PRESS RELEASE - April 1, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2020

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Upper Darby Township Keeps Running Through Health Crisis

Mayor Keffer applauds Council and Staff for keeping government running during COVID-19.

Upper Darby, PA, April 1, 2020 - In these uncertain times Upper Darby Township has been able to take unprecedented steps to keep the government running during this crisis. Mayor Barbarann Keffer and Council President Laura Wentz share the goal of providing a sense of normalcy and stability for our residents during this public health crisis. Township Council’s March meeting was initially postponed but within a week, the Administration and Council were able to work together to hold their first virtual meeting on Wednesday, March 25th.

“We don’t know how long that this will last and it is important that Council and the Administration continue conducting regular business to serve the public. Upper Darby Township is the 6th largest municipality in Pennsylvania and we cannot afford to let this crisis stop us from providing critical services and operating to the best of our ability.” said Mayor Barbarann Keffer.

“At the virtual meeting on March 25th, Council voted to extend the 2% discount period on municipal taxes to April 30,” added Council President Wentz. “This is just one example of business that needs to take place despite the emergency.”

Upper Darby Township buildings remain closed to the public and staff are working on reduced or staggered schedules. All time sensitive operations continue including trash, recycling, and public safety. Residents can visit www.upperdarby.org/online to see a full list of online services that are now available. These services have never been available online before and also represent a significant advance for the Township and its residents in terms of both, everyday operations and emergency preparedness.

“Previous Councils and Administrations never faced this type of emergency or created any type of plan to deal with it. My team was able to move many services online in less than two weeks and put in place the technology to keep the government functioning. These are huge steps forward that make us all safer and more prepared for this and future emergencies,” said Mayor Keffer. “Now, in the normal course of business, a vote on Land Development is scheduled to come before Council. The Upper Darby School District has a plan to stop bussing our children outside of the district and we feel it is our job to give them the opportunity to come before Council.”

There will be a special meeting of Council immediately following the regularly scheduled 7pm Council Committee Meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Agendas for both meetings can be found at: www.upperdarby.org under “Scheduled Meetings.” Residents can view online at www.youtube.com/upperdarbytwp. Public Comment will be accepted at comments@upperdarby.org or 484-393-5861. Residents who are unable to view online can listen by phone by calling 646-749-3122 and using access code 660-650-701. Access to this phone line will not be available until 7 pm.

“There is a lot of important business before council this evening including Ordinances related to a critically needed fire inspection program and an update to the Property Maintenance code,” said Council President Wentz. “The resolution on the Aronimink Land Development is just one item on the agenda.”

Mayor Keffer, Township Council, and the Administration are working hard to keep this government running during this rapidly changing situation. We are “Upper Darby Strong” and will come through this crisis together. Our thoughts are with those afflicted with COVID-19 and their families. Do your part and #StopTheSpread and as always, stay calm, stay safe, and stay home.