Bucks County Blog

Commissioners Honor Sandra A. Miller during Her Final Meeting as Member of County Board

January 7th, 2008

The first 2008 bi-monthly meeting of the Board of Bucks County Commissioners doubled as a ceremonial barometer of change and a celebration of thanks. At the end of her commissioner-record tenure of service to the residents of Bucks County – a span of nearly 17 years, or more than four terms – Sandra A. Miller received several tokens of appreciation from commissioner colleagues Charles H. Martin, James F. Cawley, Esq., Andrew Warren and Michael G. Fitzpatrick, Esq. Martin and Cawley presented her with a framed watercolor of the courthouse and a large replica of the county seal. Warren and Fitzpatrick, with whom she served previously, plan to plant an honorary tree in her name to symbolize their many accomplishments on behalf of county open-space preservation planning.

In addition, Commissioners Martin and Cawley read a proclamation declaring Jan. 2, 2008 as “Commissioner Sandra A. Miller Appreciation Day” throughout the County of Bucks. Similarly, Chief Operating Officer David M. Sanko concluded his report by praising Commissioner Miller for consistently championing “the best interest of the citizens.” Added Sanko: “I will miss that interaction.”

“I am proud to have been a part of the accomplishments and progress of county government, and to be the longest serving commissioner in our recorded history,” Commissioner Miller said. “I will continue to serve our Bucks County community, but now it will be as a private citizen. I will always be grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as commissioner.”

Since 1991, when she arrived at the courthouse as a self-proclaimed “community activist,” she compiled a legacy of service that produced “no regrets, only disappointments.”

Commissioner Martin thanked his outgoing colleague for her professionalism, noting: “We haven’t always agreed, but our disagreements have been kept where they belonged.”

Commissioner Cawley offered gratitude for her many efforts, adding: “I hope to use your example as one I try to live up to as I continue to serve the people of Bucks County.”

The regular portion of the agenda featured unanimous approval of resolutions for 15 departments, including a Department of Corrections contract with the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association for Livescan maintenance services. COO Sanko cited the contract, which unites Corrections, the Sheriff’s Department and Adult Probation services, as a cost-saving example of collaboration. Sanko noted that such collaboration was a prime factor in the county’s ability to hold the line on taxes for the second straight year through the 2008 operating budget.

The commissioners approved a municipal application agreement with Warrington’s Carroll Engineering Corporation for Bucks County First Tee on the Thiokol property in Bristol Twp., prompting Commissioner Miller to observe: “I am delighted to see this is happening.” Also on the Parks and Recreation front, the commissioners approved a one-year contract with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to provide “integrated waterfowl damage management.” According to Executive Director of Parks and Recreation Bill Mitchell, the USDA contract allowed the vendor to remove 1,600 goose eggs and prevent $184,000 in additional damage to agricultural and other properties. “There has been a noticeable decrease in activity,” Mitchell noted.

Another highlight of the agenda was the approval of a Brownfield Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) grant application and agreement for the redevelopment of a Bensalem Twp. property. The project will continue the redevelopment that has become prominent along the Delaware River as part of a larger vision for revitalization.

The meeting concluded with Fitzpatrick thanking the board for the opportunity to serve on last year’s successful Open Space referendum education committee. He told Commissioner Miller that her legacy of land preservation is “something you can measure, and you are judged by success based on results.”

Moments later, Commissioner Miller adjourned the proceedings by banging a cherished gavel, the same one used by her uncle, former Commissioner Adolph Andrews, during the late 50’s and early 60′s.

Entry Filed under: Bucks County News