BOROUGH COUNCIL HANDBOOK Twelfth Edition | August 2019 Harrisburg, PA Commonwealth of Pennsylvania PA Department of Community & Economic Development | dced.pa.gov Comments or inquiries on the subject matter of this publication should be addressed to: Governor’s Center for Local Government Services Department of Community and Economic Development Commonwealth Keystone Building 400 North Street, 4th Floor Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120-0225 (717) 787-8158 1-888-223-6837 E-mail: [email protected] dced.pa.gov No liability is assumed with respect to the use of information contained in this publication. Laws may be amended or court rulings issued that could affect a particular procedure, issue or interpretation. The Department of Community and Economic Development assumes no responsibility for errors and omissions nor any liability for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. Please contact your local solicitor for legal advice. Preparation of this publication was financed from appropriations of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Copyright © 2019, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, all rights reserved. Table of Contents I. Office of Borough Council Member . .1 Ward Redistricting . .1 Redistricting by Ordinance . .1 II. Legislative Powers . .7 General Powers . .7 The Legislative Role . .7 Quasi-Judicial Role . .8 Conduct of Meetings . .8 Parliamentary Procedure . .10 Sunshine Act . .11 Minutes and Records . .11 Intergovernmental Cooperation . .12 III. Administrative and Appointive Powers . .14 Appointed Administrator . .14 Personnel Management . .16 Appointment Powers . .17 Boards and Commissions . .18 Municipal Authorities . .19 IV. Fiscal Powers . .22 Taxes . .22 Act 50 . .23 The Budget . .24 The Budget Calendar . .25 Capital Improvements Planning and Budgeting . .26 Contracts . .27 Officers’ Bonds . .28 Municipal Borrowing . .28 Pension Funding . .29 V. Municipal Services . .30 Streets . .30 Street Lighting . .30 Police . .31 Firefighting . .31 Ambulance/Rescue Services . .32 Parks and Recreation . .32 Libraries and Cultural Services . .32 Building and Housing Codes . .33 Sewer and Water Services . .34 Emergency Management . .34 Electric Services and Cable TV . .34 Gas Services . .34 VI. Land Use Control and Environmental Regulation . .36 Comprehensive Planning . .36 The Zoning Ordinance . .37 Floodplain Regulations . .38 Stormwater Management . .39 Sewage Enforcement . .39 Solid Waste Management . ..