Resolution No. 07-2026
Public Meeting Procedures – Summary for Residents
The Board of Supervisors of North Coventry Township has adopted Resolution No. 07-2026 to establish clear and consistent procedures for Township public meetings and public comment.
This Resolution is designed to ensure that meetings are conducted in a manner that promotes:
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Transparency
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Efficiency
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Civility
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Meaningful public participation
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Compliance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act
What Meetings Are Covered?
These procedures apply to all public meetings of the Board of Supervisors, including:
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Regular meetings
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Special meetings
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Workshop meetings
General Meeting Procedures
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Presiding Officer: The Chairperson (or Vice Chairperson, if necessary) presides over meetings.
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Agenda: Agendas are prepared in advance and made available to the public as required by law. The Board may amend the agenda when permitted.
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Order of Business: Meetings generally follow the published agenda, though the presiding officer may adjust the order as needed.
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Recording: Meetings may be recorded by the Township or members of the public, provided recording does not disrupt proceedings.
Public Comment Guidelines
The Board values public input and provides a reasonable opportunity for comment at each public meeting, consistent with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.
When You May Speak
Public comment periods are designated on the meeting agenda or announced by the presiding officer.
Time Limits
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Each speaker is generally limited to three (3) minutes per comment period.
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Time may be extended or reduced as needed to allow all interested individuals an opportunity to speak.
How to Participate
Speakers must:
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Be recognized by the presiding officer
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State their name and home and/or property address, and municipality of residence for the record
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Direct comments to the Board as a whole
If time does not permit all comments, the Board may defer remaining comments to a future meeting.
Scope of Comments
Comments must relate to:
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Township business, or
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Official actions before the Board
The Board is not required to respond to comments during the meeting.
Conduct Standards
To maintain an orderly meeting, the following are not permitted:
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Disruptive or repetitive comments
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Comments unrelated to Township business
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Conduct that interferes with the meeting
The presiding officer may rule a speaker out of order, end comments when time expires, remove disruptive individuals after warning, and request law enforcement assistance if necessary.
Written Comments
Residents may submit written comments before or during a meeting. Written submissions may be entered into the meeting record at the Board’s discretion.
Appointments and Hearings
Public comment procedures related to appointments, hearings, or quasi-judicial matters will follow applicable laws and any additional rules adopted by the Board.