WJ
Warren Jr., William W.
Mon, Mar 16, 2020 5:39 PM
Neil,
What's the gist of the guidance?
William W. Warren Jr.
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov> wrote:
PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org>
Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>
Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
Executive Director/General Counsel
International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
D (202) 742-1016
W www.imla.orghttp://www.imla.org
Plan Ahead!
IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
(d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
§ 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
William W. Warren Jr.
PML Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org> wrote:
EXTERNAL EMAIL - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
Good afternoon everyone,
Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com> wrote:
Solicitors:
Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
William W. Warren Jr.
Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
"Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.comhttp://saul.com<http://saul.comhttp://saul.com>) " made the following annotations:
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
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Neil,
What's the gist of the guidance?
William W. Warren Jr.
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>> wrote:
PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com>>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
Executive Director/General Counsel
International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
D (202) 742-1016
W www.imla.org<http://www.imla.org>
Plan Ahead!
IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com>>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
(d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
§ 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
William W. Warren Jr.
PML Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org><mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>> wrote:
**EXTERNAL EMAIL** - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
Good afternoon everyone,
Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com><mailto:william.warren@saul.com>> wrote:
Solicitors:
Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
William W. Warren Jr.
Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
"Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.com<http://saul.com><http://saul.com<http://saul.com>>) " made the following annotations:
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
This e-mail may contain privileged, confidential, copyrighted, or other legally protected information. If you are not the intended recipient (even if the e-mail address is yours), you may not use, copy, or retransmit it. If you have received this by mistake please notify us by return e-mail, then delete.
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
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KM
Kloiber, Matt
Mon, Mar 16, 2020 5:43 PM
What follows is the text of an email the Office of Open Records sent out last week.
Dear Open Records Officer,
The Office of Open Records has received a number of inquiries regarding how the spread of COVID-19 might impact requests under the Right to Know Law and public meetings under the Sunshine Act. The OOR has issued advice on these matters, which can be found here –
Regarding the Sunshine Act - https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopenrecordspennsylvania.com%2F2020%2F03%2F11%2Fthe-sunshine-act-and-covid-19%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cfrances.fruhwirth%40ALLENTOWNPA.GOV%7C39babba7b27244053ec108d7c6c42162%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637196417998164145&sdata=rxDuig9N%2FG3fgIsiIK0X2lqaVc2g1XKXNgT3wbu%2F%2FkA%3D&reserved=0
Regarding the Right to Know Law - https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopenrecordspennsylvania.com%2F2020%2F03%2F12%2Fthe-rtkl-and-covid-19%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cfrances.fruhwirth%40ALLENTOWNPA.GOV%7C39babba7b27244053ec108d7c6c42162%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637196417998164145&sdata=i5UGvlGEa7kqadTwNfL5kWb8vBcOxLgdVIeVwsR9YCo%3D&reserved=0
After reviewing this guidance, should you have any further questions, please direct them by email if possible to openrecords@pa.gov or call our office at 717-346-9903.
Erik Arneson
Executive Director
Office of Open Records
Solicitor's Office
MATT KLOIBER
CITY SOLICITOR
Solicitor's Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA18101
P: 610-437-7545
E: Matt.Kloiber@allentownpa.gov
W: www.allentownpa.gov
This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the intended recipients. If you are not an intended recipient you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required please request a hard-copy version.
-----Original Message-----
From: Pmlsolicitors pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
To: Grover, Neil A. ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Neil,
What's the gist of the guidance?
William W. Warren Jr.
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov> wrote:
PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org>
Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>
Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
Executive Director/General Counsel
International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
D (202) 742-1016
W https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.imla.org&data=02%7C01%7Cmatt.kloiber%40allentownpa.gov%7C2be4014b20c94b9b416008d7c9d10668%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637199771944718374&sdata=4t%2BdLxrj3uhNDFiUE072nOH0AUG9v6ZI7%2FXDEZV2n4M%3D&reserved=0https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imla.org&data=02%7C01%7Cmatt.kloiber%40allentownpa.gov%7C2be4014b20c94b9b416008d7c9d10668%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637199771944718374&sdata=UhtPUHITq6fdFoF4M%2BAJdDALY3WIU2HYrDMC7bYiDCE%3D&reserved=0
Plan Ahead!
IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
(d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
§ 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
William W. Warren Jr.
PML Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org> wrote:
EXTERNAL EMAIL - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
Good afternoon everyone,
Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com> wrote:
Solicitors:
Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
William W. Warren Jr.
Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
"Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.comhttps://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaul.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmatt.kloiber%40allentownpa.gov%7C2be4014b20c94b9b416008d7c9d10668%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637199771944718374&sdata=8TWpnx79Rz2gjyZkctc7MNW%2FhWDC7V1PtFrpgck43Cg%3D&reserved=0<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaul.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmatt.kloiber%40allentownpa.gov%7C2be4014b20c94b9b416008d7c9d10668%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637199771944718374&sdata=8TWpnx79Rz2gjyZkctc7MNW%2FhWDC7V1PtFrpgck43Cg%3D&reserved=0https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaul.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmatt.kloiber%40allentownpa.gov%7C2be4014b20c94b9b416008d7c9d10668%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637199771944728336&sdata=idVbhDU%2FPx5wroDhhTdrhhizPjwl7k0QtefZxJpB0F0%3D&reserved=0>) " made the following annotations:
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
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+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
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What follows is the text of an email the Office of Open Records sent out last week.
