[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6635675,"mediaKeyId","2628396-a5ccb71b4b8865dbdcbecdcdf4764295","parentId",2628396,"title","Chester council approves first reading of towing ordinance, OKs trail maintenance deal and trash consultant amendment; festival contract tabled","audioSeconds",153,"startMs",1975000,"endMs",2128000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2628396-a5ccb71b4b8865dbdcbecdcdf4764295&start=1975&end=2128","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2628396-a5ccb71b4b8865dbdcbecdcdf4764295/thumbnail_1975000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6635675/Chester/Delaware-County/Pennsylvania/Chester-council-approves-first-reading-of-towing-ordinance-OKs-trail-maintenance-deal-and-trash-consultant-amendment-festival-contract-tabled","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635675-5bc1002c6897e6716e7069a72a2eda73/orig.mp4?Expires=1771129223&Signature=b-0H7PF41u0X1hJui~rc-p9F-ZdlEYx4w0z-tTOE-EYp6pqceFb2cfmRJXuRX~CmCdTJIfgrjbneQSQiAMIX2AvNz~U0lwdwUS4VypzN2NXF7RYZxttDA9IRfd98~EOoRX8iWPqPwd-e6wbHHthERnA~fJZ6zVoepcP7kRpxZTx4hmIARuBu45kNQpaClFvXL9CVY-zc4ybcmuosBrStGJy60NuA6Pg2fpGTAPCcLKCpp8jxPl3jnC~VdPKhFNzoXUUwMksl1gzbUU69uJEjY8yCrv9zyI2wjIYM0jwd1YmE9he5DXqfYzK8gnBGxn7dOi-D4I8ezAZdYmZGEU~q1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Chester, PA","date","2025-03-14T12:16:17.81Z","article","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.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Chester City Council Regular Meeting | March 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Chester City Council on March 12 approved on first reading a new towing ordinance, authorized a written maintenance agreement for the Crozer Park section of the Chester Creek Trail and amended a trash‑procurement contract with MSW Consultants; a $20,000 entertainment contract for the Peace, Love and Unity Festival was tabled.","taxTitle","Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania","taxId",64857,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6635663,"Chester council tables $20,000 artist contract for Peace, Love and Unity Festival amid budget questions",2079,466000,2545000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2628396-a5ccb71b4b8865dbdcbecdcdf4764295&start=466&end=2545","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2628396-a5ccb71b4b8865dbdcbecdcdf4764295/thumbnail_466000.jpg","/articles/6635663/Chester/Delaware-County/Pennsylvania/Chester-council-tables-20000-artist-contract-for-Peace-Love-and-Unity-Festival-amid-budget-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635663-7f2ca47ba8efb2908b7cc412ee42bdcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771129223&Signature=Jtcl2tRLWwyETcSGRcpOm~UG1YN3EYTB~SPflJDANDw~oV7COZIMYSH5U13rD4VfgQibCbpGyGhnMvQYMY86CphLdU55ynA1yXtLZgMjMtfovGQqZujx00Zju1OqjFQYOFSp7ono0fVMpXw-mnDMTHtgAWIQ-TLXb5CAFqJh4pj8a33tjqkdF2YJRhaT8v1QiwmshwJ1CUohsY6qTzLRae5nGaJeR~4Bs98-26vKimxerSaiQBcJKtmbg2QyNG4FRv8gdBNFjC9CVBpCC5lLofMuSY8HNkfWzkJ9oZhaPP2xMUqzJQPk6gcy7fxKy1NXJKGxr5boePXySTKijeqKxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chester City Council on March 12 voted to table a resolution authorizing a contract with Dre Shaw Entertainment Group to provide a national recording artist at the Peace, Love and Unity Festival for up to $20,000, saying more information about the event budget, sponsorships and logistics was needed before the city commits funds.

Council members and residents asked when the festival will occur, how much the total event will cost the city beyond the artist fee, and whether the city’s special events fund or other municipal dollars would cover expenses. The proponent for the festival said the event is planned for Sept. 13 outside City Hall, said the artist is a national recording artist who is touring, and said sponsors and donors had been lined up to raise additional funds beyond the city allocation. The sponsor also said the city had already budgeted $25,000 for this festival in the current fiscal year and that the artist fee of $20,000 would be covered within that allocation and additional sponsor funds.

