Media honors bank, inks deal for senior transit
MEDIA >> Council’s meeting included something very old and something new. Mayor Bob McMahon began with a proclamation honoring the 140th Anniversary of Iron Workers Bank, headquartered in the borough.
Established in 1879 in Chester as a mutual saving bank, the designation recognized local artisans who built ironclad ships. The borough’s proclamation stated, “The bank’s name is derived from the people it served in the early days where principles of frugality, hard work and dedication were essential to community values.”
McMahon noted Iron Workers Bank is active in the civic life of the borough through support and sponsorship of several community groups including Media Fellowship House, Media Theatre, Media Youth Club and the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum.
Accepting the proclamation and plaque were President and CEO John Whitig, and Tim D’Ignazio, vice president of commercial lending.
McMahon followed with the new initiative with Community Transit of Delaware County. A two-month pilot program will offer free, door-to-door, shared rides within the borough to residents 65 and older.
Community Transit is a private, nonprofit transportation company certified by the state Public Utility Commission to provide on-demand responsive service to the general public. It was incorporated in 1983 when the county coordinated the transportation needs of various human service agencies.
The ride cost, set at $28 per ride, is funded at an 85 percent share by proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery. Council approved an allocation of $2,500 to cover the remaining 15 percent making the ride free to residents. The borough contribution will allow just under 600 rides total.
To start, residents should be aware rides are available Monday through Saturday; reservations must be made a day in advance by calling 610-490-3960; each ride to or from a location is a separate reservation; small groups traveling together — such as to Media Theatre — must make reservations individually. Basic information is available at www.ctdelco. org as well as checking the borough website to see the start date and program status. The board unanimously approved participation and financial allocation pending the agreement with Community Transit.
In other business, the board awarded a contract for work on the fire house roof to Winchester Roofing Corp. at $85,983, one of nine bidders. Councilman
Paul Robinson said the high bid had come in at $166,000, and added the bid range may reflect the business climate for contractors.
Two items pertained to the popular playgrounds. In the public comment period, Katey McVerry thanked council for completion of renovations at the tot lot on the municipal property. Very heavily used, parents and caregivers have been anticipating reopening the facility after upgrades. Councilman Kevin Boyer said an official ribbon cutting is scheduled to take place 9:30, Oct. 26, just prior to the Media Recreation Board’s Halloween Extravaganza for toddlers to 10 years old.
Council also approved a 15-year lease agreement with Rose Tree Media School District for Barrall Park and the playground adjacent to Media Elementary School. Robinson said this is the third multi-year agreement between the parties which have worked together for the facilities used by both the borough and district. Robinson credited a grassroots group of parents have undertaken plans and fundraising for a playground makeover. The borough has also committed to financially supporting the work expected in the next year.
McMahon also announced this year will be the 60th anniversary of the borough Veteran’s Day Parade and Ceremony. Taking place on Nov. 11, it will honor the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion. The grand marshal will be the Pennsylvania Department Commander, Robert John.
Robinson encouraged those attending to enjoy the parade along State Street, but come to the courthouse for the addresses which impart the meaning and importance of Veterans Day.