[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township
of Mansfield 12-23-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-12.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Third-party payroll disbursement — See Ch. 2A.
Municipal Attorney and Engineer — See Ch. 8.
Municipal employees — See Ch. 17.
Code of Ethics — See Ch. 17B.
Fees for administrative services — See Ch. 20.
Indemnification of employees — See Ch. 25A.
Municipal Court — See Ch. 31.
Official Seal — See Ch. 33A.
Township Prosecutor — See Ch. 39.
Salaries — See Ch. 42.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 2,
Administration of Government, adopted 12-21-1989 as Section 1 of Ord.
No. 1989-19, as amended.
[Amended 8-15-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-10]
The Township Committee shall consist of five members, elected
by the voters of the Township of Mansfield, who shall each hold office
for a term of three years commencing January 1 next succeeding their
election.
A.
The
Mayor shall be the Chairman of the Township Committee and the head
of the municipal government in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A.
40A:63-5, and shall have those powers set forth in said statute.
B.
The
Township Committee shall annually elect from among its members a Deputy
Mayor, who shall chair meetings and serve as Mayor in the absence
of, or disability of, the Mayor.
C.
The
Township Committee may assign its members to serve as Committee Liaisons.
A Committee Liaison serves as a contact point to allow the relevant
department, board or commission to address its concerns as if to the
Township Committee as a whole. The Committee Liaisons positions shall
include the following:
(1)
Liaison to Engineering Services.
(2)
Liaison to Insurance and Safety.
(3)
Liaison to Emergency Management.
(4)
Liaison to Environmental Commission.
(5)
Liaison to Special Events Committee.
(6)
Liaison of Community Forestry Committee.
(7)
Liaison of Recreation Committee.
(8)
Emergency Squad Liaison.
(9)
Fire Department Liaison.
D.
Rules and
regulations of the Township Committee.
[Added 2-2-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-2]
(1)
Applicability. This subsection shall apply to all meetings conducted
by the Mansfield Township Committee, both in person and remote meetings.
For purposes of this subsection, the term "Chair" shall mean the Mayor,
Deputy Mayor or other individual presiding over the Township Committee
meeting.
(2)
Section 2-1 of the Mansfield Township Code entitled "Township Committee" provides, in Subsection A: "The Mayor shall be the Chairman of the Township Committee and the head of the municipal government in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:63-5, and shall have those powers set forth in said statute."
(3)
N.J.S.A. 40A:63-5 entitled "Powers of the Mayor" provides that 1)
the Mayor shall be the chairman of the Township Committee and head
of the municipal government; 2) the Mayor shall have all those powers
placed in the Mayor by general law; 3) the Mayor shall preside at
meetings of the Committee and shall have the right to debate on vote
and vote on all questions before the Committee.
(4)
Rules and regulations.
(a)
Compliance with Open Public Meetings Act. All meetings of the Township
Committee shall comply with all provisions of the State of New Jersey
Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq., specifically including,
but not limited to, establishing its regular meeting time, its standing
order of business, and its agenda for each meeting.
(b)
Agenda.
[1]
All regular meetings of the Township Committee shall follow
the following format for the agenda:
[a]
Call to order.
[b]
Open Public Meetings Act statement.
[c]
Roll call.
[d]
Executive session (if required).
[e]
Flag salute.
[f]
Department/board reports.
[g]
Ordinances for introduction/first reading.
[h]
Ordinances for second reading/public hearing/adoption.
[i]
Resolutions (nonconsent).
[j]
Consent agenda.
[k]
Approval of bill list.
[l]
Approval of minutes.
[m]
Discussion items/public hearings/presentations to council.
[n]
Public comment.
[o]
Any other item of new business.
[p]
Motion for adjournment.
[2]
Under Roberts Rules of Order, the agenda for any meeting shall
be prepared by the president or chair of the body conducting the meeting,
in this case the Mayor. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:9-133, the Township
Clerk, with the assistance of the Township Administrator and the Township
Attorney, will prepare the preliminary agenda and forward it to the
Mayor. The Mayor shall review and approve the agenda with any modifications
as set forth herein. Any member of the Committee can add an item to
the agenda with consent from a majority of the Committee. Members
of the Committee shall forward such request to the Mayor. If a majority
of the Committee approves, the matter is added to the agenda; if not,
the items shall not be added. In advance of any Committee meeting,
the Mayor shall request consent from the Committee in compliance with
the Open Public Meetings Act. The Mayor shall forward the final agenda
to the Township Clerk for official release to the public.
