Concerned Citizens of West Mayfield
Civics
Essays and Thoughts on Local Government, Citizen Democracy, and Civics
More about Pa's Fire Insurance Escrow Act--and you might not like it
Problems (and Solutions) Start at the Top
Communication Matters
Foreign Fire Insurance?
The 2023 Regional Fire Study
We Are The Community
The Quality of Borough Public Safety Affects Property Values & Insurance
Government Resources Valuable for Citizens, too.
Citizens' Democracy Audit
Independent Auditing the Borough
Pro Tip: Plan for Legislation
AG's Release Audit Report
West Mayfield Fire Service? Let's Put It on the Table
What is CCWM?
We Worked Hard to Improve This Dangerous Intersection
And So Goes West Mayfield
Time to Get Busy
What's In Our Wallet?
3, 2, 1 . . . Go!
It's Time to Act
Citizens Can Review the 2024 Proposed Budget
Traffic Calming Projects: When Can We Get Serious About This
Price, Cost, & Value of Public Safety
. . . and Another Thing About Borough Spending
More about Pa's Fire Insurance Escrow Act--and you might not like it
February 20, 2024
More about Pa’s Fire Insurance Escrow Act–and you might not like it.
The Borough of West Mayfield has not done it in 30 years, but nearly half of all other Beaver County municipalities have–including neighboring Chippewa (1994), Beaver Falls (2001), Big Beaver (2013), Patterson Township (1995), New Brighton (1995), and North Sewickley (2014). They have all adopted a “Fire Insurance Escrow” ordinance and registered it, as required by law, with the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services.
SO WHAT?
Imagine this: If any property in the borough burns down and the owner receives an insurance payout and then abandons the property, the residents of West Mayfield would need to use tax dollars to demolish the property or provide minimal safety repair to protect nearby residents (that is, of course, if the borough would follow its own property maintenance ordinances to take care of blighted properties for the health and safety of the community).
If the borough had a Fire Insurance Escrow ordinance, it would be a financial tool we could use to fight and remedy blighted properties while protecting the resident from using tax dollars to demolish fire damaged abandoned structures.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS
PA Act 93 of 1994 permits West Mayfield to approve a “fire insurance escrow” ordinance.
Then, if a fire occurs where a insurance payout exceeds $7,500, the insurance carrier will have to then contact the borough, which will than provide the insurance carrier with a bill for any delinquent taxes, assessments, penalties, and user fees (water/sewer bills). The insurance carrier must then cover these costs prior to paying out any insurance claims.
If these outstanding claims are 60% or more than the the entire policy, the insurance carrier must put into escrow a portion of the funds for West Mayfield to use to repair or demolish the property if the owner abandons it.
If and when the property is repaired or properly demolished, the fire insurance funds in escrow are then released to the property owner.
WHY REFUSE THIS POWER TO MITIGATE BLIGHT AND PROTECT TAXPAYERS?
Since 1994 the Commonwealth has empowered communities such as West Mayfield with ACT 93 to fight blight and protect taxpayers for cleaning up messes left behind by property owners who get their fire insurance money and then abandoned the community.
It’s been 30 years, so why hasn’t West Mayfield adopted such an ordinance like so many of its neighbors?
Note: This matter will be considered by the Fire Service Review Committee.
Problems (and Solutions) Start at the Top
February 19, 2024
Problems (and Solutions) Start at the Top
Very often in government when there are problems we can find primary fault in our leadership, laws, and the rules and regulations we create to guide government functions.
Take the matter of “authority and oversight.” Who’s in charge? By what authority are they in charge? And what are their oversight duties and responsibilities?
Now, let’s turn to the hot question under review right now in our community: Problems with the West Mayfield Fire Service.
Note the wording. Far too many people might think our problems start with the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department, but that assumption ignores the fact that municipal fire services in the Commonwealth are first and foremost the determination and responsibility of local government.
Local fire departments (the actual firefighting or first responder organizations) are just one element of municipalities’ “fire prevention and fire service” mandates ensuring the protection of citizens’ lives and property. Municipalities are also responsible for funding their fire services, maintaining infrastructure for an adequate water supply and number of hydrants. Municipalities are responsible for property and building codes that consider fire safety.
And municipalities are responsible for codifying all these fire service concerns into meaningful, modern legislation, such as a “fire prevention and fire service” ordinance that clearly defines authorities, obligations, and duties of oversight for the community’s entire fire service (including, but not limited to a local fire department).
WE ARE BEHIND THE TIMES
The Borough of West Mayfield has two short ordinances related to fire service: one that administratively authorizes a “Volunteer Fire Department” and another ordinance called “Fire Prevention Code.”
As with so many borough ordinances, these are antiquated, dating back to 1942 and 1970, respectively. They address outdated topics and concerns no longer relevant to our borough today and modern firefighting challenges. And they provide council with very little guidance regarding their oversight duties and obligations.
BOROUGH GOVERNMENT IS THE FIRST PROBLEM (AND SOLUTION)
Let’s face it, for too long we’ve been distracting ourselves over fire department grievances—many important, but all secondary to our broader concern that our elected officals provide citizens with the best fire service possible. So here is where we begin to examine the question of fire protection and fire service.
Council has ultimate authority and duties and responsibilities over our fire service, so let’s recognize that the first order problem (and solution) starts here, with our elected officials. Council needs to revise and modernize (recodify) our current fire-related ordinances into a unifying “fire prevention and fire service” ordinance that addresses and remedies many of our known problems.
Check out these examples of municipal “fire prevention and fire service” ordinances:
Borough of Huntington: Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Ordinance
Harmony Borough: Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Ordinance
West Mayfield Fire Ordinances
Administrative Code, Chapter 248 Volunteer Fire Department.
Chapter 16: Fire Prevention Code
Communication Matters
February 19, 2024
Communication Matters
From the latest community news updates, emergency management alerts, government meeting notices, to recreational announcements, local government’s ability to communicate with citizens is not only essential for democracy–it’s what helps build trust and cohesion within the community.
But communication goes both ways. That’s why it’s important for local government officials and concerned citizens to be able to communicate with each other. Here are opportunities in West Mayfield:
Official borough website
- govt. directory of contact info (email addresses, phone numbers, mailing addresses)
- online citizens comment form
- committee pages
- borough calendar
Social media
- offical borough Facebook page
- Information postings and ability to comment
Public meetings
- agendas and minutes published
- “citizen comments” portion of every council meeting
Public records
- official records provided to citizens
Citizens records
- citizens record of public meetings
- citizens make public records available to the community
First Amendment
Of course, the ultimate ensurance of communication between government and citizens is the US Consitutution. There shall be no law at any level of government . . .
. . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Foreign Fire Insurance?
February 18, 2024
Foreign Fire Insurance?
Simply put, when a Pa resident carries fire insurance with an insurance carrier not based in the Commonwealth, the state collects a special tax on this “foreign” entity. It’s probably one of the weirdest and little known taxes in Pennsylvania (and many other states), but it is one of the most important ways municipalities help pay for their local fire services.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE STATE COLLECTS FOREIGN FIRE INSURANCE TAXES?
According to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 53 P.S. Municipal and Quasi-Municipal Corporations, Part I. General Municipal Law, Chapter 7. Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Distribution, Section 706, Subsection 4(2) . . . [take a breath] . . .
The foreign fire insurance premium tax amount applicable to a municipality served solely by volunteer firefighters shall be paid to the municipality, which shall within 60 days of the date of the receipt of the moneys from the State Treasurer pay the amount received to the relief association fund of the fire department or departments, or fire company or companies, now existing or hereafter organized, inside or outside of the municipality, which is or are actively engaged in the service of the municipality and duly recognized by the governing body of the municipality.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FOREIGN FIRE INSURANCE MONIES
The graphic here shows just how important Foreign Fire Insurance Tax distributions are to funding our borough’s fire service, by way of payments to the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department. This payment comes from the state and 100% is passed on to the WMVFD.
Between 2012-2022 audited financial data show that Foreign Fire Insurance Tax distributions account for 67% of municipal support (seen in yellow). This means that from our General Fund, West Mayfield taxpayers cover about 1/3 of the annual support, which includes budgeted expenses paid for by taxpayers such as:
- fuel (gas & diesel) usage for the WMVFD vehicles
- insurance and bonding premiums
- cash contribution
- and costs for “minor machinery & equipment”
SO WHAT’S THE TAKE AWAY?
Many concerned citizens might be very surprised by the amount of state financial aid (Foreign Fire Insurance Tax) we receive each year to support our fire service.
By law these monies must be passed on to our current fire service provider, the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department. However, in the future should concerned citizens of the borough choose a different fire department to serve our community, these monies can be applied to the cost of a new fire service provider.
The 2023 Regional Fire Study
February 7, 2024
The Regional Fire Study
ANOTHER RECENT FIRE SERVICE REPORT WE NEVER HEARD ABOUT
We first heard about this exploratory study considering the feasibility of regionalizing our volunteer fire services back in May 2021. Council meeting minutes reveal:
Mr. Dan Woodske, a supervisor with Chippewa Township was present to discuss a study that the township is looking into. It is a study with the state that will provide assistance to the service to residents provided by the fire departments. A letter of intent to join the study is necessary and a resolution would have to be passed to implement the program if it is adopted. Ms. Harker asked if it was a study to form a regional fire department. This had been discussed previously regarding police protection and it is something that doesn’t work well for us. Mr. Heaton asked about the cost to be involved. We would not be required to be a part of it once the study has been completed. His only request right now is for joining the study. No decision was made at this time but West Mayfield is not interested in participating.
