[1972 Code § 2-6; amended 12-13-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-27]
There shall be the following Departments:
a.
Department of Administration;
b.
Department of Community Development;
c.
Department of Finance;
d.
Department of Health;
e.
Department of Law;
f.
Department of Public Safety;
g.
Department of Public Works;
h.
Department of Parks and Recreation;
i.
Department of Aging.
Each Department shall have such officers and employees as may
be provided or authorized by the Township Charter or by ordinance
with such compensation and rights of employment as may be similarly
provided or authorized.
[1972 Code § 2-4.4]
a.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:69A-43 each Department shall be headed by
a Director, who shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and
consent of the Council. Each Department Head shall serve during the
term of office of the Mayor appointing him, and until the appointment
and qualification of the Mayor's successor.
b.
The Mayor may, in his discretion, remove any Department Head after
notice and an opportunity to be heard. Prior to removing a Department
Head, the Mayor shall first file written notice of his intention with
the Council. Removal shall become effective on the 20th day after
filing of the notice unless the Council shall prior thereto have adopted
a resolution by a 2/3 vote of the whole number of the Council, disapproving
the removal.
[1972 Code § 2-22]
A Director may serve as a Division Head without additional compensation,
if so designated by the Mayor. The Mayor may designate himself or
herself to serve as Director of any Department at his or her discretion.
If the Mayor should serve in such capacity, the Mayor shall be entitled
to, and shall receive, compensation for such additional duty. Except
when the Mayor acts as a Department Head, Department Heads shall devote
their full time to the proper and efficient discharge of the duties
of their respective offices. Whenever a vacancy exists in the office
of any Division Head by resignation, removal, disability, or otherwise,
the Director of the Department involved may fill the vacancy temporarily
by appointing an acting head of the Division who shall have and perform
all the functions, powers and duties of the Division until the office
shall be filled permanently.
[1972 Code § 2-23]
No rule or regulation made by any Department shall, except upon
written approval of the Mayor, take effect until at least 10 days
after it is filed with the Municipal Clerk as required by the Charter.
This limitation of time shall not apply to any order, rule or regulation
which relates solely to the organization or internal management of
the municipal government or a part thereof. The Municipal Clerk shall
maintain a docket of all orders, rules and regulations filed in his
office. The docket shall show the name of the issuing Department,
a brief description of the subject matter and the date of filing.
[1972 Code § 2-24]
a.
Keeping of Public Records. All the books, maps, papers, accounts,
statements, vouchers and other documents acquired or produced in any
municipal department shall be carefully and conveniently filed, kept
and preserved, and be the sole property of the Township, and shall
not at any time be removed from the offices of the Department except
when required for use in the official business of the Township and
shall then be returned to the office without delay. Each municipal
officer shall be responsible for assuring that the requirements of
this section are complied with in respect to his particular office.
This section shall be subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 47:3-15
et seq.
b.
Delivery of Funds and Records. Upon the termination of the term of
office or the employment of any officer, employee or board member,
that person shall deliver to his successor, or to the Clerk or other
person who may be designated by the Council to receive the same, all
moneys, books, papers, memoranda and accounts and any data of any
nature whatever pertaining to his office.
c.
Inspection of Public Records. Public records of the Township shall be open for inspection by members of the public as provided by law (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1). Such inspection shall be made only at reasonable times during business hours and without interference with the conduct of the affairs of the office or other place where such records are kept or maintained. (See also Section 2-80, Fees Charged for Municipal Services.)
[1972 Code § 2-7.1; New]
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:69A-44, there shall be a Department
of Administration, the head of which shall be the Business Administrator,
who is also the Director. The Business Administrator may designate
the head of one of the Divisions of the Department as Assistant Administrator
in his absence, or to have such other functions, powers and duties
as may be assigned by the Business Administrator.
[1972 Code § 2-7.2]
a.
Appointment; Removal. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:69A-44, there shall
be a Business Administrator, with such qualifications as provided
by Charter, who shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and
consent of the Council, who shall serve during the term of office
of the Mayor appointing him and until the appointment and the qualification
of a successor. The Mayor may, in his discretion, remove the Business
Administrator after notice and an opportunity to be heard. Prior to
removing a Business Administrator, the Mayor shall first file written
notice of his intention with the Council. The removal shall become
effective on the 20th day after the filing of the notice unless the
Council shall have adopted a resolution by a 2/3 vote of the whole
number of the Council, disapproving the removal.
In the event of the removal or failure of reappointment of a
Business Administrator, that Administrator may, upon the enactment
of an ordinance, be entitled to a three months' written notice of
the removal or non-reappointment, or if the Mayor determines that
the removal shall be immediate, then the Administrator may, upon the
enactment of an ordinance, be paid any unpaid balance of his salary
plus his salary for a maximum of the next three calendar months following
the effective date of the Mayor's action unless the removal is for
good cause. For the purposes of this subsection, "good cause" shall
mean conviction of a crime or offense involving moral turpitude, the
violation of the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:69A-163 through 40:69A-167,
or the violation of any Code of Ethics in effect within the Township.
b.
Powers and Duties. Under the direction and supervision of the Mayor,
the Business Administrator shall:
1.
Serve as chief-of-staff to the Mayor.
2.
Supervise the management, planning and operations of all Departments,
provided that such supervision shall not extend to the exercise of
the control function in the management of the finances of the Township
which is required by the Charter to be exercised by an Officer of
the Township other than the Business Administrator.
3.
Prescribe and enforce rules and regulations for the efficient management
of the municipal government not inconsistent with the Charter and
this Code.
4.
Coordinate the operation and administration of the various Departments,
divisions, officers and agencies of the municipal government.