[3]
During a Committee meeting, any member of the Committee can
make a motion to add a matter or item to the agenda of the meeting
(or to add an item or matter to the agenda of a future meeting) with
the consent of a majority of the Committee. Any motion to add a matter
or item to the agenda of the meeting (or to add a matter or item to
the agenda of a future meeting) must be made during the "any other
item of new business" segment of the meeting after conclusion of the
regular agenda and prior to adjournment. The motion must be seconded
and then considered by the Township Committee as a whole. If a majority
of the Committee approves, the matter is added to the agenda; if not,
the motion fails.
[4]
Any Township Committee member can request that an ordinance
or resolution covering a specific matter be prepared and added to
the agenda of the meeting (or to be added at a future meeting), provided
that all ordinances and resolutions must be prepared and/or reviewed
by the Township Attorney prior to being added to the agenda.
(c)
Roberts Rules of Order. Except as may be modified by this § 2-1D, as may be amended, the public meetings of the Township Committee shall be conducted pursuant to the latest addition of Robert's Rules of Order: Rules and Regulations Governing Public Comment (as adopted by Resolution No. 2022-1-9).
[1]
These rules and procedures for public comment apply to all Township
Committee meetings, both in-person and remote.
[2]
Unless relaxed for good cause by the Chair, persons addressing
the Township Committee shall be allowed a maximum of five minutes
for comment, and shall not be permitted to comment more than one time.
Time cannot be shared with or allotted to other speakers.
[3]
If the item on which the public comment is addressed is a matter
on the Township Committee agenda for which there is a scheduled public
hearing, all comments must be addressed to the Township Committee
during the public hearing on that matter and not during the general
public comment period of the Township Committee agenda.
[4]
Unless relaxed for good cause by the Chair, the total time period
for public comment during a Township Committee meeting shall not exceed
30 minutes.
[5]
The Township Committee takes comments, concerns and questions
from the public very seriously. Public comment by way of questions
is welcomed; however, the public comment period is not designed to
be a discussion nor is it a question-and-answer session. Accordingly,
unless a question is routine in nature, the public should not expect
the Township Committee to respond to questions during the meetings.
The Township Committee may require sufficient time to process and
research issues so that questions can be answered correctly and expeditiously.
The Township Committee will make every effort to respond to questions
in a timely manner.
[6]
The public will direct all comments to the Township Committee.
Specific questions, concerns or requests are to be addressed to the
Chair. As implied by the term "public comment," this portion of the
meeting is for the public to speak and be heard. With the exception
of the Chair, members of the Township Committee will refrain from
commenting unless specifically directed to do so by the Chair.
[7]
Questions or comments pertaining to litigation, personnel, or
negotiations cannot be discussed in public.
[8]
Members of the public addressing the Township Committee will
identify themselves by stating their name, address, and group affiliation,
if applicable.
(d)
Violations; penalties; removal from meeting. All persons, including members of the Township Committee, attending any Township Committee meeting shall observe order and decorum during the meeting. No person in the audience shall engage in noisy or disruptive conduct such as hand clapping, stamping of feet, whistling, using profane language, shouting or other similar demonstration which may disturb the peace and order of the meeting. Any person(s) making personal, defamatory or profane remarks or who willfully utters loud, threatening or abusive language or engages in any disruptive conduct which disturbs or disrupts the orderly conduct of any meeting shall be called to order by the Chair. If such conduct continues, after the call to order by the Chair, the Chair may order such person removed from that meeting by the Sergeant at Arms. In addition, any person violating this subsection may be subject to the provisions of Mansfield Code § 1-15 specifying the general penalties for violation of any provision of the Code. In the event a Committee meeting is being held virtually or remotely, the Chair shall maintain and implement all of the rules and procedures set forth in this subsection using any tools available from the remote meeting provider. The Chair shall have the sole authority to instruct and/or direct the remote meeting provider host or technical support assistant.
(e)
Sergeant at arms. The Chief of Police, or such member of the Department
of Police, as the Chief may designate, shall be available as Sergeant
of Arms at the meetings. On instruction of the Chair, the Sergeant
at Arms shall remove from the meeting any person who disturbs the
proceedings of the public meeting. Only the Chair shall have sole
authority to direct the Sergeant at Arms.