Six months later during the November 2021 council meeting, citizen Bob Tate (now council president) reminded council that “Regional fire departments have been discussed” among local departments, as well as the idea of “merging with other departments.” Neither council nor any representative of the WMVFD expressed an interest in the idea.
A few months later during the February 2022 council meeting, there was robust discussion about the borough potentially contracting our fire service with the City of Beaver Falls. Representatives of the WMVFD strongly opposed this, citing among other reasons that West Mayfield already benefits from mutual aid assistance from other volunteer fire companies. But the idea of further enhancing mutual aid services through regionalizing our volunteer fire services was never mentioned by WMVFD leaders, confirming again that they are simply not interested in regionalizing local fire services.
RELEASE OF THE REGIONAL FIRE STUDY
When Chippewa Township Supervisor Dan Woodske came to the May 2021 council meeting asking West Mayfield to authorize by resolution participation in the “regional fire study,” council (then mostly made up of sitting members of the WMVFD) refused.
However, no resolution or motion was formally laid upon the table, the merits of the resolution were not meaningfully discussed, nor was there a vote taken by each member of council to be entered into the public record. In short, Supervisor Woodske’s request was dismissed out of hand by kangaroo fiat led mostly by the shrill of “nope,” “no way,” “we’re not interested.”
Now, nearly two years after our elected officials refused to participate in the regional fire study, the results have been published anyway, but without the advice and feedback from the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department or our local government officials.
However, contributing to the study and having their voices heard are our neighboring municipal fire departments and officials: City of Beaver Falls, Big Beaver Borough, Chippewa Township, Darlington Township, and Patterson Township.
READ THE STUDY THAT WEST MAYFIELD COUNCIL AND LEADERS OF THE WMVFD REFUSED TO RECOGNIZE
What’s striking about this report is its level of detail, fair presentation of pros and cons, and its forward thinking vision of what a local regionalized volunteer fire service might look like–for each of the participating communities. By not participating, West Mayfield missed a vital opportunity to critically assess and evaluate its current and future fire service needs. But for our neighboring communities that did participate,
[They] recognize that the future and volunteerism is uncertain and plans to continue providing emergency services to their communities must be planned for now. Also, the cost for equipment and apparatus is skyrocketing and quickly approaching levels where most volunteer fire departments will not be able to sustain their existence. It is also a compliment to the municipal officials involved for their pro-active thinking in serving their residents. A Regional Combination Fire District utilizing both career and volunteer staff, funded by the municipalities, is the only logical course of action to guarantee this necessity of its’ future [sic]. This venture will not have an overnight solution and will take time, patience, cooperation, and most of all, the willingness to compromise, by all parties involved. (p. 27)
CONCERNED CITIZENS MISSED OUT
Ultimately, we must realize that when the West Mayfield joint council/fire department faction refused to participate in the Regional Fire Study, it also shut out the voices of concerned citizens who are impacted the most by the quality of our community fire service.
In a democracy, this is profoundly egregious. Concerned citizens should not accept the notion that the WMVFD is some private, members-only clubhouse. It exists, by charter, legal recognition by council, and by the faith and confidence of the community to serve as our fire service. Anything obstructing this mission will have to be remedied by the people–either through an act of council or ballot initiative.
We Are The Community
February 6, 2024
We Are The Community
In the Stanford Social Innovation Review, professors David M. Chavis and Kien Lee write:
Community” is so easy to say. The word itself connects us with each other. It describes an experience so common that we never really take time to explain it. It seems so simple, so natural, and so human . . . But the meaning of community is complex. And, unfortunately, insufficient understanding of what a community is and its role in the lives of people in diverse societies has led to the downfall of many well-intended “community” efforts. (“What is Community Anyway?”)
Indeed, defining what we mean by “community” can be a challenge, with multiple–sometimes competing and contradictory–but equally valid definitions.
THE COMMUNITY IS . . .
Anyone who grew up in West Mayfield or lives here now has experienced how others perceive our community.
“Oh, you’re from West Mayfield?”
Reactions can be a mixed set of opinions ranging from “what a slummy place” to “it’s a nice place to live.”
Ultimately, the identity of our community that matters most is the one that we choose for ourselves. It reflects most accurately our collective identity–the one we’ve created for ourselves, choose to maintain, and work to uphold.
“Yes, I’m from West Mayfield!”
THE COMMUNITY IS . . . ME
In defense of his song lyrics, the late Lesane Parish Crooks (aka the acclaimed rapper Tupac Shakur) once said, “I’m a reflection of the community.” Tupac wrote and sang about the reality of his “hood.” He understood that he and his community are mutually defining, collaboratively identifying.
This relationship holds true for us and our community–our hood.
THE COMMUNITY IS . . . WE
In their essay about community, Chavis and Lee go on to say that community is really about people:
First and foremost, community is not a place, a building, or an organization; nor is it an exchange of information over the Internet. Community is both a feeling and a set of relationships among people. People form and maintain communities to meet common needs. Members of a community have a sense of trust, belonging, safety, and caring for each other. They have an individual and collective sense that they can, as part of that community, influence their environments and each other. That treasured feeling of community comes from shared experiences and a sense of . . . shared history. As a result, people know who is and isn’t part of their community. This feeling is fundamental to human existence.
West Mayfield is a defined geographic place, but our community is a limitless social space in which we might come together as friends, families, and neighbors, and talk and act in ways that improve the our collective health, safety, and well-being for the common good.
“Yeah, I’m from West Mayfield and it’s a nice place to live.”
The Quality of Borough Public Safety Affects Property Values & Insurance
February 4, 2024
The Quality of Borough Public Safety
IT CAN AFFECT PROPERTY VALUES AND INSURANCE COVERAGE
(Read to the bottom of this post to learn how to take action)
Last year, Concerned Citizens of West Mayfield called out council’s long-time unwillingness to enforce borough ordinances designed to uphold reasonable standards of property maintenance, minimize blighted and nuisance properties, and to protect “the health and safety of the public” (Ordinance 081408).
It is our assertion that council’s failure to uphold our ordinances (which includes not following clearly defined notification and enforcement procedures), has had a negative affect on our community’s public appearance and reputation. And by extension, real estate property values have suffered as well.
Now we ask how council’s long-time unwillingness to oversee the quality of fire service in the borough might have the same affect.
THE QUALITY OF FIRE SERVICE CAN AFFECT INSURANCE RATES AND POPERTY VALUES, TOO
As our community discusses the fate of the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department, we need to widen the conversation to include something called the “ISO fire rating.” Here is how banking analyst Bankrate explains it:
An ISO fire rating is a score provided to fire departments and insurance companies by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The score reflects how prepared a community and area is for fires. While it mainly focuses on the local fire departments and water supply, there are other factors that contribute to an area’s score. An ISO score has the power to affect the insurance premium of every homeowner in the area and may even cause an insurer to deny you coverage in some circumstances.
The ISO fire rating is determined by these criteria:
Fire department (50% of the score)
The overall health of a fire department is assessed in this category, based on the number of departments in the area. In addition, the ISO looks at firefighter training, number of firefighters and volunteers, and maintenance and testing of pumps and other crucial equipment.
Water supply (40%)
ISO evaluates each community based on its water supply. During the rating process, the organization looks at the number of fire hydrants in the area, the amount of water available after daily consumption and whether the community has enough water and water access for fire departments to use for fire suppression.
Emergency communication systems (10%)
This evaluates how well a fire department receives and responds to emergency calls. Some of the specific factors that contribute to PPC [Public Protection Classification] ratings include the number of agents in the emergency call center and the number of computer-aided dispatch (CAD) facilities in the community.
Community risk reduction (5.5%)
Any extra practices a community develops toward fire prevention and response are recognized in this category. It includes fire safety education, fire prevention techniques and fire investigation (ISO considers these points to be bonus points).
Bankrate states that,”It is possible to be denied home coverage based on an ISO report . . . Homes located in areas with poor PPC [Public Protection Classification] ratings may see higher premiums to reflect the greater risk companies take on by insuring the home.”
SO, WHAT IS WEST MAYFIELD’S ISO FIRE RATING?
Again, according to Bankrate,
. . . your area’s ISO rating is only given to your local fire department and insurance companies. It is typically not released publicly unless the fire department decides to announce it. Some fire departments will provide your area’s rating if you give them your ZIP code, but they are not required to do so and may deny your request when you contact them.
COUNCIL HAS A DUTY OF CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY
We think our community’s ISO Fire Rating should be a matter of public record, as it not only pertains to our publicly funded fire service provider the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department, but it is also a measure of council’s statutory duty to oversee the fire service and adequate public works infrastructure such as water supply for fire fighting.
Ultimately, public knowledge of our ISO Fire Rating is an additional tool our elected officials and citizens can use to assess, evaluate, and improve the “the health and safety of the public,” as mentioned in Ordinance 081408.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
At our next council meeting, concerned citizens or our elected officials can ask the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department to explain our ISO Fire Rating.