5.
Maintain a continuing review and analysis of budget operations, work
programs and costs of municipal services.
6.
Perform such other duties as may be required by the Council or this
Code.
7.
Assign and transfer employees temporarily from one Department to
another as efficient administration may require.
[1972 Code § 2-7.3; New]
Within the Department of Administration there shall be a Division
of Administration. The Director of the Department may serve as head
of the Division without additional compensation. Under the direction
and supervision of the Director, the Division shall:
a.
Prescribe and install uniform forms and procedures for budget preparation
by all departments.
b.
Assist the Business Administrator and the Mayor in the review and
analysis of budget requests and in the preparation of the budget.
c.
Supervise the administration of personnel programs as developed by
the Division of Personnel.
d.
Coordinate the processes of appointment and removal of municipal
employees within the various departments and, to this end, review
and approve proposed appointments and discharges of personnel prior
to any action by any Department, to ensure compliance with the provisions
of the Personnel Chapter.
e.
Have and exercise the functions, powers and duties of Purchasing
Agent.
f.
Supervise telephone, mail, office equipment and furnishings and other
office services.
g.
Place, purchase and review property, liability and other insurance
and surety bonds as required for township purposes.
h.
Coordinate the application for and administration of grant funds.
i.
Manage the operation of the municipal cable television station.
[1972 Code § 2-7.6]
Within the Department of Administration there shall be a Division
of Personnel, under the direction and supervision of the Business
Administrator. The Division shall:
a.
Develop and administer the Township's personnel program, including
up-to-date job classifications and pay plans.
b.
Be responsible for recruitment of needed personnel.
c.
Standardize the processing of personnel matters, including the coordination
and interfacing of appropriate payroll functions.
d.
Be responsible for supervising all training programs.
e.
Be responsible for a communications channel between the employees
and management, including liaison work in reference to negotiation
with organized employee groups.
f.
Develop and maintain a complete system of personnel records of all
municipal officers and employees.
Currently the duties of the Division of Social Services are
provided by contract with Middlesex County.
(Reserved)
[1972 Code § 2-21.3a7]
See Section 2-77, Budget and Purchasing Procedures.
Within the Department of Administration there shall be a Division
of Purchasing under the supervision of the Purchasing Agent. The Division
shall manage the purchasing system of the Township and shall support
the Purchasing Agent in the pursuit of compliance with Local Public
Contracts Law.
[1972 Code § 2-47.1; New]
There shall be a Department of Community Development, the head
of which shall be the Director thereof. The Township Engineer may
be appointed to serve as Director. The Department shall include the
Divisions of Engineering, Planning and Development, Property Maintenance
and Uniform Construction and Code Enforcement.
[1972 Code § 2-47.2]
Within the Department of Community Development, there shall
be a Division of Engineering, which shall operate under the supervision
of the Director. The Division of Engineering shall:
a.
Provide all staff engineering required by the Department with the
assistance of such consultants as may from time to time be authorized.
b.
Prepare, maintain and preserve maps, charts and records of roads,
utilities, public buildings and structures and all public facilities
owned or operated by the Township, and political subdivision maps
as required.
c.
Prepare, review, and approve specifications for public works contracts;
supervise and inspect the execution of contracts and certify satisfactory
completion of work to authorize progress payments pursuant to contract.
d.
Examine and propose preliminary and final subdivision plats, review
the same for conformity with the municipal subdivision and site plan
ordinances and other land use requirements, and advise the Planning
Board or Zoning Board, as appropriate, as to such review; inspect
and approve of all installations made in accordance with the requirements
of the Planning Board prior to the acceptance of any street or the
release of any security related to a subdivision approval. The division
shall review any subdivision application which has been submitted
to the Planning Board and shall submit its findings and recommendations
to the Planning Board prior to action thereon by that Board.
e.
Maintain the tax map and records of assessments in a current status
and promptly record all changes of ownership from information provided
as required by law.
[1972 Code § 2-47.3; New]
Within the Department of Community Development, there shall
be a Division of Planning and Development. The Division and its Supervisor
shall:
a.
Advise and assist the Mayor and Township Council as to planning and
public improvement aspects of all matters regarding the development
of the Township.
b.
Study the operation and effect of land use controls and their administration
within the Township and report to the Mayor and Township Council periodically
regarding the same.
c.
Develop and administer programs and activities to rehabilitate housing
and to conserve neighborhoods.
d.
Conduct continual studies and collect statistical and other data
as to basic planning recommendations of the Division.
e.
Conduct studies and prepare required materials in connection with
the Master Plan and other general developmental plans regarding the
Township.
f.
Prepare, evaluate and present to the Planning Board plans for suggested
redevelopment of the Township.
g.
Provide staff assistance to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board
of Adjustment, as those Boards may require.
h.
Collect all fees for applications before the Planning and Zoning
Boards and forward all fees to appropriate municipal officials as
required by law.
The Supervisor of the Division of Planning and Development may
be the Administrative Officer for the Planning Board and Zoning Board
and shall issue application forms and receive all completed applications
and plats for property development within the Township.
The Supervisor of Planning and Development shall also serve,
without additional compensation, as the Administrator of the Provisions
Senior Citizen Disabled Protected Tenancy Act (P.L. 1981, c. 226)
for the Township of Piscataway.
[1972 Code § 2-47.4; New]
With the Department of Community Development, under the supervision
of the Director, there shall be a Division of Uniform Construction
and Code Enforcement. The Division shall be headed by the Construction
Official and shall:
a.
Enforce all codes falling within the responsibility of N.J.S.A. 5:23
and the State of New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
b.
Administer and supervise the Subcode Officials and Inspectors and
inspections.
c.
