By Karen Cresta, Staff Writer, The Times
East Marlborough Supervisors chair Richard Hannum congratulates outgoing Supervisors Robert Weer Sr. for his 50 years of service to the community, 30 on the township Board of Supervisors and 20 before that on the Unionville-Chadds Ford Board of Education.
EAST MARLBOROUGH – A crowd gathered for cake in the lobby of the East Marlborough township building before Monday’s night’s meeting to celebrate Robert Weer, Sr.’s 30 years of service as a supervisor on the board. Weer grinned and shook hands as he greeted guests and shared his pride of serving on the township board and the Unionville-Chadds Ford (UCF) School District Board for 20 years prior.
Weer shared an article that appeared in Sept. from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) when he was inducted into their Hall of Fame as a public servant for more than 50 years. The article written by the assistant editor, Brenda Wilt, stated that Weer ‘spent the past three decades using humor and a listening ear to help guide East Marlborough Township, Chester County, through some growing pains.’
Weer, 82, got teary-eyed at the end of his statement expressing his gratitude. “I’d like to thank the citizens and voter of East Marlborough for having me represent them for the past 50 years of public service. I really appreciate it and it was an honor and privilege to serve you. I also want to thank the board members of the past and the board members currently and also the officers and staff and employees of the township, past and present… It’s been a pleasure and an honor to serve.”
Weer received a standing ovation from those present and then Board chairman Richard Hannum read a proclamation from Rep. Eric Roe – who could not be present – thanking Weer for his long-time dedication of valuable service since 1987, noting his instrumental work with the construction of the township sewer system and Unionville Park, his membership with the Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company, and his five terms on the UCF school board. The proclamation paid tribute to Weer’s exemplary service, outstanding loyalty, and highest ideals for the commonwealth.
Hannum shook Weer’s hand and addressed Weer by saying, “Mr. Weer, thank you for all of your service for the past 10 years, personally since I’ve been on this board. There are going to be some major shoes to fill and we hope that you will still come back and visit, for one, with your pencil, so you can make sure the budget is keeping on track and also to make sure we are up to date on all the things that happen here in East Marlborough.”
Weer said that he has three generations of ties with the Hannum family. He first served on the school board with Hannum’s grandfather; then on the township board with his dad; and then with Hannum himself.
Supervisor Eddie Caudill was also honored with a proclamation from Roe for Caudill’s 32 years of valuable service on the board since 1985. Unfortunately, Caudill could not be present due to a scheduled medical procedure.
Hannum added, “There is going to be a tremendous amount of intuition and historical significance that we are going to be losing from the board but we know you guys aren’t going far so we will be able to find you when we need you. I can’t thank you enough and I hope the residents understand 30 and 32 years of serving on this board and the significance of that.”
Another round of applause was given and then the board got back to it’s agenda. The board heard from John Jaros, attorney for the proposed Longwood Preserve development by CJK, on the plans to raise Schoolhouse Road by approximately six inches. The revised plan will meet the township’s 350 feet sight distance ordinance at the 150-unit townhouse community entrance that was a concern of the board and residents at previous township meetings.
After hearing from several residents about the need for a three-way stop sign at the crest of the hill to avoid accidents and to slow traffic, the board and CJK agreed to pursue a study with the traffic engineer. The board approved the final plan but the feasibility of the stop signs will be addressed after the results from the traffic engineer.
The 2018 budget was approved with no tax increase for residents. The real estate tax millage remains at 1.05; the library tax at 1.83 mills; and the open space tax at 0.2 of a mill.
The complete budget is published on the township website at www.eastmarlborough.org.
