[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,75,87,98],{"_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",6583008,"mediaKeyId","3123816-df6cced6d66f17b5c12a854b6daa1a96","parentId",3123816,"title","Votes at a glance: Chester council approves promotions, parcel consolidation, ARPA bid specs and William Penn grant application","audioSeconds",1073,"startMs",531000,"endMs",1604000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3123816-df6cced6d66f17b5c12a854b6daa1a96&start=531&end=1604","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3123816-df6cced6d66f17b5c12a854b6daa1a96/thumbnail_531000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6583008/Chester/Delaware-County/Pennsylvania/Votes-at-a-glance-Chester-council-approves-promotions-parcel-consolidation-ARPA-bid-specs-and-William-Penn-grant-application","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583008-73e1ec16d80ffaa35004a543b6ee37c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136775&Signature=PITwrxfNjHyHY7-ZJlWuf3lu8R10V7gVuCP7cUz73D3NrRo7RW2S5c-GYOTmBguG2b3ocLnKiwgNXiJrUZJWd4vz4qbfz95CVe4eaazYn2Upi5E0TqGllXjSDl263Bu8vGdzuc3JGMbaVVMXXDMpAoJWgp4eawGZ3ceHp3199gBE8~SNEb3hpudrVIu7HGNbt0V1v66G6NSMyiP0LUFvH75jAusMAFHC9B~W~Bu7rGqhRo7bSF6uQPqblR7-b-JklLf4zlvRlxFmCUveP-neMBd~g6v09QSrsEGrdKlhfMd-79c5627mEX~Ya7EMdUnNYkLv7qJOyjkji7TXndKGCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Chester, PA","date","2025-04-25T14:34:21.637Z","article","The Chester City Council took several formal votes Wednesday. Councilors voted unanimously on a series of routine and substantive resolutions: approval of minutes from April 9; promotions within the Chester Police Department; final subdivision/consolidation approval for private parcels; authorization to advertise PinBid specifications for an ARPA-funded public works garage project; and authorization to submit a grant application to the William Penn Foundation.

Votes at a glance

- Minutes, April 9: Motion to approve minutes carried (unanimous).

- Police promotions: The council adopted a resolution promoting four patrol officers to corporal and/or detective in the Chester Police Department, effective April 28, 2025, with a 90-day probationary period and salary as provided in the annual appropriation ordinance. Named in the resolution were Leon Mack; Mark Barrack; Brian Berger; and Kevin Schiller. The oath of office and public swearing followed the vote.

- Parcel consolidation (1301 Honan Street / 0 Keystone Road): Per recommendations of the Chester City Planning Commission (04/09/2025) and Delaware County Planning Commission (04/17/2025), council granted final approval to consolidate two parcels owned by Jeffrey Then and Liza Morales (folio numbers in resolution) into a single parcel, conditioned on addressing outstanding comments in Collier's engineering review letter dated 04/04/2025 and the planning and zoning director's review dated 03/31/2025.

- ARPA-funded public works garage: Council authorized the city official to prepare specifications and advertise on PinBid for a multiple-prime contract to construct a public works garage, salt shed and parking canopy funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) project number 27, with an expected completion no later than December 31, 2026.

- William Penn Foundation grant application: Council authorized submission of a grant application to the William Penn Foundation for approximately $2,500,000 to support lead risk assessments, lead remediation, and air-quality initiatives in Chester. The resolution states the grant requires no municipal match and authorized the mayor or his designee to execute the application.

All votes reported in the meeting transcript were recorded as yes from Councilors Gibson Williams, Green, West, Davis and Mayor Ruth.

