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Prior to covering local government, I knew next to nothing about how public meetings were structured. Now, having attended an average of three public meetings per week for the last year, I've learned a heck of a lot — information all citizens should know.
So, here's what will become an ongoing thread should you ever want to engage with your county officials, board of supervisors, borough council members, school board, or if you're just curious about what some things mean as you're navigating the world of local government.
Embarrassed about not knowing what a commissioner is/what one does? Don't be. Picture this: Me, in my car, googling just that, before going to my first assignment out of college — a board of commissioners meeting.
. @CentreCountyGov's current board of commissioners, @MichaelPipe @CCMarkHiggins @DershemSteve, are responsible for administering county services, developing and adopting the annual budget, assessment of property, levying of taxes and more. https://centrecountypa.gov/163/Board-of-Commissioners
As the chief governing body of Centre County, the board is elected every four years. Last November, the same members were reelected for the first time in 72 years. https://www.centredaily.com/news/politics-government/election/article236981863.html
But, they don't do it ALL on their own. The board appoints personnel who help supervise county offices and programs. https://centrecountypa.gov/161/Government
Confused about what qualifies as a public meeting or executive session? You're not alone. Sometimes, there can be gray areas, but each has specific guidelines to follow. https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/community/article242998757.html
The law defines a meeting as "any prearranged gathering of an agency which is attended or participated in by a quorum of the members of an agency held for the purpose of deliberating agency business or taking official action." https://www.openrecords.pa.gov/SunshineAct.cfm
Under the PA Sunshine Act, agencies are required to deliberate and hold open, public meetings before taking action on an item. In order for a meeting to be classified as public, it must be advertised prior to its occurrence, so community members can attend and participate.
Agencies must record the time, date and place of public meetings. Minutes are also required to list all members of the public who participated along with a summary of their comments.
Executive sessions are private meetings used to discuss personnel issues, public safety or legal matters. If an agency meets in executive session, a specific reason must be publicly announced before or directly after the session is held.
Have something to say during a public meeting? Yay — elected officials need to hear from their constituents in order to make decisions on their behalf. In addition to calling or emailing your representatives, they also reserve time for public comments during meetings.
The Sunshine Act gives the public the right to comment on issues "that are or may be before the board." Agencies must provide a reasonable opportunity for residents and/or taxpayers to comment on an issue before a decision takes place.
Agencies can establish rules for public comment, like limiting how long a person may speak.
In my experience, between 3-5 minutes is usually the average time a person can speak during public comment, but that may vary depending on the topic and nature of the meeting.
In my experience, between 3-5 minutes is usually the average time a person can speak during public comment, but that may vary depending on the topic and nature of the meeting.
Anyone can speak during public comment, though someone who lives outside of the county/school district/township/borough *might* have to file a request to be recognized.
For instance, some who live outside of the @BellefonteASD spoke at the most recent board meeting. Prior to offering comment, most individuals said they were granted approval to talk despite not living in the district. https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/community/bellefonte/article243914612.html
Speaking of school boards (sometimes the board of directors or trustees), they help make decisions for a district (or equivalent). Members, usually elected to four-year terms, are unpaid. School boards are tasked with approving curriculum, budgets and more.
July 1 marked the start of the fiscal year, meaning schools had to approve their budgets for the 2020-21 year (a challenge for many due to COVID-19). https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/education/article242567811.html
Finance officers often use the term "millage" or "mill rate." This term is just a fancy way of talking about property tax and how its calculated. A mill is one one-thousandth of a dollar — equal to $1 of tax for each $1,000 of assessment.
Wondering what a resolution is, especially after Tuesday's board of commissioners meeting? Now that you know what a commissioner is responsible for, here's what it means when the board adopts a resolution. https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/article243867362.html
A resolution is the official opinion of a governing body; they are not laws. Resolutions are drafted, submitted, voted on, moved to the consent agenda (if approved to do so) and then, adopted (if approved when voting on the consent agenda) *exciting* https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/community/article243897222.html
Curious about where/how to find what elected officials are scheduled to talk about or vote on. Well, you're in luck because most information can be found on meeting agendas — usually listed online or by request from legislative bodies. https://centrecountypa.gov/AgendaCenter/Board-of-Commissioners-1
If adopted at next week's meeting, the board will send a copy of the proposal to all 35 Centre County municipalities — encouraging each to pass similar resolutions or, if permitted, ordinances.
Ooooh, what is an ordinance, you ask? Well, an ordinance is considered the most authoritative form of action taken at the local level (some bite to go with their bark). Once adopted, an ordinance becomes an established law.
