Delaware County Consortium of Governments
Brian H. Hoover
P O Box 198
Rose Valley, PA 19065
Phone: 610-566-2040
Fax: 610-892-7275
E-mail: rosevalleyborough@comcast.net

Eastern Delaware County COG
Craig Totaro
12 East Baltimore Avenue
Lansdowne, PA 19050
Phone: 610-623-7300
Fax: 610-623-5533
E-mail:totaroc@borough.lansdowne.pa.us

Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee
Kent Gardner
150 North Queen Street, Suite 317
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-397-7507
E-mail:limc@verizon.net

Lehigh County COG
Cindy McDonnell Feinberg
17 South 7th Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Phone: 610-782-3614
Fax: 610-820-3615
E-mail:cindyfeinberg@lehighcounty.org
www.lehighcounty.org

Pottstown Area COG
Jason Bobst
100 East High Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
Phone: 610-970-6510
Fax: 610-970-6509
E-mail: jbobst@pottstown.org
www.pottstown.org

Capital Region COG
Ann Simonetti
230 South Sporting Hill Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-3097
Phone: 717-761-6211
Fax: 717-761-7267
www.capitalregioncog.org
E-mail: asimonetti@comcast.net

Franklin County COG
Bob Ziobrowski
14 North Main Street
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: 717-261-3813
Fax: 717-267-3438

Western Cumberland COG
Ronald Reeder
255 Ott Road
Shippensburg, PA 17257
Phone: 717-776-7665
Fax: 717-477-8842

Butler County COG
Jeff Smith
2525 Rochester Road
Cranberry, PA 16066
Phone: 724-776-4806 Ext. 1118
E-mail: butlercog@zoominternet.net

Cambria-Somerset COG
Robert Fedore
1716 Forest Hills Drive, Suite 1
Windber, PA 15963
Phone: 814-266-3070
Fax: 814-266-3070
E-mail: rfcog@comcast.net

Central Westmoreland COG
James Cortazzo
825 Western Avenue, Suite B
Jeannette, PA 15644
Phone: 724-523-2102
Fax: 724-523-2103
www.centralwestmorelandcog.com
E-mail: cwcog@verizon.net

Indiana-Westmoreland COG
Mary Trunzo
220 Fifth Street
Saltsburg, PA 15681
Phone: 724-639-3417
Fax: 724-639-3582
E-mail: twpsec@comcast.net

Jefferson-Morgan Regional COG
Relda Litten
1019 Third Street Ext., P O Box 3
Mather, PA 15346
Phone: 724-883-2150
Fax: 724-883-3044
E-mail: morgantownship@gmail.com

Mon Valley Progress Council
Joe Kirk
435 Donner Avenue, Suite 410
Monessen, PA 15062
Phone: 724-684-3381
Fax: 724-684-5113
monvalleyprogress.org
E-mail: jkirk@monvalleyprogress.org

Steel Valley COG
An Lewis
1705 Maple Street
Homestead, PA 15120
Phone: 412-462-7600
Fax: 412-462-3986
www.svcog.org
E-mail: al@svcog.org

Turtle Creek Valley COG
Amanda Settelmaier
2700 Monroeville Blvd.
Monroeville, PA 15146
Phone: 412-829-7722
Fax: 412-829-2218
http://www.tcvcog.com
E-mail: asett@tcvcog.com

Twin Rivers COG
John Palyo
201 Lysle Blvd., Suite 212
McKeesport, PA 15132
Phone: 412-466-7377
Fax: 412-466-7378
http://www.twinriverscog.com
E-mail: trcog@choiceonemail.com

Centre Region COG
James Steff
2643 Gateway Drive
State College, PA 16801
Phone: 814-231-3077
Fax: 814-231-3083
www.crcog.net
E-mail: jsteff@crcog.net

Huntingdon County COG
L. Stewart Neff
P O Box 361
Huntingdon, PA 16652
Phone: 814-643-3301
Fax: 814-643-0422
E-mail: mkipphan@netscape.net

Montour County COG
Richard Jones
80 Vansant Road
Danville, PA 17821
Phone: 570-275-2211
Sec. Phone: 570-716-9721
Fax: 570-275-5654

Perry County COG
Ann Simonetti
8401 R Spring Road
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Phone: 717-582-4483
Fax: 717-582-4431
E-mail: PCCOG01@embarqmail.com

SEDA COG
Stacy Richards
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Phone: 570-524-4491
Fax: 570-524-9190
E-mail: srichards@seda-cog.org
www.seda-cog.org

Eastern Bradford County COG
Raymond Stolinas
R R 1 Box 179A
Towanda, PA 18848
Phone: 570-268-4103
Fax: 570-268-4171
E-mail: bcplanning@mail.bradfordco.org

Mountain COG
Dan Guydish
20 West Broad Street
Hazleton, PA 18201
Phone: 570-455-1509
Fax: 570-450-2013
www.civicpartnership.org
E-mail: mcog@hazletonchamber.org

Nazareth Area COG
Brian Harris
1114 Bushkill Center Road
Nazareth, PA 18064
Phone: 610-759-1250
Fax: 610-759-8565
E-mail: harr3271@gmail.com

Northern Schuylkill County COG
Champ Holman
P O Box 175
Mahanoy City, PA 17948
Phone: 570-773-0891
Fax: 570-773-1675

Northern Wayne County COG
Laura Travis
177 Travis Road
Starrucca, PA 18462
Phone: 570-798-2949 and 570-224-4070
Fax: 570-798-0163

Pocono Mountain COG
Sherry Predmore
25 Municipal Drive
East Stroudsburg, PA 18302
Phone: 570-223-8920
Fax: 570-223-8935
E-mail: mstwps@ptd.net

