The form of government in the Township of Bedminster is the Township Form which comprises Chapters 142 to 156A of Title 40 of the New Jersey Revised Statutes. The Administrative Code has been drafted in conformity with the township law and in many instances, provisions of the township law have been restated in the code. Other enabling laws pertaining to the Administrative