Kennett Square Borough Council welcomed a new police officer, approved two professional services agreements, and made several appointments during its meeting on Feb. 16.

Kennett Square Police Chief William Holdsworth led the introduction of new police officer Cole Burkhart, who was also officially sworn in. A video of the swearing-in was shown during the council meeting. Burkhart graduated from Octorara High School in 2011 and completed the program at the police academy in 2016. He has previously worked for the police departments in Downingtown, Parkesburg and East Whiteland Township, and Holdsworth said they all offered praise for Burkhart’s work. It was a lengthy process to fill the vacant position in the police department, mostly because of delays caused by the impact of COVID-19, the police chief explained. He and Mayor Matt Fetick both said that they were pleased to have Burkhart join the department as a full-time officer.

Borough council approved two professional services agreements—one with Longwood Gardens and one with the Kennett Library.

Longwood Gardens has asked the borough, as well as East Marlborough Township, to evaluate its projected sewer conveyance and connection to the  sewer facility and associated infrastructure. The professional services agreement that was approved by borough council allows the developer to work with the borough’s consulting engineers, Pennoni Associates Inc., to evaluate the project and its potential impact on the borough’s sewer system. The agreement establishes what Longwood Gardens will pay for as the work on the evaluation is completed.

Kennett Library officials also need to work with the borough’s consulting engineers on the project to construct a new library building. Borough council unanimously supported both professional services agreements.

Kennett Square Borough Council approved a resolution endorsing a grant application that the Kennett Area Park Authority will be filing with the county for funding to make improvements to the Anson B. Nixon Park. This is a procedural step that is necessary before the Kennett Area Park Authority can file its application for Chester County Municipal Grant Program assistance. Council unanimously approved the resolution.

The borough is forming an ad hoc committee to analyze its allocations to nonprofit organizations that serve the community. Council president Brenda Mercomes extended invitations to council members Latoya Myers and Rosa Moore to serve on this committee, which they accepted.

A number of community members expressed interest in continuing to serve in their roles on the respective Boards and Commissions that they serve on. On the Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (ACOLA), Jorge Dorchini, Lindsey Sweet and Laura Gonzalez all have signed on for new two-year terms that will expire on Jan. 1, 2023.

Myra Miller and James Moore will continue to serve on the borough’s Planning Commission for four years—their terms now expire on Jan. 1, 2025.

Sally Braffman has agreed to serve as an alternate on the Civil Service Commission for a new six-year term that will expire on Jan. 1, 2027.

Clara Saxton will serve on the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) for a three-year term that will expire on Jan. 1, 2024.

Borough council also approved the appointment of Rusty Drumheller to the HARB board. Drumheller is the borough’s Codes Enforcement Officer.

Kennett Square Borough Council will meet again on Monday, March 1.