[Amended 6-9-2004 by Ord. No. 04-08; 9-8-2004 by Ord. No. 04-12; 10-18-2010 by Ord. No. 10-20; 1-17-2012 by Ord. No. 12-01; 11-14-2021 by Ord. No. 21-26]
A. Department created; Business Administrator; qualifications.
(1) There shall be a Department of Administration. The Business Administrator
shall serve as the head of the Department without additional compensation.
(2) The Business Administrator shall be responsible for the efficient
management of the divisions of this Department and shall have and
possess the general power and duties of a department head as provided
by this chapter.
(3) The Business Administrator shall be appointed by the Mayor. Prior
to such appointment, the Business Administrator shall have at least
four years of responsible experience as a municipal manager or administrator
in duties related to his office. He/she shall have a bachelor's or
master's degree.
B. Organization of Department. The Department of Administration shall
consist of the following four divisions:
(1) Division of Administration.
(a)
The Division of Administration shall be headed by the Business
Administrator.
(b)
The Division, under the supervision of the Mayor, shall:
[1]
Assist in the preparation of the budget.
[2]
Establish a central purchasing system.
[3]
Be responsible for the development and administration of a sound
personnel system.
[4]
Report monthly to the Council on all phases of its operation.
[5]
Perform all other duties as the Council may prescribe.
[6]
Keep records of sick leave, vacations and holidays of all Township
officials and employees.
(2) Division of Health.
(a)
Organization. The Division of Health shall be headed by the
Health Officer.
(b)
Powers and duties.
[1]
Administer state laws and Township ordinances conferring functions,
powers and duties upon a board, bureau or department of health or
a local health officer.
[2]
Enforce laws and ordinances providing for the prevention and
control of disease and related inspections.
[3]
Administer a public health nursing service and health education
programs as provided by ordinance.
[4]
Operate public health clinics as authorized by ordinance or
general law.
[5]
Employ a licensed Health Officer as authorized by state statutes
and by Township ordinance.
(c)
Registrar of Vital Statistics.
[1]
The Township Council shall appoint a local Registrar of Vital
Statistics for the Township, pursuant and subject to the provisions
of N.J.S.A. 26:8-11 et seq.
[2]
The local Registrar of Vital Statistics shall:
[a]
Administer the state laws and ordinances relating to vital statistics
as therein prescribed.
[b]
Maintain a Bureau of Vital Statistics.
[c]
The local Registrar of Vital Statistics shall process requests for certified copies and certifications of vital records, including but not limited to births, deaths, marriages, domestic partnerships, civil unions and amendments. The fee for certified copies or certifications of said records shall be as set forth in §
145-7A. The fee for processing an amendment to a vital record shall be as set forth in §
145-7B.
[d]
Be available to issue marriage licenses and receive requests
for certified copies of same filed in that office during the hours
of 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. only, Monday
through Friday, except for legal holidays when the municipal offices
in general are closed.
(3) Division of Central Purchasing.
(a)
Duties and responsibility. The Business Administrator shall
have the duty and responsibility to establish and maintain a central
purchasing system for the procurement, storage and distribution of
all supplies, materials, equipment and services as required by all
Township departments within the administrative organization of the
Township in accordance with the procedures contained in this subsection.
The Business Administrator shall be responsible for:
[1] Designating a Chief Purchasing Officer with QPA (Qualified Purchasing
Agent) certificate to manage the daily operations.
[2]
The procurement of goods and services required by all Township
departments, including the appropriate bid invitations, evaluations
and recommendations to the awarding authority pursuant to the provisions
of the Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq).
[3]
The updating and upgrading of specifications for all commodities
and services purchased for the Township to fit requirement decisions
to the best market advantage of the Township, considering all factors,
including quality, quantity, time and place.
[4]
The receipt, storage, issuance and accountability of and for
surplus obtained for general consumption.
[5]
The collection, sale and disposal of surplus property according
to policy.
[6]
The development and installation of a comprehensive inventory
and control system for all equipment.
(b)
Central purchasing procedures.
[1]
Pursuant to the Business Administrator's designation of applicable
subaccounts within the budget, all purchases for any department shall
be made by the Business Administrator, pursuant to a written requisition
from the head of the department whose appropriation will be charged
and the certification of the Department of Finance that a sufficient
unencumbered balance of appropriation is available. Prior to payment,
funds shall be encumbered by the Chief Financial Officer. All such
purchases which require competitive bidding shall conform to applicable
requirements of the Local Public Contracts Law.
