Zelienople officials approved an emergency declaration Tuesday to maintain consistency with state and federal mandates.

According to a news release issued by borough manager Donald Pepe, the declaration is not meant to cause undue concern and provides the borough access to state and federal emergency funds, if they become available.

The declaration also allows Zelienople officials to make administrative decisions while a disaster emergency declaration is in place.

The Eagle previously reported the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records announced normal regulations as established under the Sunshine Act don't legally apply when the state is under a disaster emergency.

However, local officials are still required to post meeting minutes and are encouraged to record and post the meeting itself.

The open records office also announced in March that local governments “must provide a reasonably accessible method for the public to participate and comment” during public meetings. This could include teleconferences, webinars or other electronic means that provide for “two-way communication.”

However, the office also states the “need to comply with certain 'formal requirements'” can be suspended under a declaration of disaster emergency.