Councilwoman Gibson asked for the item to be tabled until the recreation committee could review details; another council member argued the artist needed to be secured and urged not to table. After the meeting’s procedural sequence was clarified by the solicitor, council voted 3–2 to table the resolution and asked that the recreation committee receive more detailed information — including a full budget, sponsorship commitments, timing and vendor plans — before returning to the full council.

The resolution was expressly made subject to the city solicitor’s approval; council noted the contract language prohibits naming or promoting the artist until the agreement is executed and a deposit is paid. The council requested the recreation committee meet quickly to review materials so the city can decide whether to finalize the artist contract.

No contract was executed at the March 12 meeting. Council asked staff to bring a more detailed plan to committee and to clarify how the festival would fit with other events such as July 4 or Juneteenth.","Council delayed approval of a proposed $20,000 artist contract for the Peace, Love and Unity Festival pending clearer detail on total event costs, sponsorships and use of city special events funds.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6635667,"Residents, union representatives press Chester council to revisit responsible contracting ordinance",3376,711000,4087000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2628396-a5ccb71b4b8865dbdcbecdcdf4764295&start=711&end=4087","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2628396-a5ccb71b4b8865dbdcbecdcdf4764295/thumbnail_711000.jpg","/articles/6635667/Chester/Delaware-County/Pennsylvania/Residents-union-representatives-press-Chester-council-to-revisit-responsible-contracting-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635667-2c75b15ec0499c5c0b16a8bac60ba955/orig.mp4?Expires=1771129223&Signature=H4P8JMHFsJdNxy-XkTTv6dHQrE6ZRIp6sfDpdhiJ~VOhALcfkS4KvVoPA5oHXM-tWmKITew2xbR6FXwHyselxrZV4nz-bno47UR66u9tV32zoOI9rM4YcHXnHbGQMorTSPG1PAewyQynbMl~Xz1EanQswwvP8s~FCO-OfB~Yz2VMQBrsvyDbQcZFzgicR7QLfdH7Nazq2ei9uOB6wVJmXcfaP9fN76OvadcvCutvvWfsliXqhDZEl--rgmrgdKb7Lz0X-3tHBAQmV1rr68Vqi1jDSfzXsVaTZhQOGzK6-1KdRz~2s1druOJxlYEq6Q~cBZIUUsAIuWy-MpWhSo1W0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents, labor representatives and contractors urged Chester City Council on March 12 to adopt a responsible contracting ordinance (RCO) for major public works projects, arguing the measure protects taxpayers, ensures prevailing wages and creates training and apprenticeship opportunities for city residents.

Warren Santone, a resident and longtime advocate for the RCO, told council the ordinance would “protect the taxpayers” and require competitive bidding that prioritizes contractors who employ trained apprentices from local schools and programs. He said such language would help secure quality workmanship and local hiring.

Speakers representing construction and training programs described how prevailing wage requirements and apprenticeship standards raise project costs but also ensure safer, higher‑quality outcomes and training pipelines for Chester residents. One speaker who identified himself as affiliated with a training program said his organization reinvests $25–30 million annually into apprenticeship training and emphasized the value of certified labor on public works projects.

Council members acknowledged broad support for the goals behind an RCO but said drafting acceptable, enforceable language requires careful work. Officials noted previous attempts to introduce an RCO had been on and off the agenda, and the mayor said the city and unions need to agree on language before bringing it back for a vote. Council members also said passing an RCO would require staff capacity to monitor prevailing wage compliance and site visits to verify contractor adherence.

Speakers identified implementation questions council must address if it proceeds: the threshold project size that would trigger RCO requirements, how prevailing wage and apprenticeship percentages would be enforced, minority and local hire goals, and the city’s capacity to perform compliance checks. Council asked staff to circulate prior drafts and said it would revisit the issue in committee and in further discussions with stakeholders.

