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8. The governing body or charter defines the role the manager/administrator/secretary
plays in the policy process.
Commentary
In today's complex governing environment, the elected officials and manager/administrator/secretary
recognize that they have a shared interest in policy making and administration. The
manager/administrator/secretary supports the policy making role of the elected officials by providing
them with the information necessary to thoroughly evaluate available options when problems and
issues arise, developing options and even indicating a recommended course of action. Elected
officials should be prepared to 'do the homework, required to be conversant with the materials prior
to participating in discussion and decision making. To achieve outcomes beneficial to the common
interest, members of the governing body and the manager/administrator/ secretary should focus on
consensus-building and cooperation during decision making discussions. Neither the elected
officials nor the manager should be concerned with "victory;" all should work towards solving the
problem by seeking a wise outcome or one which benefits the whole community.
FACTOR: MEETINGS OF THE GOVERNING BODY
Standards
l. The laws governing open meetings and open records are strictly observed.
Commentary
This standard supports openness in the process of government decision making, citizen participation
in government, and citizen access to public information. In addition, it helps provide a foundation
for establishing trust in government. Pennsylvania's Asunshine law,@ like many other states, requires
that all public meetings, special meetings and work sessions be open to the public. The law also
mandates that the public be given an opportunity to speak about pending actions at some point before
the governing body votes. only discussions related to real estate transactions, legal matters and
personnel may be held in private by the governing body. Adherence to the Pennsylvania "open
records" act requires that public documents and information be made available to members of the
public on a timely basis and without inordinate cost.
2. The governing body has adopted rules of procedure governing the conduct of its
meetings. These rules provide for an orderly process by which elected officials address
agenda items, and by which the public may address the governing body and the business
before it. The presiding officer conducts meetings in accordance with these rules.
Commentary
Robert’s Rules of Order, or similar rules, which establish orderly procedures for meetings, can do
much to foster trust among members of the governing body, and between the governing body and the
public. Well-drafted rules provide for fair treatment of all parties, help to maintain order and
decorum, and permit the orderly flow of business.
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