Government Resources Valuable for Citizens, too.
January 31, 2024
Government resources for organizations are valuable for citizens, too.
We’d guess that most borough citizens have never heard of a Volunteer Firefighter Relief Association (VFRA).
A VFRA, such as the one supporting our fire service, is a special, legally recognized (by state statute) organization that provides equipment, insurance and other forms of support to our volunteer firefighters and volunteer firefighter service.
For decades, Pa’s Auditor General has been auditing VFRA finances, operational procedures, bylaws, and overall compliance with state law. But the Auditor General has also offered educational assistance and training for relief association officers to help them be the most effective support system for the fire departments they serve.
For years, one such resource available to assist local VFRAs such as West Mayfield’s is the Management Guidelines for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations (VFRAs).
Here is a link to this extremely informative comprehensive guide for officers of relief associations.
Publications such as this are also helpful for elected officials, citizens, investigative journalists, or anyone else interested in how these relief associations function to improve fire safety in our communities–and also because they do recieve taxpayer assistance from the state and local municipalities.
In fact, the Pa Auditor General provides many other publicly available (free) resources for VFRAs and the public:
Our department distributes state aid for Volunteer Firefighter Relief Associations (VFRAs), which provide equipment, insurance and other forms of support to volunteer firefighters and the volunteer firefighter service. Here are resources to help VFRAs ensure they comply with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures that govern the use of state aid.
Check out this online resource: VFRA Resources (State Auditor General)
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
While we proudly obsess over and demand our “rights” as citizens, we are much too silent when it comes to demanding that we also exercise our “responsibilities” as citizens.
It really goes without saying–at least it should–that in a democracy all citizens have a duty and obligation to stay informed about the workings of local government, to speak up and out about issues of concern, and to assert oversight and accountability in matters of public interest–such as public safety.
Citizens' Democracy Audit
January 28, 2024
Citizens’ Oversight of Local Government
The word “audit” is frightening; it stirs up anxiety and fear of “outsiders” prying into our business, criticizing what we do, making judgments about our competence.
Technically speaking, an audit is an official inspection of an organization’s financial accounts, assets, property holdings, self-governing regulations, operating procedures, etc. There are internal audits conducted by organizations themselves (usually a friendlier experience), and there are external audits by trained experts—oftentimes a strict, no-nonsense, “concerned only with the facts” type of experience.
An audit (synonymous with inspection) serves a purpose: think of the IRS audit when it comes to ensuring that corporations pay their proper taxes, the county health department inspection ensuring food safety in restaurants, OSHA inspections looking into workplace health and safety dangers, and ISO 9000 audits ensuring proper quality control practices during manufacturing. You can probably think of many more examples.
Audits and inspections are not pleasant, but they are necessary to ensure that organizations—from local businesses to local governments—are doing what they should be doing according to the law and regulations, as well as their own bylaws and ordinances.
On the Concerned Citizens of West Mayfield page we recently published critical observations and opinions about two audits of importance to our community:
- the latest and disturbing Pennsylvania State Auditor General’s compliance audit of the West Mayfield Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association of West Mayfield (yes, that is the official title)
- the Municipal Annual Financial Audits, which raises questions about whether council is properly appointing independent auditors according to the Borough Code
CITIZENS’ DEMOCRACY AUDIT
There is another type of audit that we think is as important as any other ensuring that local government is being managed according to principles and best practices of good governance, and that is something we call the citizens’ democracy audit.
We often say that local democracy is not a spectator sport. Citizens should not be passive. Showing up to vote on election day is the least we can do, but we must do more by taking an active interest and participating in local government. We can do this by paying closer attention to how our local government conducts business in accordance with the law, democratic ethics, and respect for the interests and well-being of citizens first and foremost.
Local government should be open and transparent so that citizens can freely audit its workings to ensure that nothing illegal, unethical, or self-serving is happening in the name of the people or with taxpayers’ money.
We citizens have Constitutional and statutory power protecting our right to oversee local government activities (think of the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of speech and the press, and our state’s Right-To-Know Law and Sunshine Act). We have a right–an obligation, really–to concern ourselves with the workings of local government, including publicly examining how it functions and critiquing the performance and actions of our elected officials, appointed officers, and others who serve the public.
WE ARE DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
We encourage the citizens of West Mayfield to become active auditors of democracy. We have more than enough tools and resources to do it–the CCWM public forum being one of them. But we lament that so few citizens take advantage of this opportunity. Maybe it’s because most people don’t think of local goverment as a functioning democracy in the same way we think of state or federal government. Partisan politics is rarely mentioned in association with our borough government, which is a good thing. Neither the Democrats nor Republicans have ever filled a pothole or repaired a broken sewer line. However, the term “democracy” is as equally absent from our everyday conversations about local government–and that is not a good thing.
The ultimate question for the citizens of West Mayfield is if we have the interest and will to audit (oversee) our local government. If not, there are no excuses for the tired complaint, “we don’t know what’s going on with our government.”
Independent Auditing the Borough
January 27, 2024
Accounting Records of the Borough
MUNICIPAL ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
The Pennsylvania Borough Code (§ 1005 (7). Powers of council) calls on West Mayfield council:
To provide, by ordinance passed by a two-thirds vote of the entire number of members of council elected, for the appointment of an independent auditor who shall be a certified public accountant registered in this Commonwealth, a firm of certified public accountants registered in this Commonwealth or a competent public accountant or a competent firm of public accountants.
Consistent with this mandate, council has enacted such a local ordinance (Part Two – Administrative Code, Title Six – Administration, Chapter 232 – Independent Auditor)
SO, WHO IS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITOR?
We might bet that most citizens and perhaps several of our elected officials do not know the answer.
Since 2020, the borough has appointed J. Martin & Associates. LLC/CPA as our independent auditor (proclaiming themselves to be “a dedicated team of accounting and audit specialists that serve over 50 government entities across the state of Pennsylvania.”)
A review of our last five municipal budgets (available online) shows us that council authorized payment to our “appointed auditor/CPA” of $35,525.00. Here is the breakdown by year:
- 2024 = $7,725.00 (J.Martin & Associates)
- 2023 = $7,500.00 (J.Martin & Associates)
- 2022 = $7,300.00 (J.Martin & Associates)
- 2021 = $6,900.00 (J.Martin & Associates)
- 2020 = $6,100.00 (J.Martin & Associates)
Note: Publicly available audit reports on the Pa Department of Community and Economic Development website show that from 2006 to 2019 the borough’s independent auditor was the firm, Cottrill Arbutina & Associates.
During January of 2020, council once again approved Cottrill Arbutina to be our independent auditor. However, the 2020 audit was actually conducted by J.Martin & Associates.
SO WHAT? WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
The Borough Code (§ 1005(7)(i)) states the following:
When an ordinance has been adopted, an independent auditor shall be appointed annually, by resolution before the close of the fiscal year [emphasis added], to make an independent examination of the accounting records of the borough for the fiscal year, and the independent auditor shall also perform the other duties and exercise the powers as conferred upon the independent auditor under Subchapter C (relating to auditors).
A search of council meeting minutes shows that council did, in fact make its annual appointment of independent auditor on January 6, 2020 for the 2020 fiscal year. By a vote of council, Cottrill Arbutina was designated as our independent auditor, but it appears that a different CPA auditor, J.Martin & Associates, actually conducted the audit, presumably collecting the $6,100.00 service fee paid for by tax payers.
We can find no reference in the 2020 council meeting minutes showing that there was an official change in accounting firms–something that most certainly would have had to have been formally approved by a vote of council.
As such, we might question whether councilmembers were even aware of this “mysterious” change in our duly appointed independent auditor (last known, according to public records showing a public vote on an appointment, to be Arbutina & Associates).
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE
A further review of council meeting minutes from 2021, 2022, and 2023 shows no record of council having annually appointed an independent auditor for each fiscal year–as required by the Borough Code–despite authorizing $21,700.00 to pay for such services.
We are confident that such independent audits were conducted at least up through 2021, as evident by the reports posted on the DCED website. Beyond that, we concerned citizens are, quite frankly, in the dark about these audits.
We’ve neither heard them discussed at council meetings, nor have they been entered into the public record pertaining to council meetings where citizens would have a chance to review them and question their elected officials about them.
Note: If we are factually incorrect in our analysis or we have inadvertantly missed vital information in the public record, we welcome all corrections. We will revise our post accordingly.
READ MUNICIPAL AUDIT REPORTS
Pro Tip: Plan for Legislation
January 25, 2024
Pro Tip: Plan for Legislation
As Ben Franklin often said: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” (Note: the internet says Benjamin Franklin actually heard this on Abe Lincoln’s weekly podcast, but anyway . . . )
Our newly elected local government is now in place, and council has set its schedule of meetings. We might call this council’s legislative calendar – a tool that helps council plan for and introduce timely motions, resolutions, or ordinances that address all manner of borough issues and concerns of citizens.
Citizens often complain that they are not well informed about business items before council. Meeting agendas are published just 24 hours in advance, and despite council’s obligation to follow the agenda, council meetings are often full of surprise business dealings, including the expenditure of public funds without proper notice (as per the Sunshine Act).
Furthermore, it is our observation that very often councilmembers themselves do not have a clear business plan of action at monthly meetings–as if there was no preparation for council meetings at all.
