The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— November 10, 2023 (94th edition) ——

Thank you to the Veterans across the county who have bravely served and protected our country.

Delaware County Council has immense respect, admiration, and gratitude for the men and women who have served, and who are currently serving our country in the Armed Forces. 

We honor those who honored our country with the highest form of service, serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. 

We owe you our immense gratitude. We owe you thanks that a simple “thank you” doesn’t adequately convey. And we owe you our respect. On Veterans Day and EVERY day. 

We are proud to honor Delaware County’s heroes and celebrate their patriotism and love of their country, and their willingness to serve and sacrifice. 

Honoring Delaware County Veterans: A short video from Delaware County Council

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Councilmember Christine Reuther, and the County’s Director of Military and Veterans Affairs Col. Arthur Jenkins were honored to join U.S. Marine Corps Veterans, Park Police Officer Stephen Spadaro, Sgt. Patrick McKenna, and Rev. Justin Cohen in raising the U.S. Marine Corps flag on November 9 outside of the Delaware County Courthouse in Media. 

The flag raising was held in honor of the founding of the Marines on November 10, 1775. In recognition of the anniversary, Sgt. McKenna read General Lejeune’s birthday letter to the Marines, which was written in 1921.

The U.S Marines Corps flag will fly from the flagpole in the courtyard of the Government Center and Courthouse complex for a week. 

Throughout the year, the County raises flags in honor of all branches of the military and invites active military and Veterans to join in the flag raisings. The Army flag was raised in June, the Coast Guard flag was raised in August, the Air Force Flag was raised in September, and the Navy flag was raised in October to commemorate the anniversaries.

Council expresses deep gratitude to those who have served or are serving in the military protecting and defending our country. 

Pictured, left to right: Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Park Police Officer Stephen Spadaro, Col. Arthur Jenkins, Sgt. Patrick McKenna, Councilmember Christine Reuther, Rev. Justin Cohen

Sgt. McKenna read General Lejeune’s 1921 birthday letter to the Marines

The raising of the Marine Corps flag by Officer Stephen Spadaro

The Delaware County Recorder of Deeds Office, under the leadership of Director Robert A. Auclair, Esq., is continuing its efforts to modernize Delaware County’s land record systems and improve services for Delaware County residents. Later this year, Delaware County will become just the third county in Pennsylvania to make GovOS Cloud Search — the most powerful government records search engine available on the market — available to its residents. 

The Delaware County Recorder of Deeds Office, which serves as the County’s custodian of all land records and indexes relating to properties and land transfers, had long lagged well behind other counties: 

• Services required in-person visits to the office
• Online services and eRecordings were unavailable
• Payments were restricted to cash or check
• Older records were often of low quality and poorly organized, often resulting in tedious manual document searches and lengthy delays for residents and businesses.

In 2019, recognizing that significant improvements were necessary, Director Auclair began a comprehensive search for a land records software management system capable of meeting the needs of Delaware County residents and businesses. 

“In 2019, our land records were still not online, and we were one of the largest counties in the country that was not set up for eRecording,” explained Director Auclair. “Everything, including title searching, was handled entirely in the office, and we knew the office could do better for Delaware County residents.”

After a thorough vendor evaluation process, including consultation with neighboring counties, the County identified GovOS, a leading provider of digital transformation services and software for local governments with agreements with more than 800 cities, counties, and states. With County Council’s review and approval, and with funding support from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020, the Recorder of Deeds Office began its modernization efforts.

“The Recorder of Deeds Office under Director Auclair has really been a quiet but impressive success story,” said Delaware County Councilmember Christine Reuther. “We’ve been impressed with their modernization efforts and have been happy to make sure the office has the resources it needs to provide the quality service that residents and businesses expect.” CARES Act funding from 2020 was later joined by ARPA funding, also approved by Council, to continue the Office’s various modernization efforts. 

Modernization Accomplishments Since 2020

Beginning in 2020, the Recorder of Deeds Office and GovOS have launched a variety of successful modernization initiatives:

• Adopted eRecording processes that made land record services available online, (since the eRecording go-live, the Office has brought more than 12 million records online, and eRecordings now account for 86% of all submissions)
• Made digital records more accurate and accessible
• Reviewed 5 million County scanned property documents (and in the process discovered hundreds of old documents and microfilm records that had never been inventoried)
• Converted all historical records — more than 35 million images in total — to PDF/A, a standardized file format that will allow faster archival cloud storage and retrieval.
• Replaced old, impractical, and costly microfilm storage.
• Launched Fraud Sleuth to help property owners safeguard themselves against property record fraud.
• Began accepting credit card payments in the office and online
• Instituted a disaster recovery system that would, in the event of a problem with the County server, allow the office to continue to conduct business without any significant disruption. 

Coming Soon: GovOS Cloud Search

Now, the Recorder of Deeds Office is preparing to enable GovOS Cloud Search, which will make millions of county public records even more accessible and searchable by providing Delaware County residents with a Google-like search capability, and also enable individuals to purchase certified copies online along with documents and index prints.

