New faces take the helm of Ridley Park Borough Council

RIDLEY PARK » Michele Endriss-Dalessio chaired her first regular council meeting as president of borough council on Jan. 21. She replaces Jim Glenn, who did not run for re-election in last November’s municipal election. The new vice president is Susan Brochet.

Taking their seats on council were recently elected Republicans Michelle Stock Mattus, Richard Guerra and Michael McGinley. The political make-up of the council is six Republicans and one Democrat.

During action items at the meeting, council approved the following reappointments: Robert Connor, four-year term, Ridley Park Recreation Board; Shawn Conran, four-year term, Ridley Park Recreation Board; Mike Cruice, fiveyear term, board of health; Joan Sweeney, five-year term, health officer; Christine Valerio, sixyear term to Civil Service Commission.

Dan Dalessio was appointed to a four-year term on the planning commission while David Valentin was named to a four-year term on the recreation board.

During his report to council, fire chief Mike Eckenrode noted the fire company answered 22 calls so far this year.

“It’s been a very busy month for us,” he said.

The fire chief urged residents to make sure they have smoke detectors in their homes and to formulate an escape plan in the event of a fire emergency.

“Make sure you know how to get out,” he advised. “And when you go to bed at night, close your bedroom door. It can substantially block fire and smoke from spreading so rapidly.”