Saucon Valley Partnership
Jack Cahalan
3700 Old Philadelphia Pike
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: 610-865-3291
Fax: 610-867-3580
E-mail: manager@lowersaucontownship.org

Slate Belt COG
Victor Rodite
P O Box 5
Pen Argyl, PA 18072
Phone: 610-588-1700
Fax: 610-863-1726
E-mail: Rodite@slatebeltcog.org

Southern Schuylkill COG
Susan Murphy
209 North Warren Street
Orwigsburg, PA 17961
Phone: 570-366-3103
Fax: 570-366-3106
E-mail: orwigsburg@comcast.net

Sullivan County COG
Clara Finan
P O Box 239
Dushore, PA 18614
Phone: 570-928-9780
Fax: 570-928-9759
E-mail: sullivanctycog@epix.net

Susquehanna County COG
Cheryl Wellman
948 Main Street, Suite 3
New Milford, PA 18834
Phone: 570-465-7644
Fax: 570-465-2184
E-mail: COG@echoes.net

Two Rivers COG
Robert Lammi
2809 Washington Street
Palmer, PA 18045
Phone: 610-252-5628
Fax: 610-253-9957
E-mail: rlammi2@rcn.com

Western Bradford County COG
Raymond Stolinas
R R 1, Box 179A
Towanda, PA 18848
Phone: 570-268-4103
Fax: 570-268-4171
E-mail: bcplanning@mail.bradfordco.org

Wyoming County COG
Joann Ritter
90 Padula Road
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
Phone: 570-942-4325
Fax: 570-942-6106
E-mail: nicholsontwp@epix.net

French Creek COG
Jill Dunlap
1150 Morgan Village Road
Meadville, PA 16335
Phone: 814-336-1271
Fax: 814-336-1707
E-mail: westmead@westmead.org

Greater Jefferson Area COG
Deborah Wilson
1514 Route 28N
Brookville, PA 15825
Phone: 814-849-2172
Fax: 814-849-0825
E-mail: jccd@windstream.net

Lawrence County Regional COG
Robert Callen
430 Court Street
New Castle, PA 16101
Phone: 724-656-2459
Fax: 724-652-9646
E-mail: robertcallen@hotmail.com

Mercer County Regional COG
Thomas Tulip
2495 Highland Road
Hermitage, PA 16148
Phone: 724-981-1561
Fax: 724-981-2639
E-mail: ttulip@mcrcog.com

Moshannon Valley COG
Lorie Rowles
850 Leonard Street, Suite C
Clearfield, PA 16830
Phone: 814-765-3080
Fax: 814-765-3082
E-mail: mvcog@pennswoods.net

Oil Region COG
Frank Pankratz
3726 State Route 257
Seneca, PA 16346
Phone: 814-676-8812
Fax: 814-677-4992
Email: cran@twp.comcast.net

Upper Pine Creek COG
Irvan Brown
220 West Main Street
Westfield, PA 16950
Phone: 814-367-5709

Warren County Intergovernmental Co-op
John Zavinski
204 Fourth Avenue
Warren, PA 16365
Phone: 814-728-3512
Email: dglotz@warren-county.net

Since 1985, the PACOG Board of Delegates has appointed the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs to provide administrative services through the assignment of a PACOG Executive Director.

Information Resource Center: The PACOG Executive Director maintains a file of resource materials to aid new and existing member COGs in researching and implementing programs. The Information Resource Center is a library of documents and resources developed with the cooperation of COGs that relies on a constant flow of information from member COGs to make the Center most effective.

Legislation: PACOG is active in promoting beneficial legislation of concern to its members and local government in general. The Association was particularly active in the amendment to Act 180, the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1972, which provided legislative recognition of COGs and COG programs in the law of the Commonwealth.

PACOG was also instrumental in the enactment of Act 13 of 2001, which establishes COGs and other intergovernmental cooperatives as legal entities with regard to the State and its agencies.

PACOG is working for increased funding for COGs through both the State Administration and Legislature.

Marketing: Outreach efforts are demonstrated by experienced COG administrators and leaders visiting and speaking to groups interested in forming a new COG. COG leaders also work with existing COGs that are interested in new project/program ideas.

Quarterly Newsletter: PACOG publishes a quarterly newsletter that provides member the opportunity to showcase their programs and activities. It also provides information on State Agency programs, grant opportunities, and legislation important to COGs.

Annual Conference: PACOG holds a conference each year to provide a forum for the exchange of information, development and training opportunities, and how to improve COG efficiency and effectiveness.

PACOG Membership Includes:

* Conference registration fees at member rates

* Quarterly Newsletters

* Recognition as a supporter of PACOG

* An Opportunity to share new ideas and projects that are working successfully

* Use of the PACOG staff as a resource center for information needs you may have.

Annual COG dues are based on the COG latest fiscal year budget as follows:

* $300 if budget is greater than $50,000

* $250 if budget is $10,000 – $50,000

* $200 if budget is less than $10,000

Click here to view COG Membership Application. Print and complete the form and mail with your Dues to PACOG.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There is an Introductory Price of only $100 for COGs that join PACOG as a First Time New Member.

Associate COG Membership:
Membership is open to any business, company or organization providing services or supplies to member COGs and/or their member municipalities.

PACOG Associate Membership Includes:

* Conference registration and exhibit fees at member rates

* Quarterly Newsletters

* Potential to reach over 4 million citizens

* Recognition as a supporter of PACOG

* Access to local government leaders to share new ideas and projects

* Use of the PACOG staff as a resource center for information

Associate membership dues are $300 annually.

Click here to view COG Membership Application. Print and complete the form and mail with your Dues to PACOG.

In 1986 the Act was amended to recognize COGs as eligible to apply for state grants/financial aid.

