Chadds Ford Township supervisors Wednesday paid tribute to several people who have served the township over the years. Among those recognized were former Supervisor Frank Murphy who died in January of 2024, and Bruce Prabel who has held several volunteer positions during a 30-year period.
Also recognized were Assistant Manager Emily Pisano who has resigned, Mike Pessagno of the open space committee, and Lisa Wenrich, who recently resigned as assistant fire marshal.
In recognizing Murphy — who had degrees in engineering and law — the board named the board room at Turner’s Mill, the Frank G. Murphy Board Room.
Supervisors’ Chairman Timotha Trigg read the resolution honoring Murphy, calling him “a pillar of the Chadds Ford Township community dedicating a decade of service to the Board of Supervisors from 2014 to 2024, shaping policies that strengthened the township, promoted responsible government, and enhanced the lives of its residents.”
The resolution also recognized Murphy’s time on the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board, his serving on the board of directors of the Brandywine Battlefield, and his time as a commissioner in Aston Township before he moved to Chadds Ford in 2008.
Prabel was a member of the township Finance Committee, spent time as roadmaster, and as the township tax collector.
Supervisor Samantha Reiner read the resolution honoring Prabel saying, “Mr. Prabel has demonstrated a profound and lasting commitment to Chadds Ford Township contributing his time and his expertise and leadership to the betterment of the community over more than three decades of service. As a long-time member of the township Finance Committee, Mr. Prabel has played a crucial role in guiding the township’s fiscal strategy, ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management for the benefit of current and future residents.”
She went on to say his time as roadmaster was “instrumental in maintaining and improving the township’s road infrastructure, ensuring the safety and accessibility of township roads.”
Reiner also said Prabel’s time as tax collector, as with his time on the finance committee, demonstrated his dedication to “sound financial practices and efficient municipal operation.”
The resolution also mentioned Prabel’s dedication to open space preservation, trails, environmental stewardship, and the roadside cleanup program.
Reiner went on to say, “Mr. Bruce Prabel has consistently championed the spirit of volunteerism, recognizing and promoting the critical role of community service in strengthening local institutions.”
The resolution honoring Pisano came on the night the board announced her resignation as assistant township manager, with her last day being March 13. She will become the assistant borough manager in Narberth, she said in an email the day after the meeting.
Pisano became the assistant manager under former manager Matt Bauman in 2022 and became the interim manager after he left the position in September 2023. She served as interim manager until Lacey Faber was named manager in November 2023.
According to the resolution honoring her, also read by Reiner, reads in part, “Ms. Emily Pisano has demonstrated exceptional dedication to Chadds Ford Township, exemplifying a profound commitment to enhancing the community’s wellbeing, preserving its rural character and heritage, and fostering civic engagement.”
Reiner spoke of Pisano’s work with the Open Space Committee that has contributed “to the protection, maintenance, and promotion of the township’s natural resources for future generations, while also serving as a dedicated liaison…and bringing key initiatives to fruition.”
Reiner said Pisano played a major role in the distribution of the “Leaving a Legacy” booklet that lets property owners of properties larger than five acres know conservation options and encouraged them to practice responsible land stewardship.
Pisano’s resignation has prompted several changes in township operations. Maureen Czachorowski, who has been the administrative assistant, assistant building code official, and roadmaster, was named the new assistant manager.
Additionally, because the staff is now short one person, the township building will be closed to the public on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons — from 1 to 4 p.m. — except for those with appointments.
Other business
• Supervisors voted to guarantee a $300,000 loan to the township Sewer Authority. The loan, through the Delaware Valley Regional Finance Authority, would be used for the failing Woodland Pump Station on Woodland Drive. DVRFA loans require a guarantee from the township.
• The board is also moving forward with plans to repair or reline a culvert in the Ridings. The culvert has two 140-foot sections that are degrading from the bottom. Supervisors have known about the situation for about a year, according to Supervisor Samantha Reiner who said they needed to determine how much of the piping was the township’s responsibility and how much of that is the responsibility of the homeowners association. The total cost to reline is estimated at $93,200.
Supervisors’ Chairman Trigg said in a follow-up email that if the township and the HOA partner up on the project, the township would cover $56,300 of the cost with the HOA picking up $39,600.
The board needs to hear from the HOA by the March 26 workshop so supervisors can make a firm decision. But Trigg said if the HOA does partner, the township will take care of its part at a cost not to exceed $65,000.
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.
