2024 PSATS Business Meeting Book

Business Meeting

Rules of Conduct

RULES OF CONDUCT

The following rules for the conduct of the Annual Conference were adopted by the Rules Committee on November 15, 2023.

1. The president of the Association, or in the absence of the president, one of the vice presidents, in order of rank, shall preside at the annual meeting of the Association.

2. All general sessions shall begin promptly at the call of the presiding officer.

3. The presiding officer shall appoint a parliamentarian, who shall advise the chair on procedural matters.

4. The presiding officer shall have the authority to determine the order of events, speakers, business, or other matters before the conference.

5. The presiding officer shall recognize the chairs of the various standing committees, as necessary, to conduct the action of the conference relating to their respective committees.

6. Resolutions supported by the Resolutions Committee shall be deemed to be automatically moved and seconded when presented to the conference.

7. Resolutions not supported by the Resolutions Committee shall require a motion to adopt by a voting delegate from a non-sponsoring county association and a second by a voting delegate from a second non-sponsoring county association from the floor before such resolutions may be considered by the delegates.

8. Any proposed amendment to the bylaws or resolution coming before the annual meeting in accordance with Article VIII, Section 2 and Section 5, of the bylaws shall be considered and voted upon as presented and shall not be amended.

9. The business of the annual meeting shall be conducted within the time limitations provided therefore, and the presiding officer shall have the absolute right to limit debate on any proposed resolution, amendment to the bylaws, or other questions in accordance with the time available for the conduct of all business before the annual meeting.

10. The presiding officer shall have the sole authority to determine any procedural question that occurs in the conduct of the annual meeting not covered by the bylaws or any existing rules promulgated by the Rules Committee.

11. All votes shall be taken by having the voting delegate exhibit his or her “vote” card, except in those circumstances when the presiding officer determines a secret ballot is required.

12. The presiding officer may determine the outcome of any vote by making a sight observation or by having an exact count of votes made by the sergeants at arms. In the event that the presiding officer declares the outcome of a vote on the basis of a sight observation of the voting delegates, any

five voting delegates may request that an exact count of the votes be made by the sergeants at arms.

13. Under Article VII, Section 4, of the bylaws, the Executive Board is charged with the management of the Association. Management of the Association shall include the adoption of the annual budget, authorization of all expenditures, auditing of all records and accounts, and management of all personnel. Any business involving the management of the Association shall be directed to the Executive Board at its regular or special meetings.

14. Only qualified delegates shall be entitled to address the conference or enter debate in the general session relative to a proposed resolution or bylaws amendment. Any person other than a qualified delegate who seeks to address the conference or enter debate on any such proposed resolution or bylaws amendment shall be declared out of order by the presiding officer.

15. The PSATS Resolutions Committee is urged to consider those resolutions not previously acted upon and presented at the state conference only when such resolutions are of a critical importance requiring immediate action and have been approved by the respective county association or standing committee.

16. Any candidate intending to be nominated from the floor of the conference for election as an officer or member of the PSATS Executive Board shall provide the chairman of the Nominations Committee with a background statement and statement of willingness to serve at least 30 days before the presentation of the annual report of the Nominations Committee to the delegates. The statements should be sent to the Nominations chairman in care of the office of the executive director. The chairman shall present the substance of these statements to the delegates as part of the committee’s report.

17. Resolutions not previously adopted by the membership shall be considered and voted upon individually and shall not be considered as a block. A motion may be made and seconded by voting delegates to consider those resolutions previously adopted by the membership and proposed for reconsideration by the Resolutions Committee as a block. In such case, any voting delegate may object to the inclusion of any specific resolution in the block. Such objection shall cause that resolution to be removed from the block and require the voting delegates to consider that resolution individually. Any resolutions removed from the block shall be voted upon by the delegates individually prior to a vote on the block.

Treasurer’s Report

 2023 Financial Report

 2024 Budget

 2025-2027 Budget Forecast

PSATS TREASURER’S REPORT

For the year ended December 31, 2023

(audited)

REVENUES

Member Dues

$1,365,025

Publications 507,796 492,985

Conference Planning

Member Services

Training Contracts

1,162,950

2,577,905

2,121,560

Royalty Fees & Mortgage 646,871 636,840

Training Center 2,135 6,000

Investment Earnings 396,682 257,100

Other 226,624 255,210

Total Revenues $9,308,700 $8,875,575

EXPENDITURES

Salaries $2,300,947 $2,491,350

Employee Benefits & Taxes 1,169,599 1,427,345

Travel 122,614 144,200

Publications 245,130 274,510

Research/Public Relations 97,956 122,250

Administration/Professional Services 760,685 884,485

Conference Planning 497,523 596,320

Member Services

Mortgage

1,530,120

Total Expenditures Before Depreciation $7,661,948 $8,730,155

Depreciation Expense 188,989 230,500

Total Expenditures $7,850,937 $8,960,655

($85,080)

PSATS TREASURER’S REPORT (cont.)

2023

Cash and Investments - January 1 $8,226,282 $9,307,389

Change in Unrestricted Net Assets 1,457,763 (85,080)

Depreciation Expense 188,989 230,500

Change in Investments 0

Fixed Asset Purchases Capitalized:

Building (10,095)

Furniture/Equipment (28,269) (186,800)

Automobile Purchase (45,486) (40,000) (Gain) Loss on Fixed Asset Disposals (20,500)

Mortgage and Note Payments:

Rental Offset (27,689) (27,690)

Royalty Offset (14,994) (14,994)

Supervisory Offset (32,001) (32,000)

Option Offset (35,000) (35,000)

Interest Expense 44,183 40,290

Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities (369,382)

Capital Reserve (26,413)

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Investments 1,081,107 (150,774)

Total Decrease in Mortgage Payable:

Interest Expense Included in Expenditures (44,183) (40,290)

Principal Payments Applied Against Mortgage Liability (715,501) (119,394)

Net Cash Payments Related to Mortgages & Notes (650,000) (50,000) Cash Paid

Total

PSATS 2025-2027

PROJECTED BUDGET FORECAST

2025 2026 2027 Estimated Estimated Estimated

Cash and Investments - Jan. 1 9,156,615 9,128,870 8,958,675

Change in Unrestricted

Net Assets (142,205) (280,695) (406,860)

Depreciation Expense 220,500 220,500 220,500

Building 0 0 0

Furniture/Equipment Purchase (50,000) (50,000) (50,000)

Automobile Purchase (40,000) (40,000) (40,000)

Mortgage & Note

Interest Expense (16,040) (20,000) (24,140)

Trustees & U.C. Group

Note Principal Payments 0 0 0

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Investments (27,745) (170,195) (300,500)

Cash and InvestmentsDecember 31 9,128,870 8,958,675 8,658,175

Total Decrease in Mortgage Payable: Non-Cash Offsets Included in Revenue

Interest Expense

Included in Expenditures (33,960) (30,000) (25,860)

Principal Payments Applied Against Mortgage Liability (125,724) (129,684) (133,824)

Net Cash Payments Related to Mortgages & Notes (50,000) (50,000) (50,000)

Notes

Bylaws

ASSOCIATION BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

Name

SECTION 1. The name of the Association shall be the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors.

