Open Government

Lower Towamensing Township is dedicated to providing the best services possible to our residents. Our goal is to be open and transparent, while engaging our residents to participate and understand the role of our Township. In order to achieve this goal, Lower Towamensing Township we have evaluated different ways to engage our residents through providing exceptional services that are often second to none. We hope this website provides you the vital information you deserve and expect. This website has been redesigned with to help you better understand the process of local government administration and answer any questions you may have about our Township. We hope this enhances your access of information on Lower Towamensing, while providing an open government.

Below is further information and resources to help you as a resident better understand the laws regarding local government administration and open government requirements and public information.

Executive Session

Executive sessions, or meetings from which the public is excluded, may be held only for limited number of enumerated purposes. These include discussing personnel matters related to a specific individual, purchase or lease of real estate, consultation with the solicitor in connection with ongoing or pending litigation or to discuss any municipal business which if conducted in public would violate a legal privilege or protected confidentiality. The reason for holding the executive session must be announced at the open meeting immediately prior or subsequent to the executive session.

Public Comment

Municipalities are required to provide an opportunity for public comments at each advertised regular and special meeting. A 1998 amendment to the Sunshine Law requires a period for public comment prior to taking official action. The right of citizens to make comments is limited to matters of concern, official action or deliberation which are or may be before the governing body. A board may limit the right to speak during this period to residents and taxpayers.

Public Meetings

All public meetings are advertised prior to the meeting. If the meeting is not advertised in according to the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, no formal official action shall be taken by the Board.

Sunshine Act

The Sunshine Act requires all public agencies to take all official actions and conduct all deliberations leading up to official actions at public meetings. The Act covers all actions by council and its committees and by all boards and commissions of the borough. Official actions include making recommendations, establishment of policy, decisions on municipal business and votes taken on any motion, resolution, ordinance, rule, regulation, report or order.

Right to Know Requests

Right to Know Requests can be made to view certain public records from the Township's records. For more information on Right to Know Requests please use the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records HERE.

When submitting a request to the Township, always retain a copy for your file. A copy of this RTK request would be necessary if you should need to file an appeal with the State’s Office of Open Records upon denial.

The Township has five business days to respond to a request, whether you place the request in person or by mail.