Dear Open Records Officer,
The Office of Open Records has received a number of inquiries regarding how the spread of COVID-19 might impact requests under the Right to Know Law and public meetings under the Sunshine Act. The OOR has issued advice on these matters, which can be found here –
Regarding the Sunshine Act - https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopenrecordspennsylvania.com%2F2020%2F03%2F11%2Fthe-sunshine-act-and-covid-19%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cfrances.fruhwirth%40ALLENTOWNPA.GOV%7C39babba7b27244053ec108d7c6c42162%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637196417998164145&sdata=rxDuig9N%2FG3fgIsiIK0X2lqaVc2g1XKXNgT3wbu%2F%2FkA%3D&reserved=0
Regarding the Right to Know Law - https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopenrecordspennsylvania.com%2F2020%2F03%2F12%2Fthe-rtkl-and-covid-19%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cfrances.fruhwirth%40ALLENTOWNPA.GOV%7C39babba7b27244053ec108d7c6c42162%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637196417998164145&sdata=i5UGvlGEa7kqadTwNfL5kWb8vBcOxLgdVIeVwsR9YCo%3D&reserved=0
After reviewing this guidance, should you have any further questions, please direct them by email if possible to openrecords@pa.gov or call our office at 717-346-9903.
Erik Arneson
Executive Director
Office of Open Records
Solicitor's Office
MATT KLOIBER
CITY SOLICITOR
Solicitor's Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA18101
P: 610-437-7545
E: Matt.Kloiber@allentownpa.gov
W: www.allentownpa.gov
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-----Original Message-----
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
To: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Neil,
What's the gist of the guidance?
William W. Warren Jr.
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>> wrote:
PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com>>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
Executive Director/General Counsel
International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
D (202) 742-1016
W https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.imla.org&data=02%7C01%7Cmatt.kloiber%40allentownpa.gov%7C2be4014b20c94b9b416008d7c9d10668%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637199771944718374&sdata=4t%2BdLxrj3uhNDFiUE072nOH0AUG9v6ZI7%2FXDEZV2n4M%3D&reserved=0<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imla.org&data=02%7C01%7Cmatt.kloiber%40allentownpa.gov%7C2be4014b20c94b9b416008d7c9d10668%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637199771944718374&sdata=UhtPUHITq6fdFoF4M%2BAJdDALY3WIU2HYrDMC7bYiDCE%3D&reserved=0>
Plan Ahead!
IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com>>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
(d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
§ 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
William W. Warren Jr.
PML Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org><mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>> wrote:
**EXTERNAL EMAIL** - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
Good afternoon everyone,
Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com><mailto:william.warren@saul.com>> wrote:
Solicitors:
Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
William W. Warren Jr.
Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
"Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.com<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaul.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmatt.kloiber%40allentownpa.gov%7C2be4014b20c94b9b416008d7c9d10668%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637199771944718374&sdata=8TWpnx79Rz2gjyZkctc7MNW%2FhWDC7V1PtFrpgck43Cg%3D&reserved=0><https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaul.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmatt.kloiber%40allentownpa.gov%7C2be4014b20c94b9b416008d7c9d10668%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637199771944718374&sdata=8TWpnx79Rz2gjyZkctc7MNW%2FhWDC7V1PtFrpgck43Cg%3D&reserved=0<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsaul.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmatt.kloiber%40allentownpa.gov%7C2be4014b20c94b9b416008d7c9d10668%7C1b6e3ffc79834623ac728e476fef6b0d%7C0%7C0%7C637199771944728336&sdata=idVbhDU%2FPx5wroDhhTdrhhizPjwl7k0QtefZxJpB0F0%3D&reserved=0>>) " made the following annotations:
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SA
Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire
Tue, Mar 17, 2020 3:13 PM
I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
-----Original Message-----
From: Pmlsolicitors pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
To: Grover, Neil A. ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Neil,
What's the gist of the guidance?
William W. Warren Jr.
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov> wrote:
PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org>
Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>
Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
Executive Director/General Counsel
International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
D (202) 742-1016
W www.imla.orghttp://www.imla.org
Plan Ahead!
IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
(d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
§ 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
William W. Warren Jr.
PML Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org> wrote:
EXTERNAL EMAIL - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
Good afternoon everyone,
Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com> wrote:
Solicitors:
Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
William W. Warren Jr.
Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
"Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.comhttp://saul.com<http://saul.comhttp://saul.com>) " made the following annotations:
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
This e-mail may contain privileged, confidential, copyrighted, or other legally protected information. If you are not the intended recipient (even if the e-mail address is yours), you may not use, copy, or retransmit it. If you have received this by mistake please notify us by return e-mail, then delete.
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
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I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
-----Original Message-----
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
To: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Neil,
What's the gist of the guidance?
William W. Warren Jr.
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>> wrote:
PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com>>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
Executive Director/General Counsel
International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
D (202) 742-1016
W www.imla.org<http://www.imla.org>
Plan Ahead!
IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com>>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
(d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
§ 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
William W. Warren Jr.
PML Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org><mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>> wrote:
**EXTERNAL EMAIL** - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
Good afternoon everyone,
Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com><mailto:william.warren@saul.com>> wrote:
Solicitors:
Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
William W. Warren Jr.
Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
"Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.com<http://saul.com><http://saul.com<http://saul.com>>) " made the following annotations:
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
This e-mail may contain privileged, confidential, copyrighted, or other legally protected information. If you are not the intended recipient (even if the e-mail address is yours), you may not use, copy, or retransmit it. If you have received this by mistake please notify us by return e-mail, then delete.
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JS
Jason Sabol
Wed, Mar 18, 2020 3:16 PM
Was there any responses to this question? I may have missed them. We also have the same concern under the MPC and HARB ordinances.
Jason Sabol
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 17, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire soneill@lentzlaw.com wrote:
I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
-----Original Message-----
From: Pmlsolicitors pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
To: Grover, Neil A. ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Neil,
What's the gist of the guidance?
William W. Warren Jr.
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov> wrote:
PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org>
Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>
Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
Executive Director/General Counsel
International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
D (202) 742-1016
W www.imla.orghttp://www.imla.org
Plan Ahead!
IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
(d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
§ 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
William W. Warren Jr.
PML Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org> wrote:
EXTERNAL EMAIL - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
Good afternoon everyone,
Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com> wrote:
Solicitors:
Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
William W. Warren Jr.
Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
"Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.comhttp://saul.com<http://saul.comhttp://saul.com>) " made the following annotations:
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
This e-mail may contain privileged, confidential, copyrighted, or other legally protected information. If you are not the intended recipient (even if the e-mail address is yours), you may not use, copy, or retransmit it. If you have received this by mistake please notify us by return e-mail, then delete.
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
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Was there any responses to this question? I may have missed them. We also have the same concern under the MPC and HARB ordinances.
Jason Sabol
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 17, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com> wrote:
>
> I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
> Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
> To: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>
> Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> Neil,
>
> What's the gist of the guidance?
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>> wrote:
>
> PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
> Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
> To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com>>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
> Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
>
> Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
>
>
>
> Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
> Executive Director/General Counsel
> International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
>
>
> A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
>
> P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
> D (202) 742-1016
>
> W www.imla.org<http://www.imla.org>
> Plan Ahead!
>
> IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
> IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com>>
> Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
> To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
> Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
>
>
> (d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
>
> § 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> PML Listserv Moderator
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org><mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>> wrote:
>
> **EXTERNAL EMAIL** - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
>
>
> Good afternoon everyone,
>
> Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
>
> Jason
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com><mailto:william.warren@saul.com>> wrote:
>
> Solicitors:
>
> Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> "Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.com<http://saul.com><http://saul.com<http://saul.com>>) " made the following annotations:
> +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
> This e-mail may contain privileged, confidential, copyrighted, or other legally protected information. If you are not the intended recipient (even if the e-mail address is yours), you may not use, copy, or retransmit it. If you have received this by mistake please notify us by return e-mail, then delete.
> +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Pmlsolicitors mailing list
> Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org><mailto:Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
> http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org<http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org>
> _______________________________________________
> Pmlsolicitors mailing list
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> _______________________________________________
> Pmlsolicitors mailing list
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> http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org
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MK
Mooney, Keith
Wed, Mar 18, 2020 3:53 PM
Jason, I have informed my municipalities to that as of now, I have not seen anything tolling the statutory time frame to hold zoning hearings, Board of appeals hearings and the like and that they should reach out to the developers for voluntary continuances or hold the hearing.
Keith
Mooney
, Esquire
50 North Fifth Street, 2nd Floor
Reading
,
PA
19601
T: 610‑898‑7155 | x2248
|
C: 610-413-6004tel:610-413-6004
|
F: 610-376-5243fax:610-376-5243
Biohttp://www.barley.com/?t=3&A=7069&format=xml&p=6930
|
vCardhttp://www.barley.com/AE5C01/assets/files/vCards/Keith%2520%2520Mooney.vcf
|
www.barley.comhttp://www.barley.com/
[cid:image001.jpg@01D5FD1B.D7FC05E0]
From: Pmlsolicitors pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org On Behalf Of Jason Sabol
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:17 AM
To: Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire soneill@lentzlaw.com
Cc: Grover, Neil A. ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Was there any responses to this question? I may have missed them. We also have the same concern under the MPC and HARB ordinances.
Jason Sabol
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 17, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.commailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com> wrote:
I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
-----Original Message-----
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
To: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Neil,
What's the gist of the guidance?
William W. Warren Jr.
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov%3cmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>> wrote:
PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
Executive Director/General Counsel
International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
D (202) 742-1016
W www.imla.orghttp://www.imla.org<http://www.imla.orghttp://www.imla.org>
Plan Ahead!
IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
(d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
§ 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
William W. Warren Jr.
PML Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org> wrote:
EXTERNAL EMAIL - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
Good afternoon everyone,
Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>mailto:william.warren@saul.com> wrote:
Solicitors:
Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
William W. Warren Jr.
Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
"Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.comhttp://saul.com<http://saul.comhttp://saul.com><http://saul.comhttp://saul.com<http://saul.comhttp://saul.com>>) " made the following annotations:
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Jason, I have informed my municipalities to that as of now, I have not seen anything tolling the statutory time frame to hold zoning hearings, Board of appeals hearings and the like and that they should reach out to the developers for voluntary continuances or hold the hearing.
Keith
Mooney
, Esquire
50 North Fifth Street, 2nd Floor
Reading
,
PA
19601
T: 610‑898‑7155 | x2248
|
C: 610-413-6004<tel:610-413-6004>
|
F: 610-376-5243<fax:610-376-5243>
Bio<http://www.barley.com/?t=3&A=7069&format=xml&p=6930>
|
vCard<http://www.barley.com/AE5C01/assets/files/vCards/Keith%2520%2520Mooney.vcf>
|
www.barley.com<http://www.barley.com/>
[cid:image001.jpg@01D5FD1B.D7FC05E0]
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Jason Sabol
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:17 AM
To: Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com>
Cc: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Was there any responses to this question? I may have missed them. We also have the same concern under the MPC and HARB ordinances.
Jason Sabol
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 17, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com<mailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com>> wrote:
>
> I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org>> On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
> Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
> To: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>>
> Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> Neil,
>
> What's the gist of the guidance?
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov%3cmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>>> wrote:
>
> PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>>
> Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
> To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>>
> Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>>, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
>
> Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
>
>
>
> Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
> Executive Director/General Counsel
> International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
>
>
> A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
>
> P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
> D (202) 742-1016
>
> W www.imla.org<http://www.imla.org><http://www.imla.org<http://www.imla.org>>
> Plan Ahead!