In 1996, Act 177 revised the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act again and expanded the contents to include such topics as definitions, content of ordinances, joint purchases, and joint cooperation-agreements. The Intergovernmental Cooperation Law is commonly referred to as Act 177.

Act 13 of 2001 added Section 2316 to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Law, and established COGs as legal entities by stating, “All Commonwealth departments and agencies in the performance of their administrative duties shall deem a council of governments, consortiums or other similar entities, established by two or more municipalities under this sub-chapter as a legal entity.”

Click here for the Intergovernmental Cooperation Law, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 53, Municipalities Generally, Sub-chapter A “Intergovernmental Cooperation.” (Also known as Act 180 of 1972, Act 177 of 1996, and Act 13 of 2001.)

Intergovernmental Cooperation From A to Z

Click here for “Intergovernmental Cooperation From A to Z” listing the many projects/programs/opportunities for COGs and municipalities to share services, personnel and equipment.

Beaver County Regional
Cambria-Somerset
Capital Region
Central Keystone
Central Susquehanna
Central Westmoreland
Centre Region
Eastern Bradford County
Eastern Delaware County
Greater Jefferson Area
Huntingdon County
Indiana-Westmoreland
Jefferson-Morgan Regional
Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee
Lawrence County Regional
Mercer County Regional
Moshannon Valley
Mountain
Northern Schuylkill
Northern Wayne County
Oil Region
Perry County
Pottstown Area
Slate Belt
Sullivan County
Susquehanna County
Twin Rivers
Warren Co Intergovernmental Co-op
Western Bradford County
Western Cumberland

The more popular COG cooperative programs are underlined, and by clicking on those underlined programs, the name of individual COGs can be obtained and an email can be sent directly to them.

Abandoned Vehicle Removal
Accu-Weather Program
Aerial photo Maps
Air Pollution Control
Airport
Ambulance
Animal Control
Animal Shelter
Auction of Surplus Equipment
Audio Visual Equipment
Beach
Benefits and Salary Survey
Bidding
Bikeway Signing
Bikeway System Plan
Blood Bank
Bonding
Bridge Inventory and Inspection
Bus System
Bus Terminal
Cable TV
Calendar of Meetings
CDBG Program Administration
Circuit Riding Management
Code Enforcement – UCC, BOCA
Collective Bargaining Coordination
Community Development
Community Revitalization
Computer Network
Computer Service Bureau
Computer Systems Study
Credit Union
Crime Prevention
Criminal Investigations
Data Processing
Demolition Program
Detective Services
Directory of Municipal Officials
Dog Law Enforcement
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Dry Fire Hydrants
Earned Income Tax (EIT)
Economic Development Plan
Emergency Dispatch Center
Emergency Information Manual
Emergency Management
Emergency Medical Assistance
Emergency Preparedness Plan
Employee Benefits
Employee Handbook
Enterprise Zone Administration
Equipment Sharing
Fee Schedule
Fire and Rescue Training
Fire Department
Fire Equipment
Fire Mutual Aid
Fire Training Site
Fiscal Services Center
Flood Insurance
Flood Recovery/Prevention
Fuel Tanks and Automated Dispensing
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Government Access TV Channel (Cable)
Grants Administration
Handicapped Access Plan
Health Benefits
Health Department
Heavy Equipment maintenance
Highway Equipment
Highway Planning and Development
Historic Preservation
House Numbering
Housing Programs
Human Services Center
Hydro-Electric Project
Incinerator Study
Industrial Development
Information/Research Service
Insect and Weed Control
Insurance Pooling
Investment Pools
Investments
Job Descriptions
Junk Vehicle Removal
K-9 Team
Land Reclamation
Library
Line Striping Equipment
Lock Up Facilities
Mapping of Streets
Marcellus Shale
Mechanic Services
Mental Health/Retardation Program
Motor Pool
Municipal Management
Mutual Aid – Fire
Mutual Aid – Police
Neighborhood Center for Senior Citizens
Office Supplies Purchasing
Operation ID
Ordinance Coordination
Park Maintenance
Parking Facilities
Pension Plan Administration
Personnel Classification
Planning
Police
Police Bomb Squad
Police Communications
Police Community Relations
Police Dispatch
Police Equipment
Police Evidence Collection
Police Film Library
Police Firing Range
Police Investigative Task Force
Police Labor Relations
Police Mutual Aid
Police Records Center
Police Records Microfilming
Police Regional
Police Tactical Unit (SWAT)
Police Testing
Public Works Technical Assistance
Purchasing
Quality Testing for Water Systems
Railroad Right-of-Way Use
Rails to Trails
Recreation Facility
Recreation Programs
Recycling
Refuse Collector Licensing
Rental Housing Committee
Risk Management Study
River Recreation Study
Road Materials Purchasing
Road Signing
Road Use Ordinance
Safety Services Mapping
Salary Analysis
Salary and Benefits Survey
Salt Bidding and Storage
Senior Citizens Center
Sewage Collection System
Sewage Enforcement Officer
Sewage Treatment Plant
Sewer and Water Plan
Sewer Maintenance/Cleaning
Sign Machine
Sign Ordinance
Snow Forecasting Service
Softball/Recreation Complex
Solid Waste Collection
Solid Waste Disposal
Solid Waste Plan
Sports Arena
Storm Water Management
Street Lighting
Street Naming
Street Signs
Subdivision Regulation
Surplus Food Distribution
Swimming Pools
Tax Billing
Tax Collection
Technical Assistance
Tourism Promotion
Traffic Signal Maintenance
Training
Transit System
Transportation Development District
Transportation Planning (MPO)
Trick or Treat Scheduling
Urban Redevelopment
Vector Control
Wage and Benefits Study
Water Authority
Weight Limit Enforcement
Weights and Measures
Workers’ Compensation
Xerox and Printing Center
Youth Activities Program
Zoning Administration

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Follow this link to view a recent article on New Architectural Drawings of the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville. NOTE that PACOG will be attending the Memorial Service at Shanksville on September 11, 2011, during our Annual Conference.

