Fred Gaines Takes a Final Bow

At our Annual Kickoff Celebration on January 16, we honored Fred Gaines for sharing his time and expertise for the benefit of all who live in Warrington. A civil engineer, Fred devoted 22 years of his retirement to Warrington, serving as:

• Township Supervisor 2016-2024

• Vice Chair and Chair of the Environmental Advisory Council

• Member of the Zoning Hearing Board

• Member and Chair of the Planning Commission

“Fred has been an invaluable asset to the community. His sale of the water and sewer authority were a huge, huge deal that saved taxpayers money by bringing in a $12 million capital reserve. No one received a water or sewer bill for three years.” —Ruth Schemm, Warrington supervisor

“As a civil engineer, he can plan, analyze, and oversee the development of structures such as buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and water supply systems. Important knowledge when our drinking water was found to be contaminated. Fred was a vital part of a team and had the capability and experience to work and negotiate with the government to come to some solution and renumeration for the Township. Our water is clean and safe to drink thanks to Fred and his team for the success.” —Carol Baker, former Warrington supervisor

Among his most important contributions were helping to plan the new Police Building and updating Warrington’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) in 2021.  SALDO sets standards for subdividing and improving or developing land.

Fred’s expertise helped Warrington ensure orderly growth by requiring improvements such as new roads, sidewalks, utilities and stormwater management. Although the ordinance doesn’t control zoning, it outlines the process for developers to submit plans for review and approval, ensuring public improvements are built alongside private development to benefit the community. 

Fred relied on his education and 45 years of experience as an environmental engineer specializing in municipal planning, including water supply and wastewater. He also took great interest in traffic planning. He hoped to develop a vision for Warrington to upgrade historic “farm roads” using systems to manage Route 611 through-traffic as well as local roads. Fred’s civil engineering expertise helped with several neighborhood storm water management problems. No problem was too big or too small to attract his curiosity.

Fred to the Rescue on Water

In 2016, Fred was tapped to join the Warrington Board of Supervisors where he provided needed expertise to safely navigate a Warrington Water Authority crisis caused by PFAS contamination of township water. Working with consultants, Fred and the other supervisors determined that the best solution was to sell our water and sewer system with their aging infrastructure. The sewer system was purchased by the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) and the water system was purchased by NWWA in 2018. Fred and the Board secured for Warrington residents a safe water supply and a $12 million capital reserve for future needs. The Democratic board of supervisors was then able to retire our water and sewer debt, while also saving the township interest costs.