Most ordinances deal with public health, safety and behavior. Examples include rules for noise, snow removal, pet restrictions and (a recent topic in @CollegeTwpPA) zoning regulations. Yes, the chickens and the Amish Farmers Market. https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/community/state-college/article243868402.html
https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/community/article243798972.html
https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/community/article243798972.html
When an explosion (from Tannerite) was mistakenly reported as a plane crash, Harris Township considered an ordinance that would require people to notify the Centre County Emergency Communications Center at least one hour before setting off the explosive. https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/community/article239915798.html
The proposal resembled an ordinance already in place which requires notification before burning brush. https://www.ecode360.com/30336779
Last year, Huntingdon County became the first rural area in Pennsylvania (which has more ordinances aimed at protecting the LGBTQ community than any other state) to pass an ordinance that prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ people. https://www.centredaily.com/news/state/article238655433.html
Sometimes, the state can stop municipalities from enacting ordinances.
Example: Last year, @FergusonTwpPA was considering a 10-cent impact fee on single-use plastic after residents wanted to see more local sustainable practices. https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/article231431048.html
Example: Last year, @FergusonTwpPA was considering a 10-cent impact fee on single-use plastic after residents wanted to see more local sustainable practices. https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/article231431048.html
Days before the ordinance was to be introduced, @GovernorTomWolf barred municipalities from enacting such fees for at least a year.
@JakeCorman supported the provision because @Novolex, a plastic bag manufacturer, resides in his district. https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/article232101147.html#:~:text=Days%20before%20Ferguson%20Township%20was%20set%20to%20introduce%20an%20ordinance,lawmakers%20unveiled%20two%20days%20ago.
@JakeCorman supported the provision because @Novolex, a plastic bag manufacturer, resides in his district. https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/article232101147.html#:~:text=Days%20before%20Ferguson%20Township%20was%20set%20to%20introduce%20an%20ordinance,lawmakers%20unveiled%20two%20days%20ago.
Last week, the @ind_fisc_office and @pa_lbfc concluded their research — reporting the pros and cons of regulations on single-use plastic. http://www.ifo.state.pa.us/releases/381/Economic-Impact-from-Regulation-of-Single-Use-Plastics/
The reports conclude that a fee on single-use plastic would save consumers $82 million a year. But, Ferguson Township still has to wait before approving any fee on single-use plastic because the state extended the ban due to COVID-19. https://legiscan.com/PA/bill/HB1083/2019
The legislation was signed into law by @GovernorTomWolf on May 29. The bill prohibits any government agency from enacting or enforcing any “law, rule, regulation or ordinance” on single-use plastic until July 2021 or six months after the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted.
Let's talk about state officials.
The PA general assembly, the legislative branch, is comprised of senators and representatives. Senators are elected to 4-year terms; reps are elected to 2-year terms.
The PA general assembly, the legislative branch, is comprised of senators and representatives. Senators are elected to 4-year terms; reps are elected to 2-year terms.
In the Senate, Centre County is represented by Republican @JakeCorman. Corman was elected to the Senate in 1998. He represents the 34th Senatorial District, which includes all of Centre, Mifflin and Juniata counties and part of Huntingdon County. https://www.senatorcorman.com/profile/
Republican Rep. Kerry Benninghoff represents the 171st Legislative District, which includes parts of Centre and Mifflin counties. Now serving his 24th year in the House, Benninghoff was named majority leader of the GOP-controlled House last month. https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/community/article239616308.html
Republican Rep. Stephanie Borowicz represents the 76th Legislative District, which includes Clinton and parts of Centre County. She is the first woman to serve the 76th. A mother, former teacher and pastor’s wife, she was elected in 2018. http://www.repstephanie.com/
Fun fact: Rep. Borowicz has never returned a request for comment — not even a denial — in all my time working at the CDT (more than a year). https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/article235391592.html
Republican Rep. Rich Irvin serves the 81st Legislative District. First elected in 2014, he is a former Huntington County treasurer. http://www.repirvin.com/about
Finally, Democrat @RepConklin has been a representative in the 77th Legislative District since 2006. He is a former Centre County commissioner with a background in business. https://www.pahouse.com/Conklin/
State officials are tasked with making decisions on behalf of their constituents.
This November, Benninghoff, Borowicz, Irvin and Conklin are up for reelection. https://www.centredaily.com/news/politics-government/election/article242572651.html
This November, Benninghoff, Borowicz, Irvin and Conklin are up for reelection. https://www.centredaily.com/news/politics-government/election/article242572651.html
Wanting to bring a "new energy and accountability to Harrisburg," former Ferguson Township supervisor and Democrat @BuckForPA is running against Benninghoff. https://www.buckforpa.com/
Challenging Borowicz, @ElectJoeWaltz is a Lycoming County native and worked as an educator for 34 years. He retired from the Keystone Central in 2007. If elected, Waltz said he will stand up for farmers, firefighters and senior citizens on fixed incomes. https://electjoewaltz.com/
Democratic challenger @ianforpa is running against Irvin this November. A Huntingdon native, he is running to "represent the hardworking people of Centre, Mifflin and Huntingdon counties." https://www.facebook.com/ianforpa/
Republican challenger Stephen Yetsko is running in the 77th Legislative District. A 20-year resident of Julian, he describes himself as "pro-life, pro-freedom, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-business and pro-energy independence. https://letsgowithyetsko.com/?fbclid=IwAR0_nh2nBVKaRBY1ooiNus-F-WGfykSzX6QRaw7ljLa5gDJvYcail0QUcH8
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters will cast their ballots — not just for president.
