WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County officials approved contracts, grants, and administrative updates during their Wednesday, March 11, meeting, while residents raised concerns about government transparency and federal immigration enforcement activity.
What This Means for You
- County contracts, grants, and staffing actions were approved without opposition
- Residents raised concerns about transparency and federal immigration enforcement
- No major policy changes or votes on controversial measures were taken
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a series of routine items, including contracts, grants, budget adjustments, and personnel changes, through both the consent agenda and new business. A consent agenda is a single vote used to approve routine items without separate discussion.
Routine Business Moves Forward
Commissioners approved the minutes of the February 25 meeting, a procurement manual addendum, chief clerk backup appointment language in Resolution BOC-10-26, contracts, the human resources agenda, budget changes, and vouchers submitted by the controller.
Later in the meeting, the board separately approved the contracts agenda and grants agenda, both by motion and second, with all commissioners in favor.
Department Spotlight Highlights IDD Services
Stephanie Kilcoyne, deputy administrator for Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services, presented an overview of services offered through the county’s Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Department.
Public Raises Transparency and ICE Concerns
During public comment on agenda items, one resident, John Lupfer, raised concerns about transparency in government business.
During general public comment later in the meeting, Allison Murray, Claire Slavin, Julie Fell, Joan Waddell, Lynn Strauss, and Cindy Kindle expressed concerns about current U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities and procedures. Strauss also raised concerns about election procedures.
Proclamations and Executive Session Notice
Commissioner Marian Moskowitz read a proclamation recognizing Pennsylvania 4-H Week, while Commissioner Eric Roe read a proclamation recognizing National Agriculture Week. The agriculture proclamation was accepted by Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Hidden View Farm owners Adrienne and Bob Cochran.
Chair Josh Maxwell also announced that the board had met in executive session on February 25, February 27, March 1, and March 9 to discuss personnel and legal matters.
Commissioner Reports and Meeting End
During commissioner reports, Roe welcomed a new intern and congratulated county administrative staff on new roles. All three commissioners also asked that people keep Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Corporal Timothy O’Connor, his family, and law enforcement in their thoughts.
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