Ending: Several of the items are contingent on follow-up steps (solicitor review for contracts, engineering comments for the parcel). Staff said they will return with executed documents or implementation plans as tasks are completed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Chester City Council Regular Meeting | April 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its April 23 meeting the Chester City Council approved minutes, promoted four police officers, granted final parcel consolidation for a private property, authorized specifications to advertise an ARPA-funded public works garage bid, and authorized applying to the William Penn Foundation for approximately $2.5 million.","taxTitle","Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania","taxId",64857,"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},6583012,"Chester's license-and-inspections ramps up enforcement: 101 violations in April, dozens of vehicles towed",216,2460000,2676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3123816-df6cced6d66f17b5c12a854b6daa1a96&start=2460&end=2676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3123816-df6cced6d66f17b5c12a854b6daa1a96/thumbnail_2460000.jpg","/articles/6583012/Chester/Delaware-County/Pennsylvania/Chesters-license-and-inspections-ramps-up-enforcement-101-violations-in-April-dozens-of-vehicles-towed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583012-7893554c12b372baec532925fbbbb98b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136775&Signature=ip0liPZ~eqwqe58nMb3KBHggG6iFj3HEfxwgBU5nunl32VvZ7BRPzBkmMbW6f4m7w1EA08meg9jnrhXCLxEm69S3kgILNUiQ9wkfJav3EjIKFIM~mMm3Is~~lSKCeNh4g363~umpIwD4hm~ZKpIo46ASEN2PmrTTp5iVSDO1~WNNaigS6vQaKgZHIW-H9yDGqUgvvv1DspSVqXr2we2ZMXX~FbMQCiz9p6C3Rf6ZaDtMd7BS~M8Z1GtxSM1STnObXLWLk~nwljfaPD4BrVDZ1WvF~fHHWHTxZghhbyurRw9cyn3DDViR1v7HKORZVAmdVS8XCemz2-p2XKx1CaAzSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Andrew Hayman, interim director of the Department of License & Inspections (L&I), told the City Council on April 23 that the department identified 57 violations in March and 101 violations so far in April, including roughly 23 stop-work orders for work conducted without permits. Hayman said the department towed at least 16 abandoned vehicles from city or ceded properties in the past month, compared with 17–18 vehicles identified over the preceding 15 months.

Hayman described a broader cleanup push: new abandoned-vehicle warning stickers will be placed on vehicles citywide and staff will pursue what he described as \"low-hanging fruit\" first — vehicles that are clearly disabled (flat tires, broken glass, expired registration) or hazards that have been sitting for years. \"If you need assistance moving your vehicle, there are instructions on that form of how to contact us,\" Hayman said, adding his staff will work with residents to avoid improper removals.

Hayman also reported that the city sent notices to rental-property owners with delinquent rental-license and registration fees. He cited a delinquent population of about 5,700 registration items that together represent roughly $1 million in unpaid revenue; staff said the number was falling as payments are processed. Hayman and council members said increased reporting from residents is driving more inspections and enforcement.

Ending: Council members praised the cross-department effort, and officials said the program will continue with coordination among L&I, Police and Public Works. Residents were asked to report violations to help the department identify problem sites more quickly.","Interim L&I director Andrew Hayman reported increased enforcement activity, including 101 violations in April so far, 23 stop-work orders and at least 16 towed abandoned vehicles; city also sent notices to rental-property owners over delinquent registration fees representing roughly $1 million in revenue.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583018,"Chester awards summer food contract at $18.50 per meal; new parks coordinator introduced",0,1661000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3123816-df6cced6d66f17b5c12a854b6daa1a96&start=1661&end=1661","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3123816-df6cced6d66f17b5c12a854b6daa1a96/thumbnail_1661000.jpg","/articles/6583018/Chester/Delaware-County/Pennsylvania/Chester-awards-summer-food-contract-at-1850-per-meal-new-parks-coordinator-introduced","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583018-1b238944c6e7b77b6c528e4600b40518/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136775&Signature=SXAxpMrwiUVzRLm73vYGUzzogkJA1mpsqp0-aY-Bqp3Xcn3RHqMw3UngSwkQm4mz4Uh3qfzZjwIkbSEIGqgoAQ8glXnfda~dDT6sVcn~s1K~uWRRFmyay77Y2jAcV7GEdkBrzfGLxHG0OEyKepC1bcfd-SV-LUqUtzHmqvHSbLJZDCzO3TXMCdze1ZRWvRYp29b43aL~MR19Jzsds1lM54Y7eTKuOuMxegvg8jPrd~nRKw0~VsW725-kayndcpkPBhdaX7i2syXDNXo2uDrYUNZ6beCMW25wqD8scT-8DXoOHr~EYCCd2bkCe4Hi1QNagHj3yM0hJFqEfTEyXN1lYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chester City Council voted Wednesday to award the city's 2025 Summer Food Services Program contract to Walnut Street Deli at a rate not to exceed $18.50 per unitized meal. The resolution says the contract is contingent on final review and approval by the city solicitor and estimates a season cost of $67,839.50 based on last summer's volume of 3,667 unitized meals.

Council members and staff discussed the high per-meal cost during debate and said the city will seek more competitive pricing next year. A council member noted the Pennsylvania Department of Education reimbursements for a summer meal are about $5 per meal, leaving the city to subsidize roughly $13 per meal at the contract price. No change to the awarded contractor was made; the resolution passed unanimously.

The meeting also included a public introduction of Crystal Burrell as the city's new Parks and Recreation coordinator. Burrell, a longtime Chester resident and event planner, told the council she will focus on programming for children, teens, adults and seniors and welcomed ideas from residents. \"The parks and recs department is super excited for this season,\" Burrell said. \"Please come to me if you guys have any ideas for programming.\"

City officials said the summer meals program is complex to run under state rules, and past bids or supplier failures have led to missed seasons. Staff and council pledged to begin procurement earlier next year and to explore alternatives to reduce the city's per-meal subsidy while expanding participation.

