New 'public participation' conduct rules in Nuangola
October 06, 2010 Sunshine Act | Open meetings
Mountaintop Eagle
A contentious audience was met with new “public participation” conduct rules at the late September Nuangola Borough Council session.
The new policy was seemingly adopted in response to a raucous August meeting which had residents shouting over Council members’ comments and each other. It was enacted as Resolution No. 8 of 2010.
Compliant with the Commonwealth Sunshine Law, according to council, the new regulations allow a public comment period - time permitting. In support of the Resolution was an extract of the Sunshine Law showing that, “Comments are to be limited to matters of concern, official actions or deliberation.”
At issue in August was a state-wide update of FEMA Flood Plain Maps. This month, Zoning Officer Steven Bieryla reported that he sought out information to assist residents wishing to view the new FEMA maps on line. After making this source material public, Bieryla reported monthly activities including meeting with residents for permits for a roof, a deck, and for dock repairs.
Also during reports, Mayor Norman Rule advised that through the police contract the Rice Police Department responded to 2 motor vehicle accidents, one assault, two underage drinking, one fireworks complaint, one domestic complaint and issued six traffic citations and three non-traffic citations.
A complaint was also received relative to traffic speeds on Nuangola Road, particularly in the area of the intersection with Willow Grove at the time of school bus stops.
After a one-month review by council and the borough solicitor, officials approved a new three-year police services contract with Rice Township. Commencing in January, the latest renewal for services calls for monthly payments totalling $26,655; in 2012 the fee will be $27,450, and the final year will cost $28,277.
Gearing up for the annual budget preparation process, council president Regina Plodwick cautioned that finances will be tight next year owning mainly to the debt the borough incurred to implement a community-wide sewer plan.
Although the implementation of the project is at a temporary lull, interestonly loan payments to Citizens Bank amount to approximately $2,900 per quarter.
Plodwick requested and was approved authorization to consult the PA Department of Economic Development for guidance in preparing the 2011 budget in order to better plan for the repayment of the $309,000 of credit already expended on the project.
A contentious audience was met with new “public participation” conduct rules at the late September Nuangola Borough Council session.
The new policy was seemingly adopted in response to a raucous August meeting which had residents shouting over Council members’ comments and each other. It was enacted as Resolution No. 8 of 2010.
Compliant with the Commonwealth Sunshine Law, according to council, the new regulations allow a public comment period - time permitting. In support of the Resolution was an extract of the Sunshine Law showing that, “Comments are to be limited to matters of concern, official actions or deliberation.”
At issue in August was a state-wide update of FEMA Flood Plain Maps. This month, Zoning Officer Steven Bieryla reported that he sought out information to assist residents wishing to view the new FEMA maps on line. After making this source material public, Bieryla reported monthly activities including meeting with residents for permits for a roof, a deck, and for dock repairs.
Also during reports, Mayor Norman Rule advised that through the police contract the Rice Police Department responded to 2 motor vehicle accidents, one assault, two underage drinking, one fireworks complaint, one domestic complaint and issued six traffic citations and three non-traffic citations.
A complaint was also received relative to traffic speeds on Nuangola Road, particularly in the area of the intersection with Willow Grove at the time of school bus stops.
After a one-month review by council and the borough solicitor, officials approved a new three-year police services contract with Rice Township. Commencing in January, the latest renewal for services calls for monthly payments totalling $26,655; in 2012 the fee will be $27,450, and the final year will cost $28,277.
Gearing up for the annual budget preparation process, council president Regina Plodwick cautioned that finances will be tight next year owning mainly to the debt the borough incurred to implement a community-wide sewer plan.
Although the implementation of the project is at a temporary lull, interestonly loan payments to Citizens Bank amount to approximately $2,900 per quarter.
Plodwick requested and was approved authorization to consult the PA Department of Economic Development for guidance in preparing the 2011 budget in order to better plan for the repayment of the $309,000 of credit already expended on the project.
