It was a short and somber Board of Supervisors meeting Monday night as the board paid tribute to former Supervisor Frank Murphy, who died last week. There was a moment of silence in his honor, followed by township solicitor Mike Maddren reading a formal statement.
He read, in part: "The Township's accomplishments under Frank's leadership are too many to list here. Frank was most proud of the work he and his fellow supervisors did to preserve the open space and history of Chadds Ford Township, including the Township's role in the preservation of the 72-acre Brinton Run Preserve, and his volunteer work as a member and chair of the Brandywine Battlefield Associates.
"However, Frank's contribution to our community cannot be defined by a list of accomplishments alone. His skill and commitment were most evident in his interactions with those who live and work in the Township, his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, and Township staff. Every issue that was of import to anyone in the Township was of equal import to Frank, and he worked tirelessly to assure that each and every concern was heard, considered and addressed…We will work to fill the void created by Frank’s passing, to honor his legacy by emulating his care for our neighbors, and to preserving the sense of belonging that he worked so tirelessly to enhance for our community. And we will miss him deeply.”
Supervisors' Chairman Samantha Reiner then motioned to appoint Supervisor Timotha Trigg as vice chairman, which had been Murphy's last position on the board.
By state law, the current supervisors have 30 days to name a replacement. If they disagree on a person, then the vacancy officer — Kathy Koch — would have 15 days to name someone. Whoever is appointed must face an election in the next municipal election, which is in 2025. Ironically, that would have been when Murphy could have run for reelection if he had chosen.
Reiner said the board is asking for resumes from people interested in the supervisor's position.
Other business
• Reiner and Trigg conditionally accepted a proposal from JL Entertainment Designs of Exton to upgrade the audio-visual system in the township meeting room. JL's bid was $21,000. The conditions include the township solicitor's approval of the wording of a maintenance agreement and payment schedule.
• Supervisors also approved a resolution granting the township Manager Lacey Faber the ability to spend up to $1,500 per occurrence in emergencies — such as floods when roads need to be closed — for any necessary without prior board approval.
• The board appointed former Chadds Ford Township resident Lois Saunders as an advisor to the Brandywine Scenic Byways Commission.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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