Ending: The contract award is contingent on solicitor review. Officials said the Parks & Recreation office will help coordinate outreach to increase participation and work earlier on next year's procurement to reduce per-meal costs.","City council awarded the summer food services program to Walnut Street Deli at $18.50 per unitized meal (estimated $67,839.50 based on 2024 volumes) and introduced new Parks & Recreation coordinator Crystal Burrell, who council said will help expand programming and outreach.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583023,"Chester mayor declares local emergency as Crozer Hospital begins closure; council approves emergency authority",4521,2140000,6661000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3123816-df6cced6d66f17b5c12a854b6daa1a96&start=2140&end=6661","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3123816-df6cced6d66f17b5c12a854b6daa1a96/thumbnail_2140000.jpg","/articles/6583023/Chester/Delaware-County/Pennsylvania/Chester-mayor-declares-local-emergency-as-Crozer-Hospital-begins-closure-council-approves-emergency-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583023-854df20cf2fcdf9b44726a29bba9b2a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136775&Signature=FR7hF~gIg5igLKt8pQQW9onJE4t4TVkZfE~RNRQRelHxsQdqwZswcnRoON3QAxrPslyMipjiQDZ6n-H5J7X4WQuhrnT4dXE8JGgolNnt6RJQsRnqRno8lz5rzHn2gmVcwY9yw5AaP7la7iI9jH5A4dVSKEEmZqwRJfcjB1tlNDWtOZPU4YVcV08VKG4l~nkJjEhAESRhBnhnig95Ykflj7SXEfIEKV5yUcpHKZDztj3pywrAkZnYEYm38Si3gcSpvXSF1Mf8KKh4s3ackJbRswLYqij9rwCOyNdc8B-6wT98lxESoWS2EJR3wuXkrnVdBFypkaLJgFyiQ~v5KeGwfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Ruth declared a local emergency Wednesday, April 23, after Prospect Medical Holdings and its affiliates advised that Crozer Hospital System would begin winding down operations and that emergency medical services (EMS) at the hospital would be affected beginning at 8 a.m. the same day. The City Council voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to use emergency procurement and response authorities.

The declaration, passed by resolution, cites authority in 35 Pa. C.S.A. § 7501 and the Chester Home Rule Charter § 304 to permit the city to \"take all actions as may be authorized without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law\" related to public work, contracts, temporary hires, equipment rental and emergency spending.

The action matters because Crozer EMS historically provided a large share of ambulance coverage for Delaware County. John Paul Shirley, Chester's fire commissioner, told the council that Crozer EMS makes up roughly 51% of EMS capacity in the county and that the hospital's emergency department was on divert while staff were stabilizing and arranging transport for patients. \"If you call 911, an ambulance will show up,\" Shirley said, but he warned longer transport times and a potential \"domino effect\" as neighboring systems absorb calls.

Council members voted in favor without recorded opposition. The resolution gives the mayor authority to execute contracts and incur obligations as part of emergency response; the resolution text also states the city intends to activate response and recovery aspects of local emergency plans. No specific new contracts or expenditures were announced at the meeting.

Officials described an unfolding situation rather than a completed solution: Shirley and other staff said the timeline for Crozer EMS operations to cease countywide had been discussed internally with dates varying by source (May 2 or May 10 were mentioned). Council and staff said they were working with third parties and county partners to ensure no gap in 911 ambulance response, and that the city had asked dispatchers to use the fire department's quick-response capability where appropriate.

Mayor Ruth and city staff urged residents to watch for updated information on emergency service changes and to continue using 911 for medical emergencies. The council scheduled further briefings after the meeting and encouraged residents to follow announcements from city and county health and emergency-management officials.

Ending: The declaration gives Chester temporary authority to speed procurement and emergency actions if needed; council and staff said they would announce decisions about EMS providers and specific response contracts as agreements are reached.","Mayor Ruth declared a local emergency after Prospect Medical Holdings advised Crozer Hospital System would begin winding down operations; council voted to authorize emergency powers to allow quicker contracting and response as EMS services face disruption.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Chester council approves promotions, parcel consolidation, ARPA bid specs and William Penn grant application

Chester's license-and-inspections ramps up enforcement: 101 violations in April, dozens of vehicles towed

Chester awards summer food contract at $18.50 per meal; new parks coordinator introduced

Chester mayor declares local emergency as Crozer Hospital begins closure; council approves emergency authority