A.
It is the policy of the Township of Rochelle Park to treat employees
and prospective employees in a manner consistent with all applicable
employment laws and regulations. The personnel policies and procedures
of the Township of Rochelle Park shall apply to all employees, volunteers,
(elected or) appointed officials and independent contractors. In the
event there is a conflict between these rules and any collective bargaining
agreement, personnel services contract, or federal or state law, including
the Attorney General's guidelines with respect to Police Department
personnel matters and the New Jersey Civil Service Act, the terms
and conditions of that contract or law shall prevail. In all other
cases, these policies and procedures shall prevail.
B.
All employees, officers and department heads shall be appointed and
promoted by the Township Committee. No person shall be employed or
promoted unless there exists a position created by an ordinance adopted
by the Township Committee as well as the necessary budget appropriation
and salary ordinance.
C.
The Administrator and all managerial/supervisory personnel are authorized
and responsible for personnel policies and procedures. The Administrator
shall also have access to the Township Attorney/Labor Attorney appointed
by the Township Committee for guidance in personnel matters.
D.
As a general principle, the Township of Rochelle Park has a no-tolerance
policy towards workplace wrongdoing. Township officials, employees
and independent contractors are to report anything perceived to be
improper. The Township believes strongly in an open door policy and
encourages employees to talk with their supervisor, department head,
or administrator concerning any problem.
E.
The Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, adopted by the Township
Committee, is intended to provide guidelines covering public service
by Township employees and is not a contract. This manual contains
many, but not necessarily all, of the rules, regulations, and conditions
of employment for Township personnel. The provisions of this manual
may be amended and supplemented from time to time without notice and
at the sole discretion of the Township.
F.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the employment practices
of the Township of Rochelle Park shall operate under the legal doctrine
known as employment at will. Within federal and state law, and any
applicable bargaining unit agreement, the Township of Rochelle Park
shall have the right to terminate an employee at any time and for
any reason, with or without notice, except the Township of Rochelle
Park shall comply with all federal and state legal requirements requiring
notice and an opportunity to be heard in the event of discipline or
dismissal.
