§ 21.14-1406. Citizen’s Right To Be Heard.

 A. Residents and taxpayers of the Township shall be provided a reasonable opportunity to address the Board, its committees and citizens’ groups on matters of general or special concern.

 B. With respect to proposed ordinances or resolutions of a legislative character, other than budget ordinances, such opportunity to address the Board shall be afforded to the public immediately prior to the final action of the Board thereon, unless that opportunity to be heard has theretofore been provided either at a prior public hearing of the Board, or a prior meeting of a committee of the Board, on that proposed ordinance or resolution, provided that such prior consideration of the proposed ordinance or resolution has been advertised and posted in the same manner as is provided for consideration of ordinances at Board meetings in §  21.5-501A, and further provided that a quorum of the Board is present at such hearing or committee meeting.

   Commentary: : Presently, the Board does generally provide the opportunity for interested citizens to address the Board or its committees. This section requires that this practice be continued uniformly.

   It is important that members of the public receive an opportunity to present their varying points of view to the Board before it acts; similarly, the members of the Board will gain by knowing the views held by at least those persons who care to present them.

   This section cited in 346 Pa. Code §  21.4-403 (relating to rules of procedure); and 346 Pa. Code §  21.5-501 commentary (relating to general ordinance requirements).