ARTICLE II Purpose

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Association shall be as provided in the Act of Assembly approved May 1, 1933, P.L. 103, as enacted and revised by the Act approved July 19, 1947, P.L. 1481, and is as thereafter from time to time amended.

SECTION 2. The purpose of this Association shall also be:

A. To secure and preserve for townships of the state the benefits of local self-government administered by the township elected officials.

B. To protect the township against any attempt to abolish it as a governmental unit.

C. To resist any effort at further centralization of governmental powers by depriving the township of any rights, duties or privileges that it now possesses.

D. To secure, through friendly communication, a better acquaintance among township officials.

E. To promote a better knowledge of the rights and duties of township officials and, by comparison of experiences and interchange of ideas, to arrive at the best way to discharge those duties.

F. To secure from the General Assembly legislation that will enable township government to function more efficiently.

G. To provide ancillary and informational services to townships of the second class.

ARTICLE III

Membership

SECTION 1. All township supervisors, township secretaries, township treasurers, township managers, or comparable representatives of home rule or optional plans townships, and secretaries of county associations shall be entitled to active membership and qualified delegate status at the annual meeting.

SECTION 2. All delegates elected by their respective county associations in accordance with law or the duly elected alternates, if the delegates cannot serve, are entitled to vote at the annual meeting of the Association. The secretary of each county association must certify the names and addresses of all such delegates elected to attend the annual meeting to the executive director of the Association at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting.

SECTION 3. One delegate elected by each township in accordance with the law shall be entitled to vote at the annual meeting of the Association, provided the township has paid its dues to the Association for the current year. The township secretary must certify the name and address of the delegate to the Association executive director at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting.

SECTION 4. Honorary membership may be conferred upon such persons as may be elected by any annual meeting of the Association.

SECTION 5. The Executive Board may establish, maintain, modify, and terminate a category of Associate Membership in PSATS under such terms and conditions as the Executive Board shall deem appropriate. Associate members shall be accorded such privileges as the Executive Board shall determine from time to time. Associate members shall be ineligible to vote on any PSATS matter, designate a delegate to PSATS’ annual meeting, or serve as an officer of the Association or member of the Executive Committee.

SECTION 6. Grassroots Advocacy Network — All active members shall be entitled to participate in the Association’s

Grassroots Advocacy Network, including receipt of all electronic newsletters and communications relating to the network. The mission of the network shall be to promote the Association’s legislative agenda, as established in Article IX (Policy), with state legislators, the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, the governor’s office, and other elected and appointed policymakers.

ARTICLE IV

Officers

SECTION 1. Officers of the Association must be township supervisors or comparable elected representatives of home rule or optional plans member townships.

SECTION 2. The officers of the Association shall be president, first vice president, second vice president, secretary-treasurer, and assistant secretary-treasurer and shall be entitled to be delegates at-large to the annual meeting.

SECTION 3. The president, vice presidents, secretary-treasurer, and assistant secretary-treasurer shall, by virtue of their offices, be members of the Executive Board with full voting rights.

SECTION 4. The immediate past president shall be a member of the Executive Board without voting rights, provided he or she is a township supervisor or comparable elected representative of a home rule or optional plans member township.

ARTICLE V

Duties of Officers and Executive Director

SECTION 1. The president shall preside at all meetings of the membership, direct business, maintain order, perform all duties pertaining to the office of president, and appoint all standing committees.

SECTION 2. One of the vice presidents, in order of rank, shall preside in the absence of the president.

SECTION 3. The secretary-treasurer shall provide for correct minutes of the proceedings of each meeting of the Executive Board and shall see that the executive director properly cares for all monies collected by the Association and that all disbursements of the funds of the Association are properly authorized.

SECTION 4. The executive director shall keep a roll of the membership, attend to all correspondence, and be responsible for the operation of the Association office, promotional activities, membership, lobbying, publicity, and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Executive Board.

SECTION 5. If an officer of this Association shall fail, become unable, or become ineligible to perform the duties of his or her office, such vacancy shall continue until the election of officers at the next annual meeting of the Association. During the period of any such vacancy, and during the period of any temporary absence or inability to perform the functions of office, the first vice president or, in his or her absence, the second vice president shall perform the duties of the absent president, and the assistant secretary-treasurer shall perform the duties of the absent secretary-treasurer.

ARTICLE VI

Election of Officers

SECTION 1. The officers of the Association, elected annually at the regularly called annual meeting, shall assume the duties of their respective offices at the conclusion of the annual meeting at which they are elected and shall serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

SECTION 2. Each of the elected officers of the Association shall serve for a term of one year and may succeed himself or herself in the office for only one additional term. Thereafter, said officer shall not be eligible for re-election to the particular office in which he or she has already served for two successive terms.

SECTION 3. Any person(s) nominated for Association office, including the office of Executive Committee member, from the floor of the annual meeting must provide the chair of the Nominations Committee with a background statement and statement of willingness to serve at least 30 days before the presentation of the annual report of the Nominations Committee to the delegates. The chair shall present the substance of this statement to the delegates as part of the committee’s report.

SECTION 4. In all cases where more than one candidate is nominated for Association office, the election shall be by secret ballot.

SECTION 5. A vacancy shall occur at any time any officer ceases to be a township supervisor or comparable representative of a home rule or optional plans member township. All vacancies not otherwise provided for in these bylaws shall be filled by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VII

Executive Board

SECTION 1. The Executive Board shall consist of the immediate past president of the Association as prescribed in Article IV, Section 4 of these bylaws and 12 voting members, including the five officers of the Association as prescribed in Article IV, Section 2 of these bylaws and the seven members of the Executive Committee, as prescribed herein.

SECTION 2. Executive Committee.

A. Qualifications. The Executive Committee shall be composed of seven members. Members must be township supervisors or comparable elected representatives of a home rule or optional plan member township or persons appointed as township secretaries, township treasurers or township managers.

B. Term of Office. Members of the Executive Committee shall be elected for three-year terms at the regularly called annual meeting. The terms of office of Executive Committee members shall begin at the conclusion of the annual meeting at which they are elected and shall end immediately prior to the election held at the third annual meeting convened after their election.

C. Vacancy. Any vacancy on the Executive Committee shall be filled by appointment by the Executive Board. Any such appointee shall serve only until the next regularly called annual meeting, at which time the remainder of the unexpired term shall be filled by election.

D. Term Limits. Any person eligible to serve as a member of the Executive Committee shall be eligible for election to two full terms on the Executive Committee. After serving two full terms, said member shall be ineligible for re-election to the Executive Committee until the next regularly called annual meeting convened after the expiration of the member’s second term.

E. Eligibility of Incumbent Executive Committee Members to Serve as Officers of the Association. Members of the Executive Committee must complete the terms for which they were elected before they can be elected as an officer of the Association. However, an Executive Committee member whose full term expires at a regularly called annual meeting shall be eligible for election as an officer of the Association at the same annual meeting.

