USA > Pennsylvania > Chester County > History and progress of Chester County, 1969 > Part 6
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In carrying out this mission, the Commission must work along many areas at the same time as summarized below:
1. County Comprehensive Planning-In this responsibility, the Commission pre- pares information studies and or proposals of Chester County as a whole. In recent years the Commission has published a comprehensive plan for highways, has nearly completed a sewerage plan, a rail commuter plan, a land use plan, and has gathered much material on Natural Environment, population analysis and projections, water supply and community facilities.
2. Municipal Assistance-Since most planning, particularly land use zoning authority is vested in the municipalities, the County Planning Commission pro- vides cash grants for comprehensive planning studies by consultants, and direct data and information about county and metropolitan regional proposals affect- ing local planning. In recent years, a major program has been to encourage municipalities within the major sub-regions of the county to work together as is now being done in the West Chester, Avon-Grove, Oxford and Northern Chester County regions. By early 1969 nearly all of Chester County's 73 municipalities had either completed a first round of planning or had made application for a planning program.
3. Map and Data Center-The Commission serves as the mapping and data center of the County. Several hundred maps have been prepared showing the natural and man-made characteristics of the County. The Planning Commission maintains a series of base maps at 1" to 2000 ft. based upon the U.S. Geological Survey maps, and the general county map distribution scale of 1" to 1 1/2 miles. The 1" to 2000 ft. series shows roads and road names, property lines, and major buildings and cultural features. Aerial photography in reproducible form at 1" to 800 ft. is available as of May of 1965 for the entire county and at 1" to 400 ft. for the eastern third of the county.
4. Information Center-The Planning Commission services many requests for information about such topics as population estimates and projections, highway proposals, zoning and planning proposals from the public.
5. Intergovernmental Representation and Federal Aid Reviews-A responsibil- ity of the County Planning Commission that has grown greatly in recent years is its representation role with the Federal and state governments, neighboring counties, metropolitan regional planning agencies, and particularly with the Del-
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aware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The Federal and state governments in recent years have increased the scope of their aid program available to county municipal governments, and has also increased the planning requirements needed to become eligible. The County Planning Commission assists in obtaining the necessary approvals, and in developing information bearing upon whether the County is obtaining a "fair share" of the aids available.
6. Subdivision Review-All subdivisions of three or more lots in townships must be reviewed by the County Planning Commission through the County Engi- neers office to help insure at least a minimum standard of protection in the design and engineering of a permanent addition to the landscape.
7. Special Studies-The Planning Commission is frequently called upon to make studies dealing with day-to-day problems that may come up such as power lines, water need projections, community shelter planning and public hearings on road or bridge improvement.
Emphasis in present planning thinking is on development of planning as a con- tinuous coordinated comprehensive planning process. Planning must be contin- uous both to accommodate changing conditions and to make more specific and refined plans, as the planning process moves from general plans to a specific development proposal. Planning must be coordinated because cooperation among many levels of local, county, and sometimes state and Federal govern- ments can be accomplished with overall planning goals. Planning must be com- prehensive so that one element such as sewerage and water can be related to other elements such as land use and population projections. Planning must be a process, because without a process and organization, specific plans usually just gather dust. With the right process and organization, then, workable plans usually follow.
The County Planning Program is guided by a policy board of nine citizens appointed by the County Commissioners for six year terms and is served by a small technical staff and occasional consultants.
The Chester County Housing Committee was created by the Commissioners in 1962, for the purpose of making investigations and studies of housing con- ditions throughout the county, and to recommend to the local authorities where improvements should be made. The board is comprised of fifteen members of county-wide representation.
Personnel Department
The Personnel Department was created as a separate department by the County Commissioners January 1968, and appointed a Personnel Director. The Personnel Director is responsible for the testing and screening of all applicants for County employment and arranging for interviews between the Department Heads and the applicants. If requirements are met for a position, the Personnel Director and the Department Head recommends the applicant to the commiss- ioners for approval and appointment. The Personnel Director is also responsible for keeping accurate confidential records of all County employees.
