[Adopted 3-9-1999 by Ord. No. 99-7[1] (Ch. 3 of the 1986 Code); amended in its entirety 12-20-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-23]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed original Ch. 3, Administrator, adopted 1-1-1981 by Ord. No. 10-80, as amended 7-19-1993 by Ord. No. 93-13.
A. 
There shall be a Borough Administrator, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:9-136 et seq., who shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Borough Council, for a term of one year, from January 1 to December 31, and shall receive a salary as determined by either the annual salary ordinance and resolution or an employment contract. The filling of a vacancy shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term.
B. 
The Borough Administrator shall be chosen on the basis of executive and administrative abilities, with special regard to education, training, and experience in governmental affairs. The Borough Administrator need not reside in the Borough of Wood-Ridge.
C. 
In the case of a vacancy, temporary or otherwise, an Acting Borough Administrator may be appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Borough Council.
The Borough Administrator may be removed from office by the adoption of a resolution of removal by a 2/3 vote of the full membership of the Borough Council. The resolution of removal shall become effective three months after its adoption by the Borough Council. The Borough Council may provide that the resolution shall become effective immediately with the stipulation that:
A. 
If the Administrator's compensation is determined by the annual salary ordinance and resolution, the Administrator shall continue to be paid full salary and wages, and continue to receive health coverage and pension and social security enrollment credit, for three full months from the resolution's effective date.
B. 
If the Administrator's compensation is determined by an employment contract, all provisions of said contract must be fully satisfied and paid to the Administrator, which shall not be less than the provisions delineated in Subsection A, above, of this section.
The Borough Administrator, under the supervision and control of the Mayor, shall have the following powers and duties:
A. 
Serve as the chief operating officer of the Borough and chief representative of the Mayor and Borough Council to the Borough residents, Borough employees, and the public at large.
B. 
Manage all Borough departments, offices, and employees and serve as Borough Treasurer and Borough Public Safety Director.
C. 
Study the administrative and other operations of the Borough and make recommendations for plans and programs to meet the needs of the Borough.
D. 
Receive and reply to inquiries and complaints concerning Borough business and provide information and assistance in respect thereto.
E. 
Attend all meetings of the Mayor and Borough Council, as required.
F. 
Establish and enforce sound personnel policies and maintain appropriate records of all Borough employees.
G. 
Recommend the nature, location and extent of public improvements and coordinate the execution of the same when authorized by the Mayor and Borough Council.
H. 
Implement and enforce the policies of the governing body with respect to the compiling and release of public information.
I. 
Receive from each department, office and board its annual budget request, reviewing and transmitting the same, along with comments and recommendations, to the Mayor and Borough Council.
J. 
Consult with the Mayor and Borough Council on preparation of annual operating and capital budgets, respectively.
K. 
Negotiate contracts for the Borough as authorized by, and subject to the approval of, the Mayor and Borough Council.
L. 
Coordinate the work of all licensed professionals and professional service firms retained by the Borough, including the Borough Attorney, Borough Auditor, Borough Engineer, and any Special Counsels or Special Engineers.
M. 
Act as a purchasing agent in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-9 and perform all other central purchasing functions so as to coordinate and control the buying of goods and services in the Borough of Wood-Ridge.
N. 
Possess such powers and responsibilities and perform such other duties as may be assigned or required by state laws or regulations, the Borough Council Bylaws, the Borough Employee Handbook, the Borough Code, and/or Borough ordinances.
O. 
Any such other authorities and responsibilities which may be directed or delegated by the Mayor and Borough Council via resolution or ordinance.
P. 
Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Mayor and Borough Council.