[1972 Code § 2-14]
There shall be a Zoning Board of Adjustment established pursuant to and with such powers as provided by §
25-47 of Chapter
25, Land Use Regulations.
[1972 Code § 2-15]
There shall be a Planning Board established pursuant to and with such powers and duties as provided by §
25-46 of Chapter
25, Land Use Regulations.
[1972 Code § 2-16]
The Council shall annually designate a representative of West
Orange on the Sewerage Joint Meeting of Municipalities of Union and
Essex Counties.
[1972 Code § 2-17.1]
There is hereby created a Board of Transportation in and for
the Township. The Board of Transportation shall be composed of nine
residents of the Township who shall be appointed by the Mayor.
[1972 Code § 2-17.2]
The purpose of the Board of Transportation shall be to provide
an agency for the study of the control of automotive traffic to aid
pedestrian safety, and to reduce and attempt to prevent traffic accidents
within the Township.
[1972 Code § 2-17.3]
Members of the Board of Transportation shall serve without pay.
The Mayor shall designate a resident of the Township to serve as Secretary
to the Board at an annual salary to be established by ordinance. The
Secretary shall be appointed for a period of one year, and shall serve
until a successor is duly appointed and qualified.
[1972 Code § 2-17.4]
Three members of the Board of Transportation shall be appointed
for a period of three years; three members shall be appointed for
a period of two years; and three members shall be appointed for a
period of one year. Any vacancy on the Board of Transportation shall
be filled for the unexpired portion of the term.
[1972 Code § 2-17.5]
The Board of Transportation shall elect, from its members, such
officers as it shall deem advisable, and shall make such rules as
it shall deem necessary.
[1972 Code § 2-18; amended 9-24-2019 by Ord. No. 2585-19]
There shall be an Office of Emergency Management pursuant to
law (Chapter 438 of the 1956 Laws of New Jersey, N.J.S.A. App. A:9-41)
and a Coordinator of the Office of Emergency Management to be appointed
by the Mayor. The Coordinator of the Office of Emergency Management
shall be a resident of the Township and have working knowledge of
all emergency service disciplines, including, but not limited to,
public safety, fire suppression, health and welfare, and public works
and utilities. All departments of the Township government shall cooperate
with and assist the Office of Emergency Management as required.
A Community Emergency Response Team is hereby established in
the Township of West Orange. The Community Emergency Response Team
shall fall under the Office of Emergency Management and shall be under
the supervision and control of the Office of Emergency Management
Coordinator or the Coordinator's designee.
The Community Emergency Response Team shall provide volunteer
services in the area of natural and other disasters under the direction
of the Office of Emergency Management to supplement the West Orange
Police Department and the West Orange Fire Department and in response
to any such disaster.
The membership of the Community Emergency Response Team shall
be comprised of volunteers subject to approval by the governing body
upon the recommendation of the Office of Emergency Management Coordinator.
All members of the Community Emergency Response Team shall be at least
18 years of age and either: i) reside or ii) work within the Township
of West Orange.
All members of the Community Emergency Response Team shall be
required to receive approximately 20 hours of basic-level training
as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and will include
training in:
b. Family disaster preparedness;
c. Disaster fire suppression;
e. Operations in response to terrorist incidents;
g. Basic emergency management; and
h. Skills review and disaster simulation.
Prior ordinance history: 1972 code §§ 2-19- 2-19.4,
Ordinance Nos. 228-72, 336-74, 1029-90.
[Ord. No. 2389-13]
An Environmental Commission is hereby established in the Township
of West Orange pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 to 40:56A-12, and as
the same may be amended, the mission of which shall be the protection,
development or use of natural resources, including water resources,
located within territorial limits of West Orange.
[Ord. No. 2389-13; amended 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2634-21]
The Commission shall consist of seven members appointed by the
Mayor, one of whom shall also be a member of the Planning Board and
all of whom shall be residents of West Orange. The members shall serve
without compensation. The Mayor shall designate one of the members
to serve as Chairman and presiding officer of the Commission. The
terms of the office of the first commissioners shall be for one, two
or three years, to be designated by the Mayor in making his appointments
and their successors shall be appointed for terms of three years and
until the appointment and qualification of their successors. The first
members of the Commission shall be appointed for the following terms:
Two members for the one-year term expiring December 31, 2014;
Two members for the two-year term expiring December 31, 2015;
Three members for the three-year term expiring December 31,
2016.
The Mayor or Township Council may remove any member of the Commission
for cause, on written charges served upon the member and after the
hearing thereon at which the member shall be entitled to be heard
in person or by counsel. A vacancy on the Commission occurring otherwise
than expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in
the same manner as an original appointment.
The Township Council shall annually nominate and select by majority
vote one of its members to be Council Liaison to the Environmental
Commission for the calendar year. The Council Liaison shall be a non-voting
member of the Commission.
[Ord. No. 2389-13]
The Environmental Commission:
a. Shall have the power to conduct research into the possible use of
municipal open land areas within the Township.
b. Shall conduct research and analyze green initiatives that make environmental
and financial sense to the Township.
c. Shall serve as the West Orange Green Team and support the municipality's
efforts to work in accordance with the Township's Sustainable Element
in the Master Plan.
d. Shall collaborate with Township employees, service providers, other
governmental agencies and the West Orange Board of Education: Administration,
Facilities Director and Student Green Teams, to share resource information
and ideas consistent with the Commission's mission to protect and/or
develop natural resources.
e. Shall inform, educate and encourage participation with Township employees,
residents and local businesses the solicitation of ideas on efficient
green initiatives.
f. May prepare, advertise, print, and distribute books, maps, charts,
plans and pamphlets for the promotion of environmental goals and educational
purposes.
g. Shall work with the Open Space Index of all natural resource areas,
publicly or privately owned, including open marshland, swamps and
other wetlands, in order to obtain information on the proper use of
such areas and may recommend to the Planning Board plans and programs
for inclusion in the Master Plan for the preservation or development
and use of such areas.
h. Shall prepare a report of suggested best management practices to
create and promote a "greener" municipality.
[Ord. No. 2389-13]
Environmental Commission meetings shall be open to all West
Orange residents and interested parties and shall comply with all
requirements under the Open Public Meetings Act whether or not required
by law.
[Ord. No. 2389-13]
The Environmental Commission shall maintain minutes of its regular
meetings, keep records of its activities and make an annual report
to the Governing Body.