Serve as a representative and administer the ICC (International Code
Council).
d.
Investigate all plans for compliance and inspect all structures during
construction.
e.
Review and issue construction permits.
[1972 Code § 2-8.1]
There shall be a Department of Finance, the head of which shall
be known as Director of Finance. The Director of Finance shall be
the Chief Financial Officer of the Township. The Chief Financial Officer
shall be certified in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27B-26 et seq. The
Director shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent
of the Township Council.
[1972 Code § 2-8.2; New]
The Director shall be responsible for setting up and supervising
all financial systems, supervising the assessment of properties, collection
of revenues and reconciliation of bank accounts.
[1972 Code § 2-8.3a; New]
Within the Department of Finance there shall be a Division of
Accounts. The Division of Accounts shall have the following duties:
a.
Maintain the central accounts and records.
b.
Control all expenditures within the limits of appropriations through
an encumbrance system of budget operation.
c.
Preaudit bills and claims and certify same on the vouchers presented.
d.
Prepare warrant checks for signature of the Chief Financial Officer.
e.
Prepare payrolls for certification of the Business Administrator.
f.
Administer all matters relating to the financial status, rights and
benefits of employees of the Township under the employee benefit and
welfare programs.
[1972 Code § 2-8.3b]
Within the Department of Finance there shall be a Division of
Finance Control, which shall have the following duties:
a.
Prescribe and approve all financial systems and procedures and install
uniform charts of accounts.
b.
Make revenue and expenditure estimates for the Mayor and Business
Administrator.
c.
Have the safekeeping and custody of all municipal securities, investments
and bonds of the Township.
d.
Invest and reinvest surplus or idle funds of the Township.
e.
Serve as "certifying agent" for the New Jersey Public Employees Retirement
System or similar pension and benefit plans with respect to municipal
employees.
f.
Promptly pay interest and principal on municipal obligations as they
fall due.
g.
Receive funds entrusted to or under the control of any Department
and deposit all funds received by it in depositories authorized by
the Council.
h.
Advise and report on all insurance matters upon or with respect to
risks insured for the benefit of the Township or to protect it against
any claims, demand or liability whatsoever.
[1972 Code § 2-8.4; Ord. No. 04-45; New]
Within the Department of Finance there shall be a Division of
Assessment, the head of which shall be a Municipal Tax Assessor, who
shall be responsible for the administrative operation of the Division.
The Division shall include the Municipal Tax Assessor and so many
Deputy Tax Assessors as may be deemed necessary. Prior to his/her
appointment, the Tax Assessor shall be qualified by training and experience
in evaluation of real and personal property. The Tax Assessor shall
serve for the term provided by General Law and shall be certified,
as required by N.J.S.A. 40A:9-146, and N.J.S.A. 54:1-35.25 et seq.
The primary function of the Division of Assessment shall be to appraise
and value property in the Township. The Division shall be responsible
to:
a.
Perform all of the functions, powers and duties prescribed by law
upon Municipal Assessors.
b.
Make assessments for local improvements.
c.
Appraise and value property for tax assessment purposes.
d.
Maintain assessment records of each separate parcel of real property
assessed or exempted, and establish and maintain such files, records
and procedures as may be required by law for the valuation and assessment
of all types of property.
[1972 Code § 2-8.5; New]
Within the Department of Finance there shall be a Division of
Revenue, the head of which shall be the Collector of Revenue. The
Collector shall also perform and exercise all the powers, duties and
functions invested in a Collector of Taxes, Collector of Assessments
and Collector of Sewer Charges.
The Collector shall be certified in accordance with the provisions
of N.J.S.A. 40A:9-145.1 et seq.
The Collector shall also be the Official Tax Search Officer
and is authorized to make examinations and issue Tax Search Certificates
with respect to liens for municipal taxes and other charges which
have the legal effect of a tax lien. The Division of Revenue shall:
a.
Perform the functions of a Collector of Taxes under general law,
including without limitation thereto, rendering bills for property
taxes pursuant to law, enforcement of tax collections by tax sales
and otherwise; and the maintenance of tax accounting records in such
manner as may be prescribed or approved pursuant to ordinance or Statute.
b.
Receive and collect all current and delinquent real and personal
property taxes and municipal fees and charges, and receive penalties
and interest pursuant to law.
c.
Make and certify searches for tax and other liens on real property
as may be authorized by law, and charge and collect for the use of
the Township the fee required pursuant to law for any such search.
d.
Receive and collect all current and delinquent sewer charges including
penalties.
e.
Manage and control all tax foreclosed property acquired by the Township.
f.
Receive, note, and transfer to the Treasurer any funds or fees collected
or received by any employee for the benefit of the Township.
[1972 Code § 2-8.6]
a.
Bills, claims and demands against the Township shall be approved
or disapproved in accordance with the procedure and shall be paid
only upon the approval of the Chief Financial Officer. Disbursements
shall be made by a check or draft signed by the Mayor, or in his absence,
the Business Administrator: and counter-signed by the Chief Financial
Officer, or in his absence, the Comptroller; except that payroll checks
may be signed by the Chief Financial Officer or, in his absence, by
the Comptroller; upon certification of the Business Administrator
of the total payroll.
b.
The signature of the Mayor or Business Administrator may be inscribed
mechanically on a check and the signature of the Chief Financial Officer
may be inscribed mechanically on a payroll check only.
c.
The Chief Financial Officer shall prepare a list of all disbursements
and submit same monthly for Council review. This list shall be prepared
in sufficient quantity to provide a copy for each member of the Council,
the Mayor, the Business Administrator, and at least one copy shall
be filed with the Clerk as a public record open to examination in
the Clerk's Office.