>
> IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
> IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>>
> Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
> To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>>
> Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>>; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
>
>
> (d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
>
> § 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> PML Listserv Moderator
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>><mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>> wrote:
>
> **EXTERNAL EMAIL** - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
>
>
> Good afternoon everyone,
>
> Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
>
> Jason
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>><mailto:william.warren@saul.com>> wrote:
>
> Solicitors:
>
> Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> "Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.com<http://saul.com><http://saul.com<http://saul.com>><http://saul.com<http://saul.com><http://saul.com<http://saul.com>>>) " made the following annotations:
> +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
> This e-mail may contain privileged, confidential, copyrighted, or other legally protected information. If you are not the intended recipient (even if the e-mail address is yours), you may not use, copy, or retransmit it. If you have received this by mistake please notify us by return e-mail, then delete.
> +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Pmlsolicitors mailing list
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> http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org<http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org><http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org<http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org>>
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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WJ
Warren Jr., William W.
Wed, Mar 18, 2020 4:03 PM
Keith,
What about getting a judicial order?
William W. Warren, Jr.
Moderator PML Listserv
Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP
2 North Second Street, Suite 700
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Office (717) 238-7698 | Cell (717) 979-5570
william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com
From: Pmlsolicitors pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org On Behalf Of Mooney, Keith
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:54 AM
To: Jason Sabol JSabol@yorkcity.org; Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire soneill@lentzlaw.com
Cc: Grover, Neil A. ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Jason, I have informed my municipalities to that as of now, I have not seen anything tolling the statutory time frame to hold zoning hearings, Board of appeals hearings and the like and that they should reach out to the developers for voluntary continuances or hold the hearing.
Keith
Mooney
, Esquire
50 North Fifth Street, 2nd Floor
Reading
,
PA
19601
T: 610‑898‑7155 | x2248
|
C: 610-413-6004tel:610-413-6004
|
F: 610-376-5243fax:610-376-5243
Biohttp://www.barley.com/?t=3&A=7069&format=xml&p=6930
|
vCardhttp://www.barley.com/AE5C01/assets/files/vCards/Keith%2520%2520Mooney.vcf
|
www.barley.comhttp://www.barley.com/
[cid:image001.jpg@01D5FD1D.39E0A440]
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Jason Sabol
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:17 AM
To: Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.commailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com>
Cc: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Was there any responses to this question? I may have missed them. We also have the same concern under the MPC and HARB ordinances.
Jason Sabol
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 17, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.commailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com> wrote:
I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
-----Original Message-----
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
To: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Neil,
What's the gist of the guidance?
William W. Warren Jr.
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov%3cmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>> wrote:
PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
Executive Director/General Counsel
International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
D (202) 742-1016
W www.imla.orghttp://www.imla.org<http://www.imla.orghttp://www.imla.org>
Plan Ahead!
IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
(d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
§ 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
William W. Warren Jr.
PML Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org> wrote:
EXTERNAL EMAIL - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
Good afternoon everyone,
Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>mailto:william.warren@saul.com> wrote:
Solicitors:
Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
William W. Warren Jr.
Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
"Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.comhttp://saul.com<http://saul.comhttp://saul.com><http://saul.comhttp://saul.com<http://saul.comhttp://saul.com>>) " made the following annotations:
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Keith,
What about getting a judicial order?
William W. Warren, Jr.
Moderator PML Listserv
Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP
2 North Second Street, Suite 700
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Office (717) 238-7698 | Cell (717) 979-5570
william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com>
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Mooney, Keith
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:54 AM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org>; Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com>
Cc: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Jason, I have informed my municipalities to that as of now, I have not seen anything tolling the statutory time frame to hold zoning hearings, Board of appeals hearings and the like and that they should reach out to the developers for voluntary continuances or hold the hearing.
Keith
Mooney
, Esquire
50 North Fifth Street, 2nd Floor
Reading
,
PA
19601
T: 610‑898‑7155 | x2248
|
C: 610-413-6004<tel:610-413-6004>
|
F: 610-376-5243<fax:610-376-5243>
Bio<http://www.barley.com/?t=3&A=7069&format=xml&p=6930>
|
vCard<http://www.barley.com/AE5C01/assets/files/vCards/Keith%2520%2520Mooney.vcf>
|
www.barley.com<http://www.barley.com/>
[cid:image001.jpg@01D5FD1D.39E0A440]
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org>> On Behalf Of Jason Sabol
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:17 AM
To: Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com<mailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com>>
Cc: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>>; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Was there any responses to this question? I may have missed them. We also have the same concern under the MPC and HARB ordinances.
Jason Sabol
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 17, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com<mailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com>> wrote:
>
> I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org>> On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
> Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
> To: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>>
> Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> Neil,
>
> What's the gist of the guidance?
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov%3cmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>>> wrote:
>
> PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>>
> Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
> To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>>
> Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>>, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
>
> Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
>
>
>
> Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
> Executive Director/General Counsel
> International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
>
>
> A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
>
> P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
> D (202) 742-1016
>
> W www.imla.org<http://www.imla.org><http://www.imla.org<http://www.imla.org>>
> Plan Ahead!
>
> IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
> IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>>
> Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
> To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>>
> Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>>; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
>
>
> (d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
>
> § 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> PML Listserv Moderator
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>><mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>> wrote:
>
> **EXTERNAL EMAIL** - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
>
>
> Good afternoon everyone,
>
> Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
>
> Jason
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>><mailto:william.warren@saul.com>> wrote:
>
> Solicitors:
>
> Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> "Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.com<http://saul.com><http://saul.com<http://saul.com>><http://saul.com<http://saul.com><http://saul.com<http://saul.com>>>) " made the following annotations:
> +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
> This e-mail may contain privileged, confidential, copyrighted, or other legally protected information. If you are not the intended recipient (even if the e-mail address is yours), you may not use, copy, or retransmit it. If you have received this by mistake please notify us by return e-mail, then delete.
