Policy

Template Municipal Ordinance for Unburdening Volunteer Organizations

Preamble:

Recognizing the vital role of volunteer organizations in strengthening our community, fostering civic engagement, and addressing local needs without undue reliance on government intervention, this ordinance aims to eliminate unnecessary impediments to their operations and empower them to flourish through individual initiative and philanthropy.

Section 1: Nullification of Existing Burdens:

1. Local Ordinance Nullification: All existing municipal ordinances or regulations that impose fees, permits, licenses, or any form of registration or reporting requirements on volunteer organizations are hereby nullified.

2. State and Federal Law Nullification: Following the principle of local nullification, any state or federal law that places undue burdens on volunteer organizations within the municipal boundaries is nullified within the jurisdiction of this ordinance. This includes, but is not limited to, regulations regarding fundraising, volunteer recruitment, or operational activities.

Section 2: Freedom of Operation:

1. Permits and Licenses: Volunteer organizations shall not be required to obtain any permits or licenses to operate within the municipality.

2. Fundraising: Volunteer organizations shall be free to engage in any form of fundraising activity.

3. Volunteer Recruitment and Management: Organizations shall have the sole discretion to recruit, train, and manage their volunteers without any government interference.

4. Property Use and Zoning: Volunteer organizations shall be allowed access to public and private property for their activities, subject to the consent of the property owner. Zoning regulations shall not be used to restrict the operations of volunteer organizations.

Section 3: Transparency and Accountability:

1. Annual Financial Reporting: Volunteer organizations are encouraged, but not required, to submit an annual financial report to the municipality, detailing their income, expenses, and charitable activities. The municipality will ensure this report will be made publicly available, fostering transparency and trust with the community.

2. Dispute Resolution: Any disputes arising between volunteer organizations and individuals or other entities shall be resolved through private arbitration or mediation, eliminating the need for government intervention and ensuring swift and efficient resolution.

Section 4: Incentives for Philanthropy:

1. Tax Deductions: The municipality shall advocate for state and federal legislation that grants generous tax deductions for individuals and businesses who donate to or volunteer with local organizations.

2. Municipal Partnerships: The municipality may enter into partnerships with volunteer organizations on mutually beneficial projects, providing resources and support without dictating their operations or mission.

Section 5: Severability:

If any provision of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 6: Effective Date:

This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and publication.

Justification:

This ordinance recognizes the inherent value of individual initiative and voluntary cooperation in fostering a vibrant and prosperous community. By reducing unnecessary government burdens and promoting a climate of freedom and mutual trust, this ordinance empowers volunteer organizations to thrive, address local needs effectively, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient community.

Note:

This is a template ordinance and may need to be adapted to the specific legal framework and context of your municipality. It is recommended to consult with legal counsel specializing in local government and voluntary sector law for guidance on drafting and implementing such an ordinance.

North Apollo USPS Nullification Ordinance

ORDINANCE NO. _______

AN ORDINANCE OF NORTH APOLLO BOROUGH COUNCIL DEMANDING THAT ALL UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE EMPLOYEES DELIVER MAIL TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY

WHEREAS, North Apollo Borough Council has received several complaints about resident mail being sent back by the United States Postal Service (USPS) operating within the jurisdiction of North Apollo Borough due to the Post Office Box of the intended recipient not being included in the address.

WHEREAS, this has not been an issue in the Borough previously, despite the long-standing utilization of Post Office Boxes in the Borough.

WHEREAS, North Apollo Borough is small enough in size to easily record which names and address belong to each Post Office Box; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that:

The Council of the Borough of North Apollo hereby requires all USPS workers operating within the jurisdiction of the Borough to create and maintain a record of every Post Office Box, if such a record does not yet exist, corresponding with the box owner’s name(s) and address.

The Council of the Borough of North Apollo hereby requires all USPS workers operating within the jurisdiction of the Borough to utilize this record in order to deliver any mail without a Post Office Box listed in the address as fast and efficiently as possible to the correct Post Office Box.

The Council of the Borough of North Apollo will hereby consider any failure to abide by this resolution by any USPS worker operating within the jurisdiction of North Apollo from henceforth, until the time the USPS no longer operates in North Apollo, to be in violation of 18 USC Ch. 83 §1701. Obstruction of mails generally, which states, “Whoever knowingly and willfully obstructs or retards the passage of the mail, or any carrier or conveyance carrying the mail, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.”

The Council, and the people, of the Borough of North Apollo reserve their right to nullify any action by Federal, State, or County agencies or actors that do not have the best interest of North Apollo residents in mind, within the jurisdiction of the Borough.

North Apollo Zoning Abolishion Ordinance

BOROUGH OF NORTH APOLLO

ORDINANCE NO. ____________

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF NORTH APOLLO, COUNTY OF ARMSTRONG, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO ABOLISH THE ZONING ORDINANCE

WHEREAS, The North Apollo Zoning Ordinance restricts private property owners use of their private property

THEREFORE, The Borough of North Apollo enacts the following ordinance:

Section 1.    Short title: This ordinance shall be known as the “Zoning Ordinance Repeal Ordinance”.

Section 2.    Ordinance 244 of 1994 is hereby repealed.

Section 3.    Ordinance 258 of 1997 is hereby repealed.

Section 4.    Pursuant to Section 901 of Act 247 of the year 1968 of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth, the North Apollo Borough Zoning Board is hereby dissolved.

Section 5.   Any portion of this ordinance that is inconsistent with itself or active mandates of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the United States Federal government is hereby revoked.

Template Local Food Freedom Ordinance

AN ORDINANCE PROMOTING FOOD FREEDOM IN [CITY/ TOWN]

WHEREAS, every individual has the right to choose what they eat, and to purchase and consume food from the source of their choosing without interference, coercion, or regulation from any third party,

WHEREAS, local producers and entrepreneurs should have the freedom to produce and sell food directly to consumers without undue government interference,

WHEREAS, the residents of [City/Town] value access to locally produced food and the ability to purchase and sell homemade and small-scale food products without government interference,

WHEREAS, current state and local food regulations may be overly burdensome for small-scale food producers and limit consumer choice,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the [City/Town] Council that:

This municipality recognizes the fundamental right of individuals to choose the foods they eat, and the right of local food producers to sell their products directly to consumers without excessive regulation.

This ordinance prohibits any government entity from interfering with the direct farm-to-consumer exchange of food and food products produced and sold within the municipality, including but not limited to zoning restrictions, licensing requirements, and inspections.

This ordinance also nullifies any state or federal food regulations that violate the rights of individuals and local food producers within this municipality.

We urge all local businesses, consumers, and residents to support the freedom of food choice and to reject any attempts to impose undue regulations on local food production and sales.

*This is just an example and should be adapted to fit the specific needs and circumstances of your municipality.