[Adopted 6-7-2010 by Ord. No. 10-06R]
A. 
There is created an Assessment Commission to determine general assessments of taxes for public improvements in the Borough, including, but not limited to, adding new curbing and sidewalks, all in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:56-19 et seq.
B. 
The Assessment Commission shall consist of three residents of the Borough, each of whom shall serve three-year terms commencing on the first day of the year in which the appointment is made. Commissioners shall be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of Council. No Commissioner shall participate in determining an assessment if that Commissioner has a direct interest in the improvement. Commissioners shall be sworn in prior to assuming office.
C. 
Commissioners shall be required to:
(1) 
Examine the subject property after completion of the improvement.
(2) 
Schedule a time, date and location for a hearing to be held in connection with assessment and shall notify all owners of all real estate affected directly by mail and by publication in the appropriate newspaper, all pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56-25.
(3) 
Conduct a hearing with a quorum of at least two Commissioners, all in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:56-26.
(4) 
Determine what if any incidental damages to the property owner(s) should go toward reducing the amount of the assessment.
(5) 
Certify the amount of the assessment to the Mayor and Council by a written report duly signed and accompanied by a map showing the subject real estate.
D. 
The Assessment Commission shall report to the Mayor and Council as to its determination, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56-30, within 45 days of the Commission being notified that assessments are required. The Commission shall conduct a hearing before issuing its report, and the property owners who may be assessed shall have the opportunity to address the Assessment Commission at the hearing.
E. 
The report may be considered by the Mayor and Council at any meeting after receipt, provided that the Borough Clerk gives at least two weeks' prior notice, which notice shall have been posted in five public places in the Borough; or published in a newspaper circulating in the Borough, once in each week for two weeks prior to the meeting; and by mailing a copy of the notice to the owner or owners named in the report, directed to the last known post-office addresses of said owner or owners. The affidavit of the Borough Clerk shall be conclusive to evidence such mailing. The notice shall briefly state the object of the meeting with reference to the assessment. At that or any subsequent meeting, the Mayor and Council, after considering the report and map, may adopt and confirm the report with or without alteration, as may seem proper, and/or may refer the matter to any committee of the Council or to the Commission for revision or correction before taking final action.
F. 
Each Assessment Commissioner shall receive $75 for each assessment hearing in which they serve and participate in the required hearing.