SECTION 3. The Executive Board shall elect, annually, from its members a chair and vice chair. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Board. In the event the chair is unable to fulfill the duties of his or her office, the duties of said office shall be performed by the vice chair of the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall not conduct any business in the absence of a quorum, which shall consist of at least seven voting members, as set forth in Article IV, Section 2, and Article VII, Section 1.

SECTION 4. The Executive Board shall be charged with the management of the Association. It shall adopt an annual budget, authorize all expenditures of Association funds, audit or have audited all records and accounts of the Association at least once a year, and employ an executive director, assistant executive director(s), and such other personnel as are necessary to administer the business of the Association.

SECTION 5. The Executive Board shall choose an executive director and assistant executive director(s) who will serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Board may enter into a contract with the executive director and assistant executive director(s), but such contract shall not be for a period of more than three years.

SECTION 6. The Executive Board shall meet for the transaction of business at least one time per year, at such time and

place as fixed by the Executive Board. A special meeting of the Executive Board shall be called at any time by written action of three members or upon the call of the executive director.

SECTION 7. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Executive Board may be taken without a meeting upon the signed consent of at least seven voting members of the Executive Board. The signed consents must be filed in record form with the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Board. Prompt notice that an action has been taken by partial written consent must be provided to each member of the Executive Board.

SECTION 8.

A. Members of the Executive Board must comply with the Executive Board Professional Code of Conduct. Members of the Executive Board shall affirm their endorsement of the code and acknowledge their commitment to uphold its principles and obligations by accepting and retaining membership on the board. Violations of the code may result in sanctions, including removal from the Executive Board by a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Board and the position declared vacant.

B. Attendance. Unless excused by the chair, a member of the Executive Board who fails to attend three Executive Board meetings in a 12-month period may be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Board and the position declared vacant.

ARTICLE VIII

Standing Committees

SECTION 1. Each standing committee shall be composed of nine members, except the Resolutions Committee, which shall be composed of 18 members, and the Secretary/Manager Committee, which shall be composed of 13 members. From time to time, the president may appoint such special committees as he or she may deem necessary. The appointments and terms of standing committee members shall be governed as follows:

A. Members seeking standing committee appointments shall indicate their interest in writing to the executive director by September 30 of each year.

B. By December 31 of each year, the president shall appoint members to fill standing committee vacancies that will occur as of the close of that year.

C. Standing committee members shall be for terms of three years, beginning January 1 next following the date of appointment.

D. In the case of vacancies occurring prior to the expiration of a term, the president shall, by appointment, fill the vacancy for the unexpired term.

E. Each standing committee shall meet at least one time each year at a time, place, and date designated by the president and at such other times at the call of the president or at the request of a majority of the committee members.

F. One-third of each committee’s members shall constitute a quorum.

G. Each committee shall transact business by majority vote of the committee members present at the meeting.

SECTION 2. Committee on Rules — The Rules Committee shall draw up and amend rules for the conduct of all annual meetings of the Association and examine and determine the qualifications of those entitled to vote at such meetings. Such rules, once adopted by the Rules Committee, shall have the force and effect of bylaws of the Association, shall continue in effect until amended, deleted, or otherwise altered by the Rules Committee or as otherwise established by the Executive Board, and shall be effective only to the extent that they do not contravene an existing provision of the Association’s bylaws. The committee may develop and submit resolutions in accordance with Article VIII, Section 5. The Rules Committee may, from time to time, submit recommendations to the Association for the amendment of these bylaws, as follows:

A. Amendments emanating from a county convention shall be referred to the floor of the annual meeting for action, regardless of approval or disapproval of the Rules Committee, provided said amendment is received in the office of the executive director at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting.

B. Amendments emanating from the Executive Board shall be referred to the floor of the annual meeting for action, regardless of approval or disapproval of the Rules Committee.

C. Amendments by any member attending the annual meeting may be referred to the floor of the annual meeting for action upon a majority vote of the Rules Committee.

D. The president shall declare out of order anyone proposing an amendment from the floor of the annual meeting.

SECTION 3. Committee on Nominations — The Nominations Committee shall nominate officers and members of the Executive Committee of the Association to be elected at the annual meeting. The committee shall nominate one person for each office. Any individual serving a term as a member of the Nominations Committee shall not be permitted to submit or have his or her name submitted as a nominee for the PSATS Executive Committee or officer. The committee may develop and submit resolutions in accordance with Article VIII, Section 5.

SECTION 4. Committee on Finance — The Finance Committee shall advise ways and means of raising funds necessary for the operation of the affairs of the Association and recommend the annual township dues and annual budget. The committee may develop and submit resolutions in accordance with Article VIII, Section 5.

SECTION 5. Committee on Resolutions — The Resolutions Committee shall draw up and act upon such resolutions as may be presented.

A. Resolutions may be submitted by county associations in a manner established by each county association. Resolutions emanating from a county association shall be referred to the Resolutions Committee, provided said resolutions are received in the office of the executive director at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting.

B. Resolutions by any member attending the annual meeting may be referred to the floor of the annual meeting for action after a majority vote of the Resolutions Committee. Any such resolutions referred to the floor of the annual meeting shall be presented in writing.

C. The Executive Board may offer resolutions for consideration at the annual meeting. Such resolutions shall be referred to the floor of the annual meeting for action.

D. Resolutions may be submitted by the standing committees by action taken at their respective annual meetings or at such other meetings authorized for that purpose by the president of the association. Such resolutions shall have the same standing and follow the same procedures as resolutions submitted by county associations under this section.

E. Each resolution should include, for the benefit of the Resolutions Committee, a brief description of the need for the resolution or an explanation of the problem it attempts to solve.

F. The Resolutions Committee shall review and may combine or modify any resolution received from a county association or standing committee prior to referring said resolution to the floor of the annual meeting.

(1) The secretary of the county association or chairperson of the standing committee submitting a resolution that has been combined or modified shall be advised of the basis for this action within 30 days of such action by the Resolutions Committee.

(2) Any county association or standing committee whose resolution(s) has been combined or modified may reject the modification or combination. The Resolutions Committee shall refer to the floor of the annual meeting any resolution as it was originally submitted, upon notification of the rejection by the sponsoring county association or standing committee, after a vote by the Resolutions Committee as provided for in subparagraph G.

G. The Resolutions Committee shall vote to support or oppose proposed resolutions.

(1) Any resolution that duplicates or is of essentially the same nature as a resolution that is in effect as standing policy of the Association or is already provided for in present law shall not be referred to the floor of the annual meeting.

(2) The secretary of the county association or chair of the standing committee submitting a resolution shall be notified within 30 days of any action of the Resolutions Committee under (1) and any committee vote to oppose or take no action on a submitted resolution.

(3) Any county association or standing committee whose resolution(s) has received action under (1) or an “oppose” vote may request the Resolutions Committee, at its meeting on the day preceding the day on which resolutions will be considered by the annual meeting, to reconsider its previous action.

