Township of Whitemarsh, PA Advisory Boards and Commissions

The following definitions shall apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

CANDIDATE

Any individual who seeks nomination for election or election to public office. An individual seeks nomination or election when he or she first:

Receives contributions or makes expenditures or reserves space or facilities with intent to promote his or her candidacy for office;

POLITICAL COMMITTEE or POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

Announces publicly or files for office;

(c)

Purchases commercial advertising space or broadcast time to promote his or her candidacy; or

(d)

Gives his or her consent to another person to take on behalf of the individual any of the actions in Subsections (a) and (b) of this definition.

ELECTED OFFICIAL

Any person elected at a general or special election to any public office, and any person appointed to fill a vacancy in any such office.

ESAB

The Ethical Standards Advisory Board.

LOBBY and LOBBYING

Each mean attempting to influence the passage or defeat of any legislation, or the adoption or rejection of any rule, standard, rate, or other legislative enactment. Neither "lobby" nor "lobbying" includes an association's or other organization's act of communicating with the members of that association or organization. "Lobbyist" includes any person who lobbies either in his or her own or another's behalf.

Any person or organization (except a candidate or an individual dealing with his or her own funds or property) having the expectation of receiving contributions or making expenditures in support of, or opposition to, any candidate or any ballot proposition.

POLITICAL PARTY

An association, committee, or organization which nominates a candidate for election.

PUBLIC OFFICE

Any federal, state, judicial, county, city, town, municipal, school district, or other state political subdivision elective office.

A person shall not be eligible to serve on the ESAB if he or she at the time of appointment:

[Amended 8-14-2008 by Ord. No. 858]

Holds or is campaigning for any public office;

During the two years preceding the appointment, held public office or was a candidate for such office; or

(c)

Holds office in any political party or political committee or is employed or acts as a lobbyist or an officer or director of a political action committee.

Of the regular membership of the ESAB, no more than two shall be registered in the same political party, and at least one must be registered as unaffiliated. The alternate members shall not be registered in the same political party.

A member may make campaign contributions and/or participate in an election campaign except as otherwise prohibited.

Within 60 days after the effective date of this section, and no later than December 31 each year thereafter, the Board of Supervisors will appoint the members of the ESAB from all volunteers. The Township Manager shall advise the Board of Supervisors as to whether any of the volunteers do not meet the requirements for membership set forth in this chapter. The Board of Supervisors shall endeavor to select only those members who possess a known and consistent reputation for integrity and demonstrate a keen knowledge of local government affairs.

Term and compensation.

The members shall serve for terms of five years; except that of the members initially appointed, two of the public members shall be appointed to serve for terms of five years, one member shall be appointed to serve for a term of four years, and the remaining members shall be appointed to serve for terms of three years. Each member shall serve until his successor has been appointed and qualified. Any vacancy occurring in the membership shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired term. Consecutive service on the ESAB may not exceed two full terms, except that a one-term alternate member may thereafter serve two terms as a regular member, and a two-term alternate member may thereafter serve one term as a regular member.

At its first meeting each calendar year, the ESAB will elect a chair and a vice chair from among its regular members; alternate members may vote for chair and vice chair. A majority of the regular members is required for the ESAB to take any action. The chair or a majority of the regular members may call a meeting of the ESAB.

Members will not receive compensation but will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

The unexcused absence of any member from two consecutive meetings, unless the ESAB has excused the absence for good and sufficient reason, shall constitute a resignation.

A member may be removed from office by at least a four-fifths majority of the Board of Supervisors, after written notice, including a clear statement of the grounds for removal, and opportunity for reply, at least 30 days before voting on removal. The only grounds for removal are failure to meet the qualifications or limitations set forth in this Code, substantial neglect of duty, gross misconduct in office, inability to discharge the powers or duties of office, and violation of this Code.

Powers and authority.

The ESAB may only act with respect to current and former officials and employees, consultants, applicants, candidates, and persons and entities that do business with the Township, give gifts to officials and employees or their relatives, or are otherwise covered by the provisions of this Code.

