[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Bridgewater 5-18-2023 by Ord. No. 23-10. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Pursuant to the power conferred to this municipality in N.J.S.A. 40:48-2 and N.J.S.A. 40:69A-30, there is hereby established an Emergency Medical Service Advisory Committee to support, gather information and provide reports and recommendations to the Governing Body of the Township on issues concerning emergency medical service within the boundaries of the Township. The term "committee," when used by itself in this chapter, shall refer to the Bridgewater Emergency Medical Service Advisory Committee.
A. 
The Committee shall consist of 11 members, each of whom shall be residents of the Township of Bridgewater unless otherwise exempted in Subsection B of this section. Members shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Township Council. Members shall be appointed for a term of three calendar years from the date of appointment. The initial appointment terms will be staggered in order to prevent all 11 members' terms from expiring at the same time. Initial appointments will contain three one-year terms, four two-year terms and four three-year terms. In the event of a vacancy prior to the expiration of member's term, the Mayor shall appoint, with advice and consent of the Council, a qualified member to fill the vacancy.
B. 
Notwithstanding Subsection A of this section, the Emergency Medical Service Committee shall be composed of the following:
(1) 
The Mayor of the Township or his/her designee, who may or may not be a resident of the Township of Bridgewater; if not a resident of the Township of Bridgewater, he/she should work for an organization that has a location within the Township of Bridgewater; and
(2) 
The Chief of Police or his/designee, who may or may not be a resident of the Township of Bridgewater; and
(3) 
Four representatives from within the volunteer Bridgewater emergency medical service (EMS) community. There shall be one representative selected from each of the duly organized volunteer EMS rescue squads; Bradley Gardens Rescue Squad, Finderne Rescue Squad, Green Knoll Rescue Squad and Martinsville Rescue Squad. Each squad shall submit the names of three residents who are members in good standing with their respective squads for consideration by the Mayor; and
(4) 
One duly elected Fire Commissioner from any one of the four Fire Districts; and
(5) 
One representative from any one of the six volunteer fire departments serving the Township to include: Bradley Gardens, Country Hills, Green Knoll, Finderne, Martinsville and North Branch. This representative shall not be a duly elected Fire Commissioner but shall be a volunteer in good standing with his/her respective fire department; and
(6) 
Two representatives from the general public whom have a demonstrated interest or background in EMS functions and operations; (with at least one representative being a resident of the Township of Bridgewater, the other representative may be a resident of the Township of Bridgewater or may be employed by an organization with a location within the boundaries of the Township of Bridgewater and
(7) 
The EMS liaison within the duly appointed Local Emergency Management Council.
The membership of the Committee shall appoint from among their membership a chairperson who shall preside over the meetings of the Committee. The Committee may create and approve bylaws for conduct of its business that are consistent with this chapter and any other relevant legal provision. Five members present will constitute a quorum for enactment of business.
A. 
The Committee shall advise the Mayor and the Township Council, in writing, on ways and means to support, improve, grow and strengthen emergency medical service in the Township of Bridgewater.
B. 
The Committee is encouraged to engage and collaborate with civic organizations, government entities, and community groups to solicit information and garner insight in the area of emergency medical service, including, but not limited to, assessing current conditions, developing future strategies and increasing community volunteerism to serve the stated purpose.
C. 
The Committee shall be encouraged to apply for grants and contributions under the auspices of and through the Township of Bridgewater from public and private sources to finance its initiatives. Any grant applications must be approved by Township Council resolution. Any solicitation of contributions must be an approved by the Township Council through the establishment of a dedication by rider and shall be in compliance with the Local Public Budget Law and all other applicable statutes, regulations, and ordinances. The Committee is not authorized to make any expenditure of Township funds and shall make no commitment, either orally or in writing, of Township funds without the specific authorization of the Township Council, The Mayor, to the extent of staff availability, may authorize administrative staff support for grant applications and publicity.
D. 
The Committee shall prepare a yearly report on their activities and recommendations for the Mayor and Township Council, which shall be submitted in writing by December 1 each year. The Committee may be required to make presentations in various forums at the request of the Mayor and Township Council.