Brackenridge Council feels growing pains in complying with new Sunshine Law, hears report on community development

In the first week of a state law intended to make government action more transparent, Brackenridge Council had to delay action on two items until next month.

Council had hoped to put a police car that soon will be put out of service for sale last week, and the board wanted to pay Tresco Paving for its recent work in the borough.

But with state Act 65 tightening the state’s Sunshine Law, those items will have to wait until council’s Oct. 7 meeting.

Solicitor Craig Alexander explained the new law, which prohibits municipalities, school boards and other governmental agencies from acting on agenda items that come up fewer than 24 hours before a meeting.

The only exceptions are emergencies that present a “clear and present danger to life or property,” minor matters brought up that do not involve spending money or entering into a contract and requests in the public comment portions of meetings that can be referred to staff or placed on a future agenda.

Also, agendas must be posted 24 hours before a meeting on a website, council chambers doorways or on the municipal building, itself.

“There will be some growing pains with this,” Alexander said. “The intent is clear: They want the public to know what is going to be voted on.”

Community development update

Harrison resident David Rankin of Faith Community Partners gave council an update on the multimunicipal comprehensive plan involving Brackenridge, Harrison and Tarentum.

Rankin, a member of the newly-formed Community Development Corp., outlined the duties of a 19-member advisory council consisting of municipal representatives, educators, faith-based groups and small and large business owners.

One item the group will move forward on is an initiative to offer local high school graduates who don’t intend to go to college a pathway to include trade schools.

Rankin said it is hoped that the young people will learn trades that could get them jobs at places such as ATI, Oberg Manufacturing and other businesses.

The Community Development Corp. also has plans to fight blight. It wants to have dilapidated structures torn down, problems prevented through strong code enforcement and to stabilize properties that can be saved, such as putting a new roof on a home or improving a business facade. It hopes surrounding neighbors will do the same.

Other problems the CDC wants to tackle involve food sustainability and improving internet connectivity.

“These problems won’t be solved overnight,” Rankin said. “It will take time, just like it took time to invest in the area. Funding is available, and all three (municipalities) can work together on the ideas.”