Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge clarity on eCollect fees, building safety and crossing‑guard pay during Chester public comment
Summary
During public comment at the Feb. 11 council meeting, residents asked for more data on eCollect fees and rental‑registration charges, called for action on a dilapidated building at 502 Curlin Street near school bus stops, requested higher pay for crossing guards and reported missed recycling pickups and dangerous street conditions.
Several Chester residents used the Feb. 11 public‑comment period to press the council on fee transparency, housing safety and street services.
A landlord (speaker 6) asked council and the mayor to "set this aside and get more data" before extending or increasing payment to eCollect, arguing that Delaware County previously provided collection for less cost and that added collection fees would burden taxpayers. The speaker said he would pursue an open‑records request and asked the city to schedule a public meeting so landlords can get clarification; the clerk directed residents to the CFO and said the Community and Economic Development Department will schedule a meeting.
Alonzo Burton asked the city to inspect and demolish a hazardous building at 502 Curlin Street, saying the roof and brickwork are failing and children wait for school buses nearby. "This building is going to collapse with all the snow we just got," he said, urging immediate attention.
Alethea (speaker 13) requested hazard pay for crossing guards and described near‑misses on Holland Avenue where drivers do not stop for guards. She also reported a missed recycling pickup and asked how residents should dispose of unused blue recycling bins.
Other residents raised complaints about potholes and snow removal, questioned how tax dollars are spent on street work, and urged greater transparency around policing and public‑safety reporting. Amin Abdul Salim offered faith‑based remarks calling for unity and perseverance as the city works on improvement.
City staff said Community & Economic Development and finance departments will follow up with meetings to explain rental‑registration fees and the $25 charge referenced by commenters. The council recorded the passage of Resolution 19 (the eCollect cost schedule) earlier in the meeting and said staff will provide more information to residents.