[1972 Code § 2-8.7]
Pursuant to law, a Municipal Official who shall be designated
annually by resolution of the Township Council shall make and issue
official Certificates of Searches for Municipal Improvements which
are authorized by ordinance but not yet assessed; that Official shall
receive and remit to the Collector of Revenue the fee for each certificate
issued as provided by law.
[Ord. No. 11-15]
a.
The Chief Financial Officer and the Tax Collector of the Township
are hereby authorized to accept payment by credit card transaction
or by automated clearing house transaction ("ACH") for all real estate
taxes and sanitary sewer service fees.
b.
The Township shall charge that percentage amount of the credit card
or ACH transaction, or that flat fee which is charged by the credit
card or ACH processor to the Township, in order to offset the Township's
cost of each electronic receipt transaction. In no event shall the
percentage fee or flat fee exceed the cost of handling and processing
the credit card or ACH transaction by the Township. There shall be
no maximum amount of individual credit card or ACH transaction which
shall be permitted.
c.
In the event the Township Council terminates the authorization to
accept payment by credit card or ACH for real estate taxes and sanitary
sewer service fees, at least 60 days' prior written notice will be
provided to all residents.
d.
The Township will require authorization of and written or electronic
confirmation from the clearing house bank or ACH prior to accepting
payment by credit card.
e.
The Township shall include in its internal control policies, procedures
governing the collection, handling, and retention of receipts, statements
and any other documentation generated from each credit card payment,
whether the transaction is conducted over the counter or via the internet
and ACH, to ensure all information collected from the public is safeguarded
appropriately.
[Added 5-3-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
a.
The Chief
Financial Officer and the Tax Collector of the Township are hereby
authorized to accept cash payments for all real estate taxes and sanitary
sewer service fees.
b.
Any funds
in excess of the amounts due and payable to the Township resulting
from a cash payment shall be retained by the Township and applied
to the subsequent real estate tax bill or sanitary sewer service fee
bill.
c.
The Township
shall include in its internal control policies, procedures governing
the collection, handling, and retention of receipts, statements and
any other documentation generated from each cash payment to ensure
all information collected from the public is safeguarded appropriately.
[1972 Code § 2-48.1]
There shall be established a Department of Health, the head
of which shall be the Director and the Township Health Officer, who
shall also serve as the Registrar of Vital Statistics at no additional
compensation.
a.
The Township Council shall have all the functions, powers, and duties
of a local Board of Health as provided by law. The Township Council
hereby designates the Department of Health to have and exercise all
regulative powers of a Local Board of Health, subject to limitations
established by law and by the Township Council.
b.
The Department shall plan and administer a comprehensive public health
program including, without limitation, environmental sanitation, environmental
enforcement, communicable disease control, child and adult health,
and health education, laboratory services, and other services as may
be authorized by the Public Health Council of the New Jersey Department
of Health, or its successor.
c.
The Department shall administer and enforce the local health ordinances
and the regulation and control of animals as required by law.
d.
The Department shall maintain and administer records of vital statistics
including births, deaths, and marriages, pursuant to State Law. The
Department shall issue marriage licenses pursuant to law.
e.
The Township may enter into agreements with the Middlesex County
Health Department or other regional health commission for comprehensive
public health services.
[1972 Code § 2-9.1; New]
There shall be established within the Township a Department
of Law, the head of which shall be the Director of Law who is the
Township Attorney, who shall receive such compensation, including
a salary or a retainer, as is authorized by the Township Council or
by the Township Department of Administration.
Prior to his/her appointment, the Township Attorney shall have
been duly admitted to the practice of law in the State of New Jersey.
[1972 Code § 2-9.2; New]
The Department of Law shall:
a.
Provide legal advice and assistance to the Mayor and Township Council
and to all Departments, boards and bodies on municipal government,
and prosecute and defend actions and proceedings by and against the
Township.
b.
Draft ordinances and resolutions for Township Council adoption and
render advice as to the form and sufficiency of such documents, as
required.
c.
Review and approve all contracts, deeds, documents and other instruments,
as requested by the Department of Administration.
d.
Recommend and conduct appeals from orders, decisions or judgments
affecting the public interest, as the Department of Administration
or Township Council may authorize.
e.
Subject to the approval of the Mayor and the Township Council, the Director of Law may enter into any agreement, compromise or settlement of any litigation in which the Township is involved, provided that this section shall not limit or abridge the discretion of the Director of Law handling any matter in regard to the proper conduct of any trial, action or proceeding, or deprive him of the powers and privileges ordinarily exercised in judicial proceedings by counsel acting for private clients, all subject to the provisions of Chapter 13, Code of Ethics, of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of Piscataway.
f.
Report on the status of all litigation, administrative proceedings,
actions or suits, from time to time, to the Mayor and the Township
Council.
g.
Perform such other and varied functions as may be assigned by the
Mayor or the Township Council, and exercise such powers and duties
appropriate to the performance of such functions.
[1972 Code § 2-9.3]
Whenever in the discretion of the Director of Law the interests
of the Township may so require, the Director, with the approval of
the Mayor and subject to available appropriations, may appoint Special
Counsel to assist in the preparation and prosecution or defense, as
appropriate, of any legal matter or proceedings in which the Township
is involved. Should the Director be disqualified for any reason with
respect to any matter, the Mayor may appoint Special Counsel, subject
to the approval of the Township Council, as to any such matter, subject
to the provisions of the Municipal Code of Ethics.
[Ord. No. 12-01]
The Township Council shall appoint the Assistant Township Attorney.