(f)
Resisting removal. Any person who resists removal from the meeting
by the Sergeant of Arms, when directed by the Chair, may be charged
with a violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-8, Disrupting meetings and processions,
and the penalties for a disorderly person offense as set forth in
N.J.S.A. 2C:52-3.
(g)
Any rule or regulation adopted herein may be relaxed by a two-thirds
majority of the Township Committee members.
[Added 8-15-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-10]
The Township Administrator shall be appointed by the Township
Committee and is responsible for the executive responsibilities of
the Township, including but not limited to the daily management and
oversight of all municipal departments and any other responsibilities
delegated and assigned by the Township Committee. The Township Administrator
shall serve at the pleasure of the governing body subject to the provisions
of N.J.S.A. 40A:9-137 and 40A:9-138.
[Added 8-15-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-10]
The Administrative Liaison to the Township Committee shall assist
the Committee in its daily operations.
A.
Municipal
Clerk: N.J.S.A. 40A:9-133 et seq. and 40A:9-134; a statutory and diverse
position in every municipality with duties outlined pursuant to statute
requirements.
B.
Deputy
Clerk: N.J.S.A. 40A:9-135; assists the Municipal Clerk in the duties
and functions of the office and, in the absence of the Municipal Clerk,
will have all the powers of the Municipal Clerk and shall perform
the functions and duties of such office. The Deputy Municipal Clerk
will hold office for a term of one year from January 1 of the year
of his/her appointment or until such time as his/her successor has
been appointed.
[Amended 5-14-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-8]
C.
Administrative
assistant to Clerk: N.J.S.A. 40A:63-6b(3); assists the Municipal Clerk
in the duties and functions of the office.
A.
Municipal
Finance Officer/Chief Financial Officer: N.J.S.A. 40A:9-140.2 to 40A:9-140.15;
responsible for the complex supervisory, professional, administrative
and technical accounting and financial functions of fiscal records
and systems of the municipality (acts as Treasurer).
B.
Deputy
Treasurer: assists the Municipal Finance Officer/CFO/Treasurer.
D.
Human
Resources/Payroll Coordinator: N.J.S.A. 40A:63-6b(3); Manages and
executes employee payroll and health, insurance and workman's compensation
benefits and claims under the supervision of the Municipal Finance
Officer/CFO/Treasurer.
E.
Purchasing
Assistant: N.J.S.A. 40A:63-6b(3); assists the Purchasing Agent.
A.
Tax
Assessor: N.J.S.A. 40A:9-148 et seq.; a statutory position, the Tax
Assessor is responsible for assessing property for the purpose of
general taxation pursuant to State of New Jersey Division of Taxation
regulations.
See N.J.S.A. 2B:12-1 et seq.
A.
Magistrate:
N.J.S.A. 2B:12-4; appointed to preside over the Municipal Court Sessions
for a three-year term.
B.
Court
Administrator: N.J.S.A. 2B:12-10; under the direction of the municipal
Magistrate, and compensated by the municipality, to manage the judicial
functions, powers and duties of the Municipal Court and its employees.
C.
Deputy
Court Administrator: assists the Court Administrator.
D.
Violations
Clerk: assists with daily duties of the Court.
E.
Public
Defender: administers justice in equal representation of defendants
as required.
F.
Prosecutor:
attends Municipal Court sessions as requested by the Magistrate and
prepares, processes and prosecutes complaints before the Court on
the behalf of the municipality.
Three-year term; c. 21A.
A.
Fire
Inspector: responsible for enforcement of New Jersey Uniform Fire
Code.
See c. 25; manages the duties and powers enumerated in the BOCA
National Property Maintenance Code/1996 and the New Jersey State Housing
Code/1980.
[Amended 11-1-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-16]
Performs all duties and responsibilities as required by the
Uniform Construction Code, the International Construction Code, the
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and laws pursuant
to the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code under the supervision
of the Construction Official.
A.
Construction official N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.; serves as the chief
administrator of the municipality's construction codes and offices.
B.
Building Subcode Official: performs a variety of routine and complex
technical work in building inspections to insure that the uniform
building and other related codes and standards are met.
C.
Electrical Subcode Official: performs a variety of routine and complex
technical work in electrical inspections work to insure that the uniform
electrical and other related codes and standards are met.
D.
Fire Subcode Official: performs a variety of routine and complex
technical work in fire inspections work to insure that the uniform
fire code and other related codes and standards are met.
E.
