The Council shall consist of seven members. Three members shall
be known as "Council Members at Large" and shall be nominated and
elected by the qualified voters of the Municipality at large. Four
members shall be known as "District Council Members" and shall be
nominated and elected by the qualified voters of their respective
districts. Unless otherwise indicated in this Charter, Council Members
at Large and District Council Members shall be individually or collectively
called "Council Member" or "Council Members."
Council shall, by resolution, annually determine the amount
of an expense account for the Council Members. The amount of such
expenses shall be limited to the actual and necessary expenses incurred
in the performance of their duties in accordance with regulations
set forth in the Administrative Code or other ordinance. [Cross References:
This section cited in 346 Pa. Code § 41.3-307 (relating
to salary).]
The office of a Council Member shall become vacant upon the
death, legal incompetency, resignation, forfeiture, or removal from
office in any manner authorized by this Charter or general law.
Before entering upon the duties of his or her office, a Council
Member shall take and subscribe an oath or affirmation to support
the Constitution of the United States and of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
and to perform the duties of his or her office with fidelity, together
with such loyalty oath as is prescribed and required by general law.
The oath or affirmation may be taken before any Judge of the County
or before any District Justice having a magisterial district within
the Municipality, and shall be filed with the Municipal Secretary
and be preserved among the records of the Municipality for a period
of six years.
Council shall appoint a Municipal Secretary and an Assistant
Municipal Secretary who shall have the authority to act on behalf
of the Municipal Secretary in his/her absence who shall be responsible
for transcribing and preserving the ordinances, rules and regulations
of the Municipality and who shall have custody of the Corporate Seal.
The Municipal Secretary or Assistant Municipal Secretary shall certify
copies of all official documents of the Municipality and, when so
certified, such documents shall be admissible in evidence in any court
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Municipal Secretary or Assistant
Municipal Secretary shall attest the execution of all instruments
and ordinances of the Municipality and shall file proof of service
of all notices required by this Charter, the Administrative Code,
other ordinance and general law.
Administrative officers may appear before Council to request
legislation, to report on the condition of the Municipality, or to
advise Council on matters of public interest.
Council Members shall provide the President of Council with
reports as required under the Administrative Code or other ordinance.
Council shall have the power to:
A. Make inquiries and investigations into the affairs of the Municipality
and the conduct of any department, office, board or agency in aid
of its powers and functions under this Charter or general law.
B. Issue subpoenas over the signature of the President, to require the
attendance of witnesses and production of records and papers pertaining
to any such inquiries and investigations, including, but not limited
to, subpoenas to compel the production of evidence in the control,
custody, and possession of the executive branch. If any person shall
refuse or neglect to obey any subpoena issued by the Council, it may
apply by petition to the Court of Common Pleas of the County for its
subpoena, requiring the attendance of such persons before the Council
or the Court there to testify and to produce any records and papers
necessary, and in default thereof, shall be held in contempt of Court.
Council shall, in the Administrative Code or other ordinance, provide
for a fine or penalty for the refusal or neglect to obey any subpoena
issued by it.
C. Administer, by its President, oaths or affirmations in connection
with such inquiries and investigations.
D. Take testimony in connection with such inquiries and investigations.
[Cross References: This section cited in 346 Pa. Code § 41.3-304
(relating to prohibitions).]
|