Crafton council to develop letter backing changes to public-notice rules, with cautions

Crafton Borough Council voted Feb. 12 to develop a letter expressing support for legislative changes to public-notice advertising — but with caveats to protect residents who rely on printed notices.

Solicitor Corvo briefed the council on Senate Bill 194, which would expand municipalities' ability to use online sources for required public notices if traditional newspapers cease print. "This is senate bill 194 regarding advertising, public notice," Corvo said, noting the issue has been fluid given changes at local newspapers.

Councilmembers voiced split views: supporters said the current newspaper model reaches few people and digitally posting is more efficient; opponents warned that older residents and people without internet access could be cut off from important notices. "Who’s walking over to the borough to see what's on the door that day?" one councilor asked, urging caution. Another councilor suggested supporting reform in principle while requesting language that preserves paper posting where feasible and requires municipalities to use multiple channels.

After discussion, council approved a motion to develop a draft letter of support for SB194 and asked that the draft include suggested amendments addressing access for seniors and options for paper posting if available. The drafting will follow a template circulated earlier; a councilor volunteered to draft suggested language on identified gaps before the letter returns for council review and formal approval.

The motion does not bind the borough to a final position; the letter will be finalized and voted on at a subsequent meeting.

Next steps: staff and counsel will circulate a draft letter before the next meeting so council can review and, if desired, adopt it formally.