The termination of an official's or employee's term of office or employment with the Township does not affect the jurisdiction of the ESAB with respect to the requirements imposed on him or her by this Code.

Unless otherwise stated, the ESAB must send all official correspondence by registered or certified mail, or by personal service.

Unless otherwise stated, all ESAB decisions or determinations must be made by the affirmative vote of three sitting members.

The ESAB shall have the following powers and duties:

[Amended 8-14-2008 by Ord. No. 858]

To prescribe and promulgate rules and regulations governing its own internal organization and procedures in a manner consistent with this Code; and

If requested by the Board of Supervisors, to provide training and education to officials, employees and those doing business with the Township.

§ 3-51 Emergency Services Board.

[Added 5-8-1986 by Ord. No. 532[1]; amended 8-20-1992 by Ord. No. 640; 7-28-2005 by Ord. No. 804; 7-24-2008 by Ord. No. 856; 3-23-2017 by Ord. No. 975]

Established. There is hereby established the Whitemarsh Township Emergency Services Board (hereafter referred to as the "Emergency Services Board"), whose membership shall consist of five civilian Township residents (one will serve as an alternate) who shall not be active members of any Township volunteer emergency service provider, but who shall, insofar as possible, represent the two fire company service districts to ensure all areas of the Township are fairly represented on the Emergency Services Board; two representatives from each volunteer emergency service provider; the Chief of Police; the Fire Marshal; the Township Manager; and a liaison representative (nonvoting) from the Board of Supervisors.

Powers and duties.

The Emergency Services Board shall annually perform a comprehensive review of all matters affecting fire prevention and emergency medical services in the Township and, thereafter, shall report to the Board of Supervisors with recommendations. The review and recommendations shall be based on data gathered and prepared by the Township's Fire Marshal. The data shall include, but not be limited to, fire company and ambulance operating statistics; reports of completed and projected training activities; existing service provider manpower and needs; the condition and adequacy of existing equipment and projected capital needs on an annual basis; and completed financial information, both audited statements from each volunteer service organization and projected Township budgetary support for the next fiscal year.

The Emergency Services Board shall annually visit each firehouse and the service facility of the ambulance service.

The Emergency Services Board shall assist the Township in ensuring that the Township has comprehensive fire protection and emergency medical service and that the emergency preparedness of these services meets all requirements of the Township's Emergency Preparedness Plan, as well as reasonable and pertinent national, state and county standards within the financial means of the Township.

The Emergency Services Board shall, from time to time, propose amendments to the Township's adopted Fire Prevention Code,[2] all other Township regulations and codes applicable to emergency preparedness, and all matters involving the provision of volunteer emergency service in the Township.

[2]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 42, Building Construction.

The Emergency Services Board shall report its decision to the Board of Supervisors in such matters as emergency service administration, training, firefighting methods, fire alarm operations, fire alarm response, fire districts, including equipment utilization in accordance with the box system, mutual aid and other matters pertaining to the provision of any and all emergency services.

The Emergency Services Board shall be empowered to adopt rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the Board of Supervisors, relating to mutual aid procedures, fire alarm response, cooperation among fire companies, and such other matters as may be related to the operation of the volunteer emergency services in the Township.

(7)

Each volunteer fire company and the volunteer ambulance service shall operate under its own bylaws. Nothing in this code is intended to restrict or hamper the internal organization, or operation, of the volunteer fire companies or the volunteer ambulance service.

Membership.

[Amended 3-9-2023 by Ord. No. 1025]

The Emergency Services Board shall consist of 15 voting persons who shall have the power to vote at meetings of the Board. Membership of the Emergency Services Board shall be as follows:

Member	Number	Term	Voting Right	How Chosen
Fire Marshal	1	Ex Officio	Voting	By virtue of office
Chief or their designee	2	Ex Officio	Voting	By virtue of office
President or their designee	2	1 year	Voting	By respective company
Chief of ambulance	1	Ex Officio	Voting	By virtue of office
One member of ambulance service	1	1 year	Voting	By respective company
Chief of Police	1	Ex Officio	Voting	By virtue of office
One member of Board of Supervisors	1	Ex Officio	Nonvoting	Board of Supervisors
Township resident*	5	3 years	Voting	Board of Supervisors
Township Manager	1	Ex Officio	Voting	By virtue of office
Public Works Director	1	Ex Officio	Voting	By virtue of office

	NOTES:
	*	Resident representatives shall be recommended to the Board of Supervisors after being considered by a subcommittee of the Emergency Services Board. A minimum of one resident will be included as part of the subcommittee.

