Catalog of Sample Policies for Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts

Executive Committee Establishment
(Pike Conservation District)

Background
The Pike Conservation District asked their County Solicitor about the Board establishing and Executive Committee to handle issues that come up between board meetings.

Determination
The Pike County Solicitor determined that "P S 856 (Act 217 - Conservation District Law) does allow for special designation of powers by policy adopted by the Board and this can be an avenue for addressing emergency situations. A policy can be drafted, voted on and implemented, but I would advise that it be narrowly worded so as not to become the norm for operation which should always be in open and public."

The actual language from Act 217: the directors may delegate to their chairperson, or to one or more directors, such powers and duties as they deem proper.

Policy
Executive Committee - This committee will be chaired by the board chair and consist of the elected officers of the board. The executive committee will have authority to act for the board of directors to decide issues of a time sensitive nature that cannot be postponed until the next regularly scheduled or special board meeting.

(Warning - The policy to establish an Executive Committee for the Pike Conservation District was based on a legal determination by the Pike County Solicitor. A similar legal determination should be sought and received by any other conservation district thinking of establishing and Executive Committee. Such a Committee would need top have specific, limited authorities in order for the District to not be in violation of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Law.)