Membership is open to any Pennsylvania Council of Governments or similar organization that is established by formal action of the governing body of each of their municipal members, or composed of at least two municipalities, and is active in the solution of problems common to their individual member municipalities. Upon payment of the annual membership dues, the organization becomes a voting member of the Association.

Associate PACOG Membership is open to any business, company or organization providing services or supplies to member COGs and/or their member municipalities. Associate members are nonvoting members.

PACOG is primarily financed through membership dues.

The PACOG Board of Delegates consists of one official from each member COG. Each member COG also designates an alternate delegate to PACOG. Officers are elected at the Annual Conference. The Board of Delegates determines the general policies of the organization, supervises officer activity, determines committees, adopts the budget, recommends the membership dues schedule, and performs duties usually vested in corporate boards of directors.

Ensure and assist effective cross-jurisdictional communication, coordination and collaboration among local governments and intergovernmental organizations.

Provide for the development and efficient exchange of ideas and methods of performing various municipal functions through intergovernmental cooperation.

Facilitate specific agreements and cooperative actions for intergovernmental activities.

Provide additional general and technical aid for intergovernmental cooperation.

Promote beneficial legislation and policies essential to the advancement of locally based public services through intergovernmental cooperation.

Provide additional specific services for COGs and intergovernmental organizations across the Commonwealth to support and enhance their programs.

The Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Governments (PACOG) is the single, central organization representing Councils of Governments (COGs) and local intergovernmental cooperation throughout the Commonwealth. In February 2009, PACOG adopted a new Strategic Plan envisioning the significant enhancing and strengthening of the organization and its mission supporting local governmental efficiency and effectiveness through collaboration.

GOALS: The goals of the Strategic Plan are to:

1. Position PACOG as the overall “Go to Resource” for intergovernmental issues, opportunities, and questions in Pennsylvania.

2. Make PACOG the central, visible, active, and effective organization and program serving COGs and the full range of intergovernmental organization needs and processes throughout Pennsylvania;

3. Significantly elevate and improve PACOG’s visibility, standing, and programs supporting COGs and intergovernmental organizations across Pennsylvania.

4. Set PACOG apart from, yet in full partnership with, the other municipal associations through the active support of cross-jurisdictional, intergovernmental collaboration and coordination.

Article I Name

The name of this organization is the Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Governments. It may be referred to as PACOG.

Article II Purpose

The purpose of PACOG is to serve its member organizations with the following activities:

Facilitating communication, coordination and cooperative action.

Providing general and technical aid.

Promoting beneficial legislation and regulation.

Article III Membership

1. Active membership is open to any Pennsylvania organization that is operating or has been chartered or established under The Intergovernmental Cooperation Law and which meets the following criteria:

Is established by formal action of the governing body of each of its municipal members.

Is composed of at least two municipalities.

Is active in the solution of problems common to its member municipalities.

2. Associate membership is open to organizations and individuals that do not qualify for active membership but who, in the opinion of the Board of Delegates, have a certain commonality of interests.

3. A member organization desiring to withdraw from PACOG shall do so by letter.

Article IV Officers

1. The officers of PACOG shall be a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Third Vice President and the immediate Past President. All officers must be delegates from their respective organizations as specified in Article VI, paragraph 1.

2. The term of office shall be approximately one year starting at the end of one annual meeting of the Board of Delegates and extending to the end of the next annual meeting. Anyone who has served a full term as President may not be reelected to a second consecutive term but may be elected to any other office.

3. The President and Vice Presidents shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Board of Delegates at which time the Nominating Committee’s slate of candidates shall be presented. The President shall ask for and accept nominations from the floor for each office. When there is more than one candidate for any office, the vote shall be by paper ballot. Tie votes shall be settled by a flip of a coin.

4. A vacancy in the office of President, First Vice President, or Second Vice President shall be filled by the appropriate vice president moving up. A vacancy in the office of Third Vice President shall be filled at the next meeting of the Board of Delegates. The Board of Delegates shall be the sole judge of when a vacancy exists.

Article V Duties of Officers

1. The President shall chair all meetings of the Board of Delegates and the Executive Committee. The President shall appoint all committees.

2. The First Vice President shall fulfill the duties of the President when the latter is absent or incapacitated.

3. The Second Vice President shall fulfill the duties of the President when the latter and the First Vice President are absent or incapacitated. The Second Vice President shall be responsible for projects or areas specifically assigned.

4. The President or his/her designee shall sign all legal documents. The Executive Director shall be responsible for the maintaining of proper files and records and shall oversee the handling of the PACOG funds under the direction of the Board of Delegates.

Article VI Board of Delegates

1. The governing body of PACOG shall be a Board of Delegates. Each member organization shall annually designate a delegate to PACOG by action of the member organization.

2. Each member organization shall annually designate by action of the member organization an alternate delegate to PACOG to serve in the absence of its delegate.

3. A member organization may designate a substitute delegate to attend the annual meeting if neither the delegate nor the alternate will attend. The substitute may be anyone selected by the member organization and must present a letter from the member organization stating that he/she is the substitute delegate.

