Jenkintown Borough continues to update the Borough website with the latest COVID-19 information and community resources that have been provided by County, State, and Federal agencies. Please click here for the latest COVID-19 updates.
A community informational video provided by Jenkintown Borough Council President Deborra Sines Pancoe and Mayor Allyson Dobbs can also be found on the Borough website here
Local (Jenkintown Borough) Status Update
Jenkintown Borough Government continues to function. All essential services continue to be provided.
Emergency Fire Responders (J.B. Police and J.B.Fire Department) are prepared, staffed and while inventory is limited currently have the personal protection equipment required for their safety. The J.B.P.D. and J.F.D. are in close communication and coordination with Second Alarmers Emergency Service.
J.B. Public Works Department is functioning and performing all essential duties. Currently the only service they will not be able to continue is bulk/large item pick up on Tuesdays, as the acceptance facility is private and temporarily ordered closed by the Governor. The Borough is presently searching for an alternative acceptance facility.
Borough Administration has completed the IT transition to be able to work remotely, with limited hours of physical presence at Borough hall required for certain duties and will continue to administer Borough business and all social media updates. Phone and Email messages are being monitored and messages are being routed to the proper Department for service.
Code Enforcement Department has been following the Governors orders closely. Permits are being accepted, reviewed and administered. The Governors order closing all Businesses include the Construction business, but offers an exemption for “residential maintenance or repair” there are many repairs that are ongoing that fall in to this category as well as conditions that will arise throughout this period. Please feel free to email or call the Borough if you need any guidance on this subject and we will do our best to guide you through the process the Governor has ordered. No contact/social distancing Inspections are still available, and those inspections must be scheduled by calling and leaving a message at Borough hall.
While not high-tech, there is always the option of the Mail slot in the front front door of Borough hall should you want to drop off a paper copy of any correspondence.
Coordination meetings are being held by video conference. All Departments attend a coordination meeting every other day and inner Department meetings occur throughout each day.
MONTCO Status Update Briefings are held and attended daily by all Departments.
All Public meetings have been canceled for March. So that you are aware the PA Sunshine Laws allow for telephonic public meetings to take place as long as the public can participate. This is the case for First and Second Class Townships. Unfortunately, The PA State Borough Code adds another layer of requirement to that law by requiring a physical quorum. In other words, a Borough in Pennsylvania must have a physical quorum to hold a public meeting. At this time, Professional advice is that it would not be advisable or safe to hold a meeting that constituted a public gathering. The Borough is in contact with and following closely the PA Association of Boroughs and the PA State Officials for actions granting relief from this requirement in light of this unprecedented pandemic and State of Emergency declared by the State of Pennsylvania.
Governor Wolf has ordered all “Businesses that are Not Life Sustaining” to be Closed, as of Monday 3/23 at 8:00 AM, that order will be enforceable. A list of those type of businesses has been provided by the Governors office and a means of appeal to the State has been provided by the DCED.
Jenkintown Borough would like to share very helpful information provided by State Representative Steve McCarter regarding the “Latest statewide news and resources regarding COVID-19.” Please click here for a direct link to State Representative Steve McCarter’s latest message.
The Borough continues to encourage everyone to follow the CDC guidelines including handwashing, social distancing and covering of your cough/sneezes.
You can also reach out to the Montgomery County COVID- 19 hotline at 610-631-3000opens phone dialer with questions and for up-to-date information.
It is highly recommended that you continue to obtain the latest updates from these Official Government websites, so that you are receiving the latest and most accurate updates available.
Thank you all. Please stay safe and be well.