Kennett Library Director addresses name change, building plans
By Kris Firey-Poling, Correspondent, The Times
Donna Murray, Director of the Kennett Public Library, updates Pennsbury’s board of supervisors and residents of library happenings, Wednesday night.
PENNSBURY — Township residents James and Lula Mae Sears received the Township Distinguished Service Award at Wednesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
According to Supervisors Chair Scotty Scottoline, the couple has been actively involved in the township community since moving to the area in 1994.
“Lula Mae’s contributions included researching and recording data for township properties, preparing records for annual audits, and setting up filing systems. Jim’s work included organizing financial records, long-term planning for capital projects, and elected auditor and Zoning Hearing Board member,” said Scottoline.
Vice-Chairman Aaron McIntyre added that he would often observe the Sears’ working at the office first thing in the morning, demonstrating their devotion to the township.
This is only the third service award ever given to township residents. In past years, Susan Hauser and Robert Candell received this honor.
Avoiding the spotlight, the couple was not in attendance. However, the resolution of recognition was signed, and their names are now displayed on a plaque in the Harris Room.
The board of supervisors also approved three resolutions, pertaining to health insurance, personal property, and the Southeastern Chester County Refuse Authority (SECCRA).
The township’s amended personnel policy will now give an allowance to employees who reject township health insurance and choose to go onto their partner’s plan. According to Solicitor Tom Oeste, this will save the township thousands of dollars. The supervisors agreed as long as it did not interfere with the Affordable Care Act regulations.
The personal property resolution allows the manager to sell township items, then donate or trash any unsold items. Objects will be announced to residents 14 days prior to the sale. The decision was prompted by a recently vacated house with left and unwanted antiques.
Scott Mengle, General Manager of SECCRA, reviewed how his non-profit organization provides regional waste management to 24 local municipalities. Pennsbury, along with nine other townships, formed SECCRA many years ago. Mengle requested board approval to support SECCRA for another 50 years. Supervisors readily approved, jokingly saying they will see each other again in 2065.
In other items, Donna Murray, Director of the Kennett Public Library, presented a library update. She invited the group to come and see the newly renovated lobby area. Children and teens will be the focus of library activities this summer. At Friday night’s regular videogame club, 74 children attended.
Murray spoke of the recent (and controversial) library name change, from Bayard Taylor Memorial Library to Kennett Public Library.
“Changing the name was based upon many factors. It is a part of our rebranding, and we wanted our location in the name. This was staff initiated and board approved,” said Murray.
A new library is five years away, depending on funding. McIntyre added that the township pays its fair share of support. Murray said that she always uses Pennsbury as a model for other townships to follow.
Also, Manager Kathleen Howley reported that the township asked the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to complete a speed study on the 55 mph stretch of US-1 through Pennsbury, from The Gables to Parkersville Road. The township has received many complaints about drivers speeding in this area.