But local government doesn’t have to run this way–in fact, it should not. One way to solve this problem is for council to use a legislative calendar to help better manage its near and long-term business plans.
Concerned Citizens of West Mayfield has been busy offering up a lot of new legislation for council to consider adding to this year’s legislative calendar. It’s up to council to decide when to take action on these:
- A RESOLUTION OF DECORUM FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS
- A MOTION TO ESTABLISH AN AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING THE BOROUGH’S CURRENT FIRE SERVICE
- A MOTION REQUIRING ELECTED OFFICIALS, MUNICIPAL OFFICERS, AND STAFF TO RESPOND TO CITIZENS WITHIN 72 HOURS
- A MOTION TO PROVIDE BUDGETARY SUPPORT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
- A MOTION TO ESTABLISH AN AD HOC COMMITTEE EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL AND POSSIBILITIES OF A BOROUGH COMMUNITY CENTER
WHAT’S A LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
This is–at a glance–a simple overview of business before council. It is an organizational tool to help councilmembers and borough administration better plan for and conduct monthly meetings–in the near term, but also for the entire year. Ultimately, a legislative calendar demonstrates our elected officials’ strategic thinking and planning as municipal legislators.So what does a blank legislative calendar suggest?
LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR – 2024 WEST MAYFIELD COUNCIL
January 2, 2024
Reorganization of Council (Mayor)
- Oaths of Office
- Elect President & Vice President
Regular Meeting
- (Re) Appointment of Officers, Auditor, Engineer, Solicitor
- Committee Assignments (President)
February 8, 2024
Old Business: Tabled motions to resolve or reconsider
New Business: Introduction of new motions, resolutions, ordinances
March 14, 2024
Old Business: Tabled motions to resolve or reconsider
New Business: Introduction of new motions, resolutions, ordinances
April 11, 2024
Old Business: Tabled motions to resolve or reconsider
New Business: Introduction of new motions, resolutions, ordinances
May 9, 2024
Old Business: Tabled motions to resolve or reconsider
New Business: Introduction of new motions, resolutions, ordinances
June 13, 2024
Old Business: Tabled motions to resolve or reconsider
New Business: Introduction of new motions, resolutions, ordinances
July 11, 2024
Old Business: Tabled motions to resolve or reconsider
New Business: Introduction of new motions, resolutions, ordinances
August 8, 2024
Old Business: Tabled motions to resolve or reconsider
New Business: Introduction of new motions, resolutions, ordinances
September 12, 2024
Old Business: Tabled motions to resolve or reconsider
New Business: Introduction of new motions, resolutions, ordinances
October 10, 2024
Old Business: Tabled motions to resolve or reconsider
New Business: Introduction of new motions, resolutions, ordinances
- Call for Special Meeting: Budget Workshop (President)
November 14, 2024
Old Business: Tabled motions to resolve or reconsider
New Business: Introduction of new motions, resolutions, ordinances
- Motion to approve 2025 Proposed Municipal Budget
December 12, 2024
Old Business: Tabled motions to resolve or reconsider
New Business: Introduction of new motions, resolutions, ordinances
- Motion to adopt 2025 Municipal Budget
AG's Release Audit Report
January 21, 2024
CLARIFICATION: According to the Auditor General’s website, this audit report was released on December 27, 2023. We might presume that this means the report was published on the AG’s website on this date. The report itself (completed December 11, 2023) states that the West Mayfield Firemen’s Relief Association had been informed of the audit findings. However, inasmuch as the audit report states that the report “was also distributed” to the borough (which would not have been participatory in the audit process), we might assume that the borough did not received this report before its stated release date of December 27, 2023. We give the borough the benefit of the doubt of not being aware of this audit report before December, and this post has been updated to reflect this position.
This is serious!
NEW RELEASE FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE AUDITOR GENERAL: DECEMBER 11, 2023
Compliance Audit – For the Period January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. West Mayfield Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association of West Mayfield
A condition of a repeat finding such as that reported by Finding No. 1 contained in this audit report may lead to a total withholding of state aid in the future unless that finding is corrected . . .
Every so often the question comes up from citizens regarding public review of West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department’s financial records. As recently as early December 2023 during a meeting between fire department representatives and citizens, it was asked if citizens could review the fire department’s “books” (financial records). The answer from fire chief Lou Little was, categorically, “no.”
While fire chief Little is probably within his legal right (technically) to shield the fire department’s finances from direct citizens’ view, the Pennsylvania State Auditor General takes a different view when it comes to its audit authority over the West Mayfield Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association:
This report is a matter of public record and is available online at www.PaAuditor.gov.
The latest auditor’s report of the West Mayfield Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association was completed on December 11, 2023 [update: but released on the AG’s website on December 28, 2023]. Citizens should be very concerned about this report for three reasons:
The findings are very troubling, suggesting serious managerial and administrative deficiencies and incompetency
. . . the relief association did not, in all significant respects, comply with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws, and administrative procedures as they relate to the receipt of state aid and the expenditure of relief association funds, collectively as a whole. Therefore, the relief association may be subject to the potential withholding of its upcoming state aid distribution . . . (p. 3)
As stated in the audit, these findings were made known to the West Mayfield Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association (presumably well before December 2023) including Ms. Wendy Harker (President), Ms. Denise Sabella (Vice President), Mr. Michael Caler (Secretary), Mr. Ronald Sano (Treasurer). Despite serving as chair of council’s Fire & Police Committee, Ms. Harker did not alert council to these issues, which could negatively affect state funding our fire service. The audit was neither mentioned in any monthly report to council nor in Ms. Harker’s annual report of the fire department (delivered in January 2024).
NOW WHAT?
Had council been aware of this damning audit, we can only speculate as to the kind of serious engagement it would have had with representatives of the West Mayfield Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association, especially as council was deliberating on budget appropriations to fund the fire service for 2024.
Inasmuch as our elected officials seem to have been unaware or silent about this audit report (despite 4 out of 7 councilmembers serving in the fire department through December 2023), we are drawing attention to these audit findings on behalf of all citizens.
READ THE REPORT
https://thesocialvoiceproject.org/ccwm-public-safety-fire-service/
Please read this short report (12 pages) from the State Auditor General, who details the seriousness of these findings and state funding for our fire service is at risk. You can read the report in its entirety at the link below. Here is the cover letter:
Ms. Wendy Harker, President
West Mayfield Volunteer Firemen’s
Relief Association of West Mayfield
Beaver County
We have conducted a compliance audit of the West Mayfield Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association of West Mayfield (relief association) for the period January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. The audit was conducted pursuant to authority derived from Article VIII, Section 10 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Section 403 of The Fiscal Code, 72 P.S. § 403; and the Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Association Act (“VFRA Act”), see 35 Pa.C.S. § 7418.
The objectives of the audit were:
1. To determine if the relief association took appropriate corrective action to address the finding contained in our prior audit report.
2. To determine if the relief association complied with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws, and administrative procedures as they relate to the receipt of state aid and the expenditure of relief association funds.
Our audit was limited to the areas related to the objectives identified above and was not, nor was it required to be, conducted in accordance with Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.
Relief association officers are responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the relief association’s administration of state aid and accumulated relief association funds complies with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws, and administrative procedures, including the safeguarding of assets. Relief association officers are responsible for complying with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws, and administrative procedures. It is our responsibility to perform procedures to obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence to the extent necessary to satisfy the audit objectives. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our conclusions.
We were not able to obtain an independent confirmation of a portion of the cash balance directly from the financial institution. Therefore, while the relief association provided copies of bank statements that indicated that, as of December 31, 2022, the relief association had a cash balance of $4,843, we were not able to verify a portion of this cash balance.
Based on our audit procedures, we conclude that, for the period January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022:
• The relief association did not take appropriate corrective action to address the finding contained in our prior audit report, as detailed below, and discussed in the Status of Prior Finding section of this report.
• Because of the significance of the matter described in Finding No. 1 below and discussed later in this report and the effects, if any, of the matter described in the preceding paragraph, the relief association did not, in all significant respects, comply with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws, and administrative procedures as they relate to the receipt of state aid and the expenditure of relief association funds, collectively as a whole. Therefore, the relief association may be subject to the potential withholding of its upcoming state aid distribution, as discussed in the Potential Withhold of State Aid section of this report.
Finding No. 1 – Noncompliance With Prior Audit Recommendation – Inappropriate Ownership Of Rescue Vehicle
Finding No. 2 – Inadequate Signatory Authority For The Disbursement Of Funds
Finding No. 3 – Inadequate Minutes Of Meetings And Relief Association Bylaws
Finding No. 4 – Failure To Maintain A Complete And Accurate Equipment Roster
We are concerned by the number of findings noted and strongly encourage timely implementation of the recommendations noted in this audit report.
The contents of this report were discussed with the management of the relief association and, where appropriate, their responses have been included in the report. We would like to thank the relief association officials for the cooperation extended to us during the conduct of the audit.
Timothy L. DeFoor, Auditor General, December 11, 2023
LINK TO THE REPORT
https://www.paauditor.gov/Media/Default/Reports/FirWestMayfieldBeaver122723.pdf
West Mayfield Fire Service? Let's Put It on the Table
January 20, 2024
West Mayfield fire service? Let’s put it on the table
In reply to Bruce Harris’s suggestion that citizens need to help with fundraising, Nora Cumberledge-Soos responds: “There were 6 or 7 of us that asked to join the women’s fire auxiliary and were told that we couldn’t.”
