[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of
Chester as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
[Adopted 6-6-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-8]
The governing body of the Borough of Chester finds that education
and continuing education of all elected officials and those appointed
to an elected position will advance the public interest. Continuing
education in appropriate areas is critical to the proper governmental
function and reasoned action on matters of governance. Accordingly,
the minimum continuing education requirements contained herein is
adopted.
The elected and appointed officials included within the requirements
of this article shall be all those serving in the capacity of an elected
position of municipal governance on the effective date of this article.
A.Â
Elected officials subject to this article shall attend, on an annual
basis, at least one course or program relating to the powers and duties
of elected officials. Said courses shall include, but not be limited
to, instruction in the following areas: municipal finance, issues
of budgeting and budget process requirements, Open Public Meetings
Act, public meeting procedures, municipal procedures and practices,
Open Public Records Act, ethics and/or conflicts of interest. Said
course should be approved by the Department of Community Affairs of
the State of New Jersey, or the Borough's insurance provider.
Course selection must be approved by the Borough Administrator prior
to payment of tuition for same by the Borough. Attendance at any course
or program shall be arranged through and approved by the Borough Administrator
based upon review of a course or program outline. Upon completion,
the official shall submit proof of attendance to the Borough Administrator.
B.Â
As an alternative to the foregoing, an official may satisfy the educational
requirements of this section by completing a course or program offered
in connection with the official's private employment, if upon
review of the course/program outline or materials together with proof
of attendance, the Borough Administrator is satisfied that the subject
matter of the course/program otherwise meets the educational requirements
of this section.
If a person elected or appointed to an elected office does not
complete the educational requirements of this article, the Council
may withhold payment of up to 25% of the elected official's stipend
until such time as the elected official complies with the requirements
of this article.