Article VII Administration

1. The Board of Delegates may appoint or employ an Executive Director and other staff and shall specify the duties of such person(s). The duties may include any or all of the following:

a. Maintain ongoing files and financial records.

b. Prepare meeting agenda and minutes.

c. Prepare an annual budget.

d. Collect dues and process payments of bills.

e. Handle routine correspondence.

f. Publish a newsletter.

g. Other duties as determined by the Board of Delegates

2. The Board of Delegates shall reimburse staff members for approved travel and related expense.

Article VIII Meetings

1. The annual meeting of the Board of Delegates shall be scheduled in the autumn, where practical, as part of an annual conference. A quorum for an annual meeting of the Board of Delegates shall be all those in attendance at the meeting. Any change in the dues structure of member organizations and any amendments or revision of the bylaws can only be accomplished at the annual meeting of the Board of Delegates.

2. Other meetings of the Board of Delegates shall be held as needed. Such meetings shall be called by the President either on his/her own initiative or at the request of any two officers.

3. Roberts Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary guide for the conduct of all meetings.

Article IX Finances

1. The fiscal year is the calendar year.

2. Dues are due prior to April 1. Non payment of dues by April 1 shall cause membership to lapse.

3. New member organizations joining after July 1 shall pay half the dues for the year.

4. The Board of Delegates shall establish the annual budget and the fees for the annual conference. The membership shall establish the active membership dues and the associate membership dues at the annual meeting of the Board of Delegates.

5. At the end of each calendar year the President shall require an annual audit to be conducted. An audit report shall be submitted and presented at the next Board of Delegates meeting.

Article X Committees

1. The five officers shall constitute an Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may take action on matters that cannot wait for the next Board of Delegates meeting. The Executive Committee may establish PACOG’s position on upcoming legislation when speed is essential. All action taken by the Executive Committee shall be reported at the next Board of Delegates meeting. The Executive Committee may choose to function by phone or correspondence.

2. A Nominating Committee consisting of three delegates, only one of whom may be a member of the Executive Committee, shall be appointed by the President at least 60 days prior to the annual meeting. Each member organization shall be promptly advised of the Nominating Committee’s appointment and asked to submit to the committee’s chairperson the names of potential candidates for office. The Nominating Committee shall present its report at the annual meeting of the Board of Delegates.

3. Other committees may be appointed as needed.

Article XI Amendments

1. Amendment or revision (a complete rewrite) of these By-laws may be effected by a majority vote at the annual meeting of the Board of Delegates provided the proposed amendments or revision has been mailed to each member organization two weeks prior to the annual meeting of the Board.

2. An approved amendment or revision becomes effective at the end of the meeting at which it was approved unless otherwise stated in the amendment or revision. Approval of a revision (a complete rewrite) renders void all parts of the previous By-laws.

Article XII Adoption

1. These PACOG By-laws shall become effective immediately upon action by the membership.

2. The PACOG By-laws adopted September 19, 1999, and all other previous By-laws are hereby rendered void.

I. PACOG staff directors shall endeavor to assure that the affairs of the council are open to the public to the extent encouraged and permitted by law and by duly adopted regulations of their governing bodies.

II. Staff Directors in carrying out their duties shall be responsible for treating all persons fairly.

III. Staff Directors shall not use their positions to influence public or private decisions from which they or their immediate families would gain personally and shall fully disclose in advance to their governing bodies any private or personal interest that may be affected by decisions of the governing body.

IV. Staff Directors shall engage in no other occupation or trade which will detract from the faithful performance of their duties for the council.

V. Staff Directors shall not engage in any Association which may reflect adversely upon the council or which might prejudice or discredit the performance of the council or the Staff Director.

VI. Staff Directors shall not use their public positions to influence the outcome of elections for public office.

VII. Staff Directors shall undertake to increase their knowledge and skills in their profession and provide their staffs reasonable opportunities to develop and improve their knowledge and abilities.

VIII. Staff Directors shall endeavor to facilitate constant and close communication with their governing bodies and the constituent governments of their councils.

IX. Staff Directors shall recognize the primacy of their governing bodies in determining policies. They shall provide their governing bodies with facts and advice on matters of policy as a basis for making decisions and setting regional goals and shall uphold and foster implementation of policies adopted by their councils.

X. Staff Directors shall act with integrity and openness in their relationships with policy officials as well as with other staff directors and municipal managers

Below are the Questions and Answers posed by the State Agencies at the PACOG 2010 Annual Conference in State College.

The following State agencies participated in the PACOG conference: Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Department of General Services (DGS), Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

These Questions and Answers are interesting and informative!

DCED Questions and Answers

1. Which answer most correctly identifies the percentage of Pennsylvania municipalities that operate their own municipal police departments (including full-time, part-time and regional)? 40%, 50% or 60%

50 percent

2. How many regional “consolidated” departments are currently operating within the Commonwealth? <20, <40 or <60

32

3. What is the name of the DCED grant funding initiative established 5 years ago to assist Pennsylvania local governments in addressing financial management issues and fiscal difficulties in a timely and planned manner in order to avert an adverse impact on health, safety and welfare of their residents?

Early Intervention Program (the program currently has an annual appropriation of $704,000)

4. What is the Act number which commonly refers to taxes established by the Local Tax Enabling Act of 1965 which allows the collection of such taxes as the following: earned income tax, per capita tax, real estate transfer tax, business privilege tax and amusement tax?

Act 511

5. This DCED grant program was created by the Passage of Act 78 of 1970, amending Section 2501-C of the Administrative Code whose purpose is to promote cooperation between municipalities and foster increased efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of municipal services .

Shared Municipal Services (the program currently has an appropriation of $476,000)

6. What is the name of the law that creates the statutory foundation for the establishment of Councils of Governments (COGs)?

Intergovernmental Cooperation Law (Act 180 of 1972)

7. What is the primary mechanism for a municipality to participate in the formation of, or join, a COG?

Adopt, by ordinance, an intergovernmental agreement.

8. In what year is the legislative deadline for municipalities to be in compliance with Act 32, the Earned Income Tax Consolidation Act?