Plumbing Subcode Official: performs a variety of routine and complex
technical work in plumbing inspections work to insure that the uniform
plumbing and other related codes and standards are met.
F.
Technical assistant: assists the Construction Official.
Responsible for maintaining the municipality's infrastructure
of buildings, grounds, garbage collection, recycling and road repairs.
A.
Township Superintendent N.J.S.A. 40a:9-154.5; performs administrative
and supervisory duties in planning, organizing and directing all staff
activities involved in the operation of the municipality's buildings
and grounds, streets, roads and sanitation.
B.
Public Works Foreman.
(1)
The
position of Public Works Foreman for the Mansfield Township Public
Works Department is hereby created.
C.
Assistant Public Works Foreman.
[Added 3-13-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; amended 4-9-2014 by Ord. No.
2014-7]
(1)
The
position of Assistant Public Works Foreman for the Mansfield Township
Public Works Department is hereby created.
(2)
The
job responsibilities of said Assistant Public Works Foreman, shall
be as follows:
(a)
Assists
the Public Works Foreman with all daily maintenance and repairs of
building and grounds facilities, streets, roads, equipment and vehicles;
and together with, as well as, in the absence of the Public Works
Foreman, will supervise the staff assigned to the Public Works Department.
D.
Administrative Assistant to the Township Superintendent: performs
assigned clerical duties for the Township Superintendent.
E.
Maintenance laborer: Performs a variety of maintenance work and operates
a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance
and replacement of the municipality's streets, parks, buildings and
storm drainage facilities and systems.
A.
Chief of Police: as the department head of the Police Department,
the Chief of Police is the highest-ranking certified police officer
and has the general charge of and overall responsibility for the efficient
performance of the department.
B.
Lieutenant (one): under the direction of the Chief of Police, the
Lieutenant has direct control over all members and staff within the
department to assure the proper performance of duties and adherence
to established rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
C.
Sergeant (four): have the direct control and supervision of personnel
assigned to each.
D.
Detective (one): investigates and follows investigations of crimes
committed in the municipality, develops and uses confidential sources
of information, assists uniformed officers with arrests, etc., and
performs other law enforcement duties as may be directed by the Chief
of Police.
E.
Police officers (five): responsibility for performing a variety of
duties related to the protection of life and property, enforcement
of criminal and traffic laws, prevention of crime, preservation of
the public peace and the apprehension of criminals.
G.
Security guard (1): performs duties requested by the Chief of Police
in connection with the primary goals of providing security while the
Municipal Court is in session.
H.
Senior Police Records Clerk: responsibility as the Uniform Crime
Reporting Coordinator as well as Police Department administration.
I.
Police Records Clerk: assists the Senior Police Records Clerk.
Members are the Township Committee. The Board of Health retains
exclusive jurisdiction in the areas of public health legislation and
enforcement. The Board also has exclusive authority to enact and enforce
ordinances regarding public health.
A.
Registrar of Vital Statistics: N.J.S.A. 26:8-17; processes vital
records pertaining to births, deaths and marriages occurring in the
municipality.
B.
Deputy Registrar: assists the Registrar of Vital Statistics.
C.
Alternate Registrar: assists the Registrar of Vital Statistics in
the absence of the Deputy Registrar.
D.
Board of Health Secretary: formulates the agenda and introduces all
communications addressed to the Board, prepares minutes of the Board
meetings including ordinances and communications, and maintains minutes
as a public record.
[Added 12-19-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-17]
A.
Said officer shall be responsible for animal welfare within the jurisdiction
of the municipality in which he or she is appointed pursuant to N.J.S.A.
4:22-14.1 et seq, and will be required to complete a training course
approved by the Police Training Commission within one year to qualify
for the position.
B.
Compensation. The range of compensation will be between $500 per
year and $1,500 per year.
A.
Secretary/Recreation Coordinator: Secretary performs assigned clerical
duties for the Recreation Commission; Coordinator performs the daily
administrative duties regarding all recreation programs.
B.
Environmental Secretary: performs assigned clerical duties for the
Environmental Commission.
C.
OEM Coordinator: manages the Office of Emergency Management which
is authorized to carry out emergency management operations and protect
the residents of the municipality.
(1)
Assistant
Emergency Management Coordinator. The job responsibilities of said
Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator shall be as follows: assist
the OEM Coordinator in managing the Office of Emergency Management
which said Department is authorized to carry out emergency management
operations and protect the residents of the municipality.