Supporting what Nora says, here is a clip from the CCWM Council Candidates Forum held on November 1, 2023. Candidate Bob Tate (now council president) has the floor. The exhange here is revealing of our quagmire and it should be heard by @everyone.
FROM IDEAS TO WORDS TO ACTION
It’s time for our elected officials to take the next step and put into motion (like literally, we have posted a draft motion on this page) an official action plan to review our fire service.
LET’S PROPERLY REFRAME THIS ISSUE
We have long lumped together under the term “fire department” many things that are not of direct concern of the borough, such as the fundraising, social hall rentals, ladies auxiliary organization, and even the Firemen’s Relief Association–which is considered by the State Auditor General’s office to be a separate and distinct organization from the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department (which includes all things related to fire service: firefighters, engine house, equipment, training, insurance, and financial resources).
While the relief association, ladies auxiliary, social hall, pancake breakfasts, tip board funraisers etc., all support the WMVFD, the borough does not have direct oversight authority of these operations–including the fire hall itself (engine house and social hall).
Moreover, the borough does not have direct oversight of the WMVFD. Council does not select leadership, direct firefighting operations, own equipment, mandate training, or make decisions regarding who becomes a firefighter. The WMVFD (aka “the fire department” has authority over these things.
However, our council does have oversight authority regarding the question of municipal “fire protection” for the safety and well-being of citizens and property.
From that perspective, the West Mayfield Vounteer Fire Department is but a fire protection service provider, and it should be objectively analyzed and evaluated as such.
This is not a trivial question: Who will show up at your door vs. who do you want to show up when your house is on fire?
What is CCWM?
January 20, 2024
What is CCWM?
Concerned Citizens of West Mayfield (CCWM) is a non-governmental, citizen-led forum discussing concerns and actionable solutions to issues facing residents of the borough. This effort is best described as a grass-roots, local democracy movement.
I started CCWM to help better organize and give voice to our civic concerns, including improving good governance, public safety, citizen participation, and ways we might re-imagine who we are as a community entering our next 100 years.
Based on recent social media comments, I want it known that CCWM is not a cabal or one-sided faction. It is not a reincarnation of the the borough’s former Centennial Committee (more on that below), although many who volunteered on the Centennial Committee do take an active interest in this forum, participate in discussions, attend online workshops, and listen to our recordings of public meetings. However, with more than 220 members right now, Concerned Citizens of West Mayfield is more than ten times larger than the former Centennial Committee.
More than we realized (which seems to be shocking to some of our current and former elected officials), a lot of citizens really do care about having effective local government; competent elected leaders; meaningful public policy; good and safe roads, street lighting, sewer lines; and having the best police and fire service possible because we know our lives and property depend on such things.
We also discovered that citizens do care about quality of life issues. Through this forum people are speaking up and out about blighted properties, roadside trash and illegal dumping, and a lack of recreational and social activities for our families and children.
IT STARTED WITH THE CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
This brings us back to the Centennial Committee, and how it actually inspired the Concerned Citizens of West Mayfield movement.
The Centennial Committee volunteers (myself included) learned some valuable civic lessons during our centennial year:
- Having a strong sense of community matters to people—our families young and old want to be part of a community.
- West Mayfield is a better place to live when our community is stronger, healthier, and happier.
- It takes a lot of hard work, resources, and a strong sense of volunteerism to create community.
- And it takes, above all else, real citizen action to create community such as participating in clean up day activities or helping with events for kids and families “down in the hollow.”
We did more than just celebrate and learn about our history and heritage during our centennial year, we also learned that we are very blessed to have so many caring, motivated, and dedicated community-oriented friends and neighbors.
It’s no wonder that the members of the Centennial Committee have now created their own citizen-led organization, Community Volunteers of West Mayfield. And we hope to hear about and support their activities and events on this forum.
CCWM’S MISSION
But let’s be very clear about the mission of Concerned Citizens of West Mayfield. This is an independent public forum encouraging citizens and elected officials to participate in civic-minded discussions, share information and concerns about community affairs, and most important, offer up real and practical solutions to problems facing our community.
RULES OF DECORUM
However, this platform is not the place for gratuitous complaining, the airing of personal animosities, or drumming up petty grievances ad nauseam. “Take it outside,” as the barkeeps might say. There are many other places on social media to wallow in that nonsense.
But having strong opinions and voicing them is a fundamental cornerstone of democracy. Although some of our debates can be sharp about the issues that really matter to us, it is in our community’s best interest to keep our conversations and comments civil, principled, and factual.
The best arguments for or against something provide evidence, cite the law and documentation, list specific incidents, and add up the numbers. Petty complaints on the other hand–no matter how loud-mouthed and repeated behind closed doors or computer monitors–are just lazy substitutes for serious-minded grievances.
We can disagree on the issues and disapprove of the actions and behaviors of others, but let’s not devolve into derogatory personal attacks upon others. Name calling is childish.
And we should think twice before publicly impugning the motives of others.
WE CAN BE BETTER CITIZENS
Most of us care deeply about our community–on that we can agree–but we may differ over how best to be good and productive citizens. For a variety of legitimate reasons, some of us can volunteer our time more than others or donate more money than others can. Some of us have greater gifts and talents to share with the community. Others have different interests and causes. And we are all differently able-bodied or mentally capable.
But we’re all concerned citizens—many of us long-time friends and neighbors. We can still be righteous firebrands and disagree over the issues that matter to us, but let’s not tear down our collective good will and community spirit in the process.
The Concerned Citizens of West Mayfield group will do its part to promote civil debate and respectful decorum. For those who can’t abide, this group is not—will not—be for you.
~Kevin Farkas, CCWM admin
We Worked Hard to Improve This Dangerous Intersection
January 10, 2024
WE WORKED TOGETHER TO IMPROVE THIS DANGEROUS INTERSECTION
Now that the permanent speed hump warning signage has been installed at the intersection of Rock Ave. and Boden St., we want to show the public the safety improvements to this dangerous intersection. Here’s how this happened:
- The safety issues here were well documented by concerned citizens: videos, photographs, eyewitness accounts.
- Officials were made aware of these issues, both informally and at council meetings so that concerns were entered into the public record by testimony given at council meetings.
- After 4 years of imploring council to take action without success, concerned citizens initiated a public safety campaign to raise awareness about this dangerous intersection.
- Concerned citizens intensified their demand that councilmembers take action by openly challenging their reasons for inactivity, citing published research supporting a variety of roadway safety improvement strategies and tactics endorsed by PennDot, the Federal Highway Administration, and civil engineering organizations.
- Using research-based traffic calming safety studies, concerned citizens offered council and all citizens practical proposals for improving this intersection, including a photo rendition showing double stop signs, painted stop bars and center line, and speed humps.
All of these citizen-led actions kept council from further sidestepping this issue; citizens no longer accepted responses such as “We’ll look into it” or “We’ll get back to you.”
By doing their own research and educating themselves, citizens were able to challenge many of council’s arguments against safety improvements.
As it turns out, councilmembers did have the authority all along to install speed humps, erect double stop signs, add roadway markings, improve sightlines for motorists–and spend taxpayers money to make this intersection safer for motorists and pedestrians.
Also, as it turns out, it seems councilmembers did not have the will to take this safety issue seriously until concerned citizens decided to speak up and take action–including going to the polls in November . . . and again every November.
A SPECIAL NOTE OF THANKS TO COUNCIL
As the saying goes, talk is cheap, but action speaks. That’s why we should recognize those on council who did take action addressing this issue.
Councilmembers Lou Little and Bill Heaton directed our public works department to improve the intersection with signage, as well as authorized the repaving and installation of speed humps.
A NOTE FOR CITIZENS
The object lesson here is that elected officials and concerned citizens can make real improvements in our community if we listen to each other and work together. In a democracy, we citizens have to take more responsibility for our causes by organizing in numbers, leveraging public opinion, educating ourselves about our rights, laws, ordinances, and issues. We need to address council with our “A-game” arguments backed up with research and action proposals. And no matter what we need to keep the pressure on our elected officials, but we have to work smarter, not harder.
And for those who think being an engaged citizen is just too much work and do nothing, let us know how that works out for you.
And So Goes West Mayfield
January 9, 2024
. . . and so goes West Mayfield
They say it’s never too early (or late) to start planning for the future. But what do coming years hold for our community? How should we prepare . . . and for what? What will West Mayfield be like in 25, 50, or 100 years from now when citizens celebrate our bicentenial down in The Hollow?
These questions seem so abstract, if not amusing, really. That’s probably how, in 1923, our borough’s founders thought if they were asked about the future. “A centennial jubilee?,” they might have scoffed. “None of us will be around to see it!”
But that didn’t stop our founders from thinking about and planning for the future. In our first decade they established police and fire services–one of which is still in operation today.
And our founders also invested early in our future by floating a municipal bond to the tune of many hundreds of thousands of dollars to pave roads, install sewer lines, erect street signage, and do a lot of other necessary things to prepare our community for present and future times.