> +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
>
>
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MK
Mooney, Keith
Wed, Mar 18, 2020 4:05 PM
That is a thought to seek injunctive relief in the court from holding the hearing.
Keith
Mooney
, Esquire
50 North Fifth Street, 2nd Floor
Reading
,
PA
19601
T: 610‑898‑7155 | x2248
|
C: 610-413-6004tel:610-413-6004
|
F: 610-376-5243fax:610-376-5243
Biohttp://www.barley.com/?t=3&A=7069&format=xml&p=6930
|
vCardhttp://www.barley.com/AE5C01/assets/files/vCards/Keith%2520%2520Mooney.vcf
|
www.barley.comhttp://www.barley.com/
[cid:image001.jpg@01D5FD1D.88376BB0]
From: Warren Jr., William W. william.warren@saul.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 12:04 PM
To: Mooney, Keith kmooney@barley.com
Cc: Grover, Neil A. ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; Jason Sabol JSabol@yorkcity.org; Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire soneill@lentzlaw.com
Subject: RE: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Keith,
What about getting a judicial order?
William W. Warren, Jr.
Moderator PML Listserv
Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP
2 North Second Street, Suite 700
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Office (717) 238-7698 | Cell (717) 979-5570
william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Mooney, Keith
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:54 AM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>; Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.commailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com>
Cc: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Jason, I have informed my municipalities to that as of now, I have not seen anything tolling the statutory time frame to hold zoning hearings, Board of appeals hearings and the like and that they should reach out to the developers for voluntary continuances or hold the hearing.
Keith
Mooney
, Esquire
50 North Fifth Street, 2nd Floor
Reading
,
PA
19601
T: 610‑898‑7155 | x2248
|
C: 610-413-6004tel:610-413-6004
|
F: 610-376-5243fax:610-376-5243
Biohttp://www.barley.com/?t=3&A=7069&format=xml&p=6930
|
vCardhttp://www.barley.com/AE5C01/assets/files/vCards/Keith%2520%2520Mooney.vcf
|
www.barley.comhttps://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/UvRUCW6W1ms5o4M5SnGwSV/
[cid:image001.jpg@01D5FD1D.88376BB0]
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Jason Sabol
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:17 AM
To: Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.commailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com>
Cc: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Was there any responses to this question? I may have missed them. We also have the same concern under the MPC and HARB ordinances.
Jason Sabol
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 17, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.commailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com> wrote:
I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
-----Original Message-----
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
To: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Neil,
What's the gist of the guidance?
William W. Warren Jr.
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov%3cmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>> wrote:
PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
Executive Director/General Counsel
International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
D (202) 742-1016
W www.imla.orghttp://www.imla.org<http://www.imla.orghttp://www.imla.org>
Plan Ahead!
IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
(d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
§ 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
William W. Warren Jr.
PML Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org> wrote:
EXTERNAL EMAIL - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
Good afternoon everyone,
Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>mailto:william.warren@saul.com> wrote:
Solicitors:
Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
William W. Warren Jr.
Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
"Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.comhttp://saul.com<http://saul.comhttp://saul.com><http://saul.comhttp://saul.com<http://saul.comhttp://saul.com>>) " made the following annotations:
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That is a thought to seek injunctive relief in the court from holding the hearing.
Keith
Mooney
, Esquire
50 North Fifth Street, 2nd Floor
Reading
,
PA
19601
T: 610‑898‑7155 | x2248
|
C: 610-413-6004<tel:610-413-6004>
|
F: 610-376-5243<fax:610-376-5243>
Bio<http://www.barley.com/?t=3&A=7069&format=xml&p=6930>
|
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[cid:image001.jpg@01D5FD1D.88376BB0]
From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 12:04 PM
To: Mooney, Keith <kmooney@barley.com>
Cc: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org>; Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com>
Subject: RE: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Keith,
What about getting a judicial order?
William W. Warren, Jr.
Moderator PML Listserv
Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP
2 North Second Street, Suite 700
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Office (717) 238-7698 | Cell (717) 979-5570
william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com>
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org>> On Behalf Of Mooney, Keith
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:54 AM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>; Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com<mailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com>>
Cc: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Jason, I have informed my municipalities to that as of now, I have not seen anything tolling the statutory time frame to hold zoning hearings, Board of appeals hearings and the like and that they should reach out to the developers for voluntary continuances or hold the hearing.
Keith
Mooney
, Esquire
50 North Fifth Street, 2nd Floor
Reading
,
PA
19601
T: 610‑898‑7155 | x2248
|
C: 610-413-6004<tel:610-413-6004>
|
F: 610-376-5243<fax:610-376-5243>
Bio<http://www.barley.com/?t=3&A=7069&format=xml&p=6930>
|
vCard<http://www.barley.com/AE5C01/assets/files/vCards/Keith%2520%2520Mooney.vcf>
|
www.barley.com<https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/UvRUCW6W1ms5o4M5SnGwSV/>
[cid:image001.jpg@01D5FD1D.88376BB0]
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org>> On Behalf Of Jason Sabol
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:17 AM
To: Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com<mailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com>>
Cc: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>>; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Was there any responses to this question? I may have missed them. We also have the same concern under the MPC and HARB ordinances.
Jason Sabol
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 17, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com<mailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com>> wrote:
>
> I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org>> On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
> Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
> To: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>>
> Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> Neil,
>
> What's the gist of the guidance?
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov%3cmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>>> wrote:
>
> PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>>
> Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
> To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>>
> Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>>, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
>
> Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
>
>
>
> Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
> Executive Director/General Counsel
> International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
>
>
> A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
>
> P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
> D (202) 742-1016
>
> W www.imla.org<http://www.imla.org><http://www.imla.org<http://www.imla.org>>
> Plan Ahead!