[Added 11-4-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-23]
D.
OEM Secretary: performs assigned clerical duties for the OEM Coordinator
and OEM Committee.
E.
Safety Coordinator: attends meetings with the Joint Insurance Fund
(JIF) and the municipality and prepares the necessary documents for
the Fund.
F.
Safety Secretary: attends meetings of the Safety Committee which
is comprised of all department heads and two Township Committee liaisons
(Fund Commissioner and Alternate Fund Commissioner).
G.
Land Use Coordinator. The Land Use Coordinator shall serve as the
Administrative Officer, as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-3, to be appointed
by the governing body for a term not to exceed one year, commencing
January 1 in the year in which (s)he is appointed, and subject to
all qualifications, rights and entitlements as shall be prescribed
by general law and the ordinances of the Township of Mansfield. The
Land Use Coordinator shall have the authority to carry out the various
land use administrative functions and shall serve as both Township
Planning Board Secretary and Township Zoning Board of Adjustment Secretary,
shall receive and process all land use applications, submitted to
either of said Boards, and shall perform all of the other duties and
responsibilities set forth in the Township's job description for the
position of Land Use Coordinator.
[Added 11-1-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-16]
H.
Zoning Officer: the individual responsible for enforcement and interpretation of the Zoning ordinances of the Township of Mansfield, to be appointed by the Township Committee for a one-year term, which shall run from January 1 in the year in which (s)he was appointed, and subject to all qualifications, rights and entitlements as prescribed by general law and the ordinances of the Township of Mansfield. The Zoning Officer shall also be responsible for inspecting properties in the municipality for violations, issuing zoning cease-and-desist orders to owners of property in violation of Zoning ordinances, filing complaints in Municipal Courts against property owners who fail to comply with ordinance provisions; shall be the person responsible for issuing zoning permits; and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Township Committee in the job description for the position of Zoning Officer, as well as those duties set forth in § 65-118B of this Code.
[Added 11-1-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-16]
I.
Recreation
- Special Events - Social Media Coordinator: The position of Recreation
- Special Events - Social Media Coordinator for Mansfield Township
is hereby created.
[Added 11-16-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-16]
(1)
The job responsibilities as Recreation Coordinator shall be under
general supervision from the Township Administrator, and perform administrative
functions for the Recreation Committee, and act as the Recreation
Chair. Main duties would include:
(a)
Plans and manages a comprehensive municipal recreation program
including athletic leagues, instructional programs, and recreation
special events.
(b)
Manages the recreation website and registration system.
(c)
Responsible for the marketing and promotion of parks and recreation
programs and facilities, including web pages and social media.
(d)
Prepares and manages the annual budget for recreation program
functions. Approves purchases of supplies and operating inventory
for recreation programs. Develops alternative funding sources for
programs and improvements.
(e)
Performs public relation duties, responds to complaints, and
handles all league suspensions and rule enforcement.
(f)
Secures facilities with school districts and other entities
for program use and obtains insurance certifications as necessary
through the Township Clerk.
(g)
Develops a short- and long-range plan for a comprehensive Township-wide
recreation program, proposes long-range capital improvement, and proposes
development of facilities, equipment, and programs.
(h)
Deposits and reconciles all sports registration fees.
(i)
Maintains petty cash funds provided through the Township.
(j)
Maintains database of coaches' certifications and criminal
background checks as well as coordinates updates of same.
(k)
Obtains quotes for uniforms and equipment when necessary.
(l)
Assists with developing each sport subcommittee with administration
of the same.
(m)
Responsible for all recreation equipment.
(n)
Responsible for the safety and security of facilities.
(o)
Attends evening coaches' meetings, clinics, and assessments
with subcommittees.
(p)
Prepares agenda for monthly Recreation Committee meeting and
records and distributes minutes of meetings.
(2)
The job responsibilities as Special Event Coordinator, which shall
be under general supervision from the Township Administrator: performs
event planning and coordination of all community events, including,
but not limited to, Field Day, farmer's market, movie nights
in the park, Touch a Truck, Harvest Festival and holiday tree lighting/wagon
rides. Main duties would include:
(a)
Cost analysis of Township events while staying within the allocated
budget.
(b)
Solicitation of donations.
(c)
Fund-raising.
(d)
Secure and schedule vendors for Township events requiring vendors.
(e)
Communication and coordination with Township Public Works Foreman,
police, fire and EMS for all scheduled events.