Of course, our founders had no idea what kind of community West Mayfield would become in 100 years, but they understood that they could not get from there to here without planning for the future. In that regard, they were brave and fearless.
WHAT IS OUR FUTURE?
This newly relesased population study by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania should give us (concerned citizens of West Mayfied and our elected officials) something to think about. As Mathew Rink of the Erie-News describes it, this report “projects that the continued graying of the Baby Boomer generation, paired with declining birth rates, will create or exacerbate myriad social and economic issues — from housing and health care to transportation and education — that will disproportionately affect [all] areas of Pennsylvania over the coming three decades.”
Beaver County’s population is expected to shrink 9% in coming decades. Side note: currently the county happens to be in its 44th straight year of negative population growth anyway. During the same period, from 1980 to now, West Mayfield’s population has declined 31%.
As population goes, so do tax revenue, property values, business investment, size and quality of schools, support for infrastructure and public safety (e.g., sewers, roadways, fire and police protection).
And as population goes, so does the social structure and cultural life of our community.
These are conerns and issues that we’ve not heard our elected officals address in any meaningful way. There’s never talk of “investing” in our future: no progressive civil action, no strategic planning.
Indeed, it’s never too late for us to start thinking about and planning for West Mayfield’s future. But, will our elected officials take up the challenge?
https://news.yahoo.com/report-predicts-8-9-population-130427880.html?ref=upstract.com
Time to Get Busy
January 7, 2024
Time to Get Busy
“As citizens, we all have an obligation to intervene and become involved,” advises Nobel Laureate Jose Saramago. “It’s the citizen who changes things.”
Now that the Borough of West Mayfield has a new slate of elected officials in office, it’s time for all of us to get busy–not only addressing some of our long-standing issues, but equally to forge a new future for our community.
What is this?
The outline below is a listing of proposed legislation based on actual issues and problems we’ve identified in consultation with West Mayfield citizens, elected officials (past and present), community development experts throughout Beaver County, and our observations of best practices within well-managed municipalities across the Commonwealth.
It is also important to note that many of these recommendations have received the public endorsement of most councilmembers and the mayor, as made known at our “CCWM Council Candidates Forum” held on November 1, 2023. (Recording available on our YouTube channel).
So what’s next?
CCWM welcomes your input regarding these proposed resolutions and motions. In the comments below, give us specific recommendations. Voice your concerns and ideas.
Your input will help us draft specific language and text for the resolutions and motions listed below. We will then present our change agenda of recommended legislation to our elected officials for their consideration.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Short Title: A resolution of decorum for public meetings.
Description: This legislation defines codes of behavior for councilmembers and the public, adopts Robert’s Rules of Order as the official parliamentary guide for conducting public meetings, redefines order of business (committee and officer reports, old business, new business), redefines guidelines for meeting agendas, minutes, and designates the Communication Committee chair as council parliamentarian
Impact Statement:This resolution commits borough government to uphold the spirit and letter of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act and best practices supporting orderly, efficient, and effective public meetings.
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Short Title: A motion to redefine and restructure borough committees.
Description: This motion redefines, modernizes, and streamlines the Borough Council committee system to be more effective, efficient, and responsive to local government. It reduces the current number of standing committees from seven to five: Public Safety Committee, Communication & Good Governance Committee, Economic and Community Development Committee, Public Works & Infrastructure Committee, Parks, Recreation, Environment Committee.
Impact: This motion consolidates and better organizes the workflow, duties, and oversight functions of Council. It also provides council with greater involvement and voice in the staffing of committees. This motion also emphasizes the greater involvement of citizens on committees and the use of ad hoc committees to better manage special projects.
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Short Title: A motion to provide budgetary support to the Office of the Mayor.
Description: This motion directs Council to appropriate annually from the General Fund up to $500 in funding to support the Office of Mayor consistent with §10A07(3) Duties of mayor of the Borough Code: The borough shall furnish the mayor with the necessary dockets, books, forms and files as are necessary for the conduct of the mayor’s office and which shall be and remain the property of the borough and be surrendered to the mayor’s successor in office.
Impact: This motion provides the Office of Mayor with independent financial support to carry out the duties of office more effectively and to better serve the community.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Short Title: A motion to establish an ad hoc committee to establish professional standards, training, and conduct.
Description: This motion creates an exploratory effort tasked with providing Council with recommendations regarding professional standards, training opportunities, and best practices regarding professional conduct of elected officials and officers. Topics might include the following: A mandatory orientation/refresher training for all councilmembers in January of each year. Training might include how to conduct effective meetings and basic knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order; project management skills; creating municipal budgets; community development and grant writing opportunities; and compliance with the Right to Know Law, Sunshine Act, The Borough Code, and borough ordinances. This committee is tasked with presenting its findings and making formal recommendations regarding professional standards, training, and conduct within six months of its appointment.
Impact: This ad hoc committee establishes a framework for improving Council’s professional competency, effectiveness, efficiency, and professional/ethical behavior.
Short Title: A motion requiring all councilmembers and borough officers to respond to citizens’ within 72 hours.
Description: This motion mandates a 72 hour response window when councilmembers and officers receive legitimate public correspondence.
Impact: This motion improves public relations by prioritizing communication responsiveness in local government.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Short Title: A resolution establishing guidelines for a Citizen Volunteer Program
Description: This resolution follows up on proposed legislation agreed to by Councilmember Heaton and to be drafted by Solicitor Budicak: “Mr. Budicak will prepare a resolution that authorizes citizens to help the borough” (Meeting Minutes, August 2023).
Impact: This resolution establishes formal guidelines for volunteer citizen participation in borough activities, including serving on council committees, work details, special projects, and in advisory roles as deemed appropriate and necessary by Council.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE SERVICE
Short Title: A motion to establish an ad hoc committee to review the competence, readiness, and fiscal soundness of the borough’s current fire service.
Description: This motion establishes a fact-finding effort to review the competence, readiness, and fiscal soundness of the borough’s current fire service. This special committee will be empowered to hold public hearings and, with permission from Council, to exercise subpoena powers as authorized by The Borough Code. This committee is tasked with presenting its findings and making formal recommendations regarding the status of the Borough’s current fire service within six months of its appointment.
Impact: This ad hoc committee will fully investigate and document the current condition of our fire service. Moreover, the information provided by the committee may be used as the basis for elected officials and citizens in determining if our current fire service shall remain or be decertified.
ORDINANCES
Short Title: A motion directing council to re-codify the borough’s ordinances and codes.
Description: This motion initiates the process of reviewing and revising all borough ordinances simultaneously, consistent withThe Borough Code §3301.5 – Codification of ordinances, producing the “Codified Ordinances of the Borough of West Mayfield, 2025” in both paper and searchable digital formats.
Impact: West Mayfield ordinances were last codified 48 years ago. This motion explicitly directs Council to review and modernize the content and form of our complete body of ordinances by December 2025.
SOLICITING
Short Title: A motion directing the mayor to give public notice of solicitation activities.
Description: This motion directs the mayor to give public notice of solicitation activities by posting solicitation permits and other such authorizations granted by the Mayor on the borough’s website, and to report all solicitation activities at regular council meetings.
Impact Statement: This motion is a public safety measure that informs citizens in a timely manner about authorized solicitation activities within the borough.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & REVENUE ENHANCEMENT
Short Title: A motion to establish an ad hoc committee to identify economic development opportunities within the borough.
Description: This motion establishes an exploratory/fact-finding effort seeking a wide range of opportunities improving and expanding the borough’s business community and enhancing borough’s revenue to the General Fund.
Impact: This motion tasks Council with addressing the need of economic development within the Borough–a subject that has been ignored for decades.
GOOD & WELFARE
COMMUNITY CENTER
Short Title: A motion to establish an ad hoc committee exploring the possibility of a borough community center.
Description: This motion establishes an exploratory/fact-finding effort in response to citizens’ interest in creating a West Mayfield Community Center. This committee is tasked with presenting its findings and recommendations regarding the current feasibility and future possibility of a community center within six months of its appointment.
Impact: This ad hoc committee will provide Council and citizens with a more complete and realistic understanding of a community center project, including estimates of costs and options regarding new or repurposed construction, functions and programming, etc.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
Short Title: A resolution recognizing April 22nd as “West Mayfield Earth Day.”
Description: This resolution designates April 22nd of each year as West Mayfield Earth Day, and it authorizes borough support for related community-based activities: $500 financial support and in-kind assistance with trash pick up, traffic control and signage for citizen workgroups.
Impact: This first-of-a-kind, community-wide “day of action” raises awareness of a wide range of important environmental issues and concerns, including ways borough citizens can improve water and air quality; practice everyday habits promoting “reduce, reuse, and recycle” principles; develop proper waste water habits that ease the burden on our aging sewer system, etc. The resolution also supports clean-up activities within the borough to remove roadway trash and mitigate illegal dumping sites.
What's In Our Wallet?
January 6, 2024
WHAT’S IN OUR WALLET?
We’ve all heard the televsion slogan, “What’s in your wallet?,” but when it comes to municipal finances, we might also look to our annual budget and ask, “What have we put into our wallet?”
