Delaware County

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss litigation. Public comments were received regarding COVID-19 vaccination rollout utilizing Rite Aid and the performance of Delaware County's animal rescue compared to Chester County's. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes from the March 3, 2020 meeting. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the COVID-19 vaccination update, noting that Delaware County is relying on the Chester County Health Department for support, including contact tracing and data analysis one year into the pandemic. Statistical updates on positivity rates and incident rates were provided, along with vaccination administration numbers across five operating clinics. The Council then passed a resolution recognizing March as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, acknowledging the contributions of individuals with disabilities and the frontline dedication of support staff during the pandemic. Finally, a resolution was passed recognizing the Delaware County Women's Commission's 2020-2021 Women's History Month award recipients, honoring five outstanding women for their community work and commitment.

The preliminary agenda meeting included discussions and approvals on several items. The Council addressed procedures for public comment for the following night's meeting. Agenda items involved approving the minutes from the February 3rd meeting, and a COVID and vaccination update. The Council considered a resolution endorsing the concept of the 911 National Memorial Trail, which carried no financial commitment but sought community support for federal designation. A resolution recognizing February as Black History Month was presented. Further items included approving a grant application submission to the Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority to fund fraud investigation personnel, and seeking approval for capital project funding for the repair of dry sprinkler components at Fair Acres, totaling nearly $20,000 for parts and labor, to be put out for bid. The Council also approved advertising for proposals for a long-range plan for Library services, which is a required five-year development plan. Finally, several agreements and contract increases with Human Services providers were discussed, including funding increases for children's support groups and technology purchases for virtual program participation, as well as accepting state reinvestment monies for transitional age stepdown, homeless outreach, supportive housing, and opioid use disorder programs. Contract approvals included agreements with Horizon House and Carol Link for housing supports.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss pending and possible litigation. Key agenda items included a public comment section regarding non-functional COVID-19 vaccine scheduling links and difficulties older residents faced in securing appointments. The Council approved the minutes from the February 17, 2021 meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved a COVID-19 vaccination update, noting that all four county vaccination sites were operational, with plans for a fifth site. The increase in Pfizer vaccine allocation and the announcement regarding state-level vaccination of educators were discussed. The overall COVID-19 data showed declining incidence and positivity rates for the county. Furthermore, the Council addressed statewide guidance changes lifting out-of-state travel restrictions and slightly increasing indoor/outdoor event occupancy limits, while emphasizing the continued need for mitigation strategies. The Council also addressed concerns about Delaware County potentially receiving an unfair share of vaccines compared to other counties. Finally, the agenda was amended to include a motion authorizing the Executive Director to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Prospect CCMC LLC dba Springfield Hospital to utilize their campus for a COVID-19 vaccination clinic, including staffing and supplies, for an initial period of three months, at a total cost not to exceed three hundred thousand dollars. The efforts of Citizen Corps and Medical Reserve Corps volunteers in vaccine distribution were also highlighted.

The special public hearing was convened to allow the public and experts to express concerns regarding the incineration and handling of solid waste, providing a structured forum for discussion that superseded public comment sections of regular County Council meetings. Key topics included the history of the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority, its current operations, and regulatory compliance with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Discussions also covered the current contracts for waste disposal, including processing trash at the Covanta resource facility and sending residue to the Rolling Hills landfill. Further points addressed the role of the County Recycling Coordinator, the management of recycling programs across municipalities, and the handling of hazardous waste collection events. A significant part of the discussion focused on scenarios and financial implications related to the upcoming April 2022 contract renewal for waste processing, specifically exploring alternatives to the current arrangement with Covanta, such as diverting all trash to the Rolling Hills landfill, which would impact tipping fees, revenue from ash disposal, and landfill capacity life.

The meeting centered on the potential allocation of the county's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, totaling just over $110 million. Key discussion points included allowable uses for the funds, which must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and expended by December 31, 2026. The presentation outlined already committed funds, such as allocations for the county health department startup and ongoing COVID-19 operations, and workforce development. Proposed allocations included significant funding for estimated revenue loss, three years of cost-sharing for the county health department, economic recovery initiatives (like small business development and credential transfer programs), criminal justice reform (including funding for a gun violence reduction unit in the District Attorney's office), and investments in water/sewer/broadband infrastructure. The need to prioritize one-time startup costs over funding ongoing operational expenses was emphasized, though exceptions were noted for the health department and ongoing COVID response.