James Dougherty

This document outlines the 2026 budget for the Township of Ridley, addressing financial pressures such as rising operational and infrastructure costs. The plan proposes a ½ mill real estate tax increase and adjustments to rubbish and sewer service charges to maintain essential services, fund infrastructure improvements, and ensure long-term financial stability. It details revenue and expenditure projections for various funds, including the General Fund, Fire Fund, Library Fund, Sewer Maintenance Fund, Highway Aid Fund, and Sinking Fund.

The meeting covered several topics including discussions on road safety at the intersection of Therapeutic and Gay, as well as noise concerns from a nearby commercial establishment, with decibel levels reaching the upper 80s. Action items included the approval of meeting minutes from prior months, approval of the 2025 autumn financial records, and approval of several certificates for sanitary sewer casting repairs and traffic improvements. The Board also approved a municipal improvement escrow and a final escrow release. Bids were awarded for the Mars Avenue traffic island stormwater improvements. A resolution authorizing the submission of the Community Development Block Grant application for fiscal year 2026, prioritizing Bowen's Lane traffic calming, was approved. The Highway Sanitation Committee reported on changes to the holiday trash and recycling collection schedules. A new ordinance establishing a volunteer service tax credit for qualifying members of fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical service agencies was adopted. Another ordinance establishing new use definitions for convenience stores and amending C1 neighborhood commercial districts was also adopted. An ordinance regarding parking restrictions and traffic signs, including those for hearing impaired autistic children, was adopted. Finally, the Board approved and authorized an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with the Borough of the Park for trash and recycling collection services. Reports were also given by the Health, Resource Center, and Public Safety committees, with the latter highlighting a significant fire incident on Constitution Avenue where officers were commended for their heroic actions in evacuating elderly and disabled residents.

The meeting included a public forum where a resident addressed pedestrian safety concerns, noting the recent implementation of traffic control measures like T markings, speed limit changes, and crosswalk redos by PennDOT, but also reporting continued issues with red light and stop sign violations. Another speaker introduced the establishment of a new Sea Scouts unit, Ship 610, the Kraken, based at Christ Church Ridley Park. This unit, part of Scouting America, will focus on maritime activities such as sailing, boating, and scuba diving for youth aged 14 to 20, meeting on the first and third Wednesdays starting in January at 7:00 p.m. They requested assistance with recruitment, noting they are starting from scratch and seeking adult leaders, particularly female leaders with sailing skills. A subsequent discussion touched upon fire protection, including discussions about federal grants for new fire trucks, and recent major fire incidents in the area, such as a large commercial building fire in Bel County in 1974 and a recent working house fire that prompted a strong response from the City of Chester fire department.

The meeting involved the administration of the Oath of Office for newly elected officials, including Commissioners for the Second, Fourth, Sixth, and Eighth Wards, as well as the Controller and Tax Collector. Key organizational agenda items included the call of the organization meeting to order, the election of the President and Vice President of the Board of Commissioners, and the appointment of the Township Solicitor, Township Engineer, Alternate Township Engineer, and Vacancy Board Chairman. The meeting concluded with Township Committee/Board Appointments and an adjournment until January 28, 2026.

The Board of Commissioners meeting addressed pedestrian safety concerns and a tree issue. The board approved block party requests and a contract renewal for recycling grant services. The recycling report indicated the amount of trash and recycling collected, and the success of the Shredding event. Certificates were approved for various contractors, and contracts were awarded for unleaded and diesel fuel. The contract renewal for Ejector Station Maintenance was approved, and a resolution was approved to apply for a PECO Green Region Grant for the Leedom Estates Park walking path. The curbside leaf collection program was announced, and upcoming recreation programs were discussed, including the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. The Public Safety Committee Report noted the calls for service, and the Health & Code Enforcement Committee report provided statistics on permits issued, contractors registered, certificates of occupancy issued, rental inspections, and health inspections. A subdivision application was approved, and the Library & Resource Center Committee reported on library visits, book checkouts, program attendance, and passport applications. The Finance Committee reported on the bills, and the board approved them. Residents were reminded to be careful driving on Halloween night, and thanks were given for help with the tree planting project, the revamping of the Clymer Lane tot lot and the S. Swarthmore Avenue parking by the park, and the Township's Trunk or Treat event.