The emergency provider members of the Emergency Services Board may designate alternate representatives for meetings that they are unable to attend. The Fire Chief's alternate must be a line officer, and the fire companies' alternate must be an administrative officer.

Except in the case of vacancies that occur within the course of a calendar year, respective terms of the members of the Emergency Services Board shall be deemed to commence on the first day of January of the year of their appointment.

Township residents serving on the Emergency Services Board on the effective date of this section shall continue to serve their current appointed terms. Subsequent terms will be for a period of three years and at least two of the representatives shall be appointed to a term different from the terms of the other two representatives.

Subcommittees. The Emergency Services Board shall organize subcommittees to assist the Board in performing its duties. The subcommittees shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following: Operating Guidelines; Dispute Resolution and Penalties; Strategic Planning; Training; and Budget and Finance. Members of subcommittees shall be selected annually by the Emergency Services Board Chair and shall be confirmed by the members of the Emergency Services Board.

Meetings.

The Emergency Services Board shall meet bimonthly, in February, April, June, August, October, and December, at the Whitemarsh Township Building or at one of the emergency service provider facilities, at a time to be determined by the Emergency Services Board. If the announced time or place of a meeting is to be changed, such change must be made at a prior meeting, and all members of the Board shall receive at least two weeks' written notice thereof prior to said meeting. Written notice of any special meeting shall be given to all members at least five days prior to said special meeting.

A majority of the voting members of the Emergency Services Board shall constitute a quorum necessary to conduct any meeting and to take any action.

Leadership. The Chair and the Vice-Chair of the Emergency Services Board shall be nominated annually at the February meeting. The Chair and the Vice Chair will be civilian representatives.

Records and reports. The Fire Marshal or their designee shall be responsible for preparing and keeping all records of the Emergency Services Board, including minutes of meetings, and shall be responsible for preparing all required reports to the Board of Supervisors and such special reports as the Emergency Services Board deems necessary. These records and reports shall be maintained at the Township Building.

Penalties and appeals.

The Emergency Services Board shall establish a Dispute Resolution and Penalties Committee with a representative from each of the emergency providers and one representative from the Township appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The Committee shall be responsible for hearing complaints filed against any individual volunteer or any volunteer service organization for acts and behavior deemed contrary to the standing orders of the Emergency Services Board or the standard operating guidelines for firefighting. If the Committee finds fault with the acts of an individual volunteer, it shall convey its conclusion to the volunteer's organization with any recommendations it deems appropriate.

The Committee shall be empowered to issue reprimands and to recommend suspensions for acts and behavior deemed contrary to the standards of the Emergency Services Board or the standard operating guidelines for firefighting by any provider organization. The Committee shall also have the power to issue reprimands against any volunteer organization that fails to act to correct behavior by one of its volunteer members following receipt of a recommendation for reprimand from the Committee or fails to suspend a volunteer on the Committee's recommendation.

Any individual volunteer or volunteer organization that does not accept the determination issued by the Dispute Resolution and Penalty Committee may appeal the Committee's decision to the Emergency Services Board as a whole. Decisions rendered by the entire Emergency Services Board regarding any such appeal shall be considered final.

Should the Committee deem any act or behavior by an individual volunteer or any volunteer organization to require a penalty more severe than a reprimand or suspension, the Committee may recommend the imposition of a fine against the noncompliant individual itself or the organization in which the noncompliant individual serves as a volunteer. In that event, the Committee shall forward its recommendation to the full Emergency Services Board, which shall thereafter make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. Any such fine shall be at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors and may include a reduction in funds provided to the organization by the Township. The imposition of any fine by the Board of Supervisors shall be considered final.

