Archive for the ‘Municipal Law’ Category

Most municipalities include within their Zoning Ordinances a procedure permitting landowners within their prospective municipalities to request a rezoning for a parcel within the municipality. The rezoning request is a request to amend the municipalities zoning map. A municipality upon such request should review its Ordinance provisions to ensure that proper procedure is being followed, all information required in the application is provided, and that any necessary fee is paid. Generally, a rezoning request is a good opportunity for the municipality to seek advice and counsel from its own Planning Commission as well as from the York County Planning Commission…. read more »

CGA Law Firm is pleased to announce the election of Stephen R. McDonald, Esq. to shareholder. Stephen has been practicing law for over 25 years and has acquired extensive experience in multiple areas. He is a seasoned attorney in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Well versed in municipal law, Stephen serves as the solicitor for multiple municipalities in South Central Pennsylvania, and the York County Clerk of Court’s Office. He often represents clients in front of zoning hearing boards and other municipal and local government entities.  Prior to joining CGA, Stephen worked at the Office of the District Attorney for… read more »

Municipal Paralegal Joins CGA Law Firm Sean T. McNally is CGA’s most recent addition to the municipal legal team. He has over six years of experience as a paralegal with a focus in areas as diverse as business formation and elder law. At CGA, he is looking forward to narrowing his practice specifically to municipal law. A Penn State alumnus, Sean earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. His undergraduate coursework taught him to think critically about current and historical social issues, research and analyze empirical data, and develop ideas to improve the social world. His favorite classes at… read more »

As we get near the end of 2022, it is time for local municipalities in Pennsylvania to begin thinking about everything that needs to be accomplished before the calendar flips to 2023. Four of the major items that every municipality needs to accomplish before the end of the year are the passage of a budget, adoption of a tax resolution or ordinance, making necessary appointments or re-appointments to boards and commissions, and advertisement of meetings for the following year. Once a tentative budget has been ironed out, the board or council must approve advertisement of that tentative budget. This action… read more »

Attorney John R. Wilson Presented “The Mayor, the Chief, and the Law: Best Practices for Avoiding Civil Lawsuits”at the Pennsylvania State Mayors Association on Tuesday, November 22nd. His partners for this presentation included Attorney Jim Nowalk and Mayor Ron Harris. The webinar provided information to borough and city mayors regarding the respective roles of the two in the context of a municipal policing. Specifically, the mayor’s role as the elected and accountable “head of the police department” and the police chief’s role as the boots-on-the-ground law enforcement professional with years of police experience. John’s portion of the webinar summarized the… read more »

The Volunteer Service Credit Act (the “Act”), which is found in 35 Pa. C.S.A. Health and Safety, was amended in 2020 by Act 91 to allow active volunteer firefighters to take an even greater tax credit. As many municipalities are experiencing first hand, volunteer fire and emergency service companies are declining in numbers of volunteers across the Commonwealth. The Act (Act 172 of 2016) was adopted to assist with recruiting and maintaining active volunteers by offering financial incentives. This credit allows for volunteer firefighters to obtain a credit against municipal real estate tax obligations for amounts they have paid that… read more »

Forty Under Forty recognizes professionals 40 years of age and younger who have been successful in the Central Pennsylvania area. Honorees, chosen by the editors and publisher of the Central Penn Business Journal, were selected based on professional accomplishments, community service and commitment to inspiring change. A listing of honorees can be found on the CPBJ website. “The 2022 Forty Under 40 honorees represent the future of Central Pennsylvania. They have achieved professional success and are making significant contributions to our community and inspire change,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, senior group publisher of the Central Penn Business Journal. “We at the… read more »

The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) recently released the Final Rule for the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA Funds) bringing closure to most of the uncertainty surrounding eligible uses of ARPA Funds by local municipalities.  In general, the Final Rule provides numerous examples of eligible projects, within the four primary eligible ARPA Funds use categories. Additionally, the Final Rule provides local municipalities clear direction that as a recipient, a local municipality will have broad flexibility to use the ARPA Funds to respond to the specific needs of its local community. As a… read more »

York County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program is currently receiving applications for their 2022-2023 preservation program. Applications for farms can be submitted through February 15, 2022, for the ranking process. The highest-scoring farms will be offered for preservation. Qualifying farms should be a minimum of fifty acres in size or adjacent to another preserved property, and must meet program requirements regarding soil quality, production and other criteria. Landowners should submit their completed application (available at yorkcountypa.gov), and can consult with the Program staff office at 2401 Pleasant Valley Road, or at (717)-840-7400 for details and requirements. The York County Agricultural Land… read more »

CGA Law Firm is pleased to announce the election of Evan M. Gabel, Esq. to shareholder. Evan provides legal services in the areas of municipal law, business and corporate law, real estate law, and estate planning and administration. “He is a hard-working and affable attorney.” CGA Law Firm Executive Committee member, Craig Sharnetzka, stated. “Evan has substantial knowledge in his specific areas of law and keeps the legal team apprised of trends and changes in legislation.” Evan assists clients in residential and commercial real estate matters, and with their estate planning and administration needs. He also has considerable experience representing… read more »