Lansdale's first female mayor sworn in Monday night

Lansdale Borough welcomed history Monday night, as its first-ever female mayor was sworn in by Magisterial District Judge Ed Levine at the Lansdale council reorganization session. 

After taking her oath, Mayor Rachael Bollens led the reorganization meeting until a new president and vice president were nominated and appointed.

In a Pennsylvania borough, the mayor’s role is primarily focused on public order, emergency authority, and ceremonial and administrative functions, rather than legislative control. 

A mayor can break a tie or split vote among council, when it comes to matters of enacting or passing an ordinance, resolution or motion, declaring any vacancy, filling any vacancy, or taking any other action lawfully brought before council. The mayor can also direct matters to be tabled for a special meeting. 

According to state law, every ordinance enacted by council shall be presented to the mayor for the mayor's approval. If the mayor approves the ordinance, then they sign it. If the mayor does not like it, then they can veto the ordinance, for instance. Per state law, council then reconsiders the ordinance at a future meeting within 10 days.

According to Lansdale Borough code, acting Chief Ryan Devlin and all members of the police department shall be under the supervision of Bollens as mayor for her term.

The mayor is responsible for maintaining public order within the borough. This includes enforcing borough ordinances and regulations, addressing nuisances, and ensuring that appointed officers are carrying out their duties properly. The mayor may also perform additional duties assigned by law or local ordinance. 

According to state law, a borough's mayor has the authority to administer oaths and affirmations in matters related to borough business.

Prior to performing ceremonies, the mayor shall notify council in writing of the intention to perform marriage ceremonies, according to law.

A mayor plays a key role during emergencies and has specific statutory powers to protect public peace.

During emergencies, the mayor may:

• Prevent and suppress riots, mobs, and unlawful or disorderly assemblies
• Request assistance from law enforcement agencies in neighboring municipalities
• Issue a written proclamation of emergency, lasting up to seven days unless modified or extended by borough council

An emergency proclamation may include restrictions such as:

• Curfews limiting access to public streets, parks, or places
• Restrictions on entering or leaving designated areas
• Limits on the sale or distribution of certain goods
• Restrictions on the transport or use of flammable or explosive materials

Emergency proclamations must clearly define the affected areas and time periods. Violations of an emergency proclamation are summary offenses punishable by fines or short-term imprisonment.

According to the state legislature, the mayor is required to:

• Sign official papers, contracts, and documents when required by law
• Collect authorized fees and costs and deposit them into the borough treasury, unless the mayor is salaried and prohibited from receiving such fees
• Periodically report to borough council on the condition of the borough
• Make recommendations to council on issues affecting the borough

Bollens and each council member will receive compensation for services at $576.25 per month, per borough ordinance. 

    

After Bollens, the swearing in on Monday continued with new Councilman Garry Herbert, formerly the town mayor, and re-elected councilors Mary Fuller, Andrew Carroll, Mike Yetter, and Carrie Oglesby. All will serve 4-year terms. James Hanratty was also sworn in to another term as tax collector.

Each council member received a certificate from the House of Representatives by State Rep. Steve Malagari, a Lansdale resident.