2012 (January)

9. What is the official deadline for submitting any new tax enactments, repeals or changes in tax rates for the Earned Income Tax (EIT) or the Local Services Tax (LST), to the Department of Community and Economic Development, DCED, for inclusion into the “Official Register”?

December 1st

10. There are roughly 2,600 fire departments in Pennsylvania. What percentage (approximate) of these fire departments are paid or are a combination of paid and volunteer firefighters?

Approximately 5 percent

11. Generally speaking, what is the largest single cost for any municipal budget?

Personnel Costs; (typically 60 to 80% of general fund budgets)

12. How would a property owner who resides in a municipality that has “opted-in” to the building statewide building code appeal a decision of a local building code official?

File an appeal with the municipality’s Building Code Appeals Board.

13. How many days does a municipality have to respond to a Right to Know request?

5 business days

14. What dollar value requires advertising when a municipality makes a decision to dispose of surplus items/property?

When the value is in excess of $1,000

15. Do municipalities still need to secure price quotes when purchasing through a state contract (ex: Co-Stars)?

No

DCNR Questions and Answers

1. What does DCNR stand for?

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

2. Who is the Current Secretary of DCNR: John Quigley, John Q. Public, John Quincy Adams, John Kanaka Naka Too Rye Ay?

John Quigley.

3. Which is something that DCNR does not manage? State Parks, State Forests, State Gamelands?

DCNR does not manage State Gamelands

4. How many State Parks are there in PA: 27, 57, 117, 700?

There are 117 State Parks in PA

5. PA has 2.1 million acres of what?

State Forest Land

6. “The best sunsets in the Lower 48 States” can be seen at what lake from Presque Isle State Park?

Lake Erie

7. The first Forestry Commissioner and The Father of Forestry in PA was: Gifford Pinchot, James Rothrock, Teddy Roosevelt, Ansel Adams?

James Rothrock

8. The Nature Inn, featuring a lodge with 12 rooms for overnight lodging, a first in any state park in the nation, was opened recently at what State Park in the North Central part of PA?

Bald Eagle State Park

9. Which of the following is NOT a Bureau in DCNR: Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Bureau of Topographic and Geological Survey, Bureau of Forestry, Bureau of Investigation?

Bureau of Investigation

10. The Bureau of Recreation and Conservation provides several services to communities throughout the commonwealth, including all of the following except: Providing Grants, Providing Technical Assistance, Building recreation and conservation partnerships, Monitoring College Athletics?

Monitoring College Athletics…

11. The Bureau of Recreation and Conservation provides grants to communities for recreation projects. Which one is NOT an eligible type of project: Planning a town park, Acquiring land for protection, Construction of a playground, Building a public trail, Building a private fitness club?

We do NOT fund private fitness clubs.

12. The Bureau of Recreation and Conservation’s grant funds come from several different sources. Which one is NOT a source of DCNR allocated grant funds: Keystone Funding, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Growing Greener, or The Governor’s Personal Endowment?

I made up the last one…its NOT that

13. DCNR helps support 12 Heritage Areas in the state, which one is NOT a heritage area: The Lumber Heritage Region, Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, Allegheny National Forest, or Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority?

The Allegheny National Forest is not managed by DCNR.

14. True or False, the symbol for the Pennsylvania Wilds, our largest Conservation Landscape, is Smokey Bear?

False, its an Elk Head in a Keystone

15. True or False, the Headquarters of DCNR is in the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg.

True

16. True or False, The PA Bureau of State Parks recently won the prestigious National Gold Medal Award, presented by the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Management, in partnership with the National Recreation and Parks Association, the highest honor a park system can receive.

True

17. Which of the following is NOT one of the new and innovative DCNR programs: Get Outdoors PA, I Conserve, Tree Vitalize, World Wildlife Fund?

It’s the last one, the first three are all new initiatives, check them out!

DGS Questions and Answers

1. If you wanted to buy recycling containers by way of the Commonwealth’s Co-Stars Program, which contract would you use: 15, 17, 21?

17

2. When you acquire Federal Surplus Property, there are rules of “compliance” that must be followed. These rules are concerned with: following all applicable laws concerning the property, using the property safely and in an environmentally responsible way, reporting as to the property’s use and location for a specified period of time?

Reporting as to the property’s use and location for a specified period of time

3. When requesting that DGS search for a low mileage vehicle from the Fixed Price Vehicles program, it’s important to: request specific operational features you need, request the color you want or request a price under $5000.

Request specific operational features you need

4. As a means of avoiding the competitive bidding process and the time and money that involves, all political Subdivisions throughout Pennsylvania are eligible to purchase from all Commonwealth-provided sources as declared by: an executive order signed by Governor Shapp in 1971, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the Commonwealth Procurement Code?

The Commonwealth Procurement Code, Sections 1902 through 1908

5. DGS has a contract with an on-line auction service that all of the PA political subdivisions can use at no cost to sell their obsolete property to the public. The name of that company is: Keystone Auction Services, Inc., E-bid Property Management LLC, Asset Auctions LLC?

Asset Auctions LLC
6. Which of the following is NOT a current location of a Federal Surplus Property Warehouse: Hermitage, PA Mercer County; Harrisburg, PA Dauphin County; or Hazelton, PA Luzerne County?

Hazelton, PA Luzerne County

7. What is the name of the DGS Surplus Property newsletter: The Surplus Sampler, The Surplus Sentinel, The Surplus Gazette?

The Surplus Sampler

8. On average, how many bids per lot are cast on the exclusive municipal auctions for Penn DOT’s Heavy Equipment: under 5 bids per lot, more than 12 bids per lot, over 30 bids per lot?