Prior to appointment, any Assistant Township Attorney shall have been
admitted to the practice of law in the State of New Jersey for at
least five years. He or she shall be permitted to engage in the private
practice of law. The Assistant Township Attorney shall assist the
Township Attorney in all of the duties of his or her office with respect
to such matters as should be assigned to him or her by the Township
Attorney. The Assistant Township Attorney shall, during the absence
or disability of the Township Attorney, possess all the powers and
perform all of the duties of Township Attorney.
[1972 Code § 2-9.4; New]
The Office of Municipal Prosecutor for the Municipal Court of
the Township of Piscataway is hereby reconstituted pursuant to, and
in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 2B:12-27 and N.J.S.A.
2B:25-1. The Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Township Council,
may designate the Director of Law as Supervising Prosecutor or such
other attorney or attorneys to serve as Municipal Prosecutor and Deputy
Municipal Prosecutor, if more than one Prosecutor is deemed necessary.
The Municipal Prosecutors shall conduct prosecutions for crimes and
offenses cognizable by the Municipal Court of the Township of Piscataway,
including violations of municipal ordinances, complaints of any Department
under State Law, and violations of rules or regulations duly promulgated
by any Department. The Municipal Prosecutors shall perform such other
functions as shall be required by law.
[1972 Code § 2-9.5]
All papers, documents, memoranda, reports, files, and other
material relating to legal matters handled by the Director of Law
and Township Attorney, or his designee, or Special Counsel, shall
belong to and remain the property of the Township. Upon terminating
service with the Township, any legal officer compensated by the Township
shall surrender to his successor or to the Township Department of
Administration, all such property, together with a written consent
to have his or her successor substituted in all legal actions and
proceedings then pending as to which the Township is a party.
[1972 Code § 2-11.1; amended 11-2-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-33]
There shall be a Department of Public Safety, the head of which
shall be the Director of Public Safety. The Department shall include
the Divisions of Fire, Police, and Fire Prevention, the Office of
Emergency Management, and Emergency Medical Services.
[1972 Code § 2-11.2]
The Township recognizes Arbor Fire Company, Holmes Marshall
Fire Company, New Market Fire Company, North Stelton Fire Company,
Possumtown Fire Company, and River Road Fire Company as fully incorporated
Volunteer Fire Companies authorized to use the fire hydrants and water
facilities of the Township to fight fires within the Township; such
Volunteer Fire Companies shall constitute the Division of Fire.
[1972 Code § 2-11.3]
Within the Department of Public Safety, there shall be a Division of Police, established in Section 2-18 below.
[1972 Code § 2-11.4; Ord. No. 06-01]
Within the Department of Public Safety, there shall be a Bureau
of Fire Prevention, which shall be responsible to enforce the Township
Fire Prevention Code.
[1972 Code § 2-11.5]
Within the Department of Public Safety, there shall be the Office
of Emergency Management, the head of which shall be the Director of
Emergency Management, appointed pursuant to appropriate State Law.
The Office of Emergency Management shall also be responsible for establishing
a disaster control program within the Township. Within the Division,
there shall be an Emergency Management Council, as provided by law.
[Added 11-2-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-33]
Within the Department of Public Safety, there shall be a Division
of Emergency Medical Services.
[Ord. No. 13-01 § 2-18.1]
There is hereby created in and for the Township of Piscataway,
in the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey, a Police Division
in the Department of Public Safety, and shall be known as the Piscataway
Police Department.
[Ord. No. 13-01 § 2-18.2;
amended 12-13-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-27; 5-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-12; 7-18-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
a.
The Piscataway Police Department which shall consist of no more than
one Deputy Chief of Police, no more than one Captain, no more than
7 Lieutenants, no more than 13 Sergeants, and a maximum of 100 Police
Officers, to be appointed to these positions by the Director of Public
Safety at the approval of the appropriate authority within the budgetary
approval of the Governing Body, as public needs may require.
b.
In addition, the Police Department may employ clerical personnel
and other employees to assist its officers in preserving peace and
good order in the Township, to be appointed to these positions by
the Mayor.
[Ord. No. 13-01 § 2-18.3]
The Piscataway 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 Piscataway;
direct and control traffic; provide attendance and protection during
emergencies; make appearances in court; cooperate with all other law
enforcement agencies; and provide training for the efficiency of its
members.
[Ord. No. 13-01 § 2-18.4]
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, the Mayor is hereby
designated as the appropriate authority and is hereby vested with
the powers and duties of an appropriate authority as delegated by
law.
[Ord. No. 13-01 § 2-18.5;
amended 12-13-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-27]
The Director of Public Safety 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.
[Ord. No. 13-01 § 2-18.6;
amended 12-13-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-27]
The Director of Public Safety shall be directly responsible
to the appropriate authority for the efficiency and routine day-to-day
operations of the Police Department. In the event that the Mayor is
not available or is absent, then the Director of Public Safety shall
report to the Business Administrator. The Director of Public Safety
shall pursuant to policies established by the Township consistent
with Township ordinances:
a.
Administer and enforce the rules and regulations of the Police Department
and any special emergency directives for the disposition and discipline
of the Department and its officers and personnel.
b.
Have, exercise, and discharge the functions, powers and duties of
the Police Department.
c.
Prescribe the duties and assignments of all subordinates and other
personnel.
d.
Delegate such of his authority as he may deem necessary for the efficient
operation of the Police Department to be exercised under his direction
and supervision.
e.
Report to the appropriate authority in such form as shall be prescribed
by such authority on the operation of the Department and make such
other reports as may be requested by such authority.
f.
Assign an Officer in Charge ("OIC') and delegate such authority as
may be deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the Police
Department to be exercised under the officer in charge's direction
and control.
