Kenneth D. McCrea
Vision for the Future
in East Cocalico Township

    What follows below are some of my thoughts on how we can make East Cocalico Township government more open, efficient, responsive, and "User Friendly."  I have been very frustrated in my attempts to suggest changes to the current Board of Supervisors.  I am now convinced that the only way that major changes in our Township government will come is with a change in the members of the Board of Supervisors.

1 ) Increase openness of the Board of Supervisors.

• Post tentative agendas for all BOS meetings (and all other boards under the control of the BOS) on the Township web site at least 24 hours prior to the meetings.  Encourage the Authority to do the same.
• Post draft minutes on the web site within three business days of the meeting.  Encourage the Authority to do the same.
• Create a web page with information (details, status, etc.) on all current BOS activities and projects that the board is working on.  This would include such things as proposed ordinances, possible construction projects (such as the new police station), major housing projects, commercial projects, and any other BOS activities that would have a significant impact on the residents of the Township.  Encourage the Authority to do the same.
• Put maps of the Township on the web site showing the locations of all proposed projects (housing projects, commercial, etc.).  Post signs on the property to notify neighbors and other residents.
• Put a more detailed explanation of any legal notices the Township publishes in the Newspapers on the web site.  The newspaper notices are short to save money, but a more detailed explanation of the notice can be placed on the web site without additional cost.  There should be an explanation of what is going on, and more importantly why it is being done.
• Use the Township’s newsletter to inform the residents of proposed commercal development projects, proposed housing projects, proposed ordinances and ordinance amendments.

2) Encourage participation by Township residents in the BOS’s activities. 

• Hold periodic informal “Town Meetings” to discuss important topics and provide a forum for feedback on the BOS and general Township activities, policies and procedures.  The location of these events could be rotated around the fire companies, and possibly other locations in the Township.

3) Evaluate all Township services and positions with the goal of increasing efficiency and reducing costs and delays.  Create a more “User Friendly” interface between the Township and its residents.

• Solicit suggestions at the “Town Meetings” on how to make the Township more “User Friendly.”
• Determine based on feedback from residents, if Township services, such as road maintenance, snow removal, and services are adequate
• Determine if there are other services that the Township should be providing that the Township is currently not providing.

4) Evaluate all nuisance taxes, such as “Cable Franchise Fees,” “Per Capita Taxes,” and other similar expenses to the residents to determine if there are necessary, fair, and set at an appropriate level. 

5) Evaluate the availability and functioning of recreational facilities in the Township. 

• Are they adequate, sufficiently maintained, and safe?
• Is the Township Pool facility being run properly and efficiently?  The 2009 budget shows a loss of over $90,000.
• Determine if the “Recreation Fund” is being spent appropriately.
• Provide the public with details on how money from the “Recreation Fund” has been has been spent in the past, and seek public input on how it should be used in the future.

6) Encourage Public Involvement in the long-term planning by the Planning Commission. 

• All proposed development activities should be evaluated with respect to their long term impact on the community, not just for their conformance with current ordinances.
• The need for long term infrastructure improvements (schools, water and sewer, roads, parking, traffic, etc.) should be evaluated and public discussion on these issues should be encouraged.
• Evaluate future needs for police, fire, ambulance and other services, facilities and equipment.

    Overall, I feel that in areas of openness, responsiveness, and providing a "User-Friendly" interface, the Township has a long way to go.  A change in leadership is the only way we can change of the policies of the current Board.  Our Township government shouldn't be the driving force behind encouraging future development in our Township.

    There are undoubtedly many other thoughts out there on how to improve Township government.  I'd love to hear them.  If you have ideas on improving our Township, please email me at Ken@KenMcCrea.com to let me know.  Thanks,  Ken McCrea.

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