The Pennsylvania Borough Code requires West Mayfield to formulate and ratify a budget each year. According to the Pa Borough Council Handbook, our elected officials are responsible for carrying out this duty with due dilligence:
The budget is a plan for spending borough money. Its preparation requires much concentration on the part of borough officials to identify the purposes for spending this money, the amount to be spent and revenues necessary to support such expenditures. This affords the council member valuable planning experience and helps assure the fiscal soundness of next year’s operation . . . A significant portion of the management of a borough involves raising and spending public money to perform its governmental functions. As a member of council, you will be involved in the fiscal management of the borough and will be responsible not only for raising the necessary money through taxes, service charges and grants, but also for ensuring that borough funds are spent in accordance with the budget and capital program established. (pp. 22-24)
Budgets not only list our revenues and expenditures, but they also reflect our priorities. If we value community and family oriented programs, economic and business development, environmental stewardship, professional training for our elected officials, grant writing, cleaning up our ordinances, providing living wages for our employees–we would fund these things.
I’ve asked the borough secretary-treasurer to provide budgets for the past five years (to be made public on the borough website) so that concerned citizens can review and evaluate for themselves our borough’s financial priorities, especially what budget line items are overfunded or underfunded. In doing so, we might also pay attention to what’s missing from our budgets, perhaps the things mentioned above. After all, budgets reflect what we value–or don’t.
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READ THE 2024 BOROUGH BUDGET
3, 2, 1 . . . Go!
January 3, 2024
3, 2, 1 . . . GO!
We were on hand to record the reorganization meeting, so look for a new post shortly on our Youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@CCofWM/).
By any measure, the new council’s accession to power was perfunctory. In fact–to use another big word–it was downright desultory.
Maybe this is best for council’s inaugural meeting: keep it simple, short, and business as usual. But the problem is, that’s not what the voters want–no more chaotic meetings, no more convoluted business procedures, no more irrelevant side conversations, and no more side-stepping of the Sunshine Act.
Like the voters in November, we anticipate changes in the way local government thinks and operates. But democracy is not a spectator sport; it requires more than speaking loudly. It demands full participation in discussing problems and solutions to the issues that matter to us.
Moreover, democracy–even at the local level–requires leadership through example. This is why in coming days we are publishing The Borough of West Mayfield Change Agenda:
This document reflects our “good governance” recommendations to borough council. The proposed legislation and structural changes to local government are all based on actual issues and problems we’ve identified in consultation with West Mayfield residents, past and present elected officials, various community development experts throughout Beaver County, and best practices of municipalities across the Commonwealth.
The proposed motions, resolutions, and ordinances are meant to be practical, structural solutions to long-standing problems. However, nothing in this document can become official government policy until duly acted upon by a borough council that is serious about change.
To that end, we are willing to work with council on these legislative proposals to shape policy that not only improves local governance but provides for a pathway toward better citizenship involvement and inclusion, improved public safety, economic development, better fiscal oversight and budget management, and promotes a forward-facing vision of our community.
It's Time to Act
December 12, 2023
It’s Time to Act
The famed Pittsburgh-born artist Andy Warhol is often quoted: “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”
We could not agree more, especially when it comes to citizens having to light a fire under their elected officials to make government more transparent, effective, efficient, and inclusive.
The wheels of government tend to move very slowly, even in little boroughs like West Mayfield, where council meetings should be over and done with before kick off on Thursday Night Football. Well, that might be a stretch, but we can all agree that our town council has never been known for its expediency.
But we don’t have to accept living in Hooterville (you young’ns can look up that reference on the interwebs). Government, actually, can be efficient and effective, if done right. Citizens’ concerns can be addressed. Community problems can be solved. It takes some effort, of couse. Less complaining and more action doing local government smarter, not harder. It’s as simple as, “see problem, fix problem,” right?
Well, I’d say that our last municipal election was a clear mandate by concerned citizens: they voted in (and some out) councilmembers to fix some of the problems in our community and on council.
And we heard council candidates make pledges to do just that at our Concerned Citizens Council Candidates Forum on November 1st (you can listen to the audio on the CCWM YouTube channel).
So, based on these promises (and a few others concerned citizens have brought up over the past year), below is what we call a bold and forward-thinking “change agenda” for our new council to consider in January as soon as it is sworn in.
PROPOSED CHANGE AGENDA
(Suggestions and comments welcome)
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING RULES OF DECORUM FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS
- Commitment to Sunshine Act and best practices supporting good governance
- Defined codes of behavior for councilmembers & public
- Defined guidelines for creating and publishing meeting agendas, minutes
- Defined order of business (committee and officer reports, citizens comments, old business, new business)
- Adoption of Robert’s Rules of Order
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES FOR CITIZEN VOLUNTEER PARTICIPATION
- Follow up to a pledge made by councilmember Bill Heaton and solicitor Budicak to craft “a resolution that authorizes citizens to help the borough.” (see August 2023 council meeting minutes)
- Defined guidlines and opportunities for citizen volunteers to serve on borough government committees and projects
A MOTION TO REQUIRE ALL COUNCILMEMBERS AND BOROUGH OFFICERS TO RESPOND TO CITIZENS’ QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS WITHIN 72 HOURS, AND TO PROVIDE UPDATES FOR CITIZENS’ AT COUNCIL MEETINGS
A MOTION TO REQUIRE COMMITTEE CHAIRS TO SUBMIT MONTHLY WRITTEN STATUS REPORTS AND ANY PENDING BUSINESS MOTIONS REQUIRING A VOTE BY COUNCIL TO THE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL AND BOROUGH SECRETARY NO LATER THAN THREE (3) DAYS BEFORE EACH MONTHLY COUNCIL MEETING.
A MOTION TO DIRECT THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO RE-CODIFY THE BOROUGH’S ORDINANCES BY JANUARY 2025
A MOTION TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL PURPOSE AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING THE COMPETENCE, READINESS, AND FISCAL SOUNDNESS OF THE BOROUGH’S CURRENT FIRE SERVICE
A MOTION TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL PURPOSE AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFYING, PLANNING, AND IMPLEMENTING PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FOR COUNCILMEMBERS
- How to conduct effective meetings
- Project management skills Creating a accurate meaningful and municipal budget
- Awareness of community development and grant writing opportunities
- Awareness and compliance with the Right to Know Law and Sunshine Act
- Awareness and compliance with state statutes, the Borough Code, and borough ordinances
A MOTION TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL PURPOSE AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFYING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE BOROUGH
- Increasing revenue
- Growing tax base
- Improving business opportunities
A MOTION TO ESTABLISH AN AD HOC COMMITTEE EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITY OF A BOROUGH COMMUNITY CENTER
A MOTION TO REDEFINE AND RESTRUCTURE BOROUGH COMMITTEES
Public Safety Committee
- Carries out duties and responsibilities of former Ordinances & Code Enforcement and Fire & Police committees
- Takes on responsibilities of community health and roadway safety issues
Communication Committee
- Takes on oversight responsibility for the borough’s public communications (website, social media, newsletters, public events)
- Takes on oversight responsibility of borough relations with surrounding municipalities, the county, and state
- Takes on oversight responsibility for the borough’s public records and compliance with Pa’s Right to Know Law and Sunshine Act
Legal, Budget & Economic Development Committee
- Carries out the duties and responsibilities of former Finance & Litigation committee
- Takes on oversight responsibility for the borough’s legal issues
- Takes on oversight of the borough’s budget and economy
Public Works & Infrastructure Committee
- Carries out duties and responsibilities of former Buildings, Grounds, Equipment; Sewer & Sanitation; and Streets, Lighting, and Bridges committees
Parks, Recreation, & Beautification Committee
- Carries out duties and responsibilities of former Parks & Playground committee
- Takes on responsibility for borough quality of life initiatives and community oriented social events
Citizens Can Review the 2024 Proposed Budget
November 30, 2023
CITIZENS REVIEW THE 2024 PROPOSED BUDGET
Citizens will have a chance to publicly comment on the proposed 2024 budget at the December 14, 2023 council meeting.
For several weeks CCWM has been commenting on the municipal budgeting process (see previous posts on this platform). Budgets are guesswork, but they should be informed by the most accurate financial data (actual revenues and expenditures) for any given budget category (e.g., cost of street lighting, cost of gas to heat the borough building) over time (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annually).
Without knowing an array of actual income and costs associated with managing a municipal borough, the budget creation process truly is left to unecessary guesswork.
In a small borough, even a few hundred dollars matters when it comes to balancing the budget, so having actual financial data matters.
HOW OTHER BOROUGHS PRESENT PROPOSED BUDGETS
Here are a few examples of proposed budgets for Pa boroughs that present actuals along with projected financial data:
- Borough of Oakmont (2024 Proposed Budget)
- Narberth Borough (2024 Preliminary Budget)
- Carlisle Borough (2024 Proposed Budget)
- Chalfont Borough (2024 Proposed Budget)
Check out West Mayfield’s 2024 Proposed Budget here:
Traffic Calming Projects: When Can We Get Serious About This
November 22, 2023
TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECTS: WHEN CAN WE GET SERIOUS ABOUT THIS?
In 2024 the City of Pittsburgh is taking unprecedented steps toward addressing neighborhood traffic problems by starting several new traffic calming projects that employ a variety of strategies.
This news WESA radio article states:
Traffic calming involves the use of street design to slow vehicular traffic and make streets safer. Municipal traffic engineer Mike Maloch said during the department’s budget hearing that such projects are among those residents ask for most.
