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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Ed Staback |
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Staback bill to prevent planning commission delays passes state House
HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – State Rep. Ed Staback, D-Lackawanna/Wayne, said legislation he authored to prevent municipal planning commission delays passed the state House unanimously last week.
“Municipalities in many parts of the state, especially in rural areas, have trouble finding residents who can fulfill their commitment as a member of a local planning board,” Staback said. “Something as simple as a scheduling conflict with one or two members of the planning board can stall projects for weeks or even months.”
House Bill 780 would allow municipal officials to appoint up to three residents to serve as alternates on local planning boards. The alternates would be asked to attend meetings in the event a board member is unable to be there for any reason, and the alternates would have full voting privileges. Those privileges would remain in place until the specific matter for which they were appointed has received a final decision.
“It makes sense to have someone who’s familiar with the discussions available to step in and attend and vote at these important meetings,” Staback added.
Staback said that the legislation resulted from a 2005 annual convention of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors that was held in Wayne County.
“After the convention, a resolution was forwarded to me asking for a legislative remedy – House Bill 780 is that remedy,” Staback said. “Local statutes require a quorum to be present to vote on planning matters. Having a pool of alternates would reduce the potential for backlogs and delays when important projects come up for discussion.”
The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.
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CONTACT: Steve McMullen Office of State Rep. Ed Staback House
Game and Fisheries Committee |