[2]
Pursuant to the Business Administrator's designation of applicable
subaccounts within the budget, direct payment will be made pursuant
to the certification of the Finance Officer that a sufficient unencumbered
balance of appropriation to be charged is available to pay therefor.
[3]
The director of each department shall designate by writing,
filed with the Business Administrator, the name or names of employees
in the department authorized to receive supplies, materials and equipment.
The person so designated shall accept deliveries and sign for them
only where the goods are in exact conformity with the order. Should
there be any doubt as to quantity or quality, the receiving employee
shall immediately notify the department head for appropriate action.
If any supplies, materials or equipment are rejected, the department
head shall immediately notify the Business Administrator.
[4]
Except as the Business Administrator or his designee may authorize
in case of emergency, no purchase shall be made, and no bill, claim
or voucher shall be approved, unless the procedures prescribed by
this article have been followed.
[5]
Emergency purchases. The Business Administrator shall establish
a procedure for the purchase of an item or items required for the
immediate protection of the public health, safety, morals or welfare,
which will permit such emergency purchases to be made for specific
purposes in a manner other than that prescribed by this subsection.
Such procedure shall be approved by the Mayor.
[6]
Purchases by quotation. Where purchases in excess of 15% of
the current bid threshold are made without competitive bidding, the
Business Administrator shall obtain, wherever possible, at least three
written price quotations for the item or items to be purchased and
shall record and maintain such quotations in his office as a public
record. Wherever circumstances permit, the purchase shall be made
from the lowest of such quotations received from a responsible supplier.
[7]
Standards and tests. The Business Administrator shall establish
or approve uniform standards for requisitions and purchases. He shall
control the delivery of all supplies, materials and equipment and
other items purchased and shall make or cause to be made proper test
checks and inspections thereof. He shall ascertain whether supplies,
materials, equipment and other items purchased comply with the specifications
and shall cause laboratory or other tests to be made whenever, in
his opinion, it is necessary to determine whether the materials, supplies
or equipment furnished are of the quality and standard required.
[8]
Confirmation of delivery. Immediately following each accepted
delivery, the authorized departmental representative shall forward
to the Business Administrator the accepted shipping advice, ticket
or confirmation.
[9]
Contracts generally. Within the limits of available appropriations,
the Mayor is authorized by the Township Council to negotiate and enter
into contracts and other legally binding obligations of the Township,
as approved by the Township Council. Any such document shall be approved
by the Township Attorney for legal form and adequacy and by the Finance
Officer for sufficiency of funds, signed by the Mayor and attested
by the Township Clerk.
(4) Division
of Affirmative Action.
(a)
Created. There is hereby created the position of Affirmative
Action Officer in the Department of Administration.
(b)
Appointment. The Business Administrator shall have the authority
to appoint the person to serve in the position, subject to all applicable
rules and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Personnel.
(c)
Duties/responsibilities. The Affirmative Action Officer shall
work under the supervision of the Business Administrator and shall
also be responsible for assignments at the discretion of the Business
Administrator, in addition to the functions and responsibilities set
forth below:
[1]
Develop a productive affirmative action program to meet federal
compliance requirements and the provisions of the stipulation of settlement
entered into between the Township and the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) (hereinafter referred to
as "stipulation").
[2]
Interpret and monitor the Township's performance and progress
relative to equal employment laws and regulations and implementation
of the Township's policy against discrimination.
[3]
Establish and monitor an effective and positive equal employment
program with the public and enforcement agencies.
[4]
Prepare and submit the annual equal employment opportunity forms
to federal authorities.
[5]
Perform all other duties as required under the stipulation provisions,
including but not limited to the recruitment program, research and
reports, implementation and compliance.
[6]
Perform such other duties as may be required by the Business
Administrator for the effective implementation of the stipulation.
[7]
Investigate discriminatory complaints from applicants and employees,
conduct hearings, if necessary, relative to the complaints and prepare
and submit detailed reports which contain findings, conclusions and
recommendations to the Director.
[8]
Term. The term of this appointment shall be concurrent with
the term of the stipulation, subject to a final showing of substantial
compliance that the purposes of the stipulation have been attained.