The County will provide additional updates later in the year when GovOS Cloud Search comes online. For more information about GovOS’ Official Public Records solution, visit govos.com/official-public-record.

The Delaware County Office of Public Works closed Bridge #234 on Station Road in Thornbury Township after a routine inspection found the bridge to be unsafe. The County issued an emergency closure as a result of the findings. 

Effective immediately- all vehicular traffic is prohibited from utilizing the bridge due to safety concerns. The bridge will remain open to pedestrians and bicyclists. 

The County had already initiated the design to reconstruct the historic bridge. Details on the reconstruction will be shared in the upcoming weeks. The County will also share the approved detour plan for the bridge closure when they are finalized and approved. 

Bridge #234 on Station Road in Thornbury Township

Delaware County Council commends the thousands of residents and many organizations that contributed to a successful Election Day on November 7, especially and including poll workers and Department of Elections staff who made sure their neighbors could cast their ballots.

The unofficial 2023 turnout of more than 153,000 voters will exceed the turnout at the 2021 Municipal Election.

This election also marked the first phase of a rollout of electronic poll books or “e-pollbooks.” Poll workers in 39 percent of the county (168 of the 428 precincts) trained to implement this technology in the County’s largest precincts. The e-pollbooks provide voters with faster and more accurate service, including redirection for those who arrive at the wrong polling sites.

“Rolling out this technology will yield benefits, primarily for our voters, who will see faster check-ins and consistent guidance,” said Elections Director James P. Allen. “This was only possible through the cooperation and thoughtful planning by teams starting with our poll-worker coordination and training team and IT liaison, and extending to our Voter Registration, Bureau of Elections and Voting Machine Warehouse. Lastly, poll workers made this happen with flexibility and helping us with ideas to streamline expansion of this program to all of the other precincts in the next two elections.”

County thanks also goes to the 2,175 poll workers who staffed and managed the 428 Delaware County precincts on Election Day as well as Election Department staff and seasonal and temp workers. Special thanks also go to the County’s Park Police, the County’s IT Department, the County’s Emergency Services, the County’s Public Works Department, the County’s Facilities team, and local law enforcement, including the County Sheriff’s Department, and the watchers and observers who provided valuable oversight of the County’s electoral processes.

Unofficial Results

Delaware County Elections completed the unofficial processing of all but three precincts from Election Day voting about midnight on Wednesday, November 8, and the mail/absentee ballots that were received just before polls closed at approximately 3:00 a.m.

By law, military/overseas ballots can arrive and be eligible to count through the Tuesday after election day.

Additionally, provisional ballots will be reviewed for possible addition to the counts next week. All eligible remaining vote-by-mail and provisional ballots will be processed, regardless of how close any contests are, with the goal of certifying the election within the next two weeks.

In accordance with Pennsylvania State Law, Delaware County Elections’ retabulation team will be sworn in on Veterans Day to begin the review of precinct records to identify any apparent or obvious discrepancies. This process includes review of the results tapes, a 2% recount of precincts, and a comparison of ballots cast versus ballots supplied and ballots returned unused. 

The unofficial totals exclude small numbers of mail-in ballots that were flawed, based on the return envelopes being: undated or improperly dated; unsigned; unsealed; or the ballot not placed in the “secrecy envelope” before being submitted in the larger “Ballot Return Envelope.”

“We are particularly grateful to the poll workers who demonstrated the Delco can-do spirit to combine three precincts at Radnor Elementary School late in the day after an emergency evacuation at a site that had hosted two of those precincts for much of the day,” Allen said. “The workers who staffed Radnor 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3 and the County’s Voting Machine Warehouse made sure that voters were able to participate quickly after the relocation.”

Voters are reminded that all vote totals posted on the Delaware County Election Results page, located at DelcoPA.Gov/Results, remain unofficial until the certification process is complete, and the vote totals are submitted to the PA Department of State. The certification deadline for the Nov. 7, 2023 Municipal Election is Mon., Nov. 27. Voters with election-related questions may call the Delaware County Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE or visit the Delaware County election website — Delco Votes! — at DelcoPA.Gov/Vote.

The Delaware County Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority, and the Delaware County Bureau of Elections will be holding Election Campaign Sign Recycling Drop Offs on Friday, November 17, and Saturday, November 18 at Rose Tree Park in Media.

Delaware County residents, candidates and committees are encouraged to collect their yard signs and signs from public areas and take advantage of the free recycling event that eliminates tons of recyclable materials from entering the waste stream. During the last two election cycles, Delaware County has diverted over 3,000 pounds of plastic and an additional 3,000 pounds of metal from the waste stream. 

“The recycling of election signs is one way for our residents to divert waste from landfills—saving taxpayers’ dollars and protecting the environment,” said Delaware County Office of Sustainability Director Francine Locke. “There is no “away” when we throw something in the trash—it must go somewhere, so recycling the plastic, metal, and cardboard from these signs is one way to go green and Sustain Delco.”

