[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6084951,"mediaKeyId","2906862-0d900c18a5f01b5f903f17cc64e07139","parentId",2906862,"title","Committee discusses tariffs, supply-chain risks and potential budget impacts; staff asked to prepare contingencies","audioSeconds",506,"startMs",4286000,"endMs",4792000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906862-0d900c18a5f01b5f903f17cc64e07139&start=4286&end=4792","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906862-0d900c18a5f01b5f903f17cc64e07139/thumbnail_4286000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6084951/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Committee-discusses-tariffs-supply-chain-risks-and-potential-budget-impacts-staff-asked-to-prepare-contingencies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084951-3cbe2bd4784d1b2cd7086fe81756368d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161158&Signature=WVKxzJCu-iSKcpzEIC1Xif9qVNmvJU4nA0hKjD4Wg7b~a8ECdUQi4Do-HRJeHlgl-wiabUv2AQQmtew6ndR4MvnOKQo93KZcw90uoWrVgMH6DHncAunk7YZ9grhWYayrzALaObAUkYuPhxCBtF4ko-wQdimHKr2IR2z39tHqR1-dAsviZuTw-wRsKmvJ4hoMBntMRMXFw8wTqzVaE3oYAkiZYJiqdHw35UaJBJLWr9jJWWmcVeAzobe8x8HHBD-w6kmOdlnOcQGkaRvnHxQyLIj50~GkEQO21JpoB9rWgNx2c0-WxWm0IkiWfuLNmHoB~Tweuhw1ohc115WvWL6WjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Borough of West Chester, PA","date","2025-04-09T01:14:24Z","article","Committee members discussed the potential local impacts of national tariff and trade disruptions and urged borough staff to prepare for increased costs in procurement, energy and pension funding volatility. Council member Bridal McGinnis said the borough should begin contingency planning now for higher infrastructure and vehicle costs, potential increases in chemicals used by wastewater treatment and uncertain grant funding.

Public Works Chair Bernie Flynn (public comment) noted suppliers may declare force majeure and that lead times and prices for commodity chemicals and materials are volatile. Flynn recommended departments rank high‑use, high‑cost disposable items and explore locking in prices where possible. Committee members discussed buying local, working with the business improvement district (BID) and chamber of commerce to support resilience for small businesses and to limit exposure to foreign‑sourced supply disruptions.

Councilors also noted the municipal pension could face investment losses from market volatility; McGinnis pointed to a year‑to‑date market decline as relevant to next year’s fiscal planning. Committee members framed the discussion as an early planning exercise and asked department heads to provide more detailed risk assessments to inform the 2026 budget.

Ending: Staff will return with departmental analyses of vulnerable supplies and suggested budgetary contingencies; no formal budget changes were voted at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","ACT - April 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Committee members discussed national tariff and trade developments that could drive up municipal procurement costs, urged department heads to identify vulnerable supplies, and asked staff to consider contingencies for next year’s budget and pension funding impacts.","taxTitle","West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania","taxId",71483,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084956,"Committee directs solicitor to correct code language referencing International Code Council certification",248,3777000,4025000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906862-0d900c18a5f01b5f903f17cc64e07139&start=3777&end=4025","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906862-0d900c18a5f01b5f903f17cc64e07139/thumbnail_3777000.jpg","/articles/6084956/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Committee-directs-solicitor-to-correct-code-language-referencing-International-Code-Council-certification","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084956-a85a98d8c34f47373e7f63ee0593346a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161158&Signature=fDZ3q-FWp0XakpIv9qMQTqg2NlYSzILBmI6VHlw68kCzxItDJmHZtvaVdnoiBWWC7iQS0AtmNrJH1U0dM9MndP9rEA0fHrVGsuSA8HS7sp5~J7gFGIXez9WUxacIjz4Hzw1M5cF6j3beS0cgH3lZ~borMyuvyOPgoPmY3nAt1-Nzm7SzOay2T~2VnVrn765lmH66GJ5fiB7qyuQErzcAqdCesxD9s~u9o~5Yk7qQep96AI4xgbndSyIdtwe4N5rKMdTdi3vvQhWVipEH80rrr8Gvgq2mA~2S~vL9cWqNZxcz9-x8pyrxmvmMrFkJzao2i7SiHwTvvahNNdAUQexs-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee voted to direct the borough solicitor to amend multiple code sections (electrical, mechanical/HVAC, plumbing) to correct language that currently implies the International Code Council (ICC) issues licenses. Staff and council members agreed the ICC provides examinations and certifications; the borough issues licenses.

