Berks County enacts ordinance allowing community appointees to Mount Penn Preserve partnership

Berks County commissioners voted to enact an ordinance amending the Mount Penn Preserve Partnership Council of Governments article of agreement to include a trails and forest stewardship plan and to allow participating municipalities to appoint community members rather than require elected officials.

The ordinance was introduced by the chair, who said one of the key changes is that "the members do not have to be elected officials." County staff present said the Mount Penn Preserve Partnership has seen declining participation among elected officials and growing interest from residents who want to serve. The board discussed the preserve's governance and clarified that municipalities retain responsibility for ordinances, zoning and policing on preserve lands, with the county responsible for Antietam Lake Park.

A staff member noted recent dry conditions and a community concern about potential campfires on the mountain; the staff member said the county directed the concern to the appropriate municipal staff and that local patrols had been observing the area. After discussion a commissioner moved to approve the enactment of the ordinance; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with no opposition recorded. Commissioner Dante Santoni was noted absent on vacation.

The ordinance adds stewardship planning language and broadens appointment eligibility for participating municipalities to include community members. The board did not state any additional conditions or implementation timeline during the meeting.

The county will apply the amended article of agreement to MP3 COG's membership and stewardship activities and proceed with the administrative steps to allow municipal appointments under the revised language.