It is the policy of the Township of River Vale 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 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, and federal or state law including the Attorney General's guidelines with respect to Police Department personnel matters, the terms and conditions of that contract or law shall prevail. In all other cases, these policies and procedures shall prevail.
All employees, officers and department heads shall be appointed and promoted by the Mayor. No person shall be employed or promoted unless there exists a position created by an ordinance adopted by the Township Council as well as the necessary budget appropriation and Salary Ordinance.
The Business Administrator and all managerial/supervisory personnel are authorized and responsible for personnel policies and procedures. The Township Council has appointed the Business Administrator to implement personnel practices. The Business Administrator shall also have access to the Township Attorney for guidance in personnel matters.
As a general principle, the Township 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, Business Administrator or Mayor concerning any problem.
The Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual adopted by the Township Council 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.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the employment practices of the Township shall operate under the legal doctrine known as "employment at will." Within federal and state law, and any applicable bargaining unit agreement, the Township shall have the right to terminate an employee at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, except the Township shall comply with all federal and state legal requirements requiring notice and an opportunity to be heard in the event of discipline or dismissal.