[Ord. No. 13-01 § 2-18.7]
a.
Probationary Appointment. Each applicant for an appointment to the
Division of Police shall comply with all the laws of the State of
New Jersey pertaining thereto. No person shall be given or accept
a permanent appointment as a Police Officer in the Township unless
such person has first been given a probationary or temporary appointment
for a period not to exceed one year and successfully completed a Police
training course at a school approved and authorized by the Police
Training Commission in the Department of Law and Public Safety of
the State of New Jersey, pursuant to the provisions of applicable
law.
b.
Qualifications. No person shall be appointed to the Division as a
regular and probationary member unless that person shall, at the time
of his or her application, be between the ages of 21 and 35 years,
except as provided by law in the case of veterans. Each applicant
shall be a citizen of the United States of America.
c.
Residency. The Township Council finds that adherence to residency
requirements pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:47-3.3 et seq. will seriously
impede its ability to establish and maintain competent personnel for
its police force; therefore, appointment to the Division of Police
and the retention or employ of present and future officers or members
is limited to residents of Piscataway Township or persons residing
within a five mile radius of Hoes Lane and Sidney Road, provided that
no person shall be appointed to the Division under this subsection
from outside the Township unless at the time of his appointment there
shall be a vacancy which cannot be filled by a qualified Township
resident, and further provided that no person shall be appointed under
the subsection unless he has been a resident of the State of New Jersey
for at least one year and meets all other qualifications for membership.
d.
Oath of Allegiance. Each member of the Division of Police, before
entering upon the performance of his duties, shall take and subscribe
an oath to bear true faith and allegiance to the governments established
in this State, to support the Constitutions of the United States of
America and the State of New Jersey, and to faithfully, impartially,
and justly discharge and perform all the duties of his office, which
oath or affirmation shall be filed with the Township Clerk.
e.
Application Fees. Each applicant for appointment to the Division
of Police shall with the initial filing of the application pay a fee
of $50 to be applied to defray the cost of the examination and testing
process and for material furnished the applicant.
[Ord. No. 13-01 § 2-18.8; Ord. No. 14-15; amended 12-13-2022 by Ord. No.
2022-27]
a.
The Director of Public Safety, subject to the approval of the Mayor,
may appoint Special Law Enforcement Officers for a term not to exceed
one year, and the Director of Public Safety may revoke any such appointment
or appointments without cause or hearing. Special Law Enforcement
Officers shall carry out those duties and responsibilities delineated
by this subsection under the direct supervision of the Director of
Public Safety.
b.
Special Law Enforcement Officers may issue summons for violations
of motor vehicle laws, disorderly persons offenses, petty disorderly
persons offenses, or violations of municipal ordinances. A Special
Law Enforcement Officer must undergo 20 hours of training addressing
motor vehicle regulations and laws (Title 39) and 15 hours of training
on disorderly persons offenses, petty disorderly persons offenses
and municipal ordinances. Special Law Enforcement Officers shall be
vested with no special authority to effect arrests; Special Law Enforcement
Officers shall be employed primarily for traffic control and crowd
control. Special Law Enforcement Officers shall not carry revolvers
or other weapons of any kind except as otherwise specifically directed
by the Director of Public Safety and upon special training as required.
All powers, rights, and duties of a Special Law Enforcement Officer
shall immediately cease at the expiration of the term for which the
Special Law Enforcement Officer was appointed, or upon revocation
of the appointment of each.
c.
1.
No person shall be appointed a Special Law Enforcement Officer unless
that person is a citizen of the United States and a person who (a)
at any time prior to his or her appointment had services as a duly
qualified, fully trained, full-time Police Officer of the Township
or another municipality, and who was separated from that prior service
in good standing; or (b) is an active or retired Sheriff's Officer
of any County and, if retired, was separated from that prior service
in good standing; or (c) is an active or retired Federal Marshall
or Federal Air Marshall and, if retired, was separated from that prior
service in good standing; or (d) is the holder of a valid SLEO I or
II Certification issued by the New Jersey Police Training Commission;
is able to read, write and speak the English language and has a high
school diploma or its equivalent; has a valid driver's license; is
physically qualified and of good moral character; and has not been
convicted of any crime.
2.
Each Special Law Enforcement Officer shall be fingerprinted, the
fingerprints of each such Officer to be filed with a Division of the
State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; has successfully
undergone the same psychological testing that is required of all full-
time Township Police Officers and has successfully undergone a background
check. Reports shall be made by the Director of Public Safety to the
Township Council concerning the eligibility and qualifications of
any person proposed to be appointed a Special Law Enforcement Officer.
d.
The aggregate number of Special Law Enforcement Officers shall not
exceed 25% of the number of full-time Police Officers employed by
the Township.
e.
It is the intent of the Township and its Police Department to comply
with all of the requirements as stated in the Special Law Enforcement
Officers Act directive, October 1, 1986.
[Ord. No. 13-01 § 2-18.9;
amended 12-13-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-27]
The Director of Public Safety, subject to the approval of the
Mayor, may appoint Police Matrons for a term not to exceed one year,
and the Director of Public Safety may revoke any such appointment
or appointments without cause or hearing.
[Ord. No. 13-01 § 2-18.10;
amended 12-13-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-27]
The duties and responsibilities of the members of the Township
of Piscataway Police Department shall be those set forth by law and
as prescribed by the Department's Written Directive System established
by the Director of Public Safety and approved by the Mayor.
[Ord. No. 13-01 § 2-18.11;
amended 12-13-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-27]
Discipline of Police Officers will be imposed consistent with
New Jersey State Statutes, New Jersey Administrative Code, and the
Rules and Regulations of the Piscataway Police Department. The written
charges will be signed by the Director of Public Safety or designee
as provided in the New Jersey Statutes and the Police Department's
Rules and Regulations. Police Officers may also be subject to discipline
for violating other statutes, ordinances, and policies.