Under 5 bids per lot
9. Through which Federal Property Program can a municipality purchase new uniforms for policemen, firemen and any other public service personnel: The 1033 Law Enforcement Program, The 1122 Law Enforcement Program, or The General Services Administration Vanity Fair Catalog?

The 1122 Law Enforcement Program

10. If someone, anyone, needs inexpensive, used-but-serviceable office furniture, what is the best place to shop, especially if you are located within an hour’s drive of Harrisburg?

The DGS State Surplus Store

11. At any given moment, the DGS State Surplus Store in Harrisburg has Dell computers between four and six years old. You can get all of the elements of a system—CPU, monitor, keyboard and mouse—except for one important part, for under $80. What is the one element that will not come with your used computer: a power cord, a hard drive, or a mother board?

A hard drive

12. DGS will come to your county-wide function or COG meeting to make a presentation about State & Federal Surplus Property: True or False?

True

13. What is the most plentiful product we have to sell at the Federal Surplus Property Warehouse: army boots, mechanics’ wrenches, pocket knives?

Pocket knives

14. When your organization has decided to purchase a vehicle through the Federal Fixed Price Vehicle Program it is most important to: submit your request to DGS in order to get on the waiting list, have the funding available so that, when the vehicle arrives, you are prepared to pay for it, or be prepared to pick up the vehicle when it arrives?

submit your request to DGS in order to get on the waiting list

15. Cars and light trucks retired from the DGS fleet are sold at live auction near Harrisburg by: Keystone Auction Service, Mannheim Central Penn Auto Auction, Asset Auction, LLC?

Mannheim Central Penn Auto Auction

PennDOT Questions and Answers

1. What program invites volunteers to maintain a 2-mile stretch of state road and commit to pickup up trash from the roadside four times a year?

Adopt-A-Highway

2. Did you know that you can help us manage our highway network? What number enables you to call in and alert our main offices about road problems or hazards so that PennDOT can dispatch road crews to address the concern?

1-800-FIX-ROAD

3. Throughout the state, PennDOT greets nearly 4 million visitors each year. PennDOT’s Welcome Centers play a key role in facilitating safe and economic stimulating travel which supports tourism, which is Pennsylvania’s second leading industry. How many Welcome Centers does PennDOT manage across the Commonwealth?

There are 15 welcome centers across the state where travelers can stop for a break, get directions, and find out about local attractions and accommodations.

4. PennDOT is responsible for more roads in Pennsylvania than all the state-managed roads in New York, New Jersey, and the New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island). What is the total number of miles of state roads that PennDOT is responsible for maintaining?

PennDOT is responsible for more than 40,000 miles of roadway. In all there are more than 121,000 miles of interstate, state and local roads in Pennsylvania. 108 billion vehicle miles travel annually. 25,000 bridges are PennDOT owned and around 7,000 bridges are locally owned.

5. Funding for PennDOT’s services and products comes from four sources: Federal Funds, General Funds, the Motor License Fund, and Other funds. What is the largest source of funding that PennDOT receives?

The Motor License Fund is the largest fund. And, the four sources are: Liquid Fuels revenues, driver licensing and vehicle registration fees, the bridge restricted fund and other miscellaneous funds.

6. In an effort to reduce crashes and save lives on our highways, PennDOT introduced a campaign in early 2009.

Drive Safe PA – which can be found at the following file path – http://www.drivesafepa.org

7. Litter comes in all shapes and sizes – from a cigarette butt to a tire. It can be found on roadsides, sidewalks, in parks or on private property. Litter destroys the beauty of a community. How much money does PennDOT spend EVERY year to clean up roadside litter?

PennDOT spends over $10 million dollars for roadside cleanup. Without PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Volunteers, PennDOT estimates clean up would cost $30 million dollars or more annually.

8. PennDOT established a way of doing business in 1996 that enables PennDOT and eligible partners to trade or exchange services instead of money. What is the name of the program?

The Agility Program, established in 1996, enables eligible partners to exchange services instead of money. Trading services for services among eligible community organizations and local governments enables PennDOT and its partners to stretch limited resources, share equipment and staff. One of the biggest advantages of the Agility Program is that relationships are developed between the partners and PennDOT.

9. With motorcycle use on the rise in Pennsylvania, PennDOT continues to focus on improving motorcycle safety. The number of registered motorcycles climbed to approximately 393,000 in 2009. Likewise, the number of licensed motorcyclists climbed to more than 828,000 last year. What is the name of the PennDOT program that prepares riders to safely operate their motorcycles?

The name of the program is the Motorcycle Safety Program (MSP) and is free to all Pennsylvania license holders.

10. With approximately $3 billion worth of highway and bridge projects in Pennsylvania in 2010, motorists traveling through the Commonwealth will see many work zones. To help increase safety in work zones, PennDOT developed a work zone awareness campaign in 2009. As part of the work zone awareness campaign a 30-second public service announcement was created which asks motorists to do what while driving in work zones?

Cone-trol – The function of traffic cones is to protect everyone in a work zone. A typical day in the life of a traffic cone is being yelled at, sideswiped or even run over. But better a cone than a person. So please slow down in our work zones. If you control your driving in a work zone or “cone-trol” we can all go home safely at the end of the day.

PennDOT is truly grateful for the dedicated workers who put their lives at risk everyday to If you encounter our work zones, please keep the following tips in mind for your safety and the safety of our highway workers –Drive the posted work zone speed limit and stay alert!

11. A Headlight and Wiper Law was put into effect as of January 2007. What does the law require motorists to do?

Motorists must turn on their headlights anytime their vehicles’ wipers are in continuous or intermittent use due to weather or other atmospheric conditions such as fog or mist. Motorists who do not comply with the law could face a fine of $25, but with fees and other associated costs, the penalty would approach $100.

