There’s a new way for Oakmont residents to contact elected leaders, borough departments, community groups and administration.
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, council Vice President Amanda Pagnotta introduced an updated communication form on the borough’s website for resident use.
Borough officials have been receiving a large number of messages from residents, so Pagnotta was able to collaborate with the company that designed the borough’s website to help get messages to the appropriate borough official.
She said a list of categories was created for residents to choose from when sending a message. Depending on the category selected, the message automatically reaches council members along with an additional appropriate party.
“It’s really important that the public has access and feel like they can send a message and the council is seeing it. But really it’s created to be more of a one-directional message,” Pagnotta said. “If they’re desiring some sort of response, we’re directing them to call the borough offices.”
The previous communication method saw messages submitted directly to council members’ and the borough manager’s inbox, said Scot Fodi, Oakmont’s borough manager.
Fodi said he would receive messages that sometimes included questions or requests better suited for borough departments, such as the parks department or public works.
“If they have a suggestion for streets, the street department should immediately see it,” Pagnotta said. “They could probably resolve it before we get to another meeting.”
The new communication method also gives council an extra layer to avoid breaking the Sunshine Act, which requires “agencies to deliberate and take official action on agency business in an open and public meeting.”
If a question or request from a resident that requires a decision made by council members is submitted, and is discussed outside of a meeting, that would be considered breaking the act and open the borough to litigation.
“If it’s a question, call the borough office,” Pagnotta said. “If you’re sharing information or an opinion, you share it through this form.”