[1972 Code § 2-10.1; 2-10.4; 2-10.6; New]
There shall be a Department of Public Works, the head of which
shall be the Director. The Township Engineer may be appointed to serve
as Director. The Department shall include the Division of Administration
and Operations, Division of Roads and Public Property, Division of
Sanitation and Sewers.
a.
Maintenance of Functions. No agents or employees of the Department
of Public Works shall undertake major maintenance, repair, or replacement
projects on force account, without the approval of the Director of
Public Works and the Business Administrator of the Township.
b.
Maintain and operate a municipal garage for the servicing and repair
of all municipally-owned motor vehicles and equipment, except as may
be otherwise ordered by the Director. All repairs and service shall
be provided at such hours and upon such priority as the Director shall
determine.
[1972 Code § 2-10.2; § 2-10.4; § 2-10.6;
New]
Within the Department of Public Works there shall be a Division
of Roads and Public Property. Under the supervision of the Director,
the Division shall:
a.
Maintain and repair the streets, roads, culverts, and drainage of
the Township and construct and reconstruct streets as may be authorized.
b.
Clear and remove snow and ice from the streets and provide such services
as may be required in the interest of public safety.
c.
Inspect and control the maintenance of all municipal buildings, grounds
and structures used for municipal purposes, and establish uniform
standards for the protection and preservation of such public property.
d.
Operate a woodworking and mechanical shop to provide service for
the Department and for other municipal Departments with the approval
of the Director.
e.
Maintain and repair all municipal buildings.
f.
Plan, develop and administer public recreational facilities and parks.
g.
Provide, maintain and repair playgrounds, play fields and indoor
and outdoor municipal recreational facilities.
h.
Cultivate, plan and maintain all public parks and greens and publicly-owned
trees; care for, trim and remove publicly-owned trees and shrubs and
preserve and protect municipal parks and other places of recreation
against plant and tree disease and damage due to the elements.
[1972 Code § 2-10.3]
Within the Department of Public Works there shall be a Division
of Sanitation and Sewers. Under the supervision of the Director, the
Division shall:
[1972 Code § 2-12.1]
There shall be a Department of Recreation, the head of which
shall be the Director. The Director shall plan, develop and administer
recreational programs and youth activities and shall have the following
duties in addition to all other duties provided by law:
a.
To provide for optimum coordination and development of the Department's
activities with other public and private recreational facilities and
programs.
b.
To promote and direct an all-year program of cultural, athletic and
leisure-time activities for children, youth and adults.
The Department may adopt suitable rules and regulations for
the safety and conduct of persons using recreational facilities and
for the preservation of public peace and order at public events under
its jurisdiction. The Department may charge and collect for the use
of the Township a reasonable fee for admission to or use of facilities,
programs or activities to the extent provided by State Law and as
provided under this subsection only as specifically authorized by
resolution of the Council.
[1972 Code § 2-13.1]
There shall be a Department of Aging, the head of which shall
be the Director. The Director shall plan, develop, coordinate and
administer programs for the elderly and shall have the following duties
in addition to all other duties provided by law:
a.
To supervise the operation of the Piscataway Senior Citizens Center
and the activities of all persons utilizing such facility. To promote
and assist the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission in the fulfillment
of its goals and objectives.
b.
To operate, supervise and maintain the senior citizens housing complex
and all activities and programs pertaining to such complex. To coordinate
and promote the activities and policies of the Board of Trustees of
the senior citizens housing complex.
The Department may adopt suitable rules and regulations for
the safety and conduct of persons using recreational facilities and
for the preservation of public peace and order at public events under
its jurisdiction. The Department may charge and collect for the use
of the Township a reasonable fee for admission to or use of facilities,
programs or activities to the extent provided by State Law and as
provided under this subsection only as specifically authorized by
resolution of the Council.
[Added 11-2-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-33]
There is hereby created in and for the Township of Piscataway,
in the County of Middlesex and the State of New Jersey, a Division
of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the Department of Public Safety.
Such division shall be known as the Division of Emergency Medical
Services (Division of EMS), and shall be headed by the Coordinator
of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
[Added 11-2-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-33]
The Division of EMS is hereby formed to protect the public health,
safety and welfare of the residents and visitors of Piscataway. This
division shall be responsible for ensuring that care rendered meets
and/or exceeds all regulatory requirements, trying to attain the highest
level of care authorized by the State of New Jersey, Department of
Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, promoting healthcare
and EMS technical education equity in the Township, and maintaining
a quality improvement feedback program for all first responders who
provide medical aid in the Township.
[Added 11-2-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-33]
The Division of EMS is authorized to implement the administrative
policies of the Mayor regarding the provision of EMS services in the
Township and to receive, review and make recommendations to the Piscataway
Township Council. It shall make recommendations to the Mayor and Council
only after consulting with and receiving approval of the Advisory
Council. The Division shall have the following duties and authority:
a.
Recommend the formula for annual budget contributions to rescue squads,
and provide such formula to the Business Administrator and Township
Council for their use;
b.
Receive and make recommendations to the Piscataway Township Council
upon requests for capital appropriations rescue squads;
c.
Receive and make recommendations to the Piscataway Township Council
upon request for policy changes for said rescue squads;
d.
Receive and make recommendations to the Piscataway Township Council
upon resolutions for said rescue squads;
e.
Receive and make recommendations to the Township Council upon any
and all such other requests as may be deemed properly made to the
Division of EMS;
f.