The City’s traffic calming efforts actually began in 2019, and data show that while the results are mixed with more redesigns needed in some areas, over all these traffic calming efforts have been very successful.
In a 2022 WESA news report, Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure project engineer, Sean Stephens, said the traffic calming goal is “to reduce a majority of drivers’ speeds by six miles per hour . . . which could be the difference between life and death if someone is struck by a vehicle.”
Again, just six miles per hour can make a big difference if a pedestrian or animal is hit by a vehicle.
TRAFFIC CALMING IN WEST MAYFIELD
This year in the borough, concerned citizens organized a very public effort motivating local government to start addressing the dangerous intersection of Rock Ave. and Boden St. with a variety of new safety measures, including traffic calming:
- clearing obstructive roadside bushes to improve motorists’ sightlines
- installing a left-hand stop sign to improve visibility
- adding a painted stop bar
- adding a painted centerline from 37th St. to the intersection to help keep motorists in their lane and slow their speed
- installing speed humps
- repaving the roadway
Local resident Chrissy Barkfelt and neighbors report that these treatments have really improved the intersection. Unlike before, motorists are stopping more and speeding less (despite the occasional renegade driver).
However, throughout 2023 residents on High Street have repeatedly complained to council about excessive speeding. “I don’t want to see anyone get hit by a car. Something has to be done about people driving too fast on High Street,” complained resident Linda Burns at nearly every council meeting this year.
Yet, council meeting minutes show that elected officials have taken no action, except to promise that they’d “look into the matter,” consider the possibilities of speed humps, and advised residents to call the police if they see speeders. One councilmember proposed blocking off High Street to isolate it from Mayfield Village (the apparent source of offending drivers).
After several months (actually one resident has told us the problem has been going on for more than fifty years), it appears to citizens that council has no real interest or intention to deal with High Street. Maybe, we suggest, council has no idea what to do.
CITIZENS TAKE POWER
But to be honest, the residents of High Street must share some of the blame. They have not yet organized enough around this issue to compel council toward action–like citizens did on Rock Ave.
Power is as power does, we learned in our CCWM Citizens Workshop a few weeks ago. Citizens don’t have power unless they can assert it and actually get something done about the issues that matter to them. That’s how life works.
So, isn’t it time for High Street citizens and all of us in the borough who care about public safety in our neighborhoods to get busy?
Here is what we recommend to our neighbors on High Street:
- make your issue public and get louder about it
- organize yourselves into an “action group”
- document the traffic issue with video, photos and share with the public (feel free to post on the CCWM platform)
- educate yourselves about similar traffic safety issues in other communities and learn about traffic calming strategies and practices (PennDot has great resources online and there are YouTube videos)
- don’t wait for council to come up with a plan, put together your own set of concrete proposals (yes, more than one)
- keep this issue before our elected officials and directly challenge their excuses for not taking action (councilmembers once told us that speed humps were illegal and that PennDot did not allow the use of a double stop, but we called BS on that and prevailed)
- and remember this past election; it is possible to wage a successful movement to boot ineffective, obstinate, and recalcitrant council members out of office
Price, Cost, & Value of Public Safety
November 21, 2023
THE PRICE, COST, AND VALUE OF PUBLIC SAFETY
When it comes to goods and services, economists tell us there’s a difference between price (what the provider is asking), the cost (what the customer pays), and value (a measure of worth).
It is the last variable (value) that is most significant–and subjective. It’s what defines “a great deal” or “a complete rip off.” We all want good value for our money, but when we don’t get it then we’re motivated–if not obligated–to seek a better business deal elsewhere.
When it comes to providing or purchasing essential public safety services for the borough, council has to carefully balance price/cost against value. All things considered, are our current police and fire services the best we can get . . . for the money, quality, availability, and meeting a variety of needs within our community? Public education is one such need in our borough, such as crime prevention and fire safety awareness.
For sure these are tough questions that council and citizens must struggle with; however, they tend to raise more concerns and issues than we’d like. But we have to keep asking questions. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure that our borough has sufficient public safety resources available at all times and these services have to be cost effective, too.
So, how do we assess and evaluate if West Mayfield’s current public safety services are not only sufficient (meeting our basic needs) but also offering citizens the best value possible?
WHAT DO THE NUMBERS TELL US?
The graph below shows borough expenditures for police and fire services from 2006 to 2021. Figures for 2022-2024 are budget projections, since audit information is not available on the internet.
Along with yearly costs (expenditures), we’ve inserted a trend line showing changes over time. The cost of police and fire services are trending upwards, naturally. But our professionalized police service has a much steeper increase in cost over the years. Trending costs for our volunteer fire service is relatively flat, by comparison.
Some might interpret this as “holding the line” on fire service costs, but an alternative view is that we are failing to invest progressively toward a modernized, highly capable, and equipped fire service for our citizens.
. . . and Another Thing About Borough Spending
November 20, 2023
. . . AND ANOTHER THING ABOUT BOROUGH SPENDING
From council’s recent budget workshop, we learned that it will cost taxpayers $7,725 (payable to Cottrill, Arbutina & Associates, P.C. or perhaps J. Martin & Associates LLC, we’re not sure ) to conduct our annual financial audit as required by the Borough Code.
These detailed financial reports are public documents available to any citizens by a Right-To-Know Law request (attn: Borough Secretary-Treasurer), or many copies can be found online at the Pa Department of Community and Economic Development website.
For West Mayfield, historical financial data reports in spreadsheet form extend as far back as 1986 leading up to 2005. From 2006 through 2021, the reports are easier to read and downloadable.
MOST RECENT BOROUGH AUDITS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
At the link below you will find completed and official annual borough audits and financial reports between 2006 and 2021.
There are enough numerical data-points and accounting jargon here to make your eyes cross, but if you just spend a little time looking at the numbers and their categories, some interesting patterns appear that raise some questions.
WHAT HAPPENED HERE?
Take for example the borough’s expenditures on public safety: police, fire, emergency management, and code enforcement. The graph below illustrates borough expenditures on code enforcement. For some reason, we spent an enormous amount of money for this purpose in 2006. Why? And for some reason, since 2016 through 2021 the borough financial audit shows this line item to be zero. In other words, for six years the borough spent no money on code enforcement? (Well, that’s what the data shows for category code “413.00” in these official audits and financial reports.)
We’re not accountants, so maybe there is a reasonable explanation for the lack of money devoted to code enforcement. It’s probably technical, anyway.
But as citizens, we have seen with our own eyes and heard the repeated complaints from our neighbors about the deplorable job our elected officials and borough officer have done enforcing our codes–especially our quality of life ordinances.
On this platform we’ve written often and sternly about council’s failure to enforce our ordinances over the past several years, which resulted in denegrating the appearance and reputation of our community, and real harm to citizens’ property values.
But correlation is not causation, as the thinkers say, so perhaps when the borough spent no money on code enforcement for six years (as the audits reveal) and our community’s appearance and quality of life steadily deteriorated–that was all just a coincidence?
Probably not. We get what we pay for, right? You decide for yourself what the numbers mean.
Citizens' Democracy Audit
Our Local Government Must . . .
Follow the Law, Borough Code, Ordinances
Hold Proper Public Meetings
Conduct Open & Transparent Business
Keep & Provide Access to Public Records
Respond to Citizens' Concerns
CITIZEN’S OVERSIGHT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
A type of audit that we think is as important as any other ensures that local government is being managed according to principles and best practices of good governance: it’s called the citizens’ democracy audit.
We start by paying closer attention to how our local government conducts business in accordance with the law, democratic ethics, and respect for the interests and well-being of citizens first and foremost. Local government should be open and transparent so that citizens can understand its workings to ensure that nothing illegal, unethical, or self-serving is happening in the name of the people or with taxpayers’ money.
We citizens have Constitutional and statutory power protecting our right to oversee local government activities (think of the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of speech and the press, and our state’s Right-To-Know Law and Sunshine Act). We have a right–an obligation, really–to concern ourselves with the workings of local government, including publicly examining how it functions and critiquing the performance and actions of our elected officials, appointed officers, and others who serve the public.
WE ARE DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
We encourage the citizens of West Mayfield to become active auditors of democracy. We have more than enough tools and resources to do it–the CCWM public forum being one of them.
CCWM Civics Video Series
Concerned Citizens of West Mayfield produces a civics video series for the benefit of the community. Our goals is to record public meetings of government (regular and special council meetings) and citizens’ meetings (town halls, informative workshops, and other forums about our community’s issues and concerns).
Check out our recordings of government public meetings on our Good Governance page.
Click the playlist tab to view the video playlist
Town Hall Meetings
Citizen Workshops
Penn State Extension Video Series on Civics
Penn State Extension connects Pennsylvanians from all walks of life to expert researchers dedicated to solving real-world challenges and improving quality of life. Our educators and scientists deliver practical, unbiased, science-based learning solutions to enhance your health, home, business, community and environment. Learn where, when and how you want. Always an education innovator, Penn State Extension offers a variety of programming in person, online and at your location. With offices in all 67 counties, we customize services to local needs. Statewide program teams provide focused, in-depth expertise in issues affecting people across Pennsylvania and beyond.
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