Why Can't Taxpayers Know What is On The Agenda Before The Meeting?

On Monday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the township building, ’s Board of Supervisors will meet. Less than five days before the meeting and there is no posted agenda for the meeting. This means that the taxpaying public can’t read in advance about township decisions that will be made.

This seems to be a common theme in the township. Rather than make clear what decisions will be made at a particular meeting so residents can choose to attend, you have no idea what decisions or discussions are to occur until you get to the meeting.  And then, you can even attend the meeting where an agenda will be accepted, only to be changed in the course of the meeting. Unlike some other townships, Newtown Township does not televise any of their meetings.  I wish they would.

I looked at the public notices for the week and found notice for a Conditional Use hearing that will be held at Monday, Feb. 27th's supervisors meeting. It is a hearing at which proposes to get approval to use land on the Ashford (Dupont Farm) property. Some of this is land that Ashford, the current owner, has proposed to dedicate to Newtown for open space. Ashford has not yet gone forward with the dedication of this land to the township. It is clear that the township knows this is on the Monday meeting agenda. However, nowhere on the township website have they highlighted this fact.

This is one item that will be determined at Monday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. Until, or if, any agenda is posted, the taxpaying public will not know what will take place. Try to attend the Monday's meeting.  You can urge the supervisors to ensure that agenda information is provided in advance of their meetings. And, you can encourage them to consider televising their meetings so all can see how important decisions concerning the township are made and taxpayer dollars are spent.