Our Local Government
ADVISORS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES
The Borough Council appoints a number of people to assist them in the conduct of local government affairs. Some of these people have particular job skills; others concentrate on a specific area of community concern. The following describes most of these appointments. If an area is underlined, you may click on it for additional information.
The Solicitor provides legal advice and represents the Council in legal actions. This is a paid position.
The Engineer provides technical advice, prepares plans and specifications, and provides oversight on most civil engineering projects. Sometimes specialty engineers are retained for particular projects. These are paid positions.
The Zoning Hearing Board is a three-member Board whose function is to hear appeals of the decisions of the Zoning Officer. The Board has the authority to approve exemptions from certain requirements contained in the Zoning Ordinance by granting a variance. Although Council appoints this Board, the Board's decisions can be appealed only through the State Courts. The Zoning Hearing Board meetings are scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Municipal Building, provided that there is business to conduct.
The Codes Management & Appeals Board is a five-member Board whose role is to hear appeals of the Building Inspector's decisions relative to compliance with the building codes adopted by Borough Council. This Board convenes only when there is pertinent business.
The Planning Commission is a five-member Board which deals with land-use issues, reviews all development projects in the Borough, and recommends their findings to Council. The Planning Commission also prepares amendments to the Zoning Ordinance with the assistance of the planning consultant and the engineering consultant. The Planning Commission meetings are scheduled for the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building, provided that there is business to conduct.
The Civil Service Commission is a three-member Commission which convenes when Council decides to hire a police officer. They provide a eligibility list of qualified candidates for selection in accordance with state laws. They may also convene to review appeals associated with disciplinary problems. The Commission convenes only when there is pertinent business.
The Western Butler County Authority (W.B.C.A.) is responsible for the sanitary sewage system that serves Zelienople and surrounding municipalities. Council makes two appointments to the Authority. Their meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM at their facility located at 607 Market St., Zelienople.
The Municipal Airport Authority is responsible for overseeing the Zelienople Airport. Council appoints five members to this group. The Municipal Airport Authority Meetings are scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM at the Zelienople Borough Building Council Chambers. You can contact them directly at 724-452-1290 for specific meeting information or visit their website.
The Public Library Board directs the operation of the Zelienople Public Library. As this is supported by Borough taxes, Council appoints one of its members or a representative to the Board. They also make a second appointment, a "Community at Large" member to the Board. Meetings are held the last Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Zelienople Area Public Library.
The Vacancy Management Board is activated only when Borough Council can not produce a majority vote to replace one of its own members.