Lamont Collins

The deliberative meeting involved discussions and votes on several resolutions. Key items included authorizing a request for proposal for parking management and enforcement (Resolution 23). Council considered adopting updated 2026 rules and regulations for the Civil Service Commission (Resolution 24) and authorizing firefighter eligibility testing based on those rules (Resolution 25). Other actions involved ratifying an agreement with the Chester Water Authority for utility installation for the new public works building (Resolution 26), obtaining repair quotes for police station upgrades under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) (Resolution 27), and applying for county liquid fuel funds for the 2026 street resurfacing program (Resolution 28). Quotes were also accepted for environmental testing related to police station ARPA projects (Resolution 29) and Sun Village Park Pavilion Repairs ARPA projects (Resolutions 30 and 31). A public service reminder was issued regarding the March 31st deadline for real estate tax payments to receive a 2% discount.

The council meeting addressed multiple resolutions, including the issuance of an RFP for parking management and enforcement, the establishment of an eligibility list for firefighter candidates, and the adoption of updated civil service regulations. Council authorized an agreement with the Chester Water Authority for improvements at the public works building and approved various construction and repair projects for the police station, street resurfacing, and the Sun Village Park Pavilion. Additionally, the finance department reminded residents of upcoming tax and rubbish bill payment deadlines, and the public works department provided a comprehensive report on operational activities such as snow removal, property maintenance, and infrastructure repairs.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the October 20, 2025 minutes. Key discussions involved the e-Collect fee structure, clarifying that fees pertain only to delinquent taxes and rubbish fees, not business privilege fees. Comments included that the city collects less than 80% of funds annually, leading to a larger delinquent issue, and an explanation of the progressive discipline process for non-payment, which includes opportunities for payment plans for those in distress. A significant portion of the meeting reviewed the status of ARPA-funded projects, noting that $15 million of the initial $30 million has been incurred across 24 completed projects, with 11 open projects remaining. The Public Works building project and a ladder truck purchase were highlighted. Council members stressed the need for better public documentation, including posting photos of purchased assets (like vehicles) and visual progress updates (like before-and-after photos for pool upgrades) to demonstrate how ARPA funds are being utilized. Discussions also covered facade change orders due to infrastructure complications and the status of a study on blighted properties, including a specific property at 502 Kurland Street requiring urgent attention due to safety concerns. The committee noted coordination with CEDA regarding demolition funding.

The meeting commenced with an opening prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included a council member's report on a Black History display featuring Miss Twilight Simpkins at the CAT Center. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing and supporting students from the Chester Charter Scholars Academy regarding their planned HBCU tour, which involved coordinating fundraising efforts, including a spaghetti night, and soliciting city council and resident donations. Council also addressed official resolutions, specifically authorizing change order number two for facade upgrades on Avenue of the Estates, accepting a proposal for a three-phase comprehensive fleet management project, and reappointing Katherine A. Feminella to the Chester Housing Authority Board. A presentation from Philadelphia Electric Company was scheduled to follow.

The Public Safety Committee meeting focused on reviewing and updating the city's civil service rules and regulations concerning the hiring of uniform personnel (police and fire). The discussion highlighted that the existing rules date back to 1990 and 1993 and contain outdated, discriminatory language regarding gender, age, height, and weight requirements, which conflict with current federal, state, and local laws. The committee is working to adopt comprehensive, updated rules that mirror each other for both police and fire, ensuring compliance with contemporary employment laws. The presentation also detailed the current role of the Civil Service Commission, emphasizing that their primary function is creating rules, and they handle appeals regarding eligibility decisions and employee disciplinary actions (demotion or termination), but are no longer involved in the testing process, which is now automated.