(4) The committee shall provide the delegates with a written explanation for an “oppose” vote on a resolution submitted by a county association or standing committee.

(5) Resolutions supported by the committee shall be deemed to be automatically moved and seconded when presented at the annual meeting.

(6) Resolutions that are opposed by the committee shall require a motion to adopt by a voting delegate from a non-sponsoring county association and a second by a voting delegate from a second non-sponsoring county association from the floor of the annual meeting before such resolutions may be considered by the delegates.

H. The chair shall declare out of order anyone proposing a resolution, or amendment to a resolution, from the floor of the annual meeting.

I. The Association will advise each county association and township secretary, no later than 90 days after the annual meeting, of all resolutions adopted at said annual meeting.

SECTION 6. There shall be created an Administrative Control Committee composed of five voting members from the Executive Board, including the president, chair of the Executive Board, and secretary-treasurer of the Association, plus two members from the Executive Committee appointed by the Executive Board. The duties of this committee shall be to control the various administrative duties and actions of the Association employees and shall have prior approval of all expenditures of the Association in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), except emergency and such other expenditures as are authorized by the Executive Board.

SECTION 7. Committee on Townships Over 10,000 — The mission of the Townships Over 10,000 Population Committee is to identify common problems and needs unique to these townships, propose solutions through state and federal legislation and administrative initiatives, and facilitate the exchange of information through discussion, training, and technical assistance. The committee may develop and submit resolutions in accordance with Article VIII, Section 5.

SECTION 8. Committee on Township Secretaries and Managers — The mission of the Secretary-Manager Committee is to promote and encourage the effective, efficient, and responsive operation of township government through training, education, communication, and the interchange of ideas. The committee may develop and submit resolutions in accordance with Article VIII, Section 5.

SECTION 9. Committee on Townships Under 2,000 — The mission of the Townships Under 2,000 Population Committee is to identify common problems and needs unique to these townships, propose solutions through state and federal legislation and administrative initiatives, and facilitate the exchange of information through discussion, training, and technical assistance. The committee may develop and submit resolutions in accordance with Article VIII, Section 5.

SECTION 10. Committee on Townships with Populations Greater Than 2,000 But Less Than 5,000 — The mission of the Townships With Populations Greater Than 2,000 But Less Than 5,000 Committee is to identify common problems and needs unique to these townships, propose solutions through state and federal legislation and administrative initiatives, and facilitate the exchange of information through discussion, training, and technical assistance. The committee may develop and submit resolutions in accordance with Article VIII, Section 5.

SECTION 11. Committee on Townships With Populations Greater Than 5,000 But Less Than 10,000 — The mission of the Townships With Populations Greater Than 5,000 But Less Than 10,000 Committee is to identify common problems and needs unique to these townships, propose solutions through state and federal legislation and administrative initiatives, and facilitate the exchange of information through discussion, training, and technical assistance. The committee may develop and submit resolutions in accordance with Article VIII, Section 5.

ARTICLE IX

Policy

SECTION 1. The policies of this Association shall be established by:

A. Action taken by the Executive Board of the Association. (1) The Executive Board may establish the official policy of the Association. Such policy shall remain in force until such time as the Executive Board alters that policy or until a resolution is adopted at the annual meeting which alters, reverses, or abolishes such policy. (2) The Executive Board shall be charged with the implementation and interpretation of policies established by resolutions adopted at the annual meeting.

B. Resolutions passed by a majority vote of those voting delegates present and voting at the annual meeting of the Association. When adopted at the annual meeting of this Association, resolutions shall become the standing policy of this Association until the goal of the policy has been achieved, the policy has been changed, or for a period of five years following adoption after which they may be considered for renewal.

ARTICLE X Dues

SECTION 1. The dues assessed against member townships shall be as follows:

Twp. Population Current Dues

A. 1 - 250 $95.00

B. 251 - 1,000 $303.00

C. 1,001 - 2,500 $556.00

D. 2,501 - 5,000 $896.00

E. 5,001 - 7,500 $1,243.00

F. 7,501 - 10,000 $1,522.00

G. 10,001 - 12,500 $1,791.00

H. 12,501 - 15,000 $2,073.00

I. 15,001 - 20,000 $2,275.00

J. 20,001 & over $2,486.00

SECTION 2. Whenever it is deemed necessary to amend the dues structure as provided in Section 1, the Association shall mail an explanation of the proposed change to all member townships not less than 45 days prior to the annual meeting.

ARTICLE XI Meetings

SECTION 1. Meetings of the Association shall be held annually at such date and such place as shall be fixed by the Executive Board. Such annual meetings, as well as meetings of the Executive Board and standing committees, may take place via telephone, videoconference or other means of electronic or digital communication that allows all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other. Participation in such annual meetings shall constitute presence in person at the meeting. In addition, notwithstanding references to voting at the annual meeting elsewhere in these bylaws, if the Executive Board determines that an annual meeting cannot proceed in-person on the dates scheduled, votes to elect Association officers and/ or members of the Executive Board, adopt resolutions, or take other actions associated with Association business may take place via electronic or digital means or paper ballot. Such votes shall take immediate effect upon the close of voting.

ARTICLE XII

Miscellaneous

SECTION 1. Amendment. These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by majority vote of the voting delegates present, as provided herein. Amendments shall become effective at the close of the meeting at which they were adopted.

SECTION 2. Indemnification. The Association shall indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by law any officer or member of the Executive Committee or Executive Board against any liability or legal expense actually and reasonably incurred by such person on account of a claim or legal action arising out of the good faith performance by such person of his or her duties as an officer or member of the Executive Committee or Executive Board.

Adopted as amended April 25, 2023.

Nominations Report

Proposed Slate of Officers and Executive Committee Members for Consideration by the Voting Delegates

John “Jay” Wilkes Jr.

Jackson Township, Luzerne County

Population: 4,631

President: John “Jay” Wilkes Jr.

Jackson Township, Luzerne County (One-year term)

Up for a first one-year term as president, Jay Wilkes has been a supervisor for Jackson Township in Luzerne County for 33 years. However, he says that he still learns something new every day and strives to share that knowledge with others.

“Working with your neighboring townships and boroughs is the best plan, as we all have the same issues,” he says. “Working together with your neighbors is not just the right thing to do but also beneficial in many ways.”

In addition to his job as a firefighter and apparatus operator for Edwardsville and Larksville boroughs, Wilkes is also the chair of the Jackson Township board of supervisors; roadmaster; parks, building, and grounds and recycling director; and emergency management coordinator.

Previously, he was chief of several regional fire and emergency management agencies, chair of the Back Mountain Community Partnership, part of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s Interstate Action Committee and 911 Advisory Board, a planning commission member, and an elected township auditor. He is also president of the Luzerne County Association of Township Officials.

His other civic engagements include serving on the Back Mountain Regional Fire Department board of directors, the Back Mountain Regional Emergency Management Agency, board chairman of the Luzerne County Conservation District, and a Citizens Advisory Board member with the State Correctional Institution in Jackson Township.