>
> IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
> IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>>
> Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
> To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>>
> Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>>; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
>
>
> (d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
>
> § 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> PML Listserv Moderator
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>><mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>> wrote:
>
> **EXTERNAL EMAIL** - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
>
>
> Good afternoon everyone,
>
> Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
>
> Jason
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>><mailto:william.warren@saul.com>> wrote:
>
> Solicitors:
>
> Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> "Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.com<http://saul.com><http://saul.com<http://saul.com>><http://saul.com<http://saul.com><http://saul.com<http://saul.com>>>) " made the following annotations:
> +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
> This e-mail may contain privileged, confidential, copyrighted, or other legally protected information. If you are not the intended recipient (even if the e-mail address is yours), you may not use, copy, or retransmit it. If you have received this by mistake please notify us by return e-mail, then delete.
> +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
>
>
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Les Mlakar
Wed, Mar 18, 2020 5:42 PM
Mr Mooney is correct. I have given my Boards the same opinion Les Mlakar
On Wed, Mar 18, 2020 at 12:01 PM Mooney, Keith kmooney@barley.com wrote:
Jason, I have informed my municipalities to that as of now, I have not
seen anything tolling the statutory time frame to hold zoning hearings,
Board of appeals hearings and the like and that they should reach out to
the developers for voluntary continuances or hold the hearing.
Keith
Mooney
, Esquire
50 North Fifth Street, 2nd Floor
Reading
,
PA
19601
T: 610‑898‑7155 | x2248
|
C: 610-413-6004
|
F: 610-376-5243
Bio http://www.barley.com/?t=3&A=7069&format=xml&p=6930
|
vCard
http://www.barley.com/AE5C01/assets/files/vCards/Keith%2520%2520Mooney.vcf
|
www.barley.com
From: Pmlsolicitors pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org *On Behalf
Of *Jason Sabol
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:17 AM
To: Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire soneill@lentzlaw.com
Cc: Grover, Neil A. ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov;
pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal
Solicitors
Was there any responses to this question? I may have missed them. We also
have the same concern under the MPC and HARB ordinances.
Jason Sabol
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 17, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <
I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law
that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval
under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency
declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't
know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
Neil,
What's the gist of the guidance?
William W. Warren Jr.
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <
PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org>
Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Warren Jr., William W." <
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not
click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's
email address and know the content is safe!
Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not
sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering
broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more
restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature
to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize
virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed
with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that
due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect
court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation
addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
Executive Director/General Counsel
International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
D (202) 742-1016
W www.imla.orghttp://www.imla.org
Plan Ahead!
IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Jr., William W. <
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal
The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read
this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
(d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political
subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by
either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision
affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers
vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency
situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities
prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements)
pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the
incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental
of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes
and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
§ 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A.
§ 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously.
Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in
some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the
extent practicable under the circumstances.
EXTERNAL EMAIL - This message originates from outside our Firm.
Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
Good afternoon everyone,
Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an
emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the
Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some
municipalities and counties have done so.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <
Solicitors:
Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic.
Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide
responses.
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
This e-mail may contain privileged, confidential, copyrighted, or other
legally protected information. If you are not the intended recipient (even
if the e-mail address is yours), you may not use, copy, or retransmit it.
If you have received this by mistake please notify us by return e-mail,
then delete.
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
Pmlsolicitors mailing list
--
Leslie J. Mlakar, Esquire
Avolio Law Group, LLC
117 N. Main St.
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 834-6040 (ext. 107)
Mr Mooney is correct. I have given my Boards the same opinion Les Mlakar
On Wed, Mar 18, 2020 at 12:01 PM Mooney, Keith <kmooney@barley.com> wrote:
> Jason, I have informed my municipalities to that as of now, I have not
> seen anything tolling the statutory time frame to hold zoning hearings,
> Board of appeals hearings and the like and that they should reach out to
> the developers for voluntary continuances or hold the hearing.
>
>
>
> Keith
>
>
>
> Mooney
>
> , Esquire
>
> 50 North Fifth Street, 2nd Floor
>
> Reading
>
> ,
>
> PA
>
>
>
> 19601
>
> T: 610‑898‑7155 | x2248
>
> |
>
> C: 610-413-6004
>
> |
>
> F: 610-376-5243
>
> Bio <http://www.barley.com/?t=3&A=7069&format=xml&p=6930>
>
> |
>
> vCard
> <http://www.barley.com/AE5C01/assets/files/vCards/Keith%2520%2520Mooney.vcf>
>
> |
>
> www.barley.com
>
>
>
> *From:* Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> *On Behalf
> Of *Jason Sabol
> *Sent:* Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:17 AM
> *To:* Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com>
> *Cc:* Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>;
> pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
> *Subject:* Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal
> Solicitors
>
>
>
> Was there any responses to this question? I may have missed them. We also
> have the same concern under the MPC and HARB ordinances.
>
> Jason Sabol
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Mar 17, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <
> soneill@lentzlaw.com> wrote:
> >
> > I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law
> that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval
> under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency
> declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't
> know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of
> Warren Jr., William W.
> > Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
> > To: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>
> > Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
> > Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal
> Solicitors
> >
> > Neil,
> >
> > What's the gist of the guidance?
> >
> > William W. Warren Jr.
> > (office) 717-238-7698
> > (cell) 717-979-5570
> > wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
> >
> > Sent from my iPad
> >
> > On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <
> ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>> wrote:
> >
> > PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
> >
> >
> >
> > Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
> >
> >
> >
> > -------- Original message --------
> > From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
> > Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
> > To: "Warren Jr., William W." <
> william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com>>, Jason Sabol <
> JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
> > Cc:
> rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>,
> pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
> > Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal
> Solicitors
> >
> > CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not
> click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's
> email address and know the content is safe!