[Ord. No. 2389-13; amended 7-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2577-19]
The Environmental Commission shall have the power, subject to
the Municipal Land Use Law and any other statutes which may apply,
to make recommendations to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment,
Open Space Commission or the Township Council concerning open space
preservation, water resource management, air pollution control, solid
waste management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental
appearance, marine resources and protection of flora and fauna within
the Township.
[Ord. No. 823-86 § 1]
The Township Council has recognized that there is an insurance
crisis within the State of New Jersey with respect to Municipal insurance
coverage. Such coverage can either not be obtained at all or only
obtained at prohibitive premium rates. In order to respond to the
aforesaid crisis the Township of West Orange desires to create a Municipal
insurance fund pursuant to authority granted it by the laws of New
Jersey.
[Ord. No. 832-86 § 2]
As used in this section:
CHAIRMAN
Shall mean the duly elected Chairman of the Township of West
Orange Municipal Insurance Fund Commission.
COMMISSION
Shall mean the Township of West Orange Municipal Insurance
Fund Commission.
COMMISSIONER
Shall mean any properly appointed member of the Township
of West Orange Municipal Insurance Fund Commission.
COUNCIL
Shall mean the duly elected members of the Municipal Council
of the Township of West Orange.
FUND
Shall mean the Township of West Orange Municipal Insurance
Fund.
MAYOR
Shall mean the duly elected Mayor of the Township of West
Orange.
MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL
Shall mean any full time employee of the Township of West
Orange or statutory municipal officer employed by the Township of
West Orange and the Mayor and members of the Township Council.
[Amended 1-18-2022 by Ord. No. 2674-21]
SECRETARY
Shall mean the duly appointed Secretary to the Township of
West Orange Municipal Insurance Fund Commission.
[Ord. No. 823-86 § 3]
There is hereby created a Municipal Insurance Fund Commission
within the Township consisting of three members who shall be called
Commissioners.
[Ord. No. 823-86 § 4]
a. Commissioners of the Fund shall be appointed as follows:
1. One Commissioner shall be a Municipal Official appointed by the Mayor.
2. Two Commissioners shall be members of the Township Council appointed
by the Mayor upon the recommendation of the Township Council as a
body.
b. Each Commissioner shall hold office for a term of two years or for
the remainder of his or her term of office as an official, whichever
is less, and until their successor is appointed.
c. Vacancies in the Office of Commissioner caused by any reason other
than expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term.
d. A Commissioner shall serve without compensation.
[Ord. No. 823-86 § 5]
a. The Council shall establish within the Municipal Budget a fund or
funds for the payment of judgments or settlements and the payment
of the reasonable and necessary expenses of defending claims against
the Township. The amounts of these funds shall be established yearly
in each Municipal Budget. All unused amounts in the funds from previous
budgets shall be carried over into the current Municipal Budget.
b. These funds shall be used for the following purposes:
1. To insure against loss or damage caused to any property, motor vehicles,
equipment or apparatus owned by the Township or owned by or under
the control of any Township department, board, agency or commission.
2. To insure against liability resulting from the use or operation of
motor vehicles, equipment or apparatus owned by or controlled by the
Township or any Township department, board, agency or commission.
3. To insure against liability for the Township's negligence or that
of its officers, employees and servants, whether full or part-time,
who are acting within the scope of their authority but not including
an independent contractor within the limitations of the New Jersey
Tort Claims Act (N.J.S.A. 59:1-1 et seq.).
[Ord. No. 823-86 § 6]
a. The Commissioners shall appoint a municipal official other than themselves
to serve as Secretary to the Commission at a salary to be set by ordinance.
b. The Secretary shall be entrusted with the daily operation of the
Fund and shall submit a report to the Commissioners at least once
a month.
c. The Secretary shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission and vacancies
in the position shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment.
[Ord. No. 823-86 § 7]
Immediately after their appointment the Commissioners shall
organize for the ensuing year and elect a Chairman from their membership
who shall serve for a term of one year.
[Ord. No. 823-86 § 5]
The Commissioners shall have the following powers and authority:
a. Invest the Fund and all additions and accretions thereto in such
securities as they shall deem best to maintain the integrity of the
Fund.
b. Adopt rules and regulations for the control and investment of the
Fund.
c. Keep on hand in the Fund sufficient cash or securities which can
immediately be converted to cash, for the payment of losses.
d. Obtain whatever insurance coverage they can, at reasonable rates,
to maintain the integrity of the Fund.
[1972 Code § 2-25.1; Ord. No. 803-85 § 1]
The Township Council has determined that the discovery of the
existence, within certain areas of the Township, of radium contaminated
soil and radium contaminated buildings has resulted in a public health
emergency within West Orange thus necessitating the creation of an
Environmental Protection Authority. The existence of an Environmental
Protection Authority will contribute to the safety and general well
being of the residents of West Orange and see to it that there is
established, for the future, a policy for dealing with the discovery
and elimination of the existence of radium contamination within the
Township.
[1972 Code § 2-25.2; Ord. No. 803-85 § 2]
As used in this section:
AUTHORITY
Shall mean the Environmental Protection Authority.
CHAIRMAN
Shall mean the duly appointed Chairman of the Environmental
Protection Authority.
MEMBER
Shall mean any individual appointed to serve on the Environmental
Protection Authority.
TOWNSHIP
Shall mean Township of West Orange.
[1972 Code § 2-25.3; Ord. No. 803-85 § 3]
There is hereby created an Environmental Protection Authority
within the Township consisting of not less than seven nor more than
15 members who shall be appointed as follows:
a. The Township Council shall select one of its members to serve on
the authority for a term of one year from the effective date of this
section and until a successor is chosen. All reappointments shall
be for a term of one year and until a successor is chosen.
b. One member of the authority shall be the Director of Health and Welfare
of the Township or his or her designee who shall serve as long as
he or she holds the position with the Township's Department of Health
and Welfare.
c. One member of the authority shall be a duly elected member of the
New Jersey Legislature whose District includes the Township provided
however that this member shall not be entitled to cast a vote at Authority
meetings and shall only serve as a member of the Authority during
the period he or she is a duly elected member of the New Jersey Legislature.
d. All other members of the Authority shall be appointed by the Mayor
and shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor.
All members of the Authority, except the member from the New
Jersey Legislature, shall be bona fide residents of or employed in
the Township.
[1972 Code § 2-25.4; Ord. No. 803-85 § 4]
The Mayor shall appoint the Chairman of the Authority who shall
preside at all meetings of the Authority and who shall perform such
other duties as requested by the Mayor.
All other officers of the Authority shall be selected by the
members in accordance with the duly adopted bylaws of the Authority.
A quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the
Authority shall be five or more members being present.