Council President McCoy and staff recommended a simple revision to the license clause. The existing language read, in part, that an individual performing trade work must “have a valid license from the International Code Council.” The proposed correction is to require proof of successful ICC examination or proof of ICC certification as the standard used by the borough to issue local licenses, rather than saying ICC issues the license itself.

Committee members agreed the change will clarify that the borough issues licenses while recognizing ICC certifications as qualifying credentials. The clerk recorded the committee vote as 3‑0‑2 in favor of directing the solicitor to draft the ordinance amendments.

Ending: The solicitor will prepare revised ordinance language for the three trades (electrical, HVAC/mechanical, plumbing) and return the draft for committee and council consideration.","The committee voted 3‑0‑2 to ask the solicitor to revise borough code language that incorrectly states the International Code Council issues licenses; the suggested wording will reference ICC examination or certification rather than licensing.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084961,"CISO reports routine cybersecurity activity; committee reviews lease-to-own audio upgrade for council chambers",4285,45000,4330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906862-0d900c18a5f01b5f903f17cc64e07139&start=45&end=4330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906862-0d900c18a5f01b5f903f17cc64e07139/thumbnail_45000.jpg","/articles/6084961/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/CISO-reports-routine-cybersecurity-activity-committee-reviews-lease-to-own-audio-upgrade-for-council-chambers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084961-b0f45554f039bf74c1ad90162dc73c1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161158&Signature=ZAH50KFICB3j9xnJsV5xRJX~g04eM0E0W4OMUakMn4BWzmwP946iA0xmtErvbXNhZZ0X7QQffICZrODtWlJqp5OATfcEw2ALRz2Nc2kMGvoTSsZoAKpKrAF3OJ9N~Pu1fdmBT0z4vfyQnlcpzbJ62OcSvzNq6Bi4IFNvCcnewuaek05gM7fQHJHBBkXPD3UkH7jX2dz-RL37qm0VyDCwAVVJqx7pWfbiIYy2cVnEGNRjPRL0WvLQ6nOzuI~TI690zHqr7JGG~JlYm4~jjTAy-WM6kuB~7sR7VRnxqQlX-hS0p6U6EYji9hB3XHOr-g~ruJQaLvUQFO9~ypdF6pooIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bill (borough CISO) reported routine IT operations and security work: help desk volume (68 tickets last month), internal and external penetration testing completed with results to follow, work on Axon camera integration for police body and in‑car video, ongoing workstation upgrades, and a planned Windows 11 migration deadline of Oct. 25. He said staff are building a new agenda/meeting center with CivicPlus and are monitoring streaming analytics for Facebook and YouTube.

Under new business Bill presented a capital project to replace aging council‑chamber audio equipment. He said the existing manufacturer no longer supports the line and parts are unavailable. The proposed replacement uses Audio Technica equipment: hardware cost of approximately $22,080, $12,000 for installation, and a one‑year warranty/service; because the committee had only $15,000 budgeted, staff proposed a three‑year lease-to-own with roughly $12,004 annual lease payments and a $1 buyout at the end of year three. Bill estimated a useful equipment life of seven to ten years and said the system would expand wireless microphone capacity (from two to four simultaneous wireless mics) and replace worn components in the rack.

Committee members asked about disposal or resale of the old equipment; staff said the borough would investigate reuse in other meeting rooms or resale to other organizations that still operate the legacy system. Bill also described cybersecurity training metrics (no clicks on simulated phishing in the last period), automated email protections that blocked suspicious messages, and an uptick in staff reporting suspicious messaging (54 reports).

