Council approves ‘3rd Thursdays on State Street’ to help merchants recoup lost sales
Kennett Square Borough employees and officials were honored this week for their exceptional efforts during this past winter’s extreme weather. From left: These recipients included John Vernon, department assistant director; John Morris, streets department foreman; Eric Petrucci; Mark “Jake” Riggins; Michael Meredith; Troy Stevenson; Joseph Scalise, Director of Public Works; Danilo Maffei, Council vice president; Matthew Fetick, Mayor; and Leon Spencer, Council president.
By Rick Marts, Correspondent, The Times
KENNETT — On Monday evening, the Kennett Square Borough Council recognized nine members of the town’s Department of Public Works and their supervisor, Joseph Scalise, for exceptional service during the harsh conditions of this year’s winter.
On behalf of the Council, the following proclamation was read into the record to honor the entire public works department:
“WHEREAS, the quality of life in the Borough of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania is dependent upon the hard work and dedication of many, and
WHEREAS, the members of the Kennett Square Borough Public Works Department continually demonstrate hard work and dedication aiding in the prosperity and vibrancy of our community, and WHEREAS, their dedication and devotion were manifested during the winter of 2013/2014 with its inordinate and relentless weather challenges, and
WHEREAS, the Public Works Department provides services that are crucial for the safety of attendees to the numerous festivals and events offered in our community,
NOW, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Borough Council and the Mayor of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania do, on behalf of its citizens, confer this citation on this date, June 2, 2014, on Director Joseph C. Scalise and the staff of the Department of Public Works, Borough of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania for their exemplary dedication to the health and general well-being of the community.”
The proclamation was signed by Council President Spencer and Mayor Fetick.
Town Manager Brandt Kucera noted “the inordinate challenges to the department due to the seemingly never-ending winter.”
Council President Leon Spencer called each member of the department to the podium and presented him with a framed certificate and the town’s appreciation of their unflinching efforts during many days of very difficult conditions. These recipients included John Vernon, department assistant director; John Morris, streets department foreman; Eric Petrucci; Mark “Jake” Riggins; Michael Meredith; Troy Stevenson; Joseph Scalise, Director of Public Works; Danilo Maffei, Council vice president; Matthew Fetick, Mayor; and Leon Spencer, Council president.
One of the actions items on the Council’s agenda called for the Council to consider a special event application. The special event actually consists of three events—a series of three Thursday evenings during the summer, during which the 100 block east and west on State Street will be closed to vehicle traffic.
The dates and times for these closings are June 19, July 17, and August 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The object of these “3rd Thursdays on State Street” is to increase the foot traffic on State Street and promote dining and shopping to help make up for the revenue merchants lost during this winter’s harsh conditions. Media and West Chester have similar events. Councilman Maffei said that this felt like a trial run for perhaps something more permanent. The Council motion to approve the event(s) was approved unanimously.