[1972 Code § 2-25.5; Ord. No. 803-85 § 5]
The Authority is hereby granted, and shall have and exercise,
in addition to other powers herein granted, the following powers:
a. To insure the safety of Township residents during and after the removal
of radium contamination from the Township.
b. To review and monitor all plans and procedures proposed by Federal,
State environmental agencies for the cleanup and removal of radium
contamination and make recommendation to the Mayor and Township Council
regarding the acceptability of such plans.
c. To create a community action program as it pertains to all municipal
agencies and utility companies operating in radium contaminated areas.
d. To ensure that residents of radium contaminated areas receive services
to which they are entitled including proper housing, maintenance,
transportation, medical and social services.
e. To keep residents informed of each new development regarding radium
contamination and plans for the removal of this contamination. The
Authority shall convey its suggestions and concerns regarding the
plans and developments to the Mayor and Township Council.
f. To receive all communications on behalf of the Township from any
Federal or State Agency concerning radium contamination including
plans for the cleanup and removal of any radium contaminated soil.
g. To serve as liaison between Federal and State Agencies and the residents
of the Township.
h. To formulate any alternative or supplemental plans for the removal
of radium contamination it deems appropriate.
i. To generally act as an advocate for, and promote the interests of,
residents of the Township in the cleanup and removal of radium contaminated
soil.
j. To generally respond to any inquiries or tasks concerning radium
contaminated soil as may be requested by the Mayor and Township Council.
k. To formulate and adopt bylaws governing the conduct of Authority
meetings and the transaction of Authority business.
[1972 Code § 2-25.6; Ord. No. 803-85 § 6]
All vacancies in membership on the Authority shall be filled
by the Mayor within 30 days of receiving written notice of the vacancy
provided, however, that if the vacancy occurs in the seat occupied
by the Township Council representative, the Township Council shall
fill that vacancy within the aforesaid thirty-day period.
[1972 Code § 2-25.7; Ord. No. 803-85 § 7]
Any member of the Authority who ceases to be a bona fide resident
of the Township or employed in the Township shall immediately forfeit
his or her membership on the Authority.
[1972 Code § 2-26.1; Ord. No. 1001-90 § 1]
a. The State of New Jersey has created the Governor's Council on Alcoholism
and Drug Abuse (N.J.S.A. 26:2BB-1) and within the Council an Alliance
to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in order to unite the communities
of New Jersey in a coordinated effort to fight drug and alcohol abuse.
As part of this effort the State has set up a fund for the awarding
of grants to municipalities to combat drug and alcohol abuse. These
grants will be distributed to various County local advisory committees
on alcohol and drug abuse who will then distribute them to various
municipal committees within the County in accordance with criteria
set down by the Governor's Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
b. It is the purpose of this section to create a West Orange Municipal
Alliance Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse to take advantage
of any funds available to the Township by the Governor's Council on
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
[1972 Code § 2-26.2; Ord. No. 1001-90 § 2]
There is hereby created the West Orange Municipal Alliance Committee
on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse whose functions shall include but not
be limited to:
a. Creating a network of community leaders, private citizens, and representatives
from public and private human service agencies who are dedicated to
a comprehensive and coordinated effort to promote and support drug
and alcohol prevention and education programs and related activities
with an emphasis on youth.
b. Conduct an assessment of their community to determine the needs of
the community in relation to alcoholism and drug abuse issues.
c. Identify existing efforts and services acting to reduce alcoholism
and drug abuse.
d. Coordinate projects within the municipality to avoid fragmentation
and duplication.
e. Develop programs to be implemented at the municipal level or participate
in regionally developed programs that accomplish the purpose of the
alliance effort and the purposes of the Municipal Alliance Committee.
f. Assist the municipality in acquiring funds for alliance programs;
develop a subcommittee on fundraising.
g. Cooperate with the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
and the County Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse/Alliance
Steering Subcommittee to provide municipal data, reports or other
information which may be required for the County Annual Alliance Plan
or needed to assist the alliance effort.
[1972 Code § 2-26.3; Ord. No. 1001-90 § 3]
a. The West Orange Municipal Alliance Committee on Alcoholism and Drug
Abuse shall consist of the following members who shall be appointed
by the Mayor of West Orange:
1. The Chief of Police or his or her representative.
2. The Superintendent of Schools or his or her representative.
3. A representative of the Township Council.
4. A representative of the Mayor.
5. A representative from the student body of West Orange High School.
6. A representative from the student body of Seton Hall Preparatory
School.
7. A representative from one of the local civic associations operating
within the Township of West Orange.
8. A representative from the local religious groups who have congregations
within the Township of West Orange.
9. A licensed psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in the fields
of drug and alcohol abuse counseling.
b. All members shall serve until a successor is appointed and all appointments
to each Committee Seat shall be for a term of three years. All vacancies
shall be filled for the remainder of the term of the member whose
seat is vacant and until a successor is appointed.
c. The Mayor may appoint additional members of the Committee all of
whom shall serve for a term of three years.
[1972 Code § 2-26.4; Ord. No. 1001-90 § 4; amended 2-4-2020 by Ord. No. 2596-20]
The Committee shall adopt bylaws governing its operation and
shall meet quarterly each year. Minutes of each meeting shall be taken
to serve as a public record. A quorum shall be present at each meeting
and the rules of parliamentary procedure shall govern the conduct
thereof.
[Ord. No. 1320-95 § 1; Ord. No. 1599-99 § 1; Ord. No. 1799-02 § 1; Ord. No. 2504-17]
The Township recognizes and respects the strength of its rich
diversity, which the Township seeks to promote through the Human Relations
Commission (the "Commission"). The purpose of the Commission is to
foster communication, understanding and cooperation among all groups
and residents of the Township, to promote the celebration and preservation
of our residents' unique cultural customs, and to promote the regular,
civil and productive communication between the diverse groups of residents
of the Township.
[Ord. No. 1320-95 § 2; Ord. No. 1599-99 § 2; Ord. No. 2504-17]
There is hereby created the West Orange Human Relations Commission,
which shall be a part of the Mayor's Office.
[Ord. No. 1320-95 § 3; Ord. No. 1599-99 § 3; Ord. No. 1799-02 § 3; Ord. No. 2504-17]
The Commission shall be comprised of 13 members, each of whom
shall be a resident of the Township. The Mayor shall appoint three
members and each member of the Township Council shall appoint two
members. All members shall be known as Commissioners and the term
of each Commissioner shall expire with the term of the elected official
who appointed that Commissioner. Any subsequent appointments shall
also expire with the term of the elected official who appointed that
Commissioner. All vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term
only.