[Amended 6-20-2011 by Ord. No. 11-14; 10-17-2011 by Ord. No. 11-18; 1-17-2012 by Ord. No. 12-01; 6-17-2013 by Ord. No. 13-09; 6-16-2014 by Ord. No.
14-11; 10-19-2015 by Ord. No. 15-17]
A. Department established. There is hereby established within, by and
for the Township of Clark, the Department of Police, which is also
being known as the Police Department, the head of which is the Chief
of Police.
B. Department composition. The Clark Police Department, which shall
consist of no more than a Chief of Police, up to two Captains, up
to four Lieutenants, up to eight Sergeants and up to 34 police officers,
to be appointed to these positions by the Chief of Police at the approval
of the appropriate authority with the budgetary approval of the governing
body, as public need may require. Detectives shall be appointed from
among the above-listed personnel on an as-needed basis with the recommendation
of the Chief of Police and the approval of the administration. In
addition, the Police Department may employ school traffic guards and
traffic control officers, clerical personnel and other employees to
assist its officers in preserving the peace and good order in the
Township.
[Amended 1-21-2020 by Ord. No. 20-07; 6-21-2021 by Ord. No. 21-19]
C. Responsibilities of the Police Department. The Police Department
shall preserve the public peace; protect life and property; detect,
arrest and prosecute offenders of the laws of New Jersey and the ordinances
of the Township of Clark; direct and control traffic; provide attendance
and protection during emergencies; provide appearances in Court; cooperate
with all other law enforcement agencies; and provide training for
the efficiency of its employees.
D. Chief of Police. There is hereby created within the Department of
Police the position of Chief of Police, who shall be appointed by
the Mayor. The Chief of Police shall be directly responsible to the
Mayor as the appropriate authority for the efficiency and routine
day-to-day operations thereof, pursuant to policies established by
the appropriate authority under N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.
(1) The Chief of Police or, in case of the Chief's illness or absence,
the officer next in the chain of command shall exercise control over
the Department, its members and property, subject to the order of
the appropriate authority.
(2) Administer and enforce rules and regulations and special emergency
directives for the disposition and discipline of the force and its
officers and personnel.
(3) Have, exercise, and discharge the functions, powers and duties of
the force.
(4) Prescribe the duties and assignments of all subordinates and other
personnel.
(5) Delegate such of his authority as he may deem necessary for the efficient
operation of the force to be exercised under his direction and supervision.
(6) Report at least monthly to the appropriate authority in such form
as shall be prescribed by such authority on the operation of the force
during the preceding month, and make such other reports as may be
requested by such authority.
E. Designation of appropriate authority. In accordance with N.J.S.A.
40A:14-118, the Mayor of the Township of Clark is hereby designated
as the appropriate authority and is hereby vested with the powers
and duties of an appropriate authority as delegated by law. The Mayor
shall also serve as the hearing officer for all disciplinary hearings
within the Department, unless a designee is appointed.
F. Establishing the rules and regulations of the Police Department.
The Mayor as the appropriate authority shall, from time to time as
may be necessary, adopt and amend the rules and regulations for the
government and discipline of the Police Department and employees thereof.
Said rules and regulations may fix and provide for the enforcement
of such rules and regulations and the enforcement of penalties for
the violation of such rules and regulations. All employees of the
Police Department shall be subject to such rules and regulations and
penalties.
G. Disciplinary actions. Discipline of employees and police officers
will be imposed consistent with New Jersey State statutes and the
rules and regulations of the Clark Police Department. Employees may
be subject to discipline for violating laws, statutes, ordinances,
rules and regulations and written directives.
H. Organizational components. The Chief of Police shall establish organizational
components of the Department as needed for the efficiency and routine
day-to-day operations of the Police Department.
I. Appointment of Police Department, officers and personnel. No person
shall be appointed to the Police Department who is not qualified as
provided in the New Jersey Statutes. The selection criteria for a
police officer shall be established in the department policy consistent
with New Jersey Statutes.
J. Working test period. Personnel shall be required to complete a working
test period in accordance with N.J.A.C. 4A:4-5.1 et seq.
K. Fees for police services.
(1) Definitions. As used in this subsection, the following terms shall
have the meanings indicated:
REQUESTING AGENCY
Any person, public or private, desires to use such special
escort service.
SPECIAL ESCORT SERVICE
The provisions of special police protection for any person,
public or private, for the purpose of transporting money or other
valuable goods within the boundaries of the Township.
(2) Special escort service.
(a)
Administration. The desk officer shall record all requests received
for escort service and shall file daily reports with the Chief of
Police. The Chief of Police shall cause monthly bills to be forwarded
to each requesting agency detailing the date, destination and total
cost. All bills are payable before the 10th day of the following month.
Failure of using agency to pay the monthly bill in accordance with
the terms of this article will constitute grounds for the termination
of such special escort service until all bills are satisfied. Checks
in payment shall be made payable to "Police Department, Township of
Clark." A report of receipts and a check representing total receipts
shall be filed with the Township Treasurer on a monthly basis.
(3) Fees. The cost of special escort service rendered by the Police Department to any person is as set forth in §
145-3.
(4) Copies of public records. The charges as set forth in §
145-3 shall be made by the Record Bureau of the Police Department for the furnishing of photographs, photocopies, or other duplications of public records of the Police Department.
(5) Collection. All charges and fees shall be collected by the officer
in charge of the Record Bureau of the Police Department or his/her
designated agent.
(6) Disposition. Within 48 hours, all charges and fees collected under
this subsection shall be delivered to the Township Treasurer and thereafter
deposited by him/her in the appropriate account of the Township.
L. Miscellaneous regulations. "Emergency" defined. Whenever the term
"emergency" appears in the rules and regulations of the Police Department,
the meaning shall be as follows: "Emergency" shall mean and include
any unusual conditions caused by fire, weather or any circumstances
or situation, including shortages in departmental personnel caused
by vacancies, sickness or injury, or by the taking of accrued vacation
or sick leave, or both, whereby the safety of the public is endangered
or imperiled, as shall be determined within the sole discretion of
the Chief of Police.
M. Personnel, assignment to private gatherings; payment.
(1) Any organization or person desiring police service at private gatherings
shall make such a request to the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police
shall have the right to assign off-duty police officers or special
law enforcement officers to such private gatherings.
(2) The organization or person so requesting this police service shall
pay the Township of Clark, and, in turn, the Township of Clark will
pay the police/special law enforcement officers, a sum equal to the
prevailing rate paid to Township police officers.
N. Special law enforcement officers.
(1) Definitions. As used in this subsection, the following terms shall
have the meanings indicated:
SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Any person appointed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8 et
seq., to temporarily or intermittently perform duties similar to those
performed regularly by members of the Police Department, or to provide
assistance to the Police Department during unusual emergency circumstances.
(2) Creation of position. The Township Council may appoint special law
enforcement officers as it deems necessary for the preservation of
peace and good order in the Township of Clark. They shall be under
the supervision and direction of the Chief of Police or, in the absence
of the Chief of Police, the chief law enforcement officer designated
by the Chief of Police.
(3) Qualifications. No person may be appointed as a special law enforcement
officer unless such person:
(a)
Is a resident of the State of New Jersey during the term of
the appointment.
(b)
Residents of the Township of Clark shall be given preference
for appointments as special officers. Nonresidents certified as special
officers by the New Jersey Police Training Commission may be considered
for appointment at the discretion of the appointing authority.
(c)
Is able to read, write and speak the English language well and
intelligently and has a high school diploma or equivalent.
(d)
Is sound in body and of good health.
(e)
Is of good moral character.
(f)
Has not been convicted of any offense involving dishonesty,
which would make him/her unfit to perform the duties of the office
of special law enforcement officer.
(g)
Has successfully undergone similar psychological testing that
is required of all full-time police officers.
(h)
Complies with all other requirements set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8
et seq., the administrative rules and regulations of the Police Department
and the general ordinances of the Township of Clark.
(4) Classification. Special law enforcement officers shall be classified
as belonging to either Class One or Class Two, based upon the duties
to be performed by each class, as follows:
(a)
Class One.
[1]
Class 1-A. Officers of this class shall be authorized to perform
routine traffic detail, spectator control, and similar duties as may
be assigned by the Chief of Police or, in the absence of the Chief
of Police, the law enforcement officer designated by the Chief of
Police.
[2]
Class 1-B. Class 1-B officers shall have the same powers as
Class 1-A officers and, in addition, shall have the power to issue
summonses for disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses,
violations of Township ordinances, and violations of N.J.S.A. 39:1-1
et seq.
[3]
Firearms. The use of a firearm by a Class One special law enforcement
officer shall be strictly prohibited. No Class One officer shall be
assigned any duty which may require the carrying or use of a firearm.
(b)
Class Two. Officers of this class shall be authorized to exercise
full powers and duties similar to those of a permanent, regularly
appointed full-time police officer. The use of a firearm by a Class
Two special law enforcement officer may be authorized only after the
officer shall have been fully certified as successfully completing
training, as prescribed by the Police Training Commission established
in the Police Department.
(5) Training course. No person shall commence duties as a special law
enforcement officer until having successfully completed a training
course approved by the Police Training Commission. In addition, no
Class Two special law enforcement officer shall be issued a firearm
prior to having successfully completed the basic firearms course required
by the Police Training Commission for permanent, regularly appointed
police and annual requalification examinations.
(6) Persons ineligible for appointment. No person shall be eligible to
serve as a special law enforcement officer in the Township of Clark
if that person intends to serve as a special law enforcement officer
in another municipality, nor shall any permanent, regularly appointed
full-time police officer be permitted to simultaneously serve as a
special law enforcement officer in the Township. No public official
with responsibility for setting law enforcement policy or exercising
authority over the budget of the Township or supervision of the Police
Department shall be appointed as a special law enforcement officer.
(7) Fingerprints. Every applicant appointed to the position of special
law enforcement officer shall have fingerprints taken, which fingerprints
shall be filed with the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau
of Investigation.
(8) Powers and authority. The Chief of Police, or, in the absence of
the Chief of Police, such other law enforcement officer designated
by the Chief of Police, may authorize special law enforcement officers,
when on duty, to exercise the same powers and authority as permanent,
regularly appointed police officers, including, but not limited to,
the carrying of firearms and the power of arrest, subject to rules
and regulations not consistent with the certification requirements
of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8 et seq., as may be established by the Code
of the Township of Clark.
(9) Appointment; term; revocation. A special law enforcement officer
may be appointed for a term not to exceed one year. The powers and
duties of a special law enforcement officer shall cease at the expiration
of the term to which the special law enforcement officer shall have
been appointed. At the expiration of such term, the Township Council
shall have absolute discretion in determining whether to reappoint.
The appointment of a special law enforcement officer may be revoked
by the Chief of Police for cause and after an administrative hearing,
unless the appointment is for four months or less, in which event
the appointment may be revoked without cause or hearing. Nothing herein
shall be construed to require the reappointment upon the expiration
of the terms. Such special law enforcement officers shall not be classified
as regular members of the Police Department entitled to tenure and
other benefits of the Police Department. They shall receive such compensation
for their services as recommended by the Chief of Police and set forth
in the Township of Clark Salary Ordinance.
(10) Duty times. A special law enforcement officer shall be deemed to
be on duty only while performing the public safety functions on behalf
of the Township pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8 et seq., and when
receiving compensation, if any, from the Township at the rates or
stipends as established by ordinance. A special law enforcement officer
shall not be deemed to be on duty while performing private security
duties for private employers, which duties are not assigned by the
Chief of Police or his/her designee, or while receiving compensation
for those duties from a private employer. A special law enforcement
officer may, however, be assigned by the Chief of Police, or his/her
designee, to perform public safety functions for a private entity
if the Chief of Police, or his/her designee, supervises the performance
of the public safety functions. If the Chief of Police, or his/her
designee, assigns a public safety duty and supervises the performance
of those duties, then, notwithstanding that the Township is reimbursed
for the cost of assisting a special law enforcement officer at a private
entity, the special law enforcement officer shall be deemed to be
on duty.
(11) Hours of employment. Except in periods of emergency, in which event
there shall be no limitation as to hours per week, no special law
enforcement officer may be employed for more than 20 hours per week.
An "emergency" shall be defined as any sudden, unexpected or unforeseeable
event requiring the immediate use or deployment of law enforcement
personnel, as shall be determined by the Chief of Police or his/her
designee. Vacations, shortages in police personnel caused by vacancies
unfilled by the Township Council for more than 60 days or any other
condition which could reasonably have been anticipated or foreseen
shall not constitute an emergency. However, an emergency may continue
when a vacancy remains unfilled for more than 60 days and when, on
application of the Township Council, the County Prosecutor grants
an extension for one or more sixty-day periods upon a showing by the
Township Council of a diligent, good faith effort to fill the vacancy.
(12) Supervision; conduct. A special law enforcement officer shall be
under the supervision and direction of the Chief of Police or his/her
designee and shall perform all duties solely with the Township of
Clark, except when in fresh pursuit of any person, pursuant to N.J.S.A.
2A:156-1 et seq. A special police officer shall comply with the rules
and regulations applicable to the conduct and decorum of the permanent,
regularly appointed police officers of the Township, as well as all
rules and regulations applicable to the conduct and decorum of special
law enforcement officers.
O. Police Director. If appointed, the Police Director shall report to
the Mayor of the Township of Clark. The Police Director shall serve
as the administrative and executive head of the Police Department.
The Police Director, if appointed, shall be appointed by the Mayor
and shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and may be removed by
the Mayor. The Police Director's duties include, but are not limited
to:
(1) Establish the procedures to be followed by the Chief of Police and
other subordinate officers for the purchase of equipment and supplies.
Such procedures may include the requirement that the Police Director
approve all expenditures with regard to the equipment and supplies.
(2) Keeping a record of all business transacted by the Police Department
and approving all bills for the expense of the Police Department.
(3) Keeping and maintaining accurate records and submitting an annual
report to the Mayor, which shall assess the operations of the Police
Department, and its personnel, equipment and property.
(4) Keeping and maintaining all records, reports, documents and other
data required to be kept and maintained by the federal and/or state
government and/or any of their respective subdivisions.
(5) Keeping and maintaining a record of all appointments, dismissals,
removals, resignations and deaths of officers and other Department
employees as they take place, with such other information as may be
necessary.
(6) Developing the annual budget for the Police Department and overseeing
any and all expenditures of the Police Department.
(7) Analyzing crime trends and statistics to ensure that the Police Department
makes the best use of available funds, personnel, equipment and supplies.
(8) Evaluating the effectiveness of work program and procedures of all
units and bureaus within the Police Department and developing effective
work methods for subordinates.
(9) Undertaking special studies pertaining to police functions and promoting
close coordination of planning efforts.
(10) Establishing and maintaining helpful and cooperative relations with
civic and business organizations, schools, and court offices, and
with other groups and public authorities and other jurisdictions,
and with others interested in the maintenance of law and order.
(11) All such other duties not specifically reserved to the Chief of Police
pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.
[Amended 11-21-2011 by Ord. No. 11-21; 1-17-2012 by Ord. No. 12-01; 2-18-2014 by Ord. No. 14-02; 6-16-2014 by Ord. No. 14-12; 2-17-2015 by Ord. No. 15-01]
A. Established. There is hereby established in the Township, within
the Department of Public Safety, a Volunteer Fire Department, to be
known as the "Volunteer Fire Department of the Township of Clark."
B. Organization. The Clark Fire Department shall consist of the following
Officers in order of the chain of command/rank:
[Amended 2-16-2016 by Ord. No. 16-02; 3-20-2017 by Ord. No. 17-05; 4-16-2018 by Ord. No. 18-10]
(1) Director/Fire Chief/Fire Official.
(2) Command Staff/Line Officers.
(3) Duties and responsibilities of the Command Staff and Line Officers and for their appointment, pursuant to the terms of Chapter
161, entitled Fire Prevention.
(4) The Command Staff shall include Deputy Chiefs, Battalion Chiefs,
Captains and Lieutenants in such number as may be determined by the
Director of the Department.
(5) Duties, responsibilities, and appointment procedures are defined in Chapter
161, Fire Prevention, and as needed in accord with the Clark Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines as approved by the Director/Chief of the Department with approval of the Administration.
(6) It shall be the duty of every Command Staff and Line Officer to perform
all acts and things required by general law, the Ordinances of the
Township, Standard Operating Guidelines governing the Department and
orders issued by the Director/Chief and the Administration.
C. Membership.
(1) New members. The Director/Fire Chief/Fire Official and Command Staff,
as needed, shall interview and present to Council persons for appointment
to the Fire Department.
(2) Approval; certificate of membership. Such persons, after having been
approved by the Township Council, in its discretion, shall be furnished
with certificates of membership by the Township Clerk and shall thereafter
be considered members of the Fire Department
E. Duties. It shall be the duty of every member of the Fire Department
to observe and enforce all laws, ordinances and Department Standard
Operating Guidelines pertaining to his/her duty as a firefighter.
The firefighter shall, under the supervision of the Director/Fire
Chief/Fire Official and Command Staff, be authorized and empowered,
and it shall be his/her duty, to perform all acts and things required
by general law, ordinances of the Township, and Departmental Standard
Operating Guidelines of the Fire Department.
F. Register of members. The Township Clerk shall keep register of all
members of the Fire Department.
I. General provisions.
(1) Disciplinary proceedings. Charges may be proffered by the Director/Fire
Chief/Fire Official against any member of the Department; by the Director
of Public Safety against any member of the Department, including the
Chief; and by a majority of the members of the Department against
any member, including the Chief.
(2) Any rule or regulation shall be issued by the Director/Fire Chief/Fire
Official of the Department and posted. The Standard Operating Guidelines,
together with any other rule or regulation of the Fire Department
heretofore adopted, are continued.
[Amended 4-16-2018 by Ord. No. 18-10]
(3) Any member who has served one year and has completed his/her requirements
as a probationary firefighter may move his/her residence from the
jurisdiction limits of the Township of Clark with the prior approval
of the Director/Fire Chief/Fire Official; provided, however, that
the member's new residence shall not be more than three miles' distance
from the jurisdiction limits of the Township of Clark. Any member
who has relocated his/her residence beyond the geographical limits
provided for hereinabove shall be determined to have resigned as a
member of the Clark Voluntary Fire Department.
(4) Any trained firefighter who lives two miles outside the jurisdiction
limits of the Township of Clark may complete an application to join
the Clark Volunteer Fire Department. Trained firefighter requirements
include successful completion of the State of New Jersey requirements
for Firefighter One and Two Programs. Any application will be reviewed
by the senior officers of the Fire Department and approved or denied
for membership pending final approval of the Chief of the Fire Department.
Once an application has been approved, the application will be placed
on a wait list pending the need for additional members, or the application
will be sent to the administration for the applicant to be approved
for a position within the Fire Department. Any members joining the
Clark Volunteer Fire Department who reside outside the jurisdiction
limits of the Township of Clark shall not hold a position of Fire
Officer.
J. Pension to surviving spouse or minor children.
(1) The governing body of any municipality served by a volunteer fire
company or first aid or rescue squad shall, by resolution, determine
the eligibility for a survivor's pension of the widow or children
or parent of any volunteer firefighter, first aid worker, rescue squad
worker, or emergency medical technician who has died as the result
of injuries sustained in the course of performance of duties as a
member of the volunteer fire company or first aid or rescue squad
on or after January 1, 2000. A governing body may determine that the
widow or children or parent of a volunteer is eligible for a survivor's
pension whenever a volunteer dies while responding to, preparing for
or returning from an emergency while under orders from a competent
authority. When the municipal governing body determines that a widow
or children or parent are eligible for a survivor's pension, a certified
copy of the resolution shall be filed by the Municipal Clerk with
the State Treasurer within 10 days of adoption, and the state shall
provide for payment of the survivor's pension, starting in the first
calendar year next following the year of death of the volunteer or
the year next following the year in which P.L. 2002, c. 134, is enacted,
whichever is later.
(2) Definitions. As used in this subsection, the following terms shall
have the meanings indicated:
CHILD
A deceased firefighter's, emergency medical technician's,
or first aid or rescue squad worker's unmarried child:
(b)
Eighteen years of age or older and enrolled in a secondary school;
(c)
Under the age of 24 and enrolled in a degree program in an institution
of higher education for at least 12 credit hours in each semester;
or
(d)
Of any age who, at the time of the firefighter's, technician's
or worker's death, is disabled because of mental retardation or physical
incapacity, is unable to do any substantial, gainful work because
of the impairment, and the impairment has lasted or can be expected
to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as affirmed
by a medical professional.
FIRST AID OR RESCUE SQUAD
Any duly incorporated first aid and emergency or volunteer
ambulance or rescue squad association providing volunteer public first
aid, ambulance or rescue services within the municipality.
PARENT
The parent of a firefighter, emergency medical technician,
or first aid or rescue squad worker who was receiving at least 1/2
of his or her support from the firefighter, technician or worker in
the twelve-month period immediately preceding the firefighter's, technician's
or worker's death. The dependency of such a parent will be considered
terminated by marriage of the parent subsequent to the death of the
member.
WIDOW
Shall also include "widower."
(3) Amount. A survivor's pension granted under Section 1 of P.L. 1957,
c. 168 (N.J.S.A. 43:12-28.1), shall be for the sum of $15,000 annually
and shall be paid to the widow during her widowhood, or to the child
or children of such firefighter, emergency medical technician, or
first aid or rescue squad worker if, he leaves no surviving widow,
or to such child or children after the death of such widow; $10,000
annually and shall be paid to the child or children of such firefighter,
emergency medical technician, or first aid or rescue squad worker
if the surviving widow remarries; or $5,000 annually and shall be
paid to the parent or parents of such firefighter, emergency medical
technician, or first aid or rescue squad worker if he leaves no surviving
widow or child. As used in this subsection, the terms "widow" and
"widowhood" shall also include "widower" and "widowerhood," respectively.
(4) Manner of payment. With regard to any pension granted by a municipality
pursuant to Section 1 of P.L. 1957, c. 168 (N.J.S.A. 43:12-28.1),
prior to the effective date of P.L. 2002, c. 134, the governing body
shall make provision in its budget for the payment of any such pension,
and the same shall be paid in the same manner as municipal employees
are paid.
[Added 2-16-2021 by Ord. No. 21-04]
A. Department created.
(1) There shall be established a Department of Communications and Business
Development, the head of which shall be known as the "Director of
Communications and Business Development." The Director shall have
jurisdiction over all divisions within the Department and shall serve
for a term concurrent with that of the Mayor unless otherwise terminated
as provided herein or by the general law.
B. Organization of Department. The Department of Communications and
Business Development shall consist of the following two divisions:
(1) Division of Communications.
(2) Division of Business Development.
C. Division of Communications. The Division shall manage the internal
and external communications of the Township, including public relations,
communication strategies and media relations.
(1) Township communications.
(a)
Coordinate the development, implementation, and delivery of
a comprehensive communication plans for the town.
(b)
Develop, write, and edit marketing and communications materials
shared with Township residents such as announcements, invitations,
blog posts and social media content.
(c)
Create and coordinate distribution schedules and cadence for
various types of communications.
(d)
Distribute through multiple modalities, email, regular postal
mail, social media and web page updates.
(e)
Manage Township social media accounts - posting and sharing
to ensure that all communications and marketing material aligns with
Township standards.
(2) Media relations.
(a)
Develop press kit materials for media outlets, including press
releases, images, pitch letters, case studies, feature articles, and
trend stories.
(b)
Help maintain the identity and reputation of the Township.
(c)
Respond to media inquiries and perform media outreach to achieve
brand placement in publications.
(d)
Evaluate public opinion of the Township through surveys, polls,
and social media listening.
(e)
Cultivate and maintain relationships with regional and local
media outlets.
(f)
Arrange for press conferences, interviews, and other media and
event appearances for Township officials as appropriate.
(g)
Write speeches as needed.
(h)
Respond to requests for information from media outlets.
(i)
Seek out and cultivate news and information resources for the
development of positive stories.
(3) Internal Township communications.
(a)
Work with Township team members to conceptualize and implement
communications strategies and campaigns for various departments.
(b)
Develop escalation protocols for managing communication crises,
should they arise.
(c)
Coordinate development and updates of website with vendors.
D. Division of Business Development. The Division shall promote a strong
local economy by developing relationships between businesses, citizens
and the Township through a variety of events, outreach and services.
(1) Business development.
(a)
Serve as the liaison between new and established town businesses,
business organizations and the Township.
(b)
Develop, write, and edit marketing and communications materials
directed at businesses.
(c)
Meet with new businesses in town.
(d)
Represent the town at all networking related groups; Chamber
of Commerce, Rotary, etc.
(e)
Explore the concept of creating a Clark business alliance -
or similar concept.
(f)
Ribbon cutting events for new businesses.
(g)
Set up business networking events.
(h)
Attend regional, statewide commerce events to represent and
attract business to Clark.