[1]

Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 3-51, Fire Commission.

§ 3-52 Parks and Recreation Board.

Purpose. There is hereby recognized the existence of the Parks and Recreation Board for the following purposes:

To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Township Manager regarding the operation and supervision of public parks, playgrounds and recreational areas and the establishment of recreational programs.

[Amended 5-12-1983 by Ord. No. 467]

To facilitate the cooperation and joint use of those recreational services and facilities maintained and operated by either the Township of Whitemarsh or the Colonial School District.

Membership, terms, vacancies. The Parks and Recreation Board shall consist of seven members. There shall be six members appointed by the Board of Supervisors who are residents of Whitemarsh Township and one member, a director of the Colonial School Board, recommended by the Colonial School Board and appointed annually by the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors shall give preference to any director of the Colonial School Board who is also a Whitemarsh Township resident. The director of the Colonial School Board appointed by the Board of Supervisors shall be a nonvoting member of the Parks and Recreation Board. Those members of the Parks and Recreation Board appointed by the Board of Supervisors shall serve four-year overlapping terms. Should a vacancy occur, the appropriate appointing authority will appoint a member to fill the vacancy only for the unexpired portion of the term.

[Amended 7-12-2007 by Ord. No. 834]

Powers and duties. The Parks and Recreation Board shall be a regular advisory board. The duties of the Parks and Recreation Board shall be to:

Make recommendations and provide advice to the Township Manager and the Board of Supervisors and the Recreation Coordinator concerning the use and development of the parks and recreational facilities operated by the Township. This shall include but not be limited to the following:

[Amended 5-12-1983 by Ord. No. 467]

Rules, regulations and practices concerning the utilization of parks and recreational programs and facilities.

Scheduling of fees for recreational programs and facilities.

(c)

Needed recreational facilities and programs.

Receive complaints dealing with parks and recreation programs and facilities and make recommendations pursuant to them.

Advise the Recreation Coordinator in the preparation of the Department's budget.

[Amended 5-12-1983 by Ord. No. 467]

Provide such other input as it might pertain to Township parks and recreation matters as may be requested by the Township Manager and the Board of Supervisors.

Prepare an annual report which shall be submitted within 30 days following the end of the fiscal year and prepared for the purpose of its inclusion in the annual report of the Township Manager to the Township Board of Supervisors pursuant to the Charter.

Gifts and contracts. The Parks and Recreation Board may accept any grant, gift, bequest or donation of services, equipment, real estate or money from any individual or group, to be specified by the donor or by the terms of acceptance. The Parks and Recreation Board shall have no authority to enter into any contract or incur any obligation binding upon the Township, other than current obligations or contracts to be fully executed within the then-current fiscal year, and all within the budget appropriations made by the governing body of the Township.

Disbursement of funds. Funds appropriated by the governing body of the Township and budgeted to the Parks and Recreation Board shall be disbursed by the fiscal disbursing officer of the Township, upon vouchers issued by the Parks and Recreation Board and within the budget appropriations made. Funds received by the Parks and Recreation Board from sources other than budget appropriations shall be deposited by the Township to the credit and for the use of the said Board and disbursed as the above budget funds are disbursed, except that funds received by gift, bequest or otherwise shall be disbursed in accordance with the terms of such gift or bequest or the terms of the acceptance thereof.

Reports. The Parks and Recreation Board shall make full and complete reports to the governing body at such times as may be designated or requested by the governing body. The fiscal year of said Parks and Recreation Board shall conform to that of the Township.

Statutory powers. Such powers as are now or may hereafter be provided by statute of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or by ordinances of the Township relating to the development and operation of recreation systems, public parks and playgrounds are hereby vested in the Parks and Recreation Board, to be exercised by it, subject to any and all restrictions contained in such powers and ordinances.

§ 3-53 Planning Commission.

Purpose. There is hereby recognized the existence of a Planning Commission for the following purpose:

To provide advice to the Board of Supervisors and the Zoning Hearing Board with respect to comprehensive land use planning and existing land use in Whitemarsh Township.