[Ord. No. 1320-95 § 4; Ord. No. 1599-99 § 4; Ord. No. 1799-02 § 4; Ord. No. 2504-17]
The Commission shall adopt bylaws to govern its operation, including
specific goals and plans to achieve them, which shall be approved
in advance by resolution of the Township Council.
[Ord. No. 1599-99 § 5; Ord. No. 1799-02 § 5; Ord. No. 2504-17]
The Commission may, by a majority vote of its Commissioners,
create such subcommittee or subcommittees of its membership as they
deem necessary and appropriate provided, however, that no subcommittee
shall act for the Commission. The Commissioners may recruit and enlist
volunteers who are residents of the Township to assist them, but such
volunteers shall have no voting rights and shall not speak for the
Commission.
[Ord. No. 1320-95 § 5; Ord. No. 1599-99 § 6; Ord. No. 1799-02 § 6; Ord. No. 2504-17]
There shall be a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Commission
who shall be designated by the Mayor for a term of one year provided,
however, that the Mayor may reappoint any Commissioner as Chairperson
from year to year. The Chairperson shall be selected by the Mayor
from the 13 members of the Commission. All vacancies in the office
of the Chairperson shall be filled for the unexpired term by the Mayor.
[Ord. No. 1320-95 § 6; Ord. No. 1599-99 § 7; Ord. No. 1799-02 § 7; Ord. No. 2504-17]
The Commission shall develop and implement programs which encourage
a positive and constructive dialogue within the Township on diversity
and diversity-related issues. Among other events and activities, the
Commission shall plan and coordinate the presentation of an annual
Township-wide celebration in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr.'s birthday. The Commission shall encourage the inclusion of all
residents of the Township in the leadership of civic and community
issues and groups. The Commission shall be involved in community-building
tasks and strategies to enhance and sustain respect among all of the
diverse residents of the Township. The Commission shall develop formal
and informal educational programs to eradicate all types of discrimination,
to promote the celebration and preservation of our residents' unique
cultural customs, and to promote the regular, civil and productive
communication between the diverse groups of residents of the Township.
[Ord. No. 1320-95 § 7; Ord. No. 1599-99 § 8; Ord. No. 1799-02 § 8; Ord. No. 2504-17]
The Commission shall annually develop a tentative budget for
the following year to be submitted to the Mayor for initial approval
and subject to the Township Council's appropriation approval. Any
funds raised through grant applications, fundraisers or solicitations
shall be subject to all applicable laws and the regulations and procedures
applicable through the NJ Division of Local Finance.
[Ord. No. 1320-95 § 8; Ord. No. 1599-99 § 9; Ord. No. 1794-02 § 9; Ord. No. 2504-17]
The Commission shall submit an annual report in writing to the
Mayor and Township Council setting forth its activities and accomplishments
for the preceding year and its plans for the following year, including
any new goals and plans to achieve them. The annual report shall be
submitted by no later than January 15th for the preceding year. Each
semi-annual report shall describe activities undertaken by the Committee
and present recommendations for future activities deemed necessary
for the Commission to discharge its duties and responsibilities.
[Ord. No. 1893-03 § 1]
There is hereby created the West Orange Public Relations Commission.
[Ord. 1893-03 § 2; Ord. No. 2170-08 § II; Ord. No. 2471-15]
The Commission shall be composed of eight members each of whom
shall be bona fide residents of West Orange. Each member of the Township
Council shall appoint one member to the Commission and the Mayor shall
appoint three members to the Commission each to serve a one year term
renewable at expiration for the remainder of the elected officials
term. The members shall be commissioned by the submission of a letter
to the Township Clerk's office. All vacancies shall be filled for
the unexpired term only. Each member of the Township Council and the
Mayor shall reappoint their Commissioner upon reelection or appoint
new Commissioners. Each Public Relations Commissioner's term expires
with the elected official who nominated them. The Township Council
shall appoint one Council member to serve as a liaison to the Commission
each year.
Commissioners may be recommended for removal from the Commission
for acts or deeds considered by the Public Relations Commission, Township
Council or Mayor as contrary to the aims and goals of the Public Relations
Commission; three consecutive missed regularly scheduled Public Relations
Commission meetings or attendance at less than 2/3 of the yearly meetings.
To remove a Public Relations Commissioner from office a written
explanation of the reason for said removal shall be submitted to the
Council President, Mayor, nominating Elected Official (if not one
of the previous) and Public Relations Commissioner involved by the
Chairperson of the Public Relations Commission. Upon receipt of the
notice from the Commission the nominating elected official may remove
and replace said Commissioner. A replacement shall be selected by
said nominator to finish the vacated, unexpired term.
[Ord. No. 1893-03 § 3]
a. The Commission may refine and adopt bylaws to govern its general
operations subject to approval of Township Council.
b. The Commission shall select from its members a Vice-Chairperson and
Secretary and such other officers as may be approved by the bylaws.
c. The Mayor with recommendation from the Public Information Officer
shall appoint the Public Relations Chairperson. Removal of the Chairperson
from his or her position will be made at the discretion of the Mayor
and the Township Council.
[Ord. No. 1893-03 § 4]
The Commission shall in concert with the Public Information
Officer develop a comprehensive public relations program for the Township
directed toward the visuals, print and audio media outlets covering
but not limited to the West Orange, Essex County and Metro-New York
area and oversee its implementation. The Public Relations Commission
shall aid in the positive promotion of West Orange, counter any possible
negative feedback, inform residents and others of the wide variety
of programs and services available in West Orange, encourage continued
positive business growth and administer any operating budget that
is appropriated by the Township.
[Ord. No. 1893-03 § 5]
The Commission with the approval of the Mayor and Council may
engage the services of a public relations professional. This person,
who may also be the Township Public Information Officer, shall be
an independent contractor who will be remunerated in accordance with
the terms of a contract with the Township but, subject to availability,
will be provided with an office in Township Hall.
[Ord. No. 1893-03 § 6]
The Commission shall report annually in writing to the Mayor
and Township Council concerning its activities and shall periodically
make such recommendations as it deems necessary to achieve its goals
and carry out its duties and functions.
[Ord. No. 1492-98 § 1]
In 1991, the New Jersey Legislature passed the Prevention of
Domestic Violence Act of 1991, N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17, et seq. (the "Act"),
having determined that domestic violence is a serious crime against
society with victims from all social and economic backgrounds. Pursuant
to the Act, crisis intervention teams of trained residents can be
formed to assist police authorities in dealing with domestic violence
cases. The West Orange Domestic Violence Intervention Team would assist
victims of domestic violence by providing information on available
resources and referrals and acting as a liaison with the police and
other agencies, as appropriate.
