Tuesday was Bradford City Administrator Chris Lucco’s last city council meeting before he departs for a new position in Harrisburg, and city officials made sure he knew the difference he’s made in Bradford.
Lucco read a brief statement to council, thanking them for supporting him while he made changes in the city.
“The achievements we’ve accomplished would not have been possible without your backing in the necessary changes in city operations and management.”
Bradford City Mayor Tom Riel explained how Lucco came to be police chief, saying it was not long after city officials announced they were doing away with a dispatch position within the police department.
“There were petitions circulating against me, protestors outside with signs picketing that came all the way upstairs into council chambers against me and what I was proposing to do,” Riel recounted. “The person who led that whole thing was Chris Lucco. People were amazed a few months later … when I chose him as police chief.”
The mayor continued, addressing Lucco, “You did a tremendous job as police chief in moving the department forward and you helped bring about a great amount of confidence in the police department.”
He explained “hundreds of thousands of dollars” were raised for initiatives in the department, and “people wouldn’t have given that money if they didn’t believe in what you were doing and in the City of Bradford as a whole.”
Lucco was transferred to city hall as director of personnel and purchasing, the mayor continued, and then the city administrator.
“He kind of reinvented the position. He enhanced revenue streams, the city is in a much better position without question because of his steadfast leadership,” Riel said. “The city and the police department are both better off because of your service.”
Carolyn Newhouse of Bradford Area Alliance spoke as well.
“Many of the things you guys have said, we reiterate,” she said of Lucco, “the professionalism, the tenacity, the operational excellence, the commitment. All of that encapsulates your leadership and you are leaving our city in a better position. Thank you very much for everything you’ve done for us.”
Ben Palagonia, former city resident and current engineer in Los Angeles, was in attendance, and addressed Lucco as well. He said he left in 2009, going to college. He still visits periodically, and commended the state of Bradford now.
“It’s nice seeing the town hold its own against some of the tribulations, especially against covid, that was certainly one of the biggest shocks since probably World War II for this country. Thank you for seeing us through hard times,” he said.
Also at the meeting, council approved on second reading the city’s millage rate, budget and wage ordinances.
Several changes were made to switch city accounts to Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust accounts, which will bring higher yields on balances. Accounts to be switched include for the parking lot, ambulance replacement, motor license PIA and motor license turnback, and a recycling escrow account.
Council approved an agreement between the City of Bradford Fire Department and Jay Bradish — Bradish Associates for assistance in determining the cause of fires in the city.
Meetings were set for the coming year, with city council remaining on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Council work sessions may be held every Tuesday as needed at 5 p.m.
Council approved a measure that allows the department of accounts and finance to process payments for utilities and contractual services without having to bring each payment before council.
Quarterly allocations were made to the Bradford District Flood Control Authority of $5,000 and to Bradford Area Public Library of $6,250; and annual allocations to the McKean County SPCA and to Greater Bradford Senior Activity Center for $4,800 each.