Membership; terms; vacancies.

The Planning Commission shall consist of seven members serving overlapping four-year terms.

Should a vacancy occur, the Board of Supervisors shall appoint a member to fill the vacancy only for the unexpired portion of the term.

Powers and duties. The powers and duties of the Planning Commission shall be as prescribed in this Administrative Code and in Article 2 of the Municipalities Planning Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.[1] The Commission shall:

Review subdivision and land development plans and make recommendation thereon to the Board of Supervisors.

Review nonresidential use and occupancy permits, building permits and Zoning Hearing Board applications and make recommendations thereon to the permit-issuing official and the Zoning Hearing Board.

Develop planning studies and comprehensive plans.

Recommend Zoning Ordinance amendments and review proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments.

[1]

Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.

Member eligibility. All of the members of the Commission shall be residents of Whitemarsh Township. Of the seven members, at least five shall not be officers or employees of Whitemarsh Township.

Officers and organization. The Commission shall appoint from its membership a Chairman, a Vice Chairman and such other officers as it may determine, and it may make and alter bylaws and rules and regulations to govern its procedures consistent with the ordinances of Whitemarsh Township and the laws of the commonwealth.

Public record. The Commission shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations, which record shall be a public record.

Disbursement of funds. Funds appropriated by the governing body of the Township, and the budgeted work of the Commission, shall be disbursed by the official disbursing officers of the Township, upon vouchers issued by the Commission and within the budgeted appropriations made.

Interim and annual reports. The Commission shall make a written report to the Township Supervisors annually by March 1 of each year of its business and activities. Interim reports may be made as often as may be necessary or as requested by the Township Supervisors.

Statutory duties and powers. Such powers and duties as are now or may hereafter be provided by the statutes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or by ordinances of the Township relating to the creation of the Commission and the carrying out of its powers and duties are hereby vested in the Commission, to be exercised by it, subject to any and all restrictions contained in such powers and ordinances.

§ 3-53.1 Environmental Advisory Board.

[Added 3-21-2002 by Ord. No. 753]

Purpose. There is hereby recognized the existence of an Environmental Advisory Board for the purpose of advising the Township Planning Commission, Park and Recreation Board and Board of Supervisors on matters dealing with the protection, conservation, management, promotion and use of natural resources located within the Township.

Membership; terms; vacancies.

The Environmental Advisory Board shall consist of seven members serving overlapping three-year terms. Initial appointments shall be staggered so that the terms of approximately 1/3 of the Environmental Advisory Board shall expire each year.

[Amended 9-11-2003 by Ord. No. 780]

Should a vacancy occur, the Board of Supervisors shall appoint a member to fill the vacancy only for the unexpired portion of the term.

One member of the Board of Supervisors may serve as liaison to the Environmental Advisory Board, but shall not be considered as an official member of the Environmental Advisory Board.

[Added 1-11-2007 by Ord. No. 828]

Environmental Advisory Board members shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for the expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in the performance of their duties.

[Added 1-11-2007 by Ord. No. 828]

Powers and duties. The powers and duties of the Environmental Advisory Board shall be as prescribed in this "Administrative Code" and Act 148 of 1973 of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, as amended. The Board shall:

Identify environmental problems and recommend plans and programs to the appropriate Township board and/or commission for the promotion and conservation of the natural resources and for the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment within the Township's limits.

(Reserved)[1]

[1]

Editor’s Note: Former Subsection C(2), which provided the Board the power to make recommendations as to the possible use of open land areas, was repealed 1-11-2007 by Ord. No. 828. For current provisions, see § 3-53.2, Open Space Committee.

Promote community environmental awareness and programs.

(Reserved)[2]

[2]

Editor’s Note: Former Subsection C(4), which provided the Board the power to keep an index of all open space areas, was repealed 1-11-2007 by Ord. No. 828. For current provisions, see § 3-53.2, Open Space Committee.