Wilkes’s is devoted to the Association, serving on the Salary Board and Annual Conference Planning Committee and as a conference workshop moderator, Boot Camp panelist, and past sergeant at arms at the Annual Conference.

“Serving on the PSATS Executive Board has given me the opportunity to make some lasting friendships throughout the state with township supervisors and officials,” he says. “It has proven the importance of networking and has continued to show PSATS’ value and many educational opportunities.”

First Vice President: Steven D. Hess Sr.

North Centre Township, Columbia County (One-year term)

Current Second Vice President Steve Hess was involved with the Association long before he was elected to the Executive Board. Serving as a conference workshop moderator, Boot Camp panelist, member of several standing committees, and member of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Rural Affairs, Hess says those past experiences have helped him as an Executive Board member.

“If you actually see how all those committees work, it gives you a better handle on how PSATS works in general,” he says. “It makes you appreciate how much work goes into all of this, which looks seamless. When you go to the conference in April, it seems like everything goes smoothly, but in the background, there’s lots and lots of work that goes into that.”

Hess is also dedicated to his township, which has a population of just over 2,000 people. He serves as chairman, roadmaster, and emergency management coordinator. He is also an active member of his community, serving as vice president of the Columbia County Sanitation Inspection Office and president and firefighter with the Lime Ridge Fire Company.

“I serve on the board because I love PSATS’ mission, which is to help townships be better,” he says. “I like the camaraderie of the board and all the township officials around the state that you get to interact with. PSATS’ board is my second family, actually. That’s the way we feel about each other.”

Population: 2,036

Hess says that his favorite part of being a PSATS member is the networking opportunites.

“I love talking to everybody from around the state and getting their different perspectives,” he says. “It makes it easy if they’re already done something and you know they can help you with the same problem. No sense in reinventing the wheel.

“I just wish most people would want to get involved because getting involved with PSATS in any way that your time allows you to is a very rewarding, satisfying thing to do.”

Steven D. Hess Sr.

North Centre Township, Columbia County

second Vice President: Charles O. Stowe

Allegheny Township, Butler County (One-year term)

Charles “Chuck” Stowe was initially appointed to the Executive Board to fill a vacancy. A previous member of the Nominations, Finance, Audit, and Rules committees, Stowe is up for a first one-year term as second vice president.

A supervisor for Allegheny Township in Butler County for 44 years, Stowe got his start in local government because of his father’s involvement. Now chair of the board of supervisors, Stowe brings his extensive municipal government experience to the PSATS Executive Board — and enjoys hearing about township issues from across the commonwealth.

“I enjoy working with the other board members,” he says. “We have gotten to see various areas of the state because our meetings are held in different locations. We get different perspectives, ideas, situations, and challenges, and we get to share in them.”

In addition to his role as supervisor, Stowe also serves on Butler County’s Advisory Board and as director of the Butler County Conservation District, and as a member of the Butler County Community Partners Board, Butler County Transportation Improvement Program, and the Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Advisory Board.

Stowe says his favorite part about being a PSATS Executive Board member is the Annual Conference.

Population: 620

“You get to meet a lot of new people and find out what problems they face and the solutions they have,” he says. “I think the most important part of the conference is the business meeting when members vote on the resolutions, as we’ll set the legislative agenda for the next five years.”

Beyond the conference, Stowe is also very active in different county associations across the state.

“I think I’ve attended 15 county conventions,” he says. “Not all at the same time and not all in the same year, but I try to go to 10 or 12 a year. Meeting the township officials, I meet a lot of nice people who are community-minded and want to serve and do the best they can for their area as a township official.”

Robert B. Heffelfinger

Richland Township, Cambria County

Population: 12,233

secretary-treasurer: Robert B. Heffelfinger

Richland Township, Cambria County (One-year term)

PSATS current Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Bob Heffelfinger serves as deputy chief of the Richland Township Fire Department, president of the Cambria County 911 Advisory Board and Cambria County Association of Township Officials, and president of the Highland Community Library. However, the executive vice president of Advanced Office Systems, Inc. says that PSATS is one of his favorite gigs.

“I feel like I’m part of something greater,” he says as he seeks a first one-year term as secretary-treasurer. “The value that PSATS offers in its membership is phenomenal. I can honestly say that PSATS, in my opinion, returns the greatest value to its members with assistance and services. To be able to be a part of that and to help foster its growth is very satisfying.”

As a board member, Heffelfinger relies on his nearly two decades of experience as a township supervisor and his peers’ knowledge and experiences to help him better serve his township and the Association.

“We’re all in the same business as supervisors,” he explains. “What I do every day in my community is what PSATS is all about. It’s very much a mutual, give-and-take relationship. My experiences help me create a better product for PSATS to turn out to its members, but I also learn a lot from PSATS.”

Even before Heffelfinger became a board member, he took advantage of the networking opportunities PSATS affords while helping his fellow township supervisors — and legislators — understand the full value of PSATS.

“I’ve always tried to be a resource for new members, especially at the conference,” he says. “I try to help them better understand the educational opportunities that PSATS offers. I’ve helped out plenty of newbies, and I’ve been very interested in our grassroots efforts and building and maintaining relationships with local legislators.”

Charles O. Stowe

Allegheny Township, Butler County

assistant secretary-treasurer: Stephanie Shortall

New Britain Township, Bucks County (One-year term)

Stephanie Shortall is seeking her first one-year term as an officer on the Executive Board. Shortall is currently the vice chair of the board of supervisors and a planning commission member in New Britain Township in Bucks County. However, Shortall’s engagements extend far beyond service to her township, as she is also a board member of her county association of township officials, part of PSATS’ Grassroot Network, and a 2024 Boot Camp panelist.

“PSATS is a great organization that provides so much help and support to township supervisors,” she says. “The education provided by PSATS has been invaluable as I began my term as a supervisor.

“Serving on the PSATS board is a great way to give back to an organization that has helped me. I believe in leadership through service. That is why I serve as a supervisor and why I want to get more involved with PSATS.”

Population: 12,327

Shortall is the treasurer-elect for the Bucks County Bar Association and a member of the Board of Directors and Budget & Bar Property Committee. Previously, she served as a member of the leadership team for BNI Doylestown Business Networking Group, the president of the Villa Joseph Marie High School Alumnae Association, and treasurer of the Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Home & School Association. She has also held the position of treasurer in many organizations, giving her finanical management experience.

Shortall has also served on the PSATS Conference Planning Committee and is excited to continue her service.

“PSATS provides an excellent resource to elected supervisors and township staff,” she says. “In my local area, we are seeing more people who have full-time careers, families, and other commitments step up and run for office. Recognizing the changing needs of township officials will help PSATS best serve newly elected officials.”

executiVe committee: Theodore F. Poatsy Jr.

