Township of Evesham, NJ Article XIX Marlton Economic Development Advisory Commission [1]

[Added 4-16-1996 by Ord. No. 19-4-96]

[1] Editor's Note: Former Art. XIX, Economic Development Committee, as amended, was repealed 4-16-1996 by Ord. No. 19-4-96.

§ 3-80 Creation.

There is hereby created the Marlton Economic Development Advisory Commission.

A. Purpose; powers; duties; responsibilities. The purpose of this article, as amended, is to assist in the development and maintenance of a positive business environment in this community and to foster the appropriate and successful use of commercial land use areas throughout the Township, thereby maximizing the commercial tax ratables in Evesham Township and avoiding the proliferation of vacant or underuse of commercial lots and buildings, and the nuisances inherit with said vacancies. Specifically, the Commission shall perform the following functions:

(1) Prepare a commercial use survey and inventory for Evesham Township, to monitor the commercial uses and commercial tax ratables and to attract and assist businesses which are appropriate and will be a contributing part of Evesham Township.

(2) Coordinate efforts with county and state economic development agencies, as well as any regional, federal or private agencies, in an attempt to foster and perpetuate a positive commercial economic environment for Evesham Township.

(3) Assist Township Council, if requested, in the preparation of applications for any grants or funding which would help facilitate efforts and to research the availability of such grants or funding.

(4) Coordinate with the Small Business Administration and any other federal, state or local agencies which assist and/or promote business and commerce in order to enable the Commission to give guidance and information to businesses which desire to start up or to relocate in Evesham Township.

(5) Promote the appreciation of each of the neighborhood shops/services district.

(6) Encourage reinvestment in existing but unused or underused commercial structures in the Township.

(7) Maintain a perpetual inventory of available vacant or underutilized commercial properties, including property that could be used for economic development.

(8) Confer with the Planning Board and Council, as requested, concerning land use issues, ordinances and resolutions that may have an impact upon commercial and industrial retail use in the Township.

(9) Report at least annually to the Planning Board and the Township Council on the state of the business environment in the Township and recommend measures to improve the same.

B. Composition; compensation; residency.

(1) The membership of this committee shall be composed of 13 voting members and three ex officio members and shall serve without compensation for their services. A majority of the voting members shall constitute a quorum. The membership shall be divided into six classes as follows:

[Amended 1-20-2009 by Ord. No. 1-1-2009]

(a) Class I. There shall be one member who shall possess the background or experience relating to the financial sector, with preference given to related experience in the banking industry.

(b) Class II. There shall be one member who shall possess the background or experience relating to the real estate sector, with preference given to background in commercial real estate or corporate relocation.

(c) Class III. There shall be two members who shall possess the background or experience relating to the regional retail sector, with preference given to residents who own or are employed by a regional retail establishment located in Evesham Township.

(d) Class IV. There shall be four members who shall possess the background or experience relating to small business. Preference shall be given to residents who own or are employed by a small business located in Evesham Township; however, the four positions should represent varied types of small business, such as local retail, professional or service.

(e) Class V. There shall be five members of the community at large, with preference given to those who reside in the neighborhoods or residential developments which abut the commercial land use zones.

(f) Class VI. The three ex officio members shall consist of the Director of Community Development and the Chairpersons of the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment or the appointees as chosen by the respective boards.

(2) In addition to the defining preferences of each class, the members of the Commission shall possess qualifications, as determined by the Township Council, in furtherance of the goals and purposes of this Commission.

(3) All Class V members shall be residents of the Township of Evesham at all times during the occupation of their position membership. The cessation of residency in the Township of Evesham by any Class V member during his or her term shall result in the creation of vacancy for that member's position.

(4) All regular and special meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public.

§ 3-81 Commission members.

A. Appointments; terms of office; conflicts of interest; removal; vacancies.

(1) All appointments, including the Chairperson, shall be made by a majority vote of the Township Council.

[Amended 1-20-2009 by Ord. No. 1-1-2009]

(2) Initial terms of members shall be as follows: the Class I and one Class IV member shall be three years; the Class II and two Class IV members shall serve two years; the Class III and one Class IV member shall serve one year; two Class V members shall serve for two years and two Class V members shall serve for one year. Thereafter, the terms of members shall be as follows: three-year terms for Class I, II, III and IV members and two-year terms for Class V members. The terms of the Class III members shall not expire in the same year. Class VI members shall serve for terms concurrent with their term on their respective boards.

[Amended 1-20-2009 by Ord. No. 1-1-2009]

(3) Although nothing herein is meant to limit the number of terms that any member may serve, and preference should be given to reappoint a seated member, no member is to be seated for more than three consecutive terms.

(4) No members may act on any matter in which the member has, either directly or indirectly, any personal or financial interest.

(5) The Township Council may remove any member of the Commission for good cause, on written charges served upon the member and after a hearing thereon, at which the member shall be entitled to be heard in person or by counsel.

(6) Any vacancy occurring by reason of the death, resignation or removal of any member shall be filled by the Township Council for the balance of the former member's unexpired term.

B. Election of officers.

(1) The Commission shall, at its first organizational meeting and at each annual reorganizational meeting, elect a Vice Chairperson from its members and select a Secretary who may or may not be a member of the Commission or a municipal employee.

[Amended 1-20-2009 by Ord. No. 1-1-2009]

(2) The Township Council shall provide for the Commission in its budget and shall appropriate funds for the expenses of the Commission.