With input from all rescue squads, recommend the vendor to be utilized
for the screening of medical 9-1-1 calls received by the Piscataway
Township Public Service Answering Point and the dispatching/management
of all responding emergency medical services assets; and
g.
The Division of EMS will ensure that appropriate actions are taken
in response to complaints received by service providers, the public
and/or any identified events defined in N.J.A.C. 8:40-3.7 (Reportable
Events).
[Added 11-2-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-33]
There is hereby established an Advisory Council that is responsible
for overseeing and working with the Coordinator to ensure that the
Division of EMS functions efficiently, effectively and in a transparent
manner. The Coordinator shall chair the Advisory Council, but not
be considered a member. In the absence of a duly appointed Coordinator,
the Advisory Council shall meet and appoint an Interim Coordinator,
who will serve until a Coordinator is properly hired by the Township.
a.
The membership of the Division of EMS Advisory Council shall consist
of:
1.
A representative and alternate of the two currently existing rescue
squads, River Road Rescue Squad and North Stelton Rescue Squad, which
both serve Piscataway Township or any successor rescue squad/EMS agency
that continues to serve Piscataway Township;
2.
The Chief of Police or designee;
3.
Township Business Administrator or designee;
4.
One to three Township Council representatives selected by the Township
Council who are appointed in their official capacity; and
5.
Two public members representing users of the rescue squad services
who are appointed by the two existing rescue squads for terms of two-years
that may be renewed.
b.
Each rescue squad Chief officer shall appoint a representative and
alternate prior to the January Division of EMS Advisory Council meeting.
The Township Business Administrator's and Chief of Police's designee
may be the same person. The designee's term shall run for the calendar
year.
c.
The designee of either the Business Administrator or the Chief of
Police shall be a current and practicing Emergency Medical Technician
licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health — Office of
Emergency Medical Services.
[Added 11-2-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-33]
Each representative or alternate of the Advisory Council of
the Division of EMS shall have one vote, with the exception of the
Township Council members, who are nonvoting members participating
in their official capacity only. In the event that the same person
holds more than one seat on the Advisory Council, that person may
only cast one vote. A quorum for a vote shall consist of a minimum
of four voting members of the Advisory Council. A tie vote can be
broken by the Coordinator, as chair of the Advisory Council.
[Added 11-2-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-33]
Meetings of the Advisory Council of the Division of EMS for
Piscataway Township shall be held four times a year and are subject
to the Open Public Meetings Act. Additional meetings may be scheduled
by the membership based upon need as requested by the membership;
and, the Coordinator as Chair of the Advisory Council, shall be empowered
to call special meetings should he/she perceive a need for a meeting.
a.
The location of each meeting shall be at the Municipal Building;
b.
Regular meetings shall be held in January, April, July and October
at a date and time determined at the previous year's last meeting;
c.
The Chief of Rutgers Emergency Services or its designee shall be
invited to all meetings of the Advisory Council so long as Rutgers
Emergency Services continues operation of Emergency Medical Services
on campuses located in the Township of Piscataway;
d.
The Chief Operating Officer of any vendor providing Emergency Medical
Services and/or dispatch services to the Township of Piscataway or
its designee shall be invited to all meetings;
e.
The Medical Director of both rescue squads and any Emergency Medical
Services in the Township shall be invited to all meetings; and
f.
A public comment session shall be held at the end of all Advisory
Council meetings to allow comment by members of the public.
g.
(Reserved)
[Added 11-2-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-33]
The Division of EMS for the Township of Piscataway shall be
headed by a Coordinator, who shall be an employee of the Township.
The Mayor or Township Business Administrator may designate a current
employee or may employ a new employee to that position. The Coordinator
is responsible for operating the Division of EMS, and for submitting
any reports to the Mayor, Business Administrator or the Township Council
that are required or requested by such offices. The Coordinator's
reporting functions may be satisfied through provision of Advisory
Council meeting minutes. An Assistant Coordinator may be appointed
by a majority vote of Advisory Council. Such person is not an employee
of the Township and would serve in a volunteer capacity. The Coordinator
shall have the following qualifications and competencies:
a.
Maintain an active practice of providing emergency medical services
within the Township;
b.
Maintain certification as a New Jersey Department of Health —
Office of Emergency Medical Services Emergency Medical Technician
or greater;
c.
Maintain New Jersey Office of Telecommunications — Emergency
Medical Dispatch certification;
d.
FEMA ICS-100 course completion;
e.
FEMA ICS-200 (in-person) course completion;
f.
FEMA ICS-300 course completion;
g.
FEMA ICS-400 course completion;
h.
FEMA IS-700 course completion; and
i.
FEMA IS-800 course completion.
|
The Coordinator has the specific authority to seek and implement
solutions on an emergency basis to ensure the best probable outcome
for care provided to residents and visitors of the Township until
a special meeting or the next scheduled meeting of the Advisory Committee
can be held.
|
[Added 11-2-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-33]
In order to effectively operate the Division of EMS, the Coordinator
must receive certain data, information and reports from the rescue
squads operating in the Township and the Police Department. Such information
must be shared and discussed by the Advisory Council.
a.
An annual police report shall be submitted to the Coordinator and
presented at the January Advisory Council meeting, and shall include:
b.
An annual report from each of the rescue squads must be submitted
to the Coordinator and presented to the Advisory Council by April
1 of each year, and shall include:
1.
Personnel report - shall encompass active members, the current training
status of active members, and list of officers.
2.
Apparatus report — shall encompass all apparatus and define
both their operational status and capabilities.
3.
Clinical change report — shall encompass a list of all clinical
changes made over the last year.
4.
(Reserved)