No ordinance was adopted at the March 12 meeting; council and commenters agreed to continue drafting and negotiation before any vote.","Public commenters urged adoption of a responsible contracting ordinance (RCO) to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure trained local hires for major public works; council said it will revisit draft language and seek agreement before moving forward.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6635670,"Crozer’s possible closure spurs Chester planning for ambulance coverage and alternate care routes",121,2688000,2809000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2628396-a5ccb71b4b8865dbdcbecdcdf4764295&start=2688&end=2809","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2628396-a5ccb71b4b8865dbdcbecdcdf4764295/thumbnail_2688000.jpg","/articles/6635670/Chester/Delaware-County/Pennsylvania/Crozers-possible-closure-spurs-Chester-planning-for-ambulance-coverage-and-alternate-care-routes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635670-e031f6a4132d24e3caa07e90f0e61278/orig.mp4?Expires=1771129223&Signature=dkz9pi5vfO2mF6ZnRkCaUVBw2z5mYeVzf3UaV4HDOlCeeba7~rNCTGc9zYBFgTBIPDo4Lzv9bLOmTEuaoldkMvriaSut8qXAZPhkYA6yiPKI4BWnENabruLv30eLd-jOt~hLbEVf4fgV~tscvaJfYLIgc0wdxPziDPljiGkluF-U6OkYH9km5yZE9-rK3ID~qBtHjrCUQHIDzY4ed3xAZvzN1Ex9N0IKOZZO-hpI9v3VYfqVe8ptMhh9753IbTO8X4gI52729yaQeu80IQ~8fFk1RliiqJYnOsbkKmJ~jgvz9XiUaTixup14GVczkx-B4Y7whqA4c4cZejoNtJZm4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Chester officials and the municipal health commissioner on March 12 told residents they are preparing for possible service disruptions if Crozer Hospital closes, focusing first on maintaining ambulance coverage and directing residents to alternate care sites.

Mayor Roos and Kristen Motley, the city health commissioner, said Crozer had a reported two‑week lifeline at the time of the meeting and that county and regional partners are working to identify where Chester residents can go for urgent and nonemergency care if the hospital ceases operations. Motley said she has convened health systems and nonprofit partners — including Main Line Health, the Foundation for Delaware County, CHESPIN, Widener and the Delaware County Health Department — to compile information and resource lists for residents.

“We still have two weeks,” Motley said, summarizing ongoing coordination. She said the Delaware County Health Department has trained staff operating a hotline residents can call to find alternate health care resources; the number she provided is (484) 276‑2100.

Mayor Roos said the city has begun talks with neighboring municipalities and emergency services leaders because the city does not own ambulances and any local ambulance system would represent a substantial recurring expense. He told council a back‑of‑the‑envelope estimate previously developed for establishing a city ambulance service was about $2 million per year and that ambulances operate in a regional 9‑1‑1 system, meaning Chester ambulances would be dispatched beyond city limits when needed.

Officials said they are focused on several near‑term items: confirming ambulance coverage arrangements with neighboring jurisdictions, assembling transportation resources to reach alternate clinics, and providing public guidance on when to use urgent care versus an emergency department if Crozer ceases to operate. City staff said they would release communications for residents summarizing options and that county health staff will handle calls for immediate referrals.

Public commenters described personal experiences with ambulance billing and access and urged the city to press for solutions. Council members emphasized the city’s limited authority over hospital ownership and bankruptcy proceedings but said they will continue advocacy and coordination with county and regional partners.

The report and public comments left the situation unresolved but flagged ambulance coverage and patient transport as high‑priority operational matters requiring rapid follow‑up.","City officials and the health commissioner told residents Crozer Hospital has a short lifeline; council and county partners are coordinating ambulance coverage and alternative care options while community groups assemble resources.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

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

Chester council tables $20,000 artist contract for Peace, Love and Unity Festival amid budget questions

Residents, union representatives press Chester council to revisit responsible contracting ordinance

Crozer’s possible closure spurs Chester planning for ambulance coverage and alternate care routes