Chester council approves first reading of towing ordinance, OKs trail maintenance deal and trash consultant amendment; festival contract tabled

Chester City Council on March 12 approved three measures related to public works, grants and trash collection procurement and tabled a proposed $20,000 entertainment contract for an upcoming community festival.

The council passed on first reading a new 20‑page ordinance to regulate vehicle impoundment and towing in the city, approved a written maintenance and operation agreement tied to $750,000 in trail grants for the Crozer Park section of the Chester Creek Trail, and voted to amend an existing agreement with Mid Atlantic Solid Waste Consultants LLC (MSW Consultants) to add professional assistance in preparing the city’s curbside trash collection procurement. A separate resolution to authorize a contract with Dre Shaw Entertainment Group for an artist at the City of Chester Peace, Love and Unity Festival in an amount not to exceed $20,000 was tabled after questions about event details and funding.

The towing ordinance (Bill 1) was moved and seconded on first reading; council members expressed support for updating the city’s existing four‑page towing rules into a more detailed ordinance that will define towing terms and set the framework for a later RFP to select a towing contractor. The council noted the ordinance requires a second reading before it becomes law.

Council also approved a maintenance and operation agreement with the Chester Economic Development Authority (CETA) tied to two grants: $250,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program and $500,000 from Delaware County’s Greenways Municipal Grant Program. The resolution states CETA will manage grant development while the city will be responsible for periodic inspection and ongoing maintenance once the Crozer Park section is constructed.

On trash collection procurement, the council amended its November 2024 agreement with MSW Consultants (Mid Atlantic Solid Waste Consultants LLC) to add consultation services to help modify the city’s procurement package for curbside trash collection services. MSW Consultants previously performed a route optimization study; the amendment notes the new work will focus on drafting bid specifications and improving the city’s procurement documents to attract competitive responses when the contract expires at the end of the year.

Council took up a resolution authorizing a contract with Dre Shaw Entertainment Group for an artist at the Peace, Love and Unity Festival for up to $20,000 but, after questions about the event budget, artist identification and how much of the city’s special events funds would be used, a motion to table the resolution passed (three yes, two no). Councilmembers asked that festival details be presented to the recreation committee and called for clearer information about the total festival cost and fundraising/sponsorship plans before approving the contract.

Votes at a glance - Bill 1 (first reading): Ordinance enacting new Article 5-19 (impoundment/junk vehicles) — first reading passed (vote recorded as yes by council during roll call). Second reading required. - R32: Approval of maintenance and operation agreement for Crozer Park section of Chester Creek Trail (authorizes mayor or designee to execute) — approved. - R33: Amendment to MSW Consultants agreement to add professional consultation for curbside trash procurement (contingent on city solicitor review) — approved. - R34: Authorize agreement with Dre Shaw Entertainment Group for festival artist (not to exceed $20,000; subject to solicitor approval) — motion to table passed; underlying resolution remains tabled pending more information.

Council members said the towing ordinance and revised towing rules are needed before the city issues an RFP for towing services. Officials also emphasized that the Crozer Park maintenance agreement is a condition of grant funding and will help ensure the trail is inspected and maintained after construction.

The council meeting agenda included additional committee reports and public comments; councilmen and staff said more detail on the festival and the proposed towing/towing‑contract RFP will come to committees for review before final approvals.