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Pocopson Home
As evidence of its early consciousness and concern for the care of its indigent residents, Chester County established the Chester County Poor Dis- trict with a director, overseers and guardians of the poor in 1798. This was replaced by the Pocopson Home which was established in 1951, at Pocopson on Pennsylvania route 52, between Lenape to Anvil, and operated under the County Institution District Law of June 24, 1937, as a separate corporation, until January 1, 1962, at which time the County Institution District Law was abolished, and the entire responsibility for operations was transferred to the County operations under the County Commissioners. The County Commission- ers are the Executive and Administrative officers. The home is directed by an administrator. Today more than two hundred men and women make their homes within its walls, admitted after careful investigations as to their finances or means of support. Pocopson Home is indeed a far cry from the Alms House or Poor House of early days. A humane quality, and a concern for those less fortu- nate in worldly or material means, and a desire to see the declining days of the residents made as comfortable as possible, consistent with a commendable hus- banding of county funds, are the guiding motives in the administration of the care of the guests of the Home. The Home is of recent, brick, fire-proof con- struction. It is a two-story building with a basement. It is divided into areas for men and women, and further divided into areas for ambulatory residents and for
Pocopson Home, Pocopson
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those requiring special attention. The first floor, in addition to housing the administration area, contains a comfortable, well furnished lobby, occupational therapy sales room, physical therapy room, and business offices. Also established throughout the building, a meditation room, library, beauty parlor, pharmacy and laboratory, dental clinic, and central storage area; and in-service training quarters for employees; a chapel, in which services of major faiths are con- ducted; a kitchen, spotless and with tempting aromas prevalent as meals are pre- pared; dining rooms for the ambulatory residents, and the men and women's dormitories. It has a modern laundry, and ample sanitation facilities are pro- vided. The first floor also houses a most interesting area-the department of occupational therapy. Here residents are encouraged to occupy themselves, using skills of former years, in the making of needlecraft, leathercraft, and other items requiring imagination and dexterity. Aprons, pot holders, belts, towels and many other skillfully contrived items are on display and may be sold. Proceeds revert to new inventory of material for this therapy. The second floor is devoted to those residents requiring special attention. Many, because of the infirmities of age, are confined to their beds. Others still needing the special care, are semi- ambulatory. A physician makes regular calls and is on call should illness strike. The basement contains the laundry in which all the clothing, as well as bed linens, towels and other washable items are laundered and pressed. Store rooms and maintenance facilities complete the basement. Every resident of Pocopson Home is given the opportunity to work within the limits of his or her physical abilities. No one, however, is ever forced to work; it is on a purely voluntary basis. Some of the residents work in the laundry, some in the kitchen, while others who prefer outdoor occupation busy themselves around the grounds. Many of the vegetables which appear at meals are grown at the home. Those resi- dents who choose the opportunities to work are paid. The money, although modest, is theirs to spend as they see fit. Admission may be accomplished by applying directly to the Superintendent. If the qualifications for admission are met, those applying are placed on the waiting list until a vacancy occurs. The home is approved for extended care facilities under Medicare.
Police Radio
Chester County Police Radio began around the clock operation December 15, 1967, with equipment located in the District Attorney's office, at the Court House, West Chester, Pa.
The County Radio was not installed, however, until after an intensive program of research to determine the requirements of police agencies which would be used as a basis for recommended amount and type of equipment necessary to accomplish the purpose intended.
In addition to the normal activities, a modern records section is maintained to provide accurate information to aid the police agencies of the county. Further, all radio transmissions from mobile units and the base station are recorded. This provides an administrative protection for the county as well as for the officers
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operating the mobile units. It also is a complete and accurate record of events as they happen and are readily available for review when needed.
Initially, the network consisted of mobile units for the County Detectives, the Sheriff's Office, and ten individual police departments, making a total of nine- teen mobile units.
In any event, the Chester County Police Radio is ready and able to provide rapid, efficient, and accurate radio communication for all police agencies that desire to avail themselves of this service.
Public Defender
The office of Public Defender was established by the County Commissioners in April 1965. Prior to this time, indigent defendants had been represented in court through a voluntary arrangement with the County Bar Association.
People who are accused of crimes other than civil or domestic, may request the services of the Public Defender at no cost, providing they prove they are unable to pay for the services of an attorney.
Since the office opened, 603 defendants have been represented by an attorney attached to the Public Defender's office and more than 500 persons have been interviewed.
(See also Daily Local News May 24, 1968 article page 1 "Public Defender is Mag- istrates' Guest").
Redevelopment Authority
Again meeting modern processes to promote the elimination of blighted areas and supply sanitary housing in areas for health, safety and welfare, the Commis- sioners, by resolution early in 1960, created the Chester County Redevelopment Authority which was incorporated the same year and established in mid 1961, in compliance with Act of 1945, cited as the "Urban Redevelopment Law." It is directed by five appointed citizens, residents of Chester County, serving without compensation with a Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. Tenure of initial appointments shall be for terms of one, two, three, four and five years respec- tively. Thereafter, the term of office shall be five years. Its purpose is redevelop- ment-undertakings and activities for the elimination of blighted areas. They may include planning, replanning, acquisition, rehabilitation, improvement, clearance, sale, lease, or other disposition of land, buildings or other improve- ments in blighted areas, or portions thereof, the relocation of businesses and families affected thereby in or outside of a redevelopment area, or any combina- tion of such undertakings and activities; the installation, construction or recon- struction of streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds and other improvements neces- sary to carry out plans for a program of voluntary repair and rehabilitation of buildings or other improvements. The Authority may exercise the right of Emi- nent Domain. It will have authority to issue Bonds with all the qualities of nego- tiable instruments under the Law of Merchant and the Negotiable Instruments Law of Pennsylvania.