(Reserved)[3]

[3]

Editor’s Note: Former Subsection C(5), which provided the Board the power to advise Township boards and commissions in the acquisition and management of property, was repealed 1-11-2007 by Ord. No. 828. For current provisions, see § 3-53.2, Open Space Committee.

Undertake such environmental tasks as requested by the Board of Supervisors.

Member eligibility. All of the members of the Environmental Advisory Board shall be residents of Whitemarsh Township. Whenever possible, at least one member shall be a member of the Township Planning Commission.

Officers and organization.

[Amended 1-11-2007 by Ord. No. 828]

The Board of Supervisors shall have the right to designate the Chairperson.

The Environmental Advisory Board may appoint other officers and may designate a person to act on behalf of the designated Chairperson in his or her absence, and it may make and alter bylaws and rules and regulations to cover its procedures consistent with the ordinances of Whitemarsh Township and the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A majority of the sitting members shall constitute a quorum, and all business shall be transacted by a majority of the quorum present.

Public record. The Environmental Advisory Board shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations, which record shall be a public record.

[Amended 1-11-2007 by Ord. No. 828]

Disbursement of funds. The Board of Supervisors may, from time to time, appropriate funds for the expenses incurred by the Environmental Advisory Board. Funds appropriated by the Board of Supervisors and the budgeted work of the Environmental Advisory Board shall be disbursed by the official disbursing officers of Whitemarsh Township, upon vouchers issued by the Environmental Advisory Board and within the budgeted appropriations made.

Interim and annual reports. The Environmental Advisory Board shall make a written report to the Board of Supervisors annually by March 1 of each year of its business and activities. Interim reports may be made as often as may be necessary or as requested by the Board of Supervisors.

Statutory duties and powers. Such powers and duties as are now or may hereafter be provided by the statutes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or by ordinances of Whitemarsh Township relating to the creation of the Environmental Advisory Board and the carrying out of its powers and duties are hereby vested in the Environmental Advisory Board, to be exercised by it, subject to any and all restrictions contained in such powers and ordinances.

Appropriation of funds. The Board of Supervisors shall appropriate funds for expenses incurred by the Environmental Advisory Board (excepting legal and professional services passed through to developers pursuant to applicable law). Appropriations may be expended for such administrative, clerical, printing and professional consulting and legal services as may from time to time be required, provided such appropriations are within the limits of the annual budget as approved by the Board of Supervisors. Prior to the specific expenditure of any funds, the Environmental Advisory Board must obtain the approval of the Township Manager.

[Added 1-11-2007 by Ord. No. 828]

Overlap in jurisdiction. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as abolishing or limiting any existing municipal agency, board, authority or commission even though such agency, board, authority or commission may have a responsibility related to the responsibilities delegated to the Environmental Advisory Board hereunder; provided, however, that should there occur any overlap in jurisdiction between or amongst any existing municipal agency, board, authority or commission and the Environmental Advisory Board with respect to any matter or question, then such matter or question shall be referred to the Board of Supervisors for delegation to the appropriate entity.

[Added 1-11-2007 by Ord. No. 828]

§ 3-53.2 Open Space Committee.

[Added 1-11-2007 by Ord. No. 828]

Purpose. There is hereby recognized the existence of an Open Space Committee for the purpose of advising the Township Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Board, Environmental Advisory Board and Board of Supervisors on matters regarding the acquisition, protection, conservation, management, promotion and use of open land property located within the Township.

Membership; terms; vacancies.

The Open Space Committee shall consist of seven members serving overlapping three-year terms. Initial appointments shall be staggered so that the terms of no more than three members shall expire in any year.

Should a vacancy occur, the Board of Supervisors shall appoint a member to fill the vacancy only for the unexpired portion of the term.

One member of the Board of Supervisors may serve as liaison to the Committee, but shall not be considered as an official member of the Committee.

Committee members shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for the expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in the performance of their duties.

Powers and duties. The powers and duties of the Open Space Committee shall be to:

Make recommendations to the appropriate Township board and/or commission as to the possible acquisition and/or management of open land property, by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, easement, devise or lease, which open land property the Committee recommends shall be used for the purposes as further identified herein.

