Mayor's Message 12/15/2021

Mayor’s Message
December 15, 2021   

Good evening. 

I want to start off by saying a very sincere ‘Thank you’ to all of the Councilmembers, Department Heads, Community Organizations, and residents who participated in our various community meetings, toy drives, clean-up events, and much more. Special thanks to Superintendent Bernhardt, Chief Sawyer, Councilors Blackwell, Siddique, Tunis Jr., and to the 69th St. Wildcats, and again, everyone who made these events possible and successful. The holidays are always a busy and stressful time and the more we can come together and help each other the stronger we will all be as a community. 

This past week we also received the final Strategic Management Report regarding the Township’s financial status and future that was started under the previous administration and funded by the State Department of Community and Economic Development. This important report has been discussed previously and the final has been distributed to Council for their review. This report is intended to be the first step in a process where-in the DCED will help provide and find funding for future investments in Upper Darby. However, the report also contains some sobering information and some serious recommendations. It discusses the fact that our fund balance has been rapidly decreasing over the past 5 or so budget cycles and it outlines how our expenses are rapidly outpacing our revenues largely due to our contractually mandated personnel costs and our largest in the State $300 million+ post employment benefits liability. If we are to successfully navigate these challenges and to receive the funding and help we need from the State we must act on at least some of their recommendations. 

That is why tonight we are holding a public hearing on Ordinance 3105, which will generate much needed revenue through a modification of the already existing realty transfer tax. The proposed new levy will be 1.5% and the revenue will be split evenly between the Upper Darby School District and the Township. Previously, the Township did not share any of the revenue from this tax and if the proposed ordinance had been in place over the past ten years the Township would have collected over $16 million. Needless to say, those funds would have gone a long way toward improving the financial condition of the Township and lives of our Upper Darby residents. 

Another important piece of legislation being discussed this evening is the Responsible Contractor Ordinance. This ordinance will ensure that any publicly funded project in our Township will have only the best trained, most qualified contractors providing the best value and service for the tax dollars being invested here. As you may recall, last year my administration proposed an ambitious capital improvement plan for the Township and this ordinance will go a long way toward making sure that only the highest quality work is done for our residents. I support both of these ordinances and I urge Council to join me in supporting them for the betterment of our community. 

Speaking of bettering our community, I also continue to support the School Districts plans to improve and modernize their facilities and I would like to thank the team from the Beverly Hills Middle School land development project for joining us tonight to give a presentation. Our partnership with the School Board and Administration continues to be strong and I want to applaud and thank them for continuing to make important investments in our community and our children’s future.   

I am asking all residents to remember that the current version of the trash and recycling schedule includes the month of January 2022. We will be mailing the 2022 trash and recycling schedule to Upper Darby residents next month and it will continue to include more and better information for all residents on a wide variety of topics and Township services. 

Looking forward, On Saturday, December 18, the 69th Street Wildcats organization is collecting canned food and unopened toys from 10 am to noon at the 69th Street Recreation Area, and the Zakat Foundation of America will be giving away winter items at the 69th Street Terminal, starting at 3 pm.

There are three COVID-19 vaccine clinics happening in Upper Darby this week: the first is tomorrow from 4 to 7 pm at the 69th Street Terminal. Then there are two on Friday, December 17: one at the Upper Darby Islamic Center from 2 to 5 pm, and the other at the Watkins Senior Center from 2 to 7 pm. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself and those around you. All children age 5 years and older are eligible to be vaccinated, and booster shots are available for everyone age 18 years and older who has been fully vaccinated. To find a vaccine location near you, please call 484-276-2100 or visit www.delcopa.gov/vax.  

Thank you and have a good evening.