Ending: The committee endorsed taking the audio project to the May finance committee with a purchase order request; no final capital appropriation was approved at the committee meeting. The CISO will provide the penetration test report and schedule follow-up for the Windows 11 migration and Axon integration.","The borough CISO summarized monthly IT work including penetration testing, Windows 11 upgrades and analytics; committee reviewed a $34,000 audio system replacement with a three‑year lease-to-own option to replace obsolete microphones and receivers.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084966,"Public criticizes HR after payroll errors, $92,000 workers'compensation audit bill; HR director defends quarter figures",711,291000,1002000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906862-0d900c18a5f01b5f903f17cc64e07139&start=291&end=1002","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906862-0d900c18a5f01b5f903f17cc64e07139/thumbnail_291000.jpg","/articles/6084966/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Public-criticizes-HR-after-payroll-errors-92000-workerscompensation-audit-bill-HR-director-defends-quarter-figures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084966-3fb09972c46d6a6a65de18a05f916067/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161158&Signature=m8yeflHHB0bz52WWJdQg3wdc~osuawGkKQxojxDOvwTAqKUUDjWDaW278FsZqDDq9o4T1KXfpJI9WUiRotM9qVmwUe09Dw9MpKtUoKSGgOfEuCJAYySLgK8TxfZoPZdJoGYU-tjaqyAiNCe8gbQzMsZ4cxgiIAHr7ma14asDT0yg0VZcNg6C0UluArNIp8BBXHWC-0SKDT5ZyrrcPeWgE~WUi-h2FQBdvnFhOkeJzuncYC2vmc1it2B-2KMgE~wVdyXMa13k~kwIWYRqKmUaPVoAI7I3e8rFVIJOHq6E1tk05c4KapaTY52kF3BxkqJt3-bj4AOavUWmh4GbYblWnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","John Krauser, the borough HR director, presented the quarterly human resources report, outlining benefit participation, first‑quarter costs and staffing metrics. Krauser said 83.9% of employees participate in the borough’s Highmark Blue Shield medical plan and reported first‑quarter medical costs of $691,105 and an HSA total of $268,002.50. He reported a total headcount of 136, one new hire in the first quarter, and a turnover rate of less than 1% year-to-date.

During public comment, Ernie (Ernie) Flynn, a Ward 6 council member and resident, raised multiple concerns he said were missing from the report. Flynn said many blue‑collar employees received longevity pay combined in a single check this year without prior notice, pushing some into a higher tax bracket and leaving employees with smaller-than-expected net pay. He also said 1099‑R retirement forms were issued incorrectly for the second time, requiring reissue. Most prominently, Flynn said the borough had just paid a $92,000 workers' compensation audit bill that he described as “a colossal mistake” arising from inaccurate payroll numbers provided to the carrier.

Council members asked for clarification. Borough staff (Mr. Metrick) declined to respond in detail at the meeting but offered to address the issues at an upcoming work session where accounting records could be reviewed. Sean/Metrick acknowledged there is documentation and suggested further explanation would be provided in a work session.

Krauser’s report also included other benefits details: dental participation (~110 employees), vision participation (~111 employees), retirement plan counts (44 uniformed, 47 non‑uniformed, 91 total on the pension plan), pension labor cost figures ($3,283,004.33 for the year to date) and low participation in voluntary training (10–12%). Krauser said demographic self‑identification fields were left blank on the report because 59% of employees opted not to provide demographic data.

