Alcohol. We have 4 amendments across the state we're catching

[41:13] up to that little

[41:15] state impasse we had. So we

[41:17] set rates, it's no cost to the county, they're all non-hospital rehabs. Colonial House Inc, Millerton Acquisition.

[41:23] Pocono Mountain and Treatment Trends.

[41:25] And I'm not cold. Thank you so much. That's… that's 2.

[41:29] All

[41:30] right, Kevin, motion to approve today's contracts.

[41:33] Second. Any discussion? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

[41:37] Any none, motion passes. Up next, Grants Emergency services. This is you again, Mr. Barman.

[41:42] You

[41:43] never ask, but I'm perfectly comfortable here. Three, uh, grants from emergency services, uh.

[41:50] Once with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency from the term of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

[41:56] Uh, to enhance ongoing county efforts in maintaining the county's hazardous materials safety program.

[42:01] Second is with the same agency in the amount of $65,761 from July 1, 25 to June 30, 26th.

[42:08] to improve emergency response to and recovery from radiological incidents in support of the requirements of Act 147.

[42:15] And the radiological Emergency Response Program.

[42:17] And finally, with the same agency, 62,138.39 from January 1, 26th to December 31, 26th.

[42:25] for, uh, to address ongoing work performed by the Department of Emergency Services, Maintenance, and GIS maintenance.

[42:32] Thank you, sir. Up next, public health.

[42:35] Dr.

[42:36] Franklin.

[42:37] Got a big one. Good morning, Jean Franklin, Director of the Health

[42:42] Department. I have one grant for your consideration. It is with the Women, Infant, Children's Food Supplement Program through the Department of Agriculture. It is for farmer market, uh, vouchers for our participants in the amount of $6,750.

[42:57] Cool, thank

[42:58] you so much. Director Roman.

[43:03] Good morning, Commissioners. Jeanette Roman, Director for the Department of Workforce Development. We have one grant on today's

[43:09] agenda for your consideration.

[43:11] It's a grant with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, and the amount of $299,333.05, with the term of July 1st, 2025 through June 30th of 2027.

[43:25] This grant is to support our temporary assistance for needy families for our youth programming.

[43:30] Thank you, Director Roma. Thank you.

[43:32] Can I have a motion to approve today's grants? So moved.

[43:35] Hey, discussion? All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none. Motion passes.

[43:41] Next, Commissioner's Reports. Commissioner Rowe? I have no reports. Commissioner Moskowitz.

[43:46] I'll keep it going. Uh, no reports from me. Mr. Byronman, your report.

[43:50] My

[43:51] record is the same as before. Point set aside for public comment on non-agenda items.

[43:56] We remind everyone that public comments should relate to matters germane to the Board of County Commissioners, items that are not within the authority or purview of the board should not be included in public comment.

[44:04] Commons should be directed to the board, and there is a 3-minute time limit per person. We'll provide a 30-second warning, let you know when your time expires.

[44:10] If you'd like to make a public comment, if you're in person, please come to the podium, state your name and municipality before speaking.

[44:16] If you're connected through Zoom, you can raise your hand or press star 9 on your telephone keypad. Anyone here within the chamber wish to speak?

[44:22] Seeing none, now looking online.

[44:25] No

[44:26] request to speak. Thank you, Mr. Barman. Can I have a motion to adjourn?

[44:28] Second, discussion?

[44:31] All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, motion passes. Thank you, everyone. Have a wonderful day.

Commissioners' Meeting

Transcript