The Borough of Freedom elects to become a member of the Beaver Valley
Council of Governments.
The conditions of the agreement, the manner and extent of financing
the agreement, the duration of the term of the agreement and the organizational
structure necessary to implement the agreement are as specified within the
bylaws, as amended, which were approved by the members of Council of the Borough
of Freedom and which are set forth in Appendix A to this chapter and incorporated
herein.
The President and Secretary of Council are hereby authorized and directed
to take whatever steps necessary, sign whatever documents are necessary and
do all things necessary to enable the Borough of Freedom to become a member
of the Beaver Valley Council of Governments.
There is hereby appropriated from the general fund of the Borough of
Freedom an amount sufficient to pay the annual dues as determined for this
municipality under the terms of the above-mentioned agreement.
[Amended from time to time by the Beaver Valley Council of Governments]
The Beaver Valley Council of Governments shall be a voluntary organization
of local governments to foster a cooperative effort to resolve problems, determine
policies and formulate plans that are common and regional. To serve this purpose,
the organization will:
A. Forum: Serve as mutual forum to identify, discuss, study
and bring into focus regional problems and needs.
B. Informational center: Serve as a vehicle for the collection
and exchange of information of regional concern and interest.
C. Regional process: Provide continuing organizational machinery
to ensure effective communication and coordination among municipalities and
agencies.
D. Policy and priority setting: Foster, develop and review
policies, plans and priorities for regional growth, development and conservation.
E. Agreements and proposals: Facilitate agreements and cooperative
action proposals among municipalities for specific projects or other interrelated
developmental needs and for the adoption of common policies and plans with
respect to common regional needs.
F. Regional spokesman: Maintain liaison with members, governmental
units and groups or organizations and serve as regional spokesman for local
governments.
G. Staff assistance: Furnish general and technical aid to
member municipalities, as they direct or request, to promote and accomplish
Council-approved agreements, policies and plans.
H. Regional review: Review and coordinate federal, state
and local programs of regional importance.
Membership dues and other funds which accrue to the Executive Committee
for use in furthering the aims or purpose of this voluntary organization shall
be controlled, disbursed and accounted for in a manner proposed by the Executive
Committee and approved by the member governments.
The length of this agreement shall be perpetual, subject to the conditions stated under §
15-7D, Withdrawal.
Amendments to these Articles of Agreement may be recommended from time
to time by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. However, any amendments
shall not be effectual until approved by each member municipality by resolution.
Any matters pertaining to the conduct of any meeting and the procedures
thereof shall be governed by the latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
Any individual elected to the position of County Commissioner, City
Councilman or Mayor, Borough Councilman or Mayor or Township Commissioner
or Township Supervisor.
MUNICIPALITY
A county, city of the second class, second class A and third class,
borough, incorporated town, township, school district or any other similar
general purpose unit of government which shall hereafter be created by the
General Assembly.
OFFICERS
The officers of the Association shall consist of:
A.
A president, who shall: preside at meetings of the Council of Governments;
see that all rules and policies of the Council of Government are understood
and observed; chair the Executive Committee; appoint any ad hoc committees
which from time to time might be necessary; and act as spokesperson for representatives
of members of the Council of Governments.
B.
A Vice President. The Vice President shall preside in the absence of
the President and carry out definite assignments of the President in conjunction
with other officers and committee members, as applicable; shall assist the
President in the President's duties and act as a member ex officio of
any standing or ad hoc committee.
C.
A Secretary. The Secretary shall record and maintain the minutes of
all Council of Governments meetings; forward records and maintain the minutes
of the Council of Governments meetings; forward any necessary notices and
communications to the officers and committee people; and maintain the bylaws
and Constitution with current amendments and revisions.
D.
A Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be responsible for Council of Government
finances; sign checks, dispense Council of Government funds, as approved by
the President; work with officers and committees; prepare an annual budget
and an annual financial statement.
E.
The Council shall reorganize and conduct election of officers at its
January meeting in even-numbered years.
REGIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM
Any service provided jointly by two (2) or more municipalities, including
but not limited to planning, building codes, landfill, etc., and established
by a joint municipal agreement.
SPECIAL FEASIBILITY STUDY
Any feasibility study, including but not limited to short duration
studies of ways and means to solve regional problems or problems common to
two (2) or more municipalities, duly undertaken by the Executive Committee
or General Council and requiring the expenditures of funds in excess of or
in addition to amounts in the approved annual budget of the Executive Committee
or General Council.