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Registration Commission
Because voting is one of the most precious privileges and responsibilities of an American citizen, meticulous attention is paid to each detail of the mechanics of voting and the registration of voters. A permanent Registration Commission has been established under the Permanent Registration Act of April 29, 1937 (except Philadelphia), which makes the counties responsible for registration. Under it the County Commissioners are required to act as the Registration Com- mission. Once registered, a voter need not re-register unless, because he has not voted within a two year period, his registration has been cancelled. Even then, if he files his re-instatement application within ten days after having received notice that his registration will be cancelled, his registration will remain active. Registration may be accomplished at either the office of the Registration Com- mission in the Court House or at the proper location in the various municipali- ties throughout the County which the Traveling Registrars visit as they make their rounds offering their services to all eligible citizens. The sites chosen by the Traveling Registrars are always well publicized in advance of the Registrar's visit. Registration of voters closes fifty days prior to all Primary Elections, and reopens five days after Primary Elections; it closes fifty days prior to all Munici- pal and General Elections, and reopens thirty days following such elections. A qualified voter, moving from one precinct to another within Chester County, need not re-register. Instead, by applying for and completing and returning a change of address form, the Registration records are adjusted without the voters having to appear in person. A qualified voter may change party affiliations only between the November elections which are held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November, and Primary elections which are held on the third Tuesday of May each year except in the year of the nomination of a President of the United States in which year the General Primary shall be held on the fourth Tuesday of April. To be eligible for registration, a person must have been a citi- zen of the United States for at least one month. He or she shall have resided in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for at least ninety days (90) prior to the election. Further, a person must have resided in the election district where he or she shall offer to vote at least two calendar months. A minor who will be twen- ty-one years of age not later than the day after any election may register and vote at that election. It is necessary, however, to register prior to the final date of registration. Persons in actual military service may register by mail. Since no one can vote unless registered, the work of this department is very extensive in keeping the registry rolls up to date. Modern files and equipment are installed as the department expansion demands.
Retirement Board-Social Security
Chester County established a retirement system early 1943 under the Fourth Class County Retirement Law of July 8, 1941. The administrators of the Board are the County Commissioners, Treasurer, and the Controller. All County
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Employees on a yearly or monthly salary basis are required by state law to join the system. Elected officials may join. They contribute sums to the retirement fund calculated on an actuarial basis according to their age and the amount of their salary. The County matches dollar for dollar the amount contributed by employees. The pension to which an employee is entitled is determined by the length of service and by the average salary for five years of the highest salary return. An employee may go on voluntary retirement on reaching the age of 60. Desired retirement age is 65, while maximum retirement age is 70. One dismissed after ten years of service without reaching the age of 60 is entitled to receive a pension. Social Security status has been made available for all employees, in addition to retirement fund benefits. Social Security status was made available for all employees in March 1957, retroactive to January 1956. Limitation of annuities is placed at eighty percent of average salary for last five years before retirement.
Safety Council, Chester County
Officially recognized as a non-profit, non-political organization by the Com- missioners in 1958. Its purpose is directed toward the coordination and advance- ment of continuing safety programs in the schools, industry, homes and public areas of Chester County. The Council's work is directed by a volunteer executive director appointed by the organization's elected officials. The work of the Coun- cil is carried out by committee activity of public spirited citizens.
Salary Board
Chester County operates under a Salary Board as provided under the Act of 1955. The Board is composed of the County Commissioners and the Controller, and the elected row officers when salaries in their departments are to be consid- ered. All county employee salaries and increments are determined by this Board except those of elected officials, whose salaries are determined by the legislature. To eliminate the haphazard system of the past for considering salaries, the Com- missioners in 1960 caused the first complete study and evaluation of the duties and salaries for all county personnel under the jurisdiction of the Board to be completed. From the fundamental studies were developed job specifications for each classification; salary averages were gained for those prevailing for like classi- fications in other fourth class counties and in local area industry, and salary ranges were established for each classification as a guide or blue print. With this information the Board can approach the salary problem more scientifically and thereby render more equitable and just decisions.