[Ord. No. 1492-98 § 2]
There is hereby created the West Orange Domestic Violence Crisis
Intervention Team. The Team shall consist of an unlimited number of
volunteers who shall be at least 21 years of age and bona fide residents
of West Orange. All Team members shall serve without compensation.
Interested persons shall complete an application form supplied by
the Township, be fingerprinted by the Police Department and subject
to a background check. Members of the Team shall be appointed by resolution
of the Township Council upon recommendations of the Mayor. The Township
Council shall also by resolution and upon recommendation of the Mayor
appoint certain Team members as Coordinators. All Coordinators and
other Team members shall be supervised by the Police Department and
shall serve at the discretion of the Township Council.
[Ord. No. 1492-98 § 3]
No person may serve as a Team member unless he/she shall have
first completed a forty-hour specialized training program as developed
by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.
[Ord. No. 1492-98 § 4]
The functions and duties of the Team shall include, but not
be limited to:
a. Meeting with victims of domestic violence to provide support, compassion
and advice.
b. Providing information on available resources, appropriate agencies,
hot lines and the like and serving as a liaison with police and other
agencies as appropriate.
c. Such other functions and duties as may be established by the Police
Department.
[Ord. No. 1492-98 § 5]
The Police Department shall prepare and submit to the Mayor
and Township Council an annual report summarizing the activities of
the Team and any recommendations it sees fit to make.
[Ord. No. 1568-98, §§
1 through 8; Ord. No. 1712-00, §§ 2,
through 4 ; amended 9-10-2019 by Ord. No. 2582-19]
The Township of West Orange believes that there is a manifest
need to provide recreational and social activities for persons who
are mentally and/or physically disabled. It also recognizes its obligation
to offer and provide information and services to the families of disabled
persons.
There is hereby created the Mayor's Program for the Uniquely
Gifted which shall be part of the Mayor's office.
The Program shall be administered by an Advisory Board ("Board")
composed of 10 members each of whom shall be a bona fide resident
of West Orange. The Mayor shall appoint five members and the members
of the Township Council shall each appoint one member of the Board.
The term of each member of the Board shall expire with the term of
the elected official who appointed him/her. Any subsequent appointments
shall also expire with the term of the elected official who appointed
that member of the Board. All vacancies shall be filled only for the
unexpired term of the elected official making such appointment. All
members shall serve without compensation or remuneration. From among
the sitting Board members, the Mayor shall appoint the chair of the
program for a one-year term which may be renewed.
The Board may adopt bylaws to govern its general operations
provided said bylaws are approved in advance by the Mayor and Township
Council.
The Board shall foster community good will and understanding
toward persons with mental and/or physical disabilities and make recommendations
to the Mayor and Township Council for the development of policies
and programs designed to achieve these goals. It may also engage in
fund raising.
The Board shall annually develop a budget for the following
year and also attempt to raise additional funds through applications
for grants, fundraisers and solicitation of contributions. Its annual
budget must be part of the Township's approved annual operating budget.
All additional funds raised must be added to its annual operating
budget. No attempts shall be made to raise funds of any kind without
the prior approval of the Mayor and Council.
The Program Coordinator shall submit an annual report to the
Mayor and Township Council. The report shall include the following
three areas: (i) a summary of the prior year's programs including
summer camp, special events, etc.; (ii) a financial analysis of the
prior year's fiscal operations; and (iii) an assessment of the Program's
future needs.
The Program is under the supervision of the Mayor and his/her
designee. The Mayor's designee shall be a bona fide full time employee
of the Township. There shall be a paid coordinator of the Program
who shall report directly to the Mayor or his/her designee. All wages
paid to the coordinator must be approved as part of the Township's
budget.
[Ord. No. 1606-99 § I]
The Township of West Orange has established an Economic Development
Commission to serve as a volunteer advisory committee to the Mayor
and Council with regard to issues of economic vitality, promotion,
and insuring that all of the Township's business areas are vital enterprise
centers.
[Ord. No. 1606-99 § II]
The body will be known as the Economic Development Commission
of the Township of West Orange. It shall consist of seven members.
[Ord. No. 1606-99 § III; Ord. No. 2560-19]
The Commission shall be appointed within 30 days after the effective
date of this section. The Mayor shall appoint five Commissioners.
The Council shall, by a majority vote, select one non-Council member
as a Commissioner as a consensus member. The Council shall select
one of its members to serve as a Commissioner. The West Orange Downtown
Alliance shall designate a liaison to serve as a nonvoting member
of the Commission.
The terms of all Commissioners shall be one year effective January
1.
[Ord. No. 1606-99 § IV]
Commissioners shall have expertise in fields such as real estate,
development, finance, business, law, engineering, and fund raising.
[Ord. No. 1606-99 § IV]
The Commission shall meet not less than six times per year.
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the total number of
Commissioners.
[Ord. No. 1606-99 § V; Ord. No. 2560-19]
The Mayor shall select a Chairperson from amongst the Commissioners
for a one-year term effective January 1st. The Chairperson may serve
multiple terms.
[Ord. No. 1606-99 § VI]
The Commission shall by majority vote choose a Vice-Chairperson
and Secretary who shall serve for terms of one year. Officers may
serve multiple terms.
[Ord. No. 1606-99 § VII]
The duties of the Commission shall be as follows:
a. The development of plans and programs to encourage the expansion
and the strengthening of existing business and commercial enterprises
in the Township consistent with the best interests of the Township
as a whole.
b. The development of plans and programs which will attract new business
and commercial enterprises to the Township which are in the best interests
of the Township as a whole.
c. The investigation, analysis and submission of regular reports to
the Council and the Mayor on any obstacles to the expansion of the
industrial and commercial tax base of the Township.
d. The making of recommendations to the Mayor and Council regarding
any ways or means by which the Township may assist in meeting the
needs of any business developments deemed appropriate.
e. The Economic Development Commission shall participate when authorized
by the Mayor in appropriate County and regional economic development
activities.
[Ord. No. 1639-99 § I]
The Township of West Orange has established the West Orange
Arts Council to cultivate the arts within our community. Through education,
outreach, arts programming and facilities enhancement, the Arts Council
will enrich and enliven the lives of all residents of the Township
of West Orange.
[Ord. No. 1639-99 § II]
The body will be known as the West Orange Arts Council. It shall
consist of 11 members.