12. We all know the world is changing rapidly around us. Every day we see the prices increase, we read in the newspaper about global warming, and we talk about traffic congestion or the slowing economy. All of these trends are changing the needs and demands of our transportation system. To adapt to this changing world, PennDOT has integrated a concept into the way we do business. What is this new concept called?

Smart Transportation – ST asks us to understand and embrace our evolving financial, environmental, technological, and social contexts, as we approach our transportation challenges. It is about consistently applying the most innovative tools and ideas to solve our new transportation challenges, while also helping to build great communities across PA.

13. What is the name of Pennsylvania’s official travel information service that provides travelers with current traffic and weather information as well as links to other transportation services?

511 PA – From traffic conditions to carpooling information to route planning, 511 PA is a one-stop shop format. 511 PA is designed to provide users with real-time traffic information, transportation alternatives and links to tourism hot spots across the Commonwealth.

14. PennDOT is divided into six main areas, known as deputates. Each has authority over one of several transportation functions. Name three of the six deputates.

Highway Administration – with more than 10,000 employees, this is the largest division. It includes design, construction, maintenance, materials testing, environmental review, and safety and traffic engineering.

Safety Administration – this division manages the issuance of more than 8.7 million driver’s licenses and the registration of more than 11.3 million motor vehicles. It operates 72 drivers license centers and 25 stand-alone photo license centers and partnered with more than 240 on-line messengers sites to provide a wide variety of over-the-counter services across the state.

Planning – this division works with federal government and local planning organizations to develop the 12 year transportation program, which serves as the blueprint for highway, bridge, aviation, rail freight, and mass transit improvements. Planning also manages the cash flow from federal and state revenues. Planning also has sections working on long-range research and map making.

Aviation and Rail Freight – This division oversees grant programs for airports and freight railroads. PA ranks first in the US in the number of operating railroads (67) and also ranks near the top in total track mileage (over 6,000 miles). The state also has 134 public use airports, 313 private use airports and 290 private use heliports.

Local and Area Transportation – This division oversees more than $1 billion a year of investments in public transportation systems and resources. PennDOT works closely with AMTRAK to improve service on the Keystone Corridor. PA ranks fifth in the nation in direct support of public transit.

Administration – This division includes the bureaus that oversee fiscal management, computer systems, equal opportunity, offices services and personnel.

15. I live on a back road and it seems to take so long for PennDOT to service my road during a winter storm; what is a factor that PennDOT uses to determine the priority when servicing roads during a winter storm?

PennDOT services roads on a priority basis according to traffic volume. State roads with the highest amount of traffic, such as interstates and four-lanes, receive service first, followed by secondary roads. During a winter storm, PennDOT employees work around the clock so that all types of roads receive adequate service in priority order.

DEP Questions and Answers

1. DCED has program’s called CAT and GAT. DEP has a program called BAT. What does BAT stand for?

Brownfield Action Team

The Brownfield Action Team was created in 2004 for what purpose? Answer: It was created to have a single point of contact to provide assistance to streamline permitting on a Brownfield site.

2. Each of DEP’s 6 regional office’s have at least 8 programs, can you name 5?

Water Quality Management Program, Water Supply Management Program, Air Quality Program, Oil and Gas Program, Environmental Cleanup Program, Watershed Management Program, Waste Management Program, and the Office of Energy and Technology Deployment.

3. DEP’s Harms and Benefits form “D” relates to what program?

Waste Management Program/ municipal waste landfill permitting.

4. DEP’s OETD Program stands for what?

Office of Energy and Technology Deployment

5. Under DEP’s Vector Management Program what is the goal of this program?

To reduce adult black fly populations to tolerable pest levels during summer recreational season, and West Nile virus that is vectored by mosquitoes; these mosquitoes must be controlled to reduce risk of human transmission.

6. DEP’s Northcentral office in Williamsport recently started a new program, what is it?

Oil and Gas Program

7. This new Eastern Oil and Gas program covers how many counties?

42

8. DEP has a program that is responsible for effective partnerships with local governments, municipal associations and economic development associations, called OCRLGS. What does this stand for?

Office of Community Revitalization and Local Government Support

9. Office of the Great Lakes is located in what Regional office?

Meadville, in the Northwest Regional Office

10. DEP and DCNR used to be one agency. Can you name it?

Department of Environmental Resources

Bonus point if you can name what DER was called before that?

Department of Forest & Waters

11. Under Act 537 of 1966 all municipalities must develop and implement an official plan that address what?

Long term operation and maintenance of both community and individual sewage treatment systems within their jurisdiction.

12. County Recycling Coordinators are eligible for what percent reimbursement from DEP for the county recycling coordinators salary and expenses?

50 %

13. Many landowners and municipalities are interested in receiving notice of gas well permit applications. DEP has a no-cost subscription service called _______________ that notifies land owners and municipalities with an email when a well permit application is received. This system enables land owners and municipalities to receive notice of a permit application at the same time that DEP receives the application. What is this system called?

Enotice and it can be accessed through DEP’s website: www.depweb.state.pa.us

14. To drill a new Marcellus Shale natural gas well in Pennsylvania, the operator must obtain a well permit from the Department of Environmental Protection and post a bond. The bond is a financial incentive to ensure that the operator will adequately perform the drilling operations, address any water supply problems the drilling activity may cause, reclaim the well site, and properly plug the well upon abandonment. The bond amount for a single well is_$________; a blanket bond to cover any number of wells is $________.

$2,500.00 and $25,000.00

15. Underground Heating oil Tank Cleanup Program: This program provides reimbursement for owners of underground storage tanks with a capacity of 3,000 gallons or less to assist with the cost of taking corrective action in response to a release. Maximum reimbursement is: $1000.00, $3000.00, $4,000.00, or $6000.00?

$4,000