Previously, the Office of Open Records had given their opinion that during a pandemic telecommunication meetings could be held, there had been no definitive law that addressed the issue of how to conduct required municipal meetings during a pandemic.
The PA House of Representatives approved SB 841 on April 14, 2020 and sent the bill to Governor Tom Wolf for his signature, which he is expected to sign on Monday, April 20, 2020.
Disaster Emergency
SB 841amends Title 35 (Public Safety & Emergency Management Services) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute and adds Chapter 57 – COVID-19 Disaster Emergency. The additions and changes to Title 35 as they relate to local government include the following.
Meeting Via Telecommunications Device
Section 5741 allows a borough council, authority, planning commission, zoning hearing board or other entity of the municipality to meet remotely by telecommunications device.
Public Notices
Notice must be given of public meetings held under this section. Public notice includes either on the borough’s website or in the newspaper of general circulation, or both.
Draft Minutes
Draft minutes from any meeting held under this section without advanced notice to the public to address issues related to the COVID-19 emergency must be posted within 20 days of the meeting or before the next regularly scheduled meeting, whichever is earlier
Public Participation
To the extent possible, the borough council, planning commission or zoning hearing board must allow for public participation through the telecommunications device or written comments.
Real Estate Taxes
Section 5713 allows a municipality or county to extend the discount period and waive penalties for real estate taxes.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
