Municipal, Land Use & Zoning

Anthony Verwey discusses the “Public Officials and Employee’s Ethics Act” in the video below.  Give Anthony a call if you have any questions about this Act at (610) 692-1371.

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

Anthony Verwey

Anthony Verwey is a partner at Unruh, Turner, Burke and Frees. The firm maintains law offices in Malvern, Phoenixville, and West Chester Pennsylvania which serve the Main Line, and many surrounding communities such as Devon, Exton, West Chester, Ardmore and others.

By:  Amanda Sundquist

In a matter of first impression, the Commonwealth Court has concluded that the Sunshine Act may be violated when property owners are permitted to participate in an executive session for litigation purposes related to a tax assessment appeal.  In Trib Total Media v. Highland School District, at the conclusion of a regular public meeting, the school board announced it would meet in a closed executive session to discuss litigation and invited the property owners involved in the litigation to participate in the executive session.  The local newspaper was denied access to the meeting, and filed a complaint alleging the school district had violated the Sunshine Act.

After a review of Section 708(a)(4), which permits an executive session regarding litigation matters, the Commonwealth Court found the plain language of the section indicated only attorneys and advisors are permitted to participate in executive sessions held for this purpose.  If you have questions regarding your municipal procedures for executive sessions and compliance with the Sunshine Act, please contact Amanda Sundquist.

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

By: Amanda Sundquist

Watch the above video to find out why it is important for your school district to review student handbooks and school board policies for consistency.  Give Amanda a call at (610) 692-137 if you would like to discuss your district’s student handbook and school board policies.

Amanda J. Sundquist

Amanda Sundquist is an associate at Unruh, Turner, Burke and Frees, Amanda practices in the areas of Pennsylvania Municipal and School Law, and Pennsylvania Zoning and Land Use Law. The firm maintains law offices in Malvern, Phoenixville, and West Chester Pennsylvania which serve the Main Line, and many surrounding communities such as Devon, Exton, West Chester, Ardmore and others.