There is hereby established the Economic Development Commission
of the Township of Franklin having the powers and duties hereinafter
enumerated.
The Economic Development Commission shall consist of seven members
appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Township
Committee. The members first appointed shall be designated to serve
staggered terms: one member shall be appointed for one year, one member
for two years and one member for three years, two members for four
years and two members for five years. At the expiration of each of
the above terms, the new member or members shall be appointed for
a term of five years. All appointments shall run from January 1 of
the year of appointment. All appointments to fill vacancies shall
be promptly filled by appointment by the Mayor with the advice and
consent of the Township Committee for the unexpired term thereof.
Members shall serve for their respective term and until their successors
are appointed and qualify.
Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation.
The members of the Commission shall choose a Chairman and Vice Chairman.
The Commission shall appoint a paid Secretary who shall keep accurate
records of its meetings and activities. The compensation for said
Secretary shall be derived from the Commission's budget as set
forth below. The Mayor shall be ex officio member of the Commission.
The Commission shall be strictly an advisory commission and
shall perform the functions and duties hereinafter enumerated:
A. To inquire into, survey and publicize the extent, advantage and utility
of vacant land within the Township.
B. To classify such vacant land according to its adaptability to various
types of business, professional and industrial enterprises.
C. To study and analyze various businesses, industries and professions
with a view to ascertaining the opportunities for expansion of such
businesses and industries within the Township.
D. Recommend to the Township Committee for advertising the economic
advantages and opportunities and availability of real estate in the
Township, and encourage and accomplish businesses, industrial and
professional establishments within the Township.
E. Recommend to the Township Committee areas in need of redevelopment
located within Franklin Township.
The Township Committee may annually appropriate funds for the
use of the Economic Development Commission and such funds may be expended
on the authority and approval of the Commission upon submission of
proper vouchers.
The Commission shall not have any powers other than those set
forth, and specifically shall have no power to pledge the credit of
the municipality or to enter into contracts or to otherwise create
debts except as herein authorized and shall operate within the appropriation
made by the Township Committee in its annual budget. The Commission
shall make an annual report to the municipality during December of
each year, setting forth in detail its operations and recommendations
covering the preceding 12 months.
The Commission shall meet monthly at the Township of Franklin
Municipal Building. The meeting shall be the first Thursday of each
month at 7:00 p.m.