Upper Salford Township, Montgomery County (Three-year term)

Up for a second three-year term on the Executive Committee, Theodore “Ted” Poatsy Jr. is the chair of the Upper Salford board of supervisors in addition to his career as CEO and chairman of Premiere Operating & Technical Strategy Yields, Inc., and adjunct professor at Chestnut Hill College.

Poatsy is an active PSATS member, serving on the Association’s Audit Committee, Townships With Populations Greater Than 2,000 But Less Than 5,000 Committee, and Grassroots Network. He is also the president of the Montgomery County Association.

“It is an honor to serve on the PSATS Executive Board and meet many intelligent and interesting people,” he says. “Public service is a duty that I take seriously. I enjoy bringing good ideas home to better my community. I feel privileged that I now have the opportunity to positively impact the other townships in Pennsylvania.”

Poatsy is also the founder and chair of the Upper Salford Citizens Group, chair of the Upper Salford Republican Comittee, municipal chair of the Montgomery County Republican Committee, and a founding member and chair of the Indian Valley Regional Planning Commission.

Population: 3,127

In the past, Poatsy served as chair of the Upper Salford Township Open Space Board, chair of the township Finance Committee, a board member of the Montgomery County Land Trust, a member of the Pennsylvania Republican State Committee, the Montgomery County Open Space Board, and the Montgomery County Farm Board, Troop 137 Boy Scout leader and board member, and on the St. Mary’s Church Finance Committee.

Poatsy says serving on the Executive Board has opened his eyes to issues affecting townships around the state, citing broadband access as an example.

“In my area, we have a choice of broadband from several carriers, and I did not understand that areas of Pennsylvania do not have access to broadband, a service I have taken for granted and enjoyed for many years,” he explains. “Learning from other executive board members about their issues and how they solved them helps me to better serve my township. Serving on the executive board is enlightening, engaging, and intellectually stimulating.”

Stephanie Shortall New Britain Township, Bucks County

Theodore F. Poatsy Jr.

Upper Salford Township, Montgomery County

executiVe committee: Paul D. Nyman

Loyalsock Township, Lycoming County (Three-year term)

A supervisor for Loyalsock Township for a decade, township roadmaster, and a retired letter carrier and U.S. Army Veteran, Paul Nyman is up for a first three-year term on the Executive Committee.

“My career as a letter carrier spanned 32 years,” Nyman says. “Twenty-five of those years were spent delivering mail in Loyalsock Township. After retirement, I decided to run for supervisor, and here I am a decade later serving the public. I am helping make decisions in enabling others to live a better life.”

Nyman serves on the Townships With Populations Over 10,000 standing committee, helps the Association as a Power of One volunteer, serves as a conference workshop moderator, and participates in PSATS’ Grassroots Network. Nyman also previously held the positions of first and second vice president in his county association.

Nyman is also a member of the Williamsport Kiwanis, GAP Fellowship Church, Williamsport Soap Box Derby, and American Rescue Workers, and he serves as chairman of the J. Roman Way Historical Park Commission.

Population: 11,561

In the past, Nyman was part of the Penn State Lycoming Master Gardeners, a counselor at Camp Tuku Youth Camp, Williamsport Chamber of Commerce Golf Committee, the Horizon Federal Cerdit Union board of directors, the Susquehanna Valley chapter of the Pa. Credit Unions, president of Local Branch 50 of the Williamsport Lettercarriers, an executive board member and secretary of the Pa. State Association of Letter Carriers, and the U.S. Postal Service North Central Pa. Combined Federal Campaign manager.

Nyman hopes to help the Association continue to tackle unfunded mandates from the state and federal government.

“I am now at the next step in serving by running for the position of member of the PSATS Executive Board,” he says, “and I can’t wait to give back and share my life experiences in this capacity.”

executiVe committee: Jeffrey C. Shaffer

Smithfield Township, Huntingdon County (Two-year term)

With service as supervisor for Smithfield Township in Huntingdon County for more than two decades and experience as roadmaster and assistant secretary-treasurer, Jeffrey Shaffer is running for a two-year term to fill a vacancy on the PSATS Executive Committee.

“I wish to continue dedicating my life to public service,” Shaffer explains. “When I became a supervisor and attended my first PSATS conference, I thought maybe some day I could work my way up through the PSATS office to serve on the Executive Board.”

Shaffer is currently president of the Huntingdon County Association and previously served as vice president and secretary-treasurer. Additionally, he is a current member of the PSATS Resolutions Committee, a sergeant at arms at the Annual Educational Conference and Exhibit Show, and previously served on the Townships With Populations Between 2,000 and 5,000 standing committee and as a conference workshop moderator.

Population: 4,618

An active member of his community, Shaffer is also a life member of both the Huntingdon Regional Fire and Rescue and the Smithfield Township Volunteer Fire Company and serves as the fire police captain and president of the department. He is a member of the Huntingdon County P.R.I.D.E. (Promoting Rehabilitation, Independence, Dignity, and Education) board of directors and currently serves as its treasurer. Additionally, Shaffer is a member of the Huntingdon Joint Water and Sewer Authority.

As a PSATS Executive Board member, Shaffer hopes to bring his experiences creating balanced budgets for multiple organizations while tackling unfunded mandates and the volunteer firefighter shortage.

“I have more than 20 years of experience as a township supervisor,” Shaffer says. “Throughout my years as supervisor, we have gone through rezoning, lawsuits, major land development, and neighbor disputes, among other things. Also, with my experience as a volunteer firefighter, I can give real-time insight into the crisis we are facing as volunteers. I would really like to help PSATS continue to be the excellent organization that I have been part of for the last 20 years.”

Paul D. Nyman

Loyalsock Township, Lycoming County

Jeffrey C. Shaffer

Smithfield Township, Huntingdon County

Notes

Resolutions Report

Proposed Resolutions for Consideration by the Voting Delegates

2024 PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS

The following resolutions will be considered by the membership at the PSATS Annual Educational Conference and Exhibit Show. The sponsor and the Resolutions Committee’s action is noted below each resolution. During the voting session on April 16, resolutions with “Support” will be treated as if they have a motion and a second and will be up for discussion and a vote. Resolutions with “Oppose” will need a motion and a second from voting delegates from two different county associations (not including the sponsor) to be brought up for discussion and a vote. When voting, a “yes” vote is to adopt the resolution as written as official PSATS policy. A “no” vote will be to oppose the resolution as written. Resolutions approved by the voting delegates will become Association policy for five years or until accomplished, whichever is shorter.

□ □

24-01 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend Section 1538 of the Second Class Township Code to authorize townships to maintain and repair memorials for first responders, including but not limited to firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and emergency vehicle drivers.

CLEARFIELD COUNTY SUPPORT

24-02 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend Section 601(f)(4) of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act to require coverage for volunteer emergency services providers who are “providing support for organized fundraisers” for a volunteer emergency services organization and are injured while performing these duties.

CUMBERLAND AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES

SUPPORT

24-03 RESOLVED, That PSATS continue to work on emergency services cooperative ventures (including multimunicipal regional authorities) and oppose a single or dominant county authority without financial and legal protections for townships.

