[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Mansfield 12-23-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-12.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[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Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 2, Administration of Government, adopted 12-21-1989 as Section 1 of Ord.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; 2-2-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-2; 1-22-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-1]
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. 
As set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A:63-3(f) providing for the organization of the Township Committee, at the annual meeting, the Township Committee shall have the power and authority to elect one of their number as Chairman of the Township Committee, who shall preside at all meetings of the Township Committee and who shall be known as the Mayor of the Township. The Mayor shall have no additional authority by virtue of such designation, except as otherwise provided by law or this act.
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. 
(Reserved)
D. 
Rules and regulations of the Township Committee.
(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) 
(Reserved)
(3) 
(Reserved)
(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.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 2-1.2, Administrative Liaison to Township Committee, added 8-15-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-10, was repealed 1-22-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-1.
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.
C. 
Purchasing Agent: N.J.S.A. 40A:11-9 et seq.; appointed to perform the procurement authority, responsibility and accountability for the contracting unit pursuant to Chapter 11, Local Public Contracts Law, and Chapter 19, Municipal Pay to Play Law.
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 Collector: N.J.S.A. 40A:9-141; a statutory position, the Tax Collector collects taxes and other revenues and has the responsibilities for transmitting tax bills and performing an annual tax sale.
B. 
Assistant to Tax Collector: N.J.S.A. 40A:63-6b(3); assists the Tax Collector.
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.
A. 
One-year term; c. 65-173.
B. 
Serves as the point of contact for inquiries from the State of New Jersey Affordable Housing providers, administrative agents and interested parties, and monitors the status of all restricted units in Mansfield Township's Fair Share Plan.
[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.
(2) 
The job responsibilities of said Public Works Foreman, shall be as follows:
(a) 
Performs daily maintenance and repair buildings and grounds facilities, streets, roads, equipment and vehicles; and supervises the staff assigned to the Public Works Department.
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. 
Public Works Crew Leader.
[Added 8-16-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-11[1]]
(1) 
The position of Public Works Crew Leader for the Mansfield Township Public Works Department is hereby created.
(2) 
The job responsibilities of said Public Works Crew Leader shall be as follows:
(a) 
Under direction, assists in supervising and works with a group of employees engaged in the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of multiple public works facilities, such as streets, parks, or other public works operations; may be required to operate, check, service, and make minor repairs to trucks and other maintenance/construction equipment; does other related duties as required.
(b) 
Supervises and works with employees engaged in loading and unloading street repair materials.
(c) 
Supervises and works with employees engaged in cutting brush, mowing grass, emptying refuse containers, loading refuse, and disposing of refuse at an assigned place.
(d) 
Assigns and works with employees in repairing/maintaining storm drain and sinkhole repairs.
(e) 
Ensures that safety precautions are followed and that procedures are taken to protect the public from injury during repair activities.
(f) 
May inspect completed work to ensure that procedures were followed, that reasonable standards of workmanship/output were maintained, and that desired objectives were achieved.
(g) 
Assumes all authority/responsibilities in the absence of the Public Works Foreman and/or Assistant Public Works Foreman.
(h) 
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electric and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the redesignation of former Subsections D and E as Subsections E and F, respectively.
E. 
Administrative Assistant to the Township Superintendent: performs assigned clerical duties for the Township Superintendent.
F. 
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.
F. 
Special police officer (one): employed on a per-diem basis as may be necessary in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146 was repealed by L. 1985, c. 439. See now N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8 et seq.
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. 
Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to terms used in this section:
CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS
The Clerk or Secretary of the body required by law to make and maintain records.
PUBLIC 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.
(3) 
Fees. The fees charged for providing documents and information pursuant to this section shall be set forth in Chapter 20[1] of the Township Code.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 20, Fees for Administrative Services.
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).