Ending: Committee members accepted the report and scheduled follow-up in a work session. Borough staff said they will provide further documentation and explanation regarding the payroll, 1099‑R reissues and the workers’ compensation audit payment at a more detailed finance or work session review. No formal disciplinary or contractual actions were taken at the committee meeting.","Council heard an HR quarterly report that showed headcount, benefits costs and low turnover. Public commenters and a council member challenged apparent payroll and 1099‑R errors and a $92,000 audit payment for workers' compensation; the borough said staff will address the issues in a work session.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084971,"Council directs solicitor to add commuter-rail language to Westchester branch lease; tourist railroad supporters press for longer sublease",1496,1132000,2628000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906862-0d900c18a5f01b5f903f17cc64e07139&start=1132&end=2628","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906862-0d900c18a5f01b5f903f17cc64e07139/thumbnail_1132000.jpg","/articles/6084971/West-Chester/Chester-County/Pennsylvania/Council-directs-solicitor-to-add-commuter-rail-language-to-Westchester-branch-lease-tourist-railroad-supporters-press-for-longer-sublease","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084971-d0953453e83d869436c6f2acd5a6c9b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161158&Signature=I7EKGdtlapLyN~VOb37BIwVscIbVwpcJPHVM5~dOTjd3eOHlZIU~bPs~ztk0e9usE0qC9oyPi7nXCPlasvaibPmLhu09B87TeRX0JkT5crrw-ce04qCWCMRvZOIo-brZ2el7iTsXjSLzHs4~NOeEeotGSLkdxxthuNodxC1gKfA1F4N8FfOOpjSYoNx4KjRrw-OpylB4OxRD7~i8r6Th6icRr8hFL0MS-eqStFCUqAwi1NpnsthrjoJUGPva4LMLTYSuqDGKDIzBRXsjbIyQ7LRfqPvjY5k3ukwmxMEWfuXatlgv84xLAcB02AEHfkkRzgpcV68RLX~O~n5egf4RPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Westchester Borough’s Administration, Communication and Technology Committee voted to direct the borough solicitor to draft lease language that would permit additional passenger operators, including commuter rail service, on the SEPTA-owned Westchester branch while explicitly protecting the existing tourist railroad.

The committee discussion centered on proposed changes to the borough’s lease with SEPTA and a sublease to the volunteer-operated Westchester Railroad (doing business as 4 States Railway). Committee Chair Bridal Travis said the goal is to “allow the option to include commuter service” while preserving tourist-train operations. He asked the solicitor to prepare language for the work session so attorneys can revise the draft lease.

The issue prompted extended public comment from volunteers and nonprofit leaders who operate the historic, volunteer-run tourist train and from members of the Rail Restoration Committee. Derek Slipher, who identified himself as representing Westchester Railroad and as a SEPTA locomotive engineer, said the proposed language “changes the trajectory of the entire lease” and urged the committee to engage operators early. Tyler Haney, president of the Westchester Railroad Heritage Association, and other volunteers said the organization needs a multi‑year term to pursue roughly $300,000 in grant applications and to justify capital fundraising for Glen Mills Station.

Speakers including Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste and council members stressed two goals: not to jeopardize the historic tourist operation’s fundraising and to keep options open for future commuter service. Several volunteers and council members warned that repeated rework of lease language could require additional rounds of review by SEPTA and slow or end the borough’s agreement with SEPTA if the parties cannot reach terms.

Committee members and public speakers also pointed to existing clauses in the current lease that allow SEPTA to recapture the premises for public transit purposes (recapture and ownership clauses were cited during testimony), and volunteers emphasized that SEPTA approval will be required for any change affecting operations.

On next steps, the committee agreed to place the matter on next week’s work session agenda for solicitor direction and to notify Westchester Railroad about extending the existing sublease for one year so operations can continue while negotiations proceed. Council staff said the borough anticipates exercising a one‑year renewal option with SEPTA by June 30; final ratification will occur at the borough council meeting.

Votes and formal approvals were not taken at the committee meeting on a long-term sublease; several commenters urged a 10–15 year term to support fundraising. Committee members repeatedly cautioned that operational approval for a second passenger operator would be determined by SEPTA, not the borough.

Ending: The committee’s direction to the solicitor is procedural: draft clear lease language that (1) explicitly preserves the historic/tourist railroad and (2) permits language to allow additional passenger operators, including commuter rail, subject to SEPTA approval and any operational constraints. The item will return to the work session and then to full council for formal action and any ratification needed to execute the lease and sublease.

","Westchester Borough committee agreed to ask the solicitor to draft lease language allowing commuter rail use on the SEPTA-owned Westchester branch and to explicitly protect the existing tourist railroad; volunteers and nonprofit operators urged a multiyear sublease so they can seek grant funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee discusses tariffs, supply-chain risks and potential budget impacts; staff asked to prepare contingencies

Committee directs solicitor to correct code language referencing International Code Council certification

CISO reports routine cybersecurity activity; committee reviews lease-to-own audio upgrade for council chambers

Public criticizes HR after payroll errors, $92,000 workers'compensation audit bill; HR director defends quarter figures

Council directs solicitor to add commuter-rail language to Westchester branch lease; tourist railroad supporters press for longer sublease