> >
> > Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not
> sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering
> broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more
> restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature
> to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize
> virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed
> with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that
> due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect
> court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation
> addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
> >
> >
> >
> > Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
> > Executive Director/General Counsel
> > International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
> >
> >
> > A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
> >
> > P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
> > D (202) 742-1016
> >
> > W www.imla.org<http://www.imla.org>
> > Plan Ahead!
> >
> > IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
> > IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Warren Jr., William W. <
> william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com>>
> > Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
> > To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
> > Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>;
> rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>;
> Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
> > Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal
> Solicitors
> >
> > The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read
> this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
> >
> >
> > (d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political
> subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by
> either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision
> affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers
> vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency
> situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities
> prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements)
> pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the
> incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental
> of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes
> and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
> >
> > § 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A.
> § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously.
> Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in
> some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the
> extent practicable under the circumstances.
> >
> > William W. Warren Jr.
> > PML Listserv Moderator
> > (office) 717-238-7698
> > (cell) 717-979-5570
> > wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
> >
> > Sent from my iPad
> >
> > On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <
> JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org><mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org
> <JSabol@yorkcity.org>>> wrote:
> >
> > **EXTERNAL EMAIL** - This message originates from outside our Firm.
> Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
> >
> >
> > Good afternoon everyone,
> >
> > Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an
> emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the
> Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some
> municipalities and counties have done so.
> >
> > Jason
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> > On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <
> william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com><
> mailto:william.warren@saul.com <william.warren@saul.com>>> wrote:
> >
> > Solicitors:
> >
> > Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic.
> Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide
> responses.
> >
> > William W. Warren Jr.
> > Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
> > (office) 717-238-7698
> > (cell) 717-979-5570
> > wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com>
> >
> > Sent from my iPad
> >
> > "Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.com<http://saul.com><
> http://saul.com<http://saul.com>>) " made the following annotations:
> > +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
> > This e-mail may contain privileged, confidential, copyrighted, or other
> legally protected information. If you are not the intended recipient (even
> if the e-mail address is yours), you may not use, copy, or retransmit it.
> If you have received this by mistake please notify us by return e-mail,
> then delete.
> > +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pmlsolicitors mailing list
> >
> Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org><mailto:Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org
> >
> > http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org<
> http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org>
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pmlsolicitors mailing list
> > Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
> > http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org<
> http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org>
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pmlsolicitors mailing list
> > Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org
> > http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pmlsolicitors mailing list
> > Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org
> > http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org
> _______________________________________________
> Pmlsolicitors mailing list
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> http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org
>
>
> ------------------------------
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>
--
Leslie J. Mlakar, Esquire
*Avolio Law Group, LLC*
117 N. Main St.
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 834-6040 (ext. 107)
CT
Chuck Thompson
Wed, Mar 18, 2020 5:49 PM
One suggestion on our call yesterday was to file in court to stay the hearings and toll the time period due to the emergency and name all applicants you know as defendants to the action. Might work.
From: Pmlsolicitors pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org On Behalf Of Les Mlakar
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 1:42 PM
To: Mooney, Keith kmooney@barley.com
Cc: Grover, Neil A. ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Mr Mooney is correct. I have given my Boards the same opinion Les Mlakar
On Wed, Mar 18, 2020 at 12:01 PM Mooney, Keith <kmooney@barley.commailto:kmooney@barley.com> wrote:
Jason, I have informed my municipalities to that as of now, I have not seen anything tolling the statutory time frame to hold zoning hearings, Board of appeals hearings and the like and that they should reach out to the developers for voluntary continuances or hold the hearing.
Keith
Mooney
, Esquire
50 North Fifth Street, 2nd Floor
Reading
,
PA
19601
T: 610‑898‑7155 | x2248
|
C: 610-413-6004tel:610-413-6004
|
F: 610-376-5243
Biohttp://www.barley.com/?t=3&A=7069&format=xml&p=6930
|
vCardhttp://www.barley.com/AE5C01/assets/files/vCards/Keith%2520%2520Mooney.vcf
|
www.barley.comhttp://www.barley.com/
[cid:image001.jpg@01D5FD2B.FA7C5150]
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Jason Sabol
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:17 AM
To: Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.commailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com>
Cc: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Was there any responses to this question? I may have missed them. We also have the same concern under the MPC and HARB ordinances.
Jason Sabol
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 17, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.commailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com> wrote:
I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
-----Original Message-----
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
To: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Neil,
What's the gist of the guidance?
William W. Warren Jr.
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.govmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov%3cmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>> wrote:
PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
Executive Director/General Counsel
International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850
P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M (240) 876-6790
D (202) 742-1016
W www.imla.orghttp://www.imla.orghttp://www.imla.org
Plan Ahead!
IMLA’s 2020 Mid-Year Seminar, April 24-27 in Washington, D.C.!
IMLA’s 85th Annual Conference, September 23-27 in Riverside County, CA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>
Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.orgmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.orgmailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
(d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
§ 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
William W. Warren Jr.
PML Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.orgmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org> wrote:
EXTERNAL EMAIL - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
Good afternoon everyone,
Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.commailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>mailto:william.warren@saul.com> wrote:
Solicitors:
Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
William W. Warren Jr.
Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
(office) 717-238-7698
(cell) 717-979-5570
wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.commailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>
Sent from my iPad
"Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP (saul.comhttp://saul.comhttp://saul.com<http://saul.comhttp://saul.com>) " made the following annotations:
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
This e-mail may contain privileged, confidential, copyrighted, or other legally protected information. If you are not the intended recipient (even if the e-mail address is yours), you may not use, copy, or retransmit it. If you have received this by mistake please notify us by return e-mail, then delete.