Make recommendations regarding the Open Space Plan.

Promote community open space protection awareness and programs.

Keep an index of all open space areas, whether publicly or privately owned, including but not limited to flood-prone areas, swamps and other unique natural areas, for the purpose of obtaining information on and making recommendations regarding the proper use of such open space areas.

Undertake such additional tasks as requested by the Board of Supervisors.

Membership eligibility. All of the members of the Open Space Committee shall be residents of Whitemarsh Township. Whenever possible, at least one member shall be a member of the Township Planning Commission, at least one member shall be a member of the Township Environmental Advisory Board and at least one member shall be a member of the Township Parks and Recreation Board.

Officers and organization.

The Board of Supervisors shall have the right to designate the Chairperson.

The Committee may appoint other officers and may designate a person to act on behalf of the designated Chairperson in his or her absence, and it may make and alter bylaws and rules and regulations to cover its procedures consistent with the ordinances of Whitemarsh Township and the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A majority of the sitting members shall constitute a quorum, and all business shall be transacted by a majority of the quorum present.

Public record. The Open Space Committee shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations, which record shall be a public record.

Appropriation of funds. The Board of Supervisors shall appropriate funds for expenses incurred by the Committee (excepting legal and professional services passed through to developers pursuant to applicable law). Appropriations may be expended for such administrative, clerical, printing and professional consulting and legal services as may from time to time be required, provided such appropriations are within the limits of the annual budget as approved by the Board of Supervisors. Prior to the specific expenditure of any funds, the Committee must obtain the approval of the Township Manager.

Overlap in jurisdiction. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as abolishing or limiting any existing municipal agency, board, authority or commission even though such agency, board, authority or commission may have a responsibility related to the responsibilities delegated to the Committee hereunder; provided, however, that should there occur any overlap in jurisdiction between or amongst any existing municipal agency, board, authority or commission and the Committee with respect to any matter or question, then such matter or question shall be referred to the Board of Supervisors for delegation to the appropriate entity.

§ 3-53.3 Media Communications Advisory Board.

[Added 6-26-2008 by Ord. No. 853]

Establishment and purposes. There is hereby established a Media Communications Advisory Board (MCAB) for the following purposes:

To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Township Manager regarding the operation and supervision of the Government Access Channel (GAC) operated by the Township in conjunction with the cable television system(s) serving the Township; and

To facilitate and coordinate all media communication services provided by the Township and the dissemination of information relating to governance of the Township and activities and services of interest to its residents.

Appointment of members; term and compensation.

The MCAB shall consist of five members appointed by the Board of Supervisors. All members shall be residents of the Township.

[Amended 9-28-2017 by Ord. No. 980]

The members shall serve for a term of three years; except that of the members initially appointed, three shall be appointed to serve for a term of three years, three members shall be appointed to serve for a term of two years, and the remaining member shall be appointed to serve for a term of one year. Each member shall serve until his successor has been appointed and qualified. Any vacancy occurring in the membership shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired term. Consecutive service on the MCAB may not exceed three full terms.

At its first meeting each calendar year, the MCAB shall elect a chair and a vice chair from among its members. A majority of the members is required for the MCAB to take any action. The MCAB shall meet at least monthly; however, the chair or a majority of members may call a meeting of the MCAB.

Members shall not receive compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

The unexcused absence of any member from two consecutive meetings, unless the MCAB has excused the absence for good and sufficient reason, shall constitute a resignation.

Powers and authority. The MCAB shall have the following powers and duties:

To promote and develop the best use by the Township of all media communications services available;

To oversee the utilization of all forms of media for the dissemination of information pertaining to the community;

To study, review and make recommendations regarding the purchase of equipment necessary to support cable television communications initiated by the Township;

To develop ideas for local programming on the GAC and utilization of the GAC and the Township's website for dissemination of information pertaining to the community;

To advise the Township staff with regard to the determination of the content of the GAC and, specifically, to determine which meetings conducted by the Township shall be televised on the GAC;