OVER 10,000 POPULATION COMMITTEE SUPPORT

24-04 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend Section 1802 (Fire Hydrants and Water Supply) of the Second Class Township Code to include “the installation and maintenance of rural water supplies provided by dry hydrants, ponds, and water tanks used for fire protection” and to assess the cost by equal assessment against all property owners who are serviced by mobile (tanker) distribution from these water supplies; AND FURTHER, to amend Section 3205(a)(5) of the Second Class Township Code (Township and Special Levies) to include “rural water supplies” as an allowable use of the fire hydrant tax, in addition to current uses for fire hydrants and fire hydrant water service.

BUCKS COUNTY SUPPORT

24-05 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend the Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008) to protect townships from abusive or harassing records requests, including the following:

• repetitive requests;

• multiple concurrent and duplicative requests from the same requestor in the same timeframe;

• requests seeking information already in the possession of the requestor;

• untimely appeals, including those still within the timeframe for an agency’s response; and

• appeals from denials based upon the non-existence of records.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SUPPORT

24-06 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend Act 12 of 2016 to allow for-profit private utilities to only purchase distressed municipal or authority-owned water and sewer systems.

CHESTER COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that this resolution would restrict townships as it would only allow distressed municipalities to sell water and sewer systems to for-profit entities, removing decision-making authority from the board of supervisors or the authority board.

24-07 RESOLVED, That PSATS urge the state Department of Environmental Protection to strictly enforce all laws and regulations governing the processing of sewage sludge (biosolids), AND FURTHER, that all new and existing sewage sludge (biosolids) processing facilities be required to have processes in place to prevent malodors from leaving the perimeter of the facilities.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY SUPPORT

24-08 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to balance timber harvesting against stormwater management to aid municipalities in meeting MS4 and other stormwater management requirements.

CHESTER COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee expressed concerns that any legislation regulating timber harvesting would not comply with ACRE.

24-09 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to create a plastic, can, and bottle deposit program for all types of beverage containers.

CHESTER COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that a one-size-fits-all program may not be the best avenue to address recycling. The committee also felt that this program could result in an unfunded mandate on townships.

24-10 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require commercial logging entities to plant five trees for every 10 trees cut down in the same area unless the area is being used for farming.

CHESTER COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee expressed concerns that any legislation regulating timber logging would not comply with ACRE. The committee felt that this resolution is not a township issue.

24-11 RESOLVED, That PSATS supports legislative efforts for regulatory reform, including giving the General Assembly the ability to review and override department regulations with a simple majority vote.

TOWNSHIPS WITH POPULATIONS OPPOSE 5,000 TO 10,000 COMMITTEE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that this resolution was not addressing a township issue.

24-12 RESOLVED, That PSATS request that the General Assembly provide solutions to the unreasonable interpretations and unfair enforcement of state law by the state Department of Environmental Protection that both Pennsylvania citizens and township officials have experienced.

TOWNSHIPS WITH POPULATIONS OPPOSE

5,000 TO 10,000 COMMITTEE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee agreed that enforcement and interpretations of permitting processes by state agencies are of genuine concern to townships. However, the committee raised concerns with an open-ended request for the General Assembly to provide solutions. Additionally, the committee noted that townships encounter these issues with other agencies beyond DEP. The committee adopted an alternative resolution, 24-13, to address this issue.

24-13 RESOLVED, That PSATS urge state agencies to provide for an appeals board process or option to escalate the permitting process as solutions to unreasonable or inconsistent interpretations and unfair enforcement of state law.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE SUPPORT

24-14 RESOLVED, That PSATS oppose any legislation which would preempt local regulation and control of solar decommissioning, including oversight of the level of bonding needed.

BRADFORD COUNTY SUPPORT

24-15 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Law (Act 442 of 1961) to increase the threshold for compliance based on the cost-of-living increase from the Act’s passage in 1961 to 2023 and, thereafter, to increase the threshold annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.

BUTLER COUNTY SUPPORT

24-16 RESOLVED, That PSATS urge the state Department of Transportation to eliminate grant requirements across its programs that inflate project costs, delay the start of projects, and duplicate services.

FAYETTE COUNTY SUPPORT

24-17 RESOLVED, That PSATS urge the state Department of Transportation to amend Title 67 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Code to create an exemption from the commercial driver’s license requirements for municipal employees operating trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 33,000 lbs. owned or leased by the municipality.

BRADFORD COUNTY SUPPORT

24-18 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require the state Department of Transportation to provide townships near where road work is occurring with the first opportunity to accept or decline reclaimed asphalt millings from state highway projects at no cost to the township.

WAYNE COUNTY SUPPORT

24-19 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to increase the state Department of Transportation’s annual maintenance payment rate for all turnback roads transferred to a municipality.

BUTLER COUNTY SUPPORT

24-20 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to allow municipalities to use automated speed enforcement cameras to enforce the posted speed limit on certain roads within the municipality, whether the municipality is served by local police or the Pennsylvania State Police.

LEHIGH COUNTY SUPPORT

24-21 RESOLVED, RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require that all traffic lights be solar powered by 2030.

CHESTER COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that a requirement to update traffic light infrastructure to solar would be an unfunded mandate on townships.

24-22 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require that power lines in areas of frequent power disruption be buried.

CHESTER COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that the requirement to bury power lines conflicts with federal law and would be a mandate on utility companies that would lead to higher prices for residents.

24-23 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to make buried power lines the default distribution method for new service lines and to permit above-ground power lines only by exception.

CHESTER COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that the requirement to bury power lines by default would be a mandate on utility companies that would lead to higher prices for residents.

24-24 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require the commonwealth to provide townships with new revenues to replace all lost revenues caused by the reduction, restriction, or elimination of any tax or fee.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE SUPPORT

24-25 RESOLVED, That PSATS oppose any legislation that would reduce, limit, or eliminate the taxing authority of municipalities.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE SUPPORT

24-26 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to allow municipalities to designate a collector for their property tax and promote continuing education for designated tax collectors.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE SUPPORT

24-27 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend The Preserving Land for Open Air Spaces Act [32 P.S. § 5005(c)(l)] to authorize local government units to acquire open space property interests for the purpose of developing active, outdoor recreational facilities with low developmental and environmental impacts, including but not limited to sports fields, playgrounds, and athletic courts.

LEHIGH COUNTY SUPPORT

24-28 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend Section 1503 of the Second-Class Township Code to:

(i) allow the board of supervisors to average an appraisal provided by a landowner with an appraisal paid for and obtained by the board of supervisors;

(ii) limit the requirement to average more than one appraisal to those obtained six months or less from a subsequent appraisal; and

(iii) allow the board of supervisors to pay 20% above the appraisal price for open space property interests acquired pursuant to The Preserving Land for Open Air Spaces Act, 32 P.S. § 5001, et seq.