Sealer of Weights and Measures
The first Regulator of Weights and Measures was appointed by the Governor in 1741. Protection of the public, through inspection and testing of all
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scales and measuring devices in business establishments, was provided by Acts of 1911 and 1921. This is another service given by the County. Periodic inspections and test visits are made by the Sealer, and his deputy inspec- tors. Scales found to be inaccurate are removed from service until corrected and retested. When the Sealer of Weights and Measures and his deputies discover a device used deliberately to cheat the public in weight or measure, the device is confiscated and the user prosecuted. With the acquisition of new equipment in the spring of 1968, the inspectors will check pre-packaged foods to insure honest weight to the buyer. All gasoline pumps are checked at specified intervals to assure that correct measure is being given.
Tourist Promotion Bureau
As recent as 1963 Chester County was one of five counties in the Common- wealth with no organized tourist promotion. In June of that year a five-member board was created by Chester County Commissioners, and in November the Chester County Tourist Promotion Bureau opened its office in West Chester with a fulltime secretary.
Today the Bureau has a six-member Board, Executive Director, Secretary and several part-time Clerks. It is located in Room 108 North Wing, Court House, West Chester.
The establishment of the Bureau was a proper choice by the County Commis- sioners and the State of Pennsylvania. Despite a wealth of historical background, citizens from within and outside the county weren't aware of what the area had to offer.
The Bureau was specifically assigned to invite people to visit historic, friendly, beautiful and progressive Chester County and to stimulate those who call the county their home.
Commissioners said the Bureau would be allocated County funds to be spent solely for promotional activities and publications. Further, they said the bureau would provide free and unstinted assistance for every county-wide activity with- out involving direct financial subsidy.
The first publication was a professionally-prepared four-color brochure on the area. The State Travel Bureau hailed it as one of the most attractive in Pennsyl- vania.
Since then other informative pieces have been created-all free to the public. They include: "A Self-Guided Tour Into History", "Historical Covered Bridges", "Hotels-Motels and Restaurants", "Antiques Shops and Allied Services", "Battle of the Brandywine", and "The Brandywine".
Today the Bureau answers requests for the brochures from all over the United States, Canada, South America and parts of Europe. The promoting of the County and its many historical sites and activities is made through advertise- ments in some of the country's leading newspapers, publicity releases and the now well-known "Chester County Crier" which is issued quarterly.
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The adoption of the Crier came about when a need for a central clearing house on dates of activities became apparent. The Bureau initiated publication of events listing everything of more than purely "local" interest. Organizations may list their events and activities by calling the Tourist Promotion Bureau at 696-4935. In conjunction with the Crier, a Community Calendar is published monthly in several county newspapers.
In five years time the Chester County Tourist Promotion Bureau has become a beehive of activity and numerous people have come to know the beauty of the County of Chester.
U.S. Government Donated Food
Setting up the U.S. Gov't donated food program by the County Commissioners in 1954, making distribution of food to the needy in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture Food Commodities through the Com- monwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Property and Supplies, is another important function which meets the needs of a segment of our residents. Basi- cally, those residents of Chester County receiving food items are those on Social Security, those getting aid from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Assist- ance, those whose needs are determined by light or limited income, unemployed or part-time employees, and regularly employed persons with large families with insufficient income. The first distribution of food was made in December, 1954. Commodities which have been available and distributed were butter, cheese, dried milk, rice, beans, wheat flour, corn meal flour, shortening, lard, luncheon meat, pork and gravy and peanut butter. The warehouse for the storing of U.S. Gov't donated food has been established by the County in Coatesville. The County makes distribution therefrom to the residents in the areas is made at West Chester at the Armory and at specific food centers throughout the County in Kennett Square, Oxford, Berwyn, Phoenixville. Total commodities distributed to the residents from the origin of the program to December 31, 1967, was 4,865,100 pounds (to 96,885 families, or 430,295 persons).
Veterans Affairs
Another important service rendered by the County is the office of Veterans Affairs. This Bureau is a responsibility of the Commissioners. It was created by the County as provided under the Act of 1955, and operates under rulings of the Veterans' Administration. Duties are performed by a Director, an Assistant, and a Secretary. Offices are located at Room 313, North Wing, Court House, West Chester, Pa. 19380. It's purposes are to render service, furnish guidance, render assistance, and act as a clearing house for information in all matters affecting veterans, their dependents, their widows and children, and the parents of veter- ans, in matters of rehabilitation, insurance, pensions and bonus money after
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veterans have been discharged from the service. It aids in obtaining hospitaliza- tion for veterans and in obtaining burial allowances. It distributes bronze grave markers and granite headstones provided by the County upon proper authoriza- tion. It marks graves in the County of veterans of all wars in which the United States has engaged. Annual appropriations are provided by the County to local veterans' organizations for patriotic exercises in honoring deceased veterans and for decorating their graves.
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