All campaign signs (plastic-coated, cardboard, and vinyl signs) and accompanying metal stands will be accepted free-of-charge, and all collected materials will be recycled. Please note that signs do NOT need to be dismantled for collection. 

The recycling events will be held on Friday, November 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, in Media, PA

We hope to see you there. Please spread the word! 

Multiple agencies prepared to assist residents in winter weather conditions

Delaware County Council reminds residents that various County agencies offer additional support and resources to the homeless, elderly, and vulnerable residents when harsh cold, snow, and freezing conditions take place during the winter season. When weather conditions pose a threat to individuals who are homeless, elderly, or medically fragile, a network of agencies works to help residents obtain shelter, food, and assistance. 

Several County agencies are prepared to help residents cope with extreme weather conditions, from sheltering the homeless to reaching out to the elderly. Council reminds residents about these services should they need assistance or if they know of someone who needs help.

The following Delaware County agencies assist people year-round and also during extreme weather conditions.

Delaware County's Department of Human Services, Adult and Family Services 

This department partners with various agencies to offer additional services through the Homeless Services Coalition of Delaware County, a group of 90 individuals and organizations dedicated to providing services to the homeless. They also publish the Resource Guide to Homeless Services which details a variety of services including shelters, housing, meals, treatment programs, and government services.

For more information, go to the Department of Human Services, Adult and Family Services website or call (610) 713-2365.

The County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) 

COSA extends outreach to senior citizens, including having case managers check on seniors who may be vulnerable. Tips on how to stay warm and safe during the winter are available through the informational COSA Weatherline at (610) 872-1558. For more information, visit the COSA website or call (610) 490-1300.

Community Action Agency of Delaware County

CAADC is the county’s anti-poverty agency and can assist residents with obtaining shelter and meals. For more information, visit the CAADC website or call (610) 874-8451.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) / PECO

LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their heating bills. PECO also offers programs for people experiencing hardship, a low-income usage reduction program, and discounted rates for low-income families. For more information, visit the LIHEAP website or call 1-866-857-7095 (if hearing impaired call 711). PECO can be contacted at 1-800-494-4000.

During cold weather, outreach teams and local authorities can take homeless adults to emergency shelter programs, which are operated by the Salvation Army (Chester Corps), Breaking Bread Community, and the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County.

• Salvation Army, Chester Corps: 151 W. 15th St., Chester, (610) 874-0423
• Life Center of Eastern Delaware County: 6310 Market St., Upper Darby, (610) 734-5770
• Breaking Bread Community: 107 Long Lane, Upper Darby, (484) 462-0135 

Residents can also call the Outreach Team at (267) 671-4357.

Residents are encouraged to register for the DelcoAlert notification system which alerts residents of weather emergencies such as road closures, power outages, and other extreme weather situations. 

Residents are encouraged to register for the Delco Alert notification system which alerts residents of weather emergencies such as road closures, power outages, and other extreme weather situations. Register for Delco Alert here www.delcopa.gov/delcoalert/delcoalert.html.

Click the button below to see the County’s 2022/2023 Cold Weather Plan.

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) is holding ‘Walk-In Flu Shot Wednesdays’ vaccination clinics in November, providing free flu vaccinations to all residents ages 3 and older at the Delaware County Wellness Center in Yeadon. No appointments are needed. 

Flu vaccinations are free to everyone — with or without insurance — while supplies last.  

Walk-In Flu Shot Wednesdays:

• Wed., Nov. 15: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  
• Wed., Nov. 22: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  

Please note that all other immunizations provided by DCHD require appointments and have eligibility requirements. 

Please contact the DCHD Wellness Line for more information by phone at (484) 276-2100 or by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.

Delaware County Council is excited to announce that the America250PADelco Committee, in partnership with Delaware County Libraries and Widener University, is hosting Patrick Spero, author of the 2023 Revolutionary Reads Community Read book selection Frontier Rebels: The Fight for Independence in the American West, 1765-1776, at an Author Visit & Reception on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at Widener University.

Each year through 2026 — the U.S. Semiquincentennial (aka America’s 250th birthday!) — the America250PADelco Committee will select one book title connected to the history of the Declaration of Independence and American Revolution to serve as that year’s ‘Revolutionary Reads Community Read,’ and celebrate that book with a book event featuring the author and members of the community.

The book selection events are just one way the America250PADelco Committee is helping the community understand Delaware County’s unique role in history leading up to and after the American founding in 1776.  

“The Revolutionary Reads program presents an opportunity to reflect on our past and consider lessons learned for our present and future,” said Andrea Silva, Director of the America250PADelco Committee. “The 250th Commemoration aims to amplify lost and under-represented stories the American people. This book features lesser-known stories of Native Americans and people living on the frontier of the American West during the early history of our country. It was a tumultuous time.”

Register Today!

Delaware County residents are invited to join the 2023 America250PADelco Community Read. Registration is required.

Frontier Rebels: The Fight for Independence in the American West, 1765-1776 

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

Delaware County Weekly Past Editions