LEHIGH COUNTY SUPPORT

24-29 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to expand access to landslide and sinkhole insurance coverage for at-risk homes and businesses by creating an efficient, state-administered insurance program to reduce property loss and emergency response costs for local governments.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SUPPORT

24-30 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend Title 34, Section 721, of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to give townships and counties the authority to regulate the acquisition, control, management, and disposition of government-owned and funded lands.

WARREN COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee agreed with concerns regarding government-owned lands but raised concerns over the inclusion of counties in this language. The committee approved an alternative version of this resolution, 24-31, without counties listed.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE SUPPORT 24-26

24-31 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend Title 34, Section 721, of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to give townships the authority to regulate the acquisition, control, management, and disposition of government-owned and funded lands.

24-32 RESOLVED, That PSATS urge the commonwealth to maintain real property in private ownership to the maximum extent possible.

VENANGO COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that this resolution would limit the authority of townships. The committee also voiced concerns that some townships actively work to preserve farmland and open space through conservancies and this resolution would remove decision-making authority from the board of supervisors.

24-33 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require that at the time of any acquisition of real property from private ownership, the acquiring governmental body simultaneously sell or otherwise transfer real property of equivalent value to private ownership.

VENANGO COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that this resolution would limit the authority of townships to purchase property.

24-34 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require that when real property is no longer of use to the commonwealth or federal government or any of their departments or agencies, prior to transferring any such property to another government department or agency, the property shall first be offered for acquisition by a private party or parties.

VENANGO COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that this resolution would limit the authority of townships to buy property from another government entity and impose additional restrictions when selling property.

24-35 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to enable the commonwealth to purchase and oversee struggling medical centers when no other entity will buy or take over the facility.

CHESTER COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that this resolution was not addressing a township issue.

24-36 RESOLVED, That PSATS urge the state Department of Health to enforce the process for medical facility closures and make every effort to delay or stop all hospital closures according to the Health Care Facilities Act of 1979 and 28 Pa. Code, Chapter 51, where the closure will significantly affect the quality of local health care.

CHESTER COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that this resolution was not addressing a township issue.

24-37

24-38

24-37 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to create a procedure to help give communities more time to prepare for a hospital closure that would significantly impact health care for a community or area in the commonwealth.

CHESTER COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that this resolution was not addressing a township issue.

24-38 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require all purchased and adopted dogs and cats owned in residential, high-density, multi-family, and agricultural zoning areas to be chipped.

CHESTER COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: The committee felt that this resolution was not addressing a township issue.

24-39 RESOLVED, That PSATS urge the Local Government Records Committee to amend the Municipal Records Manual to direct townships to retain county associations records for a period of 10 years.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY OPPOSE

REASON FOR ACTION: County associations are non-profit entities and do not fall under the Municipal Records Manual. County associations can follow existing non-profit recommendations, which would include keeping certain records, such as minutes and bylaws, permanently.

The following resolutions are identical to standing resolutions that would have otherwise gone off the books in 2024 and were previously considered by the delegates. The committee sponsored and supported these resolutions.

24-40

24-40 RESOLVED, That PSATS support the safe and orderly deployment of both wired and wireless broadband services throughout all areas of the commonwealth to provide reliable, high-speed internet access, which is a critical component for economic development, student achievement, quality health care, and the efficiency of local governments and that local government be recognized as a partner in these efforts.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE SUPPORT

24-41 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to exempt municipalities from any fees levied by a state agency when applying for a stormwater permit.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE SUPPORT

24-42 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require the state Department of Environmental Protection to streamline the stormwater permitting process for local government, taking into consideration existing conditions pertaining to a project, its cost, and the potential negative impact on the public traveling the roads.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE SUPPORT

24-43 RESOLVED, That PSATS oppose any legislation that would amend Act 13 of 2012 to reduce the allocation or amount of impact fees being distributed to townships affected by gas exploration activities or otherwise made available to municipalities under this act.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-44 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require the state Department of Environmental Protection to allow the use of salt brine from conventional oil and gas wells for road maintenance activities, including dust control and winter maintenance.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-45 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require recycling of waste tires at the point of sale for new tires, AND FURTHER, that the dealers picking up the waste tires be regulated to ensure proper disposal.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-46 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to expand Act 28 of 1984 (Automobile Lemon Law) to include defective road equipment purchased by townships.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-47 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require switches at the main service disconnect for all solar panel electrical system installations that will rapidly stop the solar panels from supplying electricity to the structure and that these switches be clearly marked.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-48 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to authorize townships to levy a 1% hotel tax

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-49 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to restore municipalities’ option to adopt and collect a mercantile or business privilege tax in those townships that specifically elect to adopt such a tax.

RESOLUTIONS

24-50 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend the Sterling Act (Act 45 of 1932) to authorize municipalities and school districts that levy the earned income tax to collect and retain earned income taxes from municipal residents who work in Philadelphia, AND FURTHER, to require Philadelphia to provide offsetting credits for income taxes paid to an individual’s home municipality.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

24-51 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend Section 8811(b)(4) of the County Consolidated Assessment Law to authorize counties to assess billboards as taxable real estate.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-52 RESOLVED, That PSATS and the National Association of Towns and Townships seek legislation to require the federal government to provide funding sufficient to implement and administer any mandate that it imposes on local government.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-53 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require the state to provide funding sufficient to implement and administer any mandate that it imposes on local government.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-54 RESOLVED, That PSATS urge the commonwealth to consider local governments as partners in the provision of services to our residents, AND FURTHER, to not threaten local governments with the withholding of state funds to force compliance with unfunded mandates.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-55 RESOLVED, That PSATS oppose legislation that would place increased emphasis on the comprehensive plan relative to the zoning ordinance, AND FURTHER, that would require a municipality to make findings of fact that its ordinances are generally consistent with its comprehensive plan before the municipality could take any action on land use issues.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-56 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to hold municipalities harmless for actions they are required to take regarding the designation of airport hazard areas.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-57 RESOLVED, that PSATS seek legislation to provide a regulatory environment for siting pipelines not currently administered by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, including a notification framework that would require pipeline companies to provide written notice to municipalities, counties, easement-holding non‐government entities, and property owners where pipeline activities are planned, AND FURTHER, that such written notice be provided to these entities before submittal to a regulatory agency for review or approval.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-58 RESOLVED, That PSATS oppose any federal or state legislation, executive order, or regulation that would preempt the existing authority of local government.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE SUPPORT

24-59 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend the Second Class Township Code to authorize townships to annually appropriate township funds to recognize township employees and township committee members for their service to the township (e.g., recognition dinner or party, flowers, plaque, etc.).

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

SUPPORT

24-60 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend Section 606 of the Second Class Township Code to increase the compensation for the elected office of township supervisor; AND FURTHER, that the legislation provide for regular adjustments for this compensation based on the increase in the consumer price index.

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE SUPPORT

PENNSYLVANIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS

David M. Sanko, Executive Director

4855 Woodland Drive  Enola, PA 17025-1291

Telephone: (717) 763-0930  Fax: (717) 763-9732

www.psats.org

@PSATS @PSATS

Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors