Township of Logan, NJ Economic Development Committee

To recommend ways to reform and improve regulatory processes relating to business in order to foster the spirit of cooperation, understanding and consensus between government and business; and

To serve as a conduit for the business community and local government relating to economic development projects and issues.

§ 17-2 Powers and duties.

The Economic Development Committee shall have the following powers and shall perform the following duties.

Prepare an Economic Development Plan. The Committee shall prepare an Economic Development Plan for the Township of Logan which shall consist, at a minimum, of the following:

(1)

An evaluation of existing businesses and their retention and expansion needs.

(2)

An assessment of the types of businesses suitable to the area.

(3)

Contacts to be pursued in order to encourage relocation of new businesses or retention and expansion of current businesses.

Participate in state, county, and local economic development planning. Members of the Committee shall attend and participate in meetings and activities involving economic planning and development at the state and county level, as well as at the local level, with business groups and merchants. The Committee shall be charged with the responsibility of bringing to the attention of Council the economic development plans of such groups and, upon motion and at the direction of Council, shall coordinate joint development efforts with such groups. The Committee may recommend to Council that funds designated for the economic development of the Township of Logan be expended in support of such economic development efforts.

Advertise for or otherwise solicit businesses in order to attract interest in relocation to or expansion within the Township.

Respond to inquiries concerning the relocation of a business or industry to the Township or concerning expansion of local business.

Assist businesses and commerce in determining required infrastructure and other needs. The Committee shall confer with a business or industry interested in relocating to or expanding operations in the Township. Such assistance may include advising of areas zoned by the Township for commercial or industrial use, coordinating with appropriate utility and other infrastructure representatives, and introducing planning and zoning staff.

Report to Council at least once per month on economic development activities. The Committee shall report to Council on economic development activities at least once per month. The report shall include a summary of the number of contacts with interested businesses and industries. If appropriate, the Committee may request a study session with the Planning and/or Zoning Board or any other committee of the Township concerning an economic development issue.

Submit an annual report to Council in December of each year. By December 15 of each year, the Committee shall submit a detailed written report to Council, evaluating economic development in the Township during the prior 11 months. The report may include recommendations to Council for economic development efforts in the upcoming year.

Limited authority.

(1)

It is not intended that, nor shall the Committee be a subagency of the Township Council. The Committee shall possess no aspect of policy or rule making authority for the Township. Advice or information from the Committee shall not be binding upon the Township Council, nor shall any action of the Council be dependent first upon any recommendation or review by the Committee.

(2)

The Committee may not incur any debt nor contract for any goods in the name of the Township of Logan or the Township Council.

§ 17-3 Committee members.

Membership.

(1)

Regular members. The Economic Development Committee shall consist of nine (9) regular members, appointed by the Mayor, one of whom shall be a member of the Township of Logan Planning Board; one of whom shall be a Logan Township resident and business owner; and one of whom shall be a member of Township Council. All members shall be residents of the Township of Logan or Logan Township business owners. At least five regular members shall be residents of the Township. The members shall serve without compensation. It is highly desirable that no more than two members be engaged in the same kind of occupation, business, trade or profession.

(2)

Alternate members.

(a)

The Economic Development Committee shall also consist of two alternate members, appointed by a majority of Council, both of whom shall be residents of the Township. The alternate members shall serve without compensation, Alternate members shall be designated at the time of appointment as "Alternate No. 1" and "Alternate No. 2." The terms of the alternate members shall be for one year.

(b)

An alternate member may participate in discussions and proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote first; Alternate No. 2 shall vote second.

Terms of office. Except for the Township Council and Planning Board members, members of the Committee shall serve one-year terms.

Resignation. Any member desiring to resign from the Committee shall submit a resignation in writing to the Township Clerk, who shall present it to Council for action.

Removal from office. Upon three consecutive, unexcused absences of a member or upon an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the Committee following consideration and discussion of the issue taken in executive session, Council may, upon recommendation of the Committee, remove such member and appoint a replacement member.

§ 17-4 Officers.

The officers of the Committee shall be as follows: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary. The officers shall be elected by ballot of Committee members to serve for one year or until their successors are elected and qualified, and their terms of office shall begin at the close of the regular January meeting.

§ 17-5 Meetings.

Regular meetings of the Committee shall be held monthly. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or upon the written request of two or more members of the Committee. Each Committee member shall be notified of a meeting at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, and written notice of each meeting shall be posted at least 24 hours in advance.

No meeting may be held in the absence of a quorum. At least four members must be present to constitute a quorum. All actions shall be taken by majority vote of the quorum.

§ 17-6 Repealer.

All prior ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with this chapter be and the same are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistencies.

§ 17-7 Severability.

Should any section, clause, sentence, phrase or provision of this chapter be declared unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this chapter.

§ 17-8 When effective.

This chapter shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication in accordance with law.