[Ord. No. 1639-99 § III]
The West Orange Arts Council shall be appointed within 30 days
after the effective date of this section. The Mayor shall appoint
four West Orange Arts Council members. With regards to the initial
Mayoral appointees only, the following term schedule shall be in effect.
One of the appointees shall serve a term of one year. One of the appointees
shall serve a term of two years. One of the appointees shall serve
a term of three years. One of the appointees shall serve a term of
four years. After the appointment of the initial Mayoral appointees,
all appointed members shall serve terms of four years. The Township
Council shall appoint one Council member to serve on the Board each
year.
The initial five appointed members shall elect the additional
six members within 15 days after their appointment by the Mayor. With
regards to the initial elected members only, the following term schedule
shall be in effect. One of the initial elected members shall serve
a term of one year. One of the elected members shall serve terms of
two years. Two of the elected members shall serve terms of three years.
Two of the elected members shall serve terms of four years. After
the election of the initial elected members, all elected members shall
serve terms of four years.
No member, whether appointed or elected, may serve more than
four consecutive terms as a member of the West Orange Arts Council.
[Ord. No. 1639-99 § IV]
Members of the Arts Council shall be working artists, such as
writers, painters, musicians and actors, patrons of the arts, or individuals
who possess knowledge, education or expertise relevant to the purpose
and goal of the West Orange Arts Council.
[Ord. No. 1639-99 § V]
The duties of the West Orange Arts Council shall be as follows:
a. The drafting and adoption of bylaws which will govern the administration,
selection of officers, meeting schedule, and other operations of the
West Orange Arts Council.
b. The undertaking of all tasks necessary to establish the West Orange
Arts Council as a 501(c)(3) organization with tax-exempt status.
c. The development of plans and programs which will integrate the arts
with the goals of the Master Plan of the Township of West Orange.
The development of plans to include the arts in the Township's efforts
to revitalize and develop the downtown area.
d. The development and implementation of a marketing strategy to heighten
awareness of the work and goals of the West Orange Arts Council throughout
the Township of West Orange.
e. The sponsorship of educational, community outreach and arts programming
which will cultivate the arts within the Township of West Orange.
f. The development of a plan for facilities enhancement in order to
provide spaces for artistic work, performance and exhibition.
[Ord. No. 1816-02 § II; Ord. No. 2325-11 § 1; Ord. No. 2331-11]
There is hereby established an Open Space and Recreation Committee
which shall consist of nine members whose terms and functions are
hereinafter set forth.
[Ord. No. 1816-02 § II; Ord. No. 2325-11 § 1; Ord. No. 2331-11]
Each member of the Open Space and Recreation Committee shall
be a resident of the Township of West Orange, three of whom shall
be appointed by the Mayor, the Mayoral appointee serving for a term
of four years, coterminous with the Mayor's term of office, five of
whom shall be appointed by the Township Council, each Council member
selecting one appointee for a term of four years, to expire regardless
of the date of appointment upon the expiration of the appointing Council
Member's term of office and all shall serve without compensation.
Each year the Council shall elect one of its members to serve as a
member of the Committee. A vacancy occurring otherwise than by an
expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term only. Initial
appointments to the Committee shall be made upon final passage of
Ordinance No. 2331-11.
[Ord. No. 2325 § 1]
The Committee shall have no budget, but shall be assisted and
advised from time to time and as appropriate by the Municipal Engineer,
the Director of Planning, and the Director of Recreation, all as directed
by the Mayor.
[Ord. No. 1816-02 § II; Ord. No. 2048-05 § II; Ord. No. 2325-11 § 1]
a. The Open Space and Recreation Committee shall study the costs, benefits
and manner of acquiring, maintaining and protecting open space within
the Township's borders, report to and make recommendations to the
Mayor and Council regarding its findings on at least an annual basis.
b. The Open Space and Recreation Committee shall prepare, maintain and
periodically update an inventory of undeveloped land within the Township,
whether publicly or privately owned, and shall make such inventory
available to the Township's Mayor and Council.
c. The Committee may, upon request, assist the Mayor and Township Council
in the identification of and application for State, Federal and private
grants, low-interest loans and matching funds, and may make recommendations
to the Mayor and Township Council for obtaining funding for the acquisition
of land for the purpose of fulfilling the goals of the Township's
Open Space Program.
d. The Open Space and Recreation Committee shall research and study
the use and potential use of open space in the Township, shall review
existing municipal policies regarding open space and recreation, shall
seek public input, discussion and cooperation with Township elected
officials, professional staff, and any consultant(s) hired by the
Township to inform, advise and assist with open space and recreation
matters, and shall foster the goals of the Township's Open Space Program,
including:
1. The preservation of open spaces to maintain and enhance community
character, quality of life, natural and cultural resources;
2. The expansion of opportunities for parkland to become community gathering
places;
3. The development of "pocket parks" or underutilized land;
4. The establishment of greenways connecting parkland in the Township;
5. The identification and protection of at-risk natural resources, such
as stream corridors, core forests, wetlands, steep slopes, and water
features from disturbance and future development;
6. The identification, creation and preservation of habitat for threatened
and endangered species throughout the Township;
7. The preservation of viewsheds within the Township, especially along
the ridgelines of the Second Watchung Mountains;
8. The preservation of historically significant sites and areas within
the Township.
[Ord. No. 1816-02 § II; Ord. No. 2325-11 § 1]
Although the West Orange Township Council intends that the Open
Space and Recreation Committee be a purely advisory committee, it
shall nonetheless act in all ways as if the Open Public Meetings Act,
N.J.S.A. 10:4-6, statute applies to promote a culture of openness
and transparency and increase the West Orange community's confidence
in its local government. Accordingly, the Committee shall hold all
of its meetings in public, not conducting any executive sessions.
Neither the Mayor nor Township Council shall be bound by or required
to give any deference to a recommendation from the Open Space and
Recreation Committee, but shall consider same on its merits along
with any other recommendations received from any other source.
[Ord. No. 1816-02 § II; Ord. No. 2325-11 § 1]
For the purpose of conducting its meetings in an orderly fashion,
the Open Space and Recreation Committee shall make reasonable efforts
to use and follow the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order.
The Mayor shall select the Chairman of the Open Space and Recreation
Committee, who shall preside over all meetings. The Committee shall
select from among its members a Vice Chairman to serve as the presiding
officer in the absence of the Chairman. The Committee shall also select
a Secretary whose function shall be to keep reasonably comprehensive
minutes of the Committee's meetings, showing the time, place, the
members present, the subjects considered, actions taken, the vote
of each member and other appropriate information pertaining to the
proceedings of the Committee. Minutes shall be kept of every meeting
and a copy shall be sent to the Municipal Clerk promptly after their
adoption by the Committee. The Municipal Clerk shall keep and maintain
such Minutes in one or more files in the Clerk's Office where they
shall be available to the public upon request.