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
Pmlsolicitors mailing list
Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.orgmailto:Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3e%3cmailto:Pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>
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http://lists.imla.org/mailman/listinfo/pmlsolicitors_lists.imla.org
One suggestion on our call yesterday was to file in court to stay the hearings and toll the time period due to the emergency and name all applicants you know as defendants to the action. Might work.
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org> On Behalf Of Les Mlakar
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 1:42 PM
To: Mooney, Keith <kmooney@barley.com>
Cc: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Mr Mooney is correct. I have given my Boards the same opinion Les Mlakar
On Wed, Mar 18, 2020 at 12:01 PM Mooney, Keith <kmooney@barley.com<mailto:kmooney@barley.com>> wrote:
Jason, I have informed my municipalities to that as of now, I have not seen anything tolling the statutory time frame to hold zoning hearings, Board of appeals hearings and the like and that they should reach out to the developers for voluntary continuances or hold the hearing.
Keith
Mooney
, Esquire
50 North Fifth Street, 2nd Floor
Reading
,
PA
19601
T: 610‑898‑7155 | x2248
|
C: 610-413-6004<tel:610-413-6004>
|
F: 610-376-5243
Bio<http://www.barley.com/?t=3&A=7069&format=xml&p=6930>
|
vCard<http://www.barley.com/AE5C01/assets/files/vCards/Keith%2520%2520Mooney.vcf>
|
www.barley.com<http://www.barley.com/>
[cid:image001.jpg@01D5FD2B.FA7C5150]
From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org>> On Behalf Of Jason Sabol
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 11:17 AM
To: Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com<mailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com>>
Cc: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>>; pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>
Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
Was there any responses to this question? I may have missed them. We also have the same concern under the MPC and HARB ordinances.
Jason Sabol
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 17, 2020, at 11:14 AM, Sean A. O'Neill, Esquire <soneill@lentzlaw.com<mailto:soneill@lentzlaw.com>> wrote:
>
> I would like to know whether there is any clear guidance, order or law that has the effect of "tolling" the periods for running of deemed approval under the MPC, pending the ending of the Commonwealth's emergency declaration. I have seen this inferred by a municipal resolution, but don't know that it actually is authorized expressly (or being considered).
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Pmlsolicitors <pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors-bounces@lists.imla.org>> On Behalf Of Warren Jr., William W.
> Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:39 PM
> To: Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>>
> Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> Neil,
>
> What's the gist of the guidance?
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 1:27 PM, Grover, Neil A. <ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov<mailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov%3cmailto:ngrover@harrisburgpa.gov>>> wrote:
>
> PA Office of Open Records issued a guidance.
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>>
> Date: 3/16/20 1:06 PM (GMT-05:00)
> To: "Warren Jr., William W." <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>>, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>>
> Cc: rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>>, pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization! Do not click links, open attachments or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
>
> Each state is handling Open Meetings requirements differently. I'm not sure I've seen anything for Pennsylvania yet, but some states are offering broad exemptions recognizing the emergency while others are more restrictive. This is an issue that should be presented to the legislature to insure the continuity of government in an emergency; i.e., authorize virtual meetings of government, allow the open meetings law to be relaxed with realistic prophylactic measures to prevent abuses. Recognizing that due process hearings also will need to be virtual if we are to protect court officials, attorneys and others should be part of any legislation addressing pandemic or epidemic. Chuck
>
>
>
> Charles W. Thompson, Jr.
> Executive Director/General Counsel
> International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc.
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>>>
> Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 12:54 PM
> To: Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>>>
> Cc: pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org<mailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org%3cmailto:pmlsolicitors@lists.imla.org>>; rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org<mailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org%3cmailto:rschuettler@pamunicipalleague.org>>; Chuck Thompson <cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org<mailto:cthompson@imla.org%3cmailto:cthompson@imla.org>>>
> Subject: Re: [Pmlsolicitors] Coronavirus information - Pa. Municipal Solicitors
>
> The Counties seem to be relying on 35 Pa. C.S.A. section 7501(d). I read this excerpt as allowing broadly to suspension of legal requirements:
>
>
> (d) Temporary suspension of formal requirements.--Each political subdivision included in a declaration of disaster emergency declared by either the Governor or the governing body of the political subdivision affected by the disaster emergency is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of the emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
>
> § 7501. General authority of political subdivisions, PA ST 35 Pa.C.S.A. § 7501 Municipalities might want to exercise this provisions judiciously. Rather than dispensing with a requirement entirely, it might be better in some situations to modify the requirement, and honor the intent to the extent practicable under the circumstances.
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> PML Listserv Moderator
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:45 PM, Jason Sabol <JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org<mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org%3cmailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>><mailto:JSabol@yorkcity.org>> wrote:
>
> **EXTERNAL EMAIL** - This message originates from outside our Firm. Please consider carefully before responding or clicking links/attachments.
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>
> Good afternoon everyone,
>
> Is there some authority that allows cities and counties under an emergency declaration to suspend the open meetings requirement under the Sunshine Law? I haven’t been able to find anything, but I know that some municipalities and counties have done so.
>
> Jason
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 12:43 PM, Warren Jr., William W. <william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com<mailto:william.warren@saul.com%3cmailto:william.warren@saul.com>><mailto:william.warren@saul.com>> wrote:
>
> Solicitors:
>
> Obviously, you have been dealing with issues related to the pandemic. Please feel free to use this listserv to raise questions and provide responses.
>
> William W. Warren Jr.
> Pa. Municipal Listserv Moderator
> (office) 717-238-7698
> (cell) 717-979-5570
> wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com><mailto:wwarren@saul.com<mailto:wwarren@saul.com%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com%3e%3cmailto:wwarren@saul.com>>
>
> Sent from my iPad
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Leslie J. Mlakar, Esquire
Avolio Law Group, LLC
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