The various statutes that govern the Township Committee form of government
require the Township Committee, or its authorized representative, to hear
and determine matters involving employee discipline, petitions for removal
from office and similar proceedings. Such matters are sensitive, personal
and quasi-judicial in nature, and the Township Committee, at its discretion,
desires to have the authority to designate and appoint a Special Municipal
Hearing Officer to hear and render independent findings and determinations
to maintain the impartiality of such proceedings and to facilitate equal protection
and due process for all concerned. The purpose of this chapter is to create
the legislative authority for the appointment of a Special Municipal Hearing
Officer in such cases at the Township Committee's sole discretion.
The Township Committee, in its sole discretion, is hereby authorized
to appoint a Special Municipal Hearing Officer to hear cases in its place
and stead involving matters pertaining to employee discipline, petitions for
removal from office and such other matters as the Committee may designate.
The Hearing Officer shall issue a written report setting forth his or her
findings of fact and recommended disposition of each matter, including discipline,
penalty or removal from office, within the time prescribed by law.
The compensation to be paid to such Special Municipal Hearing Officer
shall be established by a professional services resolution and contract at
a rate to be established by the Township Committee.