[Ord. No. 1816-02 § II]
There is hereby established a reserve in the general capital
fund which shall be known and designated as the "Open Space and Recreation
Trust Fund." A separate bank account shall be opened and maintained
for this purpose. Funds from the Open Space and Recreation Trust Fund
may, as directed by the Township Council, be utilized to acquire vacant
land, as well as land which has improvements upon it at the time of
acquisition, where the principal purpose of the acquisition is to
preserve open space and recreation. In the event the Township Council
shall find it appropriate to apportion the cost of acquisition between
open space and improvements, it may do so and charge the Open Space
and Recreation Trust Fund for the approximate value that it deems
appropriate relative to open space and the Township's capital account
for the value that it determines shall be attributed to improvements.
[Ord. No. 1816-02 § II]
The Open Space and Recreation Trust Fund shall be funded through
the dedication to the fund in an amount not to exceed $0.01 per $100
of assessed valuation of each annual tax levy commencing with the
year 2002. The Open Space and Recreation Trust Fund shall also be
permitted to accept donations and testamentary bequests. The accumulated
funds may be utilized for (a) acquisition of land for recreation and
conservation purposes; (b) development of lands acquired for recreation
and conservation purposes; (c) maintenance of lands acquired for recreation
and conservation purposes; and (d) payment of debt service on indebtedness
issued or incurred by the Township for any of the purposes set forth
above. Any and all interest accruing shall remain in the fund and
may be utilized for the above described purposes.
It is the intention that the funds for the Open Space and Recreation
Trust Fund not be used to provide routine maintenance of Township
property or property held within the Trust.
[Ord. No. 1816-02 § II]
Any and all land, lands or property acquired by the Township
pursuant to this chapter shall be held by the Township in trust. The
deed or other instrument of conveyance into the Township shall bear
a legend stating that the said land, lands or property are conveyed
to the Township subject to this chapter.
[Ord. No. 1816-02 § II]
No property acquired with the funds from the Open Space and
Recreation Trust Fund shall be leased or sold, until the sale or lease
of the same has been authorized by the Township Council in the manner
prescribed by law. The Township Council, after at least one public
hearing, and upon a finding that the purposes of this chapter shall
otherwise be better served or that any land acquired by the Township
pursuant to this chapter is required for another public use, may,
by ordinance, convey through sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition
title to or a lesser interest in that land, lands or property, provided
that the Township shall replace any land, lands or property of at
least equal fair market value and of reasonably equivalent usefulness,
size, quality, and location to the land conveyed. Any moneys derived
from the conveyance shall be deposited into the Open Space and Recreation
Trust Fund created by this chapter.
[Ord. No. 1816-02 § II]
In the event that no property is acquired under this chapter
for a period of five consecutive years, the Mayor shall review the
activities of the Open Space and Recreation Committee and issue a
report to the Township Council with recommendations and conclusions
concerning the reserve in the Open Space and Recreation Trust Fund.
[Added 6-25-2019 by Ord. No. 2576-19]
The purpose of the Board of the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts
Center is to provide review and oversight to the operation of the
Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center to insure that: i) the programming,
use, and operation of the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center is
consistent with the interest and values of the members of the community;
and ii) that any funds generated from the use and operation of the
Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center are dedicated for continued
operation and improvement whether through a license agreement, sublicense
agreement or otherwise. In addition, the Board of the Oskar Schindler
Performing Arts Center shall serve in an advisory capacity to the
Mayor, the Department of Recreation and Township Council as to the
approval of programming at the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center.
The Board of the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center shall also
provide support in fundraising for the continued operation and improvement
of the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center and its facilities.
[Amended 9-22-2020 by Ord. No. 2615-20]
The body will be known as the Board of the Oskar Schindler Performing
Arts Center (the "BOSPAC"). It shall consist of seven members.
[Amended 9-22-2020 by Ord. No. 2615-20]
a. The Board of the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center shall be
comprised of the following:
1. One member shall be a member of the Township Council and shall be
designated as the Council Liaison to the Oskar Schindler Performing
Arts Center;
2. One member shall be selected by the Mayor;
3. One member shall be selected by the West Orange Recreation Department;
4. One member shall be selected by the West Orange Arts Council;
5. One member shall be selected by the West Orange Department of Public
Works;
6. One member
shall by selected by the West Orange High School Department of Performing
Arts; and
7. One member
shall be selected by the entity or organization managing the Oskar
Schindler Performing Arts Center by either contract or designation.
b. Members shall serve terms of three years. Members may be reappointed
for successive terms. Any member who resigns or fails to attend three
consecutive meetings shall have the balance of his or her term filled
by the appointing authority herein.
The duties of the Board of the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts
Center shall be as follows:
a. The drafting and adoption of bylaws which will govern the administration,
selection of officers, meeting schedule, and other operations of the
Board of the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center.
b. The review of programming for the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts
Center and recommendation to the Mayor, the Department of Recreation,
and the Township Council regarding the approval of programs at the
Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center. The review of programming
at the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center, more specifically programming
via sublicense agreement(s) to determine and insure that programming
is consistent with the interest and values of the members of the community.
This duty shall not infringe upon the autonomy of the operator of
the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center nor the Township through
its governing body's ability to deny a sublicensee when the programing
is inconsistent with the interest and values of the members of the
community.
c. The review of financial records of funds related to programing at
and operation of the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center, which
shall occur at least on two occasions: i) the first no later than
July 1 of each year, and ii) the second no later than October 1 of
each year. However, the Board of the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts
Center shall have the authority to review the financial records at
any time.
d. Assisting any and all fundraising efforts which benefit the Oskar
Schindler Performing Arts Center and its facilities.
[Ord. No. 1980-04 § 1]
There shall be hereby created the West Orange Commission on
Military and Veterans Affairs.
[Ord. No. 1980-04 § 2; Ord. No. 2284-10]
The Commission shall be composed as follows:
a. One Commission Chair to be appointed by the Mayor;
b. Two members to be appointed by the Mayor; and
c. Two members to be appointed by the majority of the Township Council.
The Commission Chair and all members shall be interested veterans
and residents of the Township of West Orange.
[Ord. No. 1980-04 § 3]
The Commission of Military and Veterans Affairs may adopt bylaws
to govern its general operation provided that the bylaws are approved
in advance by resolution of the Township Council.