(f)
Setup, execution and cleanup of all scheduled Township events.
(g)
Community outreach.
(h)
Advertise and promote Township events.
(i)
Organization and maintenance of the special events storage space
in the Mansfield Community Park concession stand.
(3)
The Social Media Coordinator's objective is to ensure the Township
of Mansfield's governing body and administration communicates
effectively and efficiently with all Township residents, in having
the Township looked upon as the primary source for information regarding
all matters involving operations and reflecting the mission, vision,
and goals of the Township. The Social Media Coordinator will develop,
oversee and implement a plan with regard to all Township communications
and messaging via news delivery, website and social media management.
The Social Media Coordinator will collaborate and work with the Township's
governing body and Township Administrator to maintain a positive brand
identity for the Township. Main duties would include:
(a)
The development of partnerships and engagement with community,
governmental (state and local), local business and other professional
organizations on a local, state and national level.
(b)
The development, maintenance and evaluation of a comprehensive
program of public relations, community outreach, crisis and emergency
communications, and other communications initiatives as defined by
the Township's governing body and the Township Administrator.
(c)
The branding, marketing, and advertising of programs and services
offered by the Township.
(d)
Develops, composes, edits, produces and distributes informational
materials.
(e)
Works directly with the Township governing body and Township
Administrator to evaluate, develop, create and maintain website content
and presentation.
(f)
Oversees daily changes and updates to the website, including
the calendar.
(g)
Maintains and manages the overall brand on social media and
responsible for content development and management of Township digital
media.
(h)
Researches and applies for various grant opportunities from
federal, state and local that are available to the Township.
A.
Statement of policy. It is hereby declared to be the public policy
of this Township to recognize the public's general right to know pursuant
to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq., and all of the public's business in this
municipality shall be open to the public unless the public interest,
general law or administrative regulations require nondisclosure and
the governing body, in consultation with the Municipal Attorney, shall
determine if and when nondisclosure is warranted.
B.
CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS
PUBLIC RECORDS
Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to terms used
in this section:
The Clerk or Secretary of the body required by law to make
and maintain records.
All records which are required by law to be made, maintained
or kept on file by the Township Committee or any board, agency, department,
commission or official of this Township.
C.
Inspection of public records.
(1)
Any member of the public seeking to inspect public records of this
municipality shall make application in writing either through a form
supplied by the custodian or by a suitable substitute, which identifies
the record or records sought to be inspected and/or copied.
(2)
Such inspection shall be made only at reasonable times during regular
business hours and without interference with the conduct of the affairs
of the office or other place where such records are kept or maintained;
provided, however, that in the event that said records are not readily
available or research is necessary to supply the information sought,
the custodian shall have at least two weeks to comply with the request;
and in the event that the custodian is engaged in activities that
would reasonably have priority over retrieval or presentation of the
records requested, the custodian shall have the right to postpone
the inspection for up to 48 hours.
D.
Removal; reproduction of documents. Under no circumstances shall public records be removed from the municipal building or any other building where they are normally kept. Such records shall not be removed from the office wherein they are normally maintained unless accompanied by the custodian or her/his representative. If the custodian of such records shall find that there is no risk of damage or mutilation of such records and that it would not be incompatible with the economic and efficient operation of the office and the transaction of public business therein, she/he may permit a person seeking to copy more than 100 pages of records to use the person's own photographic process, approved by the custodian, upon the payment of the fee fixed in Chapter 20 of the Code.
E.
Documents; information not subject to release. In addition to any
restriction or limitations established by general law, no records,
documents or information of any kind shall be released to the public
if the same are not public records, as defined in this section, or
if they are not in final form or if review or action regarding the
documents or information is still pending before a body of this municipality
or if the material sought is confidential in nature or an individual
citizen's right to privacy outweighs the general public's right to
know.
The position of a member of the governing body shall be deemed
vacant when a member, as required by law, is to attend official Township
meetings and fails to attend two consecutive months or four consecutive
meetings, whichever shall be a longer duration, without being excused
from attendance by the full governing body. The exception to this
policy would be considered for legitimate illness and/or any other
legitimate excuse at the approval of the full governing body.
The position of a member of the governing body shall be required
to attend, on an annual basis, at least one course offered by the
Rutgers University Center for Government Services or a similar education
provider, such as the New Jersey League of Municipalities, covering
the responsibilities and obligations of elected officials (for example:
ethics, municipal finance, labor relations, capital planning, shared
services).
