Vanessa Pierre

The Council received updates from the Fair Acres Geriatric Center, Saint Joseph's University Prevention Academy, and Visit Delco regarding the Delco 10-Miler. Consent agenda items approved included authorization to advertise for a countywide housing study and market analysis, acceptance of various federal and state grants including a BJA grant for unidentified human remains, and funding for Older Adult Services. The Council authorized several contractual agreements, including lease amendments, software and maintenance renewals for GIS and IT systems, and security upgrades for the correctional facility. Additionally, the Council approved public works projects, including the Knowlton Road Trailhead expansion and road repair, equipment purchases, and petitions for the termination of parental rights.

The Council received a presentation on the 2026 proposed operating and capital budget. Legislative actions included the approval of an ordinance establishing a County Human Relations Commission, the passage of a debt ordinance authorizing tax revenue anticipation notes, and the first reading of the 2026 County Budget. The consent agenda addressed a wide range of operational and financial items, such as applications for various federal and state grants for housing, environmental education, and internet crimes task forces. Several professional service agreements and contract amendments were authorized, covering psychiatric and competency evaluations, facility master planning, library database subscriptions, trash removal services, and technical equipment procurement. Additionally, the Council approved inter-departmental budget transfers, tax refunds, appointments to the SEPTA Citizens Advisory Committee and the Chester Waterfront Industrial Authority Board, and the filing of petitions regarding the termination of parental rights and adoption.

The Council meeting involved discussions on a budget impasse resolution and the first reading of ordinances concerning a new Human Relations Commission and debt issuance. Key actions included the renewal of contracts for child guidance services, public defender support, and opioid recovery programs. Additionally, the Council authorized several Requests for Proposals for county infrastructure, including security and copier services, and approved numerous grant applications and agreements covering areas such as forensic science, housing assistance, infrastructure, and health education. The session also addressed requests for real estate tax refunds, the payment of current bills, and legal petitions regarding the termination of parental rights.

The meeting agenda includes the Director of Elections report, the certification of the primary election results, and the Solicitor's report. Significant action items involve the authorization to pursue and implement re-districting ordinances for Haverford Township and Upper Providence Township, alongside several precinct consolidations in Concord, Nether Providence, and Upper Darby Townships. Additionally, the board will discuss necessary preparations for the upcoming general election.

The board reviewed investment performance and manager transitions for the fund. Discussions included a proposal for online service access for retirees, the annual actuarial update and contribution recommendations for the upcoming year, and approval for a pension buyback request. Additionally, the board approved initiating securities fraud litigation and authorized a request for proposal process for securities monitoring services.