[Ord. No. 1980-04 § 4]
The Commission shall coordinate, focus, and organize municipal
outreach, services, and assistance to Township veterans and current
residents on active military duty or serving with Reserves and National
Guard. The Commission shall also facilitate interaction, communication
and cooperation between and among the various Veterans organizations
within the Township. The Commission will assess the issues of the
Veterans of the Township of West Orange and attempt to address those
issues in a coordinated effort.
[Ord. No. 1980-04 § 6]
No fundraising shall occur without the approval of the Township
Council. Any annual budget shall be reviewed and approved by the Township
Council. The Township's Chief Financial Officer or Controller shall
maintain all funds raised. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent
any of the Veteran's Organizations from independently funding an event
supported by the Commission.
[Ord. No. 1980-04 § 7]
The Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs shall meet at
least quarterly and shall report in writing to the Mayor and the Township
Council no later than December 31 of each year.
[Ord. No. 2449-15]
The Township of West Orange has established a Pedestrian Safety
Advisory Board to serve as a volunteer advisory committee to the Mayor
and Council with regard to issues affecting pedestrian safety.
[Ord. No. 2449-15]
The Board shall be comprised of the following 11 members, each
of whom shall be a bona fide resident of the Township of West Orange,
and each of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor:
a. A representative of the Downtown West Orange Alliance;
b. A representative of the Pleasant Valley Civic Association;
c. A representative of the Township Council;
d. A representative of the Thomas Edison National Historical Park;
e. A superintendent of the Board of Education or Designee;
f. The Township Engineer, or his or her representative; and
g. Police Chief or Designee;
h. Appointment by the Mayor;
i. Appointment by the Mayor;
j. Appointment by the Mayor;
[Ord. No. 2449-15]
All members of the Board shall serve until a successor is appointed
and each member of the Board shall serve for a term of three years.
Any vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term
only.
[Ord. No. 2449-15]
a. The Board may adopt bylaws to govern its general operation provided
that the bylaws are approved in advance by resolution of the Township
Council.
b. The Board shall meet at least quarterly.
c. Minutes of each meeting of the Board shall be taken to serve as a
public record.
[Ord. No. 2449-15]
The Board shall have no budget, but shall be assisted and advised
from time to time, as directed by the Mayor, by the Township, the
Township Planner, and/or any individual or entity by the Township
to perform grant writing services.
[Ord. No. 2449-15]
The functions of the Board shall be as follows:
a. Investigation and analysis of issues affecting pedestrian safety;
b. Recommendations to the Mayor and Council, Planning Board, Zoning
Board of Adjustment, and the Open Space and Recreation Committee regarding
initiatives and policies designated to enhance pedestrian safety;
[Amended 9-24-2019 by Ord. No. 2586-19]
c. Participation when authorized by the Mayor, in appropriate regional
pedestrian safety activities; and
d. Annual meeting to inform the Mayor, Township Council and the general
public of the Board's activities and progress.
[Added 1-24-2023 by Ord.
No. 2708-23]
The Township of West Orange has established an Older Adults
Advisory Board ("Board") to serve as a volunteer advisory committee
to the Mayor and Township Council with regard to issues affecting
the safety, welfare, health, finances, transportation, social interaction,
housing, and quality of life for older adults and their caregivers.
The Board shall provide information on any issues of importance to
older adults in the Township. It shall also serve as an information
source with regard to older adults and aging topics.
[Added 1-24-2023 by Ord.
No. 2708-23]
The Township strives to identify a continuum of services for
persons 55 years young and older to enhance their quality of life
and act in an advisory capacity concerning matters related to their
physical, emotional and economic well-being. The Township endeavors
to encourage older adults to participate in all aspects of community
life to the best of their abilities, recognizing cultural diversity,
being responsive and respectful, and promoting dignity and well-being
for not only older adults but all individuals in support of the Township
as an age-friendly community.
[Added 1-24-2023 by Ord.
No. 2708-23]
The Board shall consist of nine members, each of whom shall
be a bona fide resident of the Township of West Orange, and each of
whom shall be appointed as follows:
a. Four members appointed by the Mayor; and
b. One member appointed by each Township Councilperson for a total of
five.
[Added 1-24-2023 by Ord.
No. 2708-23]
All members of the Board are expected to attend each meeting
whenever possible. In addition, members:
a. Shall serve for a term of one year and may be reappointed.
b. Shall serve until a successor is appointed, and any vacancy shall
be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term only.
c. Shall be commissioned, and shall resign, by the submission of a letter
to the Township Clerk's office. All vacancies shall be filled as quickly
as possible.
[Added 1-24-2023 by Ord.
No. 2708-23]
a. The Board may adopt bylaws to govern its general operation, provided
that the bylaws, and any subsequent amendments, are approved in advance
by resolution of the Township Council.
b. The Mayor shall appoint a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
c. The Board shall meet at least six times per year.
d. Meetings will take place in a Township facility.
e. Minutes of each meeting of the Board shall be taken to serve as a
public record. Approved minutes shall be sent to the Municipal Clerk,
Mayor and Township Council.
[Added 1-24-2023 by Ord.
No. 2708-23]
The Board shall have the ability to request and to obtain assistance
from the Township to fulfill its functions, as follows:
a. Submit a written request to the Mayor and Township Council for consideration
of a budget appropriation as part of the Township annual budget process;
b. Recommend to the Township improvements to the website, social media
and other electronic-communication methods such as email or text,
to post relevant information, either directly or through designated
Township employees or contractors;
c. Recommend to the Township grants which the Township may seek;
d. Request assistance and advice, from time to time, from the Township,
as reviewed and directed by the Mayor or his/her designated representative.
[Added 1-24-2023 by Ord.
No. 2708-23]
The functions of the Board shall be as follows:
a. Liaison with all older adults and all existing older adult groups
and analysis of issues affecting the safety, health, welfare and quality
of life of older adults in the Township and identify any barriers
to programs and service access;
b. Recommendations to the Mayor and Township Council regarding initiatives
and policies designated to enhance the safety, welfare and quality
of life of older adults in the Township;
c. Participation, when authorized by the Mayor, in appropriate regional
activities relating to the safety, welfare and quality of life of
older adults in the Township;
d. Dissemination of relevant information to, and promotion of discussions
among, Township older adults and their caregivers through communication
methods and meetings; and
e. Development of annual report and presentation to inform the Mayor,
Township Council and the general public of the Board's activities,
progress, and, if any, expenditures. The report shall be submitted
to the Mayor and Township Council no later than March 31 of the calendar
year following the Board's activities, and advise the general public
as to upcoming events and issues during the new year.