The @CentreCountyGov Elections & Voter Registration Office is great when it comes to announcements and any changes. http://centrecountypa.gov/238/Elections-Voter-Registration
The @CentreCountyGov Elections & Voter Registration Office is great when it comes to announcements and any changes. http://centrecountypa.gov/238/Elections-Voter-Registration
The most recent election marked the first in which PA voters could cast their ballots by mail. For the general, ALL mail-in and absentee ballot applications must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27. More info here: https://www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Mail-and-Absentee-Ballot.aspx
How much say does your local government have when it comes to decisions that dictate your daily life? It depends.
Do you live in a home rule municipality or county? If you're a Centre County resident who doesn't live in State College, the answer is probably "no."
Do you live in a home rule municipality or county? If you're a Centre County resident who doesn't live in State College, the answer is probably "no."
"Home rule" means municipalities have an established local charter that's drafted, adopted and amended by voters who live in that area. In short, a home rule charter is like a local constitution that lets local government design ordinances and policies based on residents.
Home rule counties or municipalities can do anything that isn't specifically denied by the Constitution, General Assembly or the charter itself.
@CentreCountyGov is not a home rule county, but @State_CollegePA is a home rule municipality.
@CentreCountyGov is not a home rule county, but @State_CollegePA is a home rule municipality.
In 1973, @StateCollege residents adopted a home rule charter which opts for a council-manager form of government.
Section 1105 of the charter actually gives residents a "right to a sustainable energy future."
https://www.statecollegepa.us/DocumentCenter/View/3118/Home-Rule-Charter?bidId=
Section 1105 of the charter actually gives residents a "right to a sustainable energy future."
https://www.statecollegepa.us/DocumentCenter/View/3118/Home-Rule-Charter?bidId=
In 1972, @FergusonTwpPA electors voted in favor of a commission and selected nine members to study the township government and consider a home rule charter. https://www.twp.ferguson.pa.us/about/pages/home-rule-history-information
In March 1974, the final study was completed and recommended a home rule charter. The charter was approved in May 1974 and become effective in January 1976.
No other municipality in Centre County is home rule, which is also why no other township/borough can adopt a masking ordinance.
That would mean officials could legally enforce mandatory masking.
Every other municipality has to opt for resolutions, aka strong suggestions.
That would mean officials could legally enforce mandatory masking.
Every other municipality has to opt for resolutions, aka strong suggestions.
All Pennsylvania counties and municipalities can create and adopt a home rule charter, according to Act 62 of 1972 (Pennsylvania’s Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Laws). http://www.palrb.us/pamphletlaws/19001999/1972/0/act/0062.pdf
This home rule charter borough ( @State_CollegePA) went there, and it has every right to do so. 
https://www.centredaily.com/news/rebuild/article244714207.html#storylink=mainstage_leadn
https://www.centredaily.com/news/rebuild/article244714207.html#storylink=mainstage_leadn
If you tuned into last night’s 6.5 hour-long @StateCollegeSD board meeting, you might have heard references to “Robert’s Rules of Order” after Gretchen Brandt motioned to add a virtual reopening to the agenda as an action item.
So, who is Robert? What the heck are these rules?
So, who is Robert? What the heck are these rules?
Basically, Robert’s Rules are universal guidelines for parliamentary procedure.
They help keep things on track when a governing body is trying to get work done.
They help keep things on track when a governing body is trying to get work done.
Creating an agenda isn’t a random process. As SCASD board president Amber Concepcion clarified, there are several ways for officials to add items to an agenda.
Making a motion is one route to take.
Making a motion is one route to take.
An official can make a motion; another person can second it. A discussion is held, and public comment is heard. Then, the motion is put to a vote — yea or nay.
If you listen closely, you’ll pick up on common phrases included in Robert’s Orders.
“Point of order” — object to procedure
“Table the matter” — let’s pause on this
“Motion to adjourn” — let’s be done
Here’s an example from @JakeCorman: https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/article232139877.html
“Point of order” — object to procedure
“Table the matter” — let’s pause on this
“Motion to adjourn” — let’s be done
Here’s an example from @JakeCorman: https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/article232139877.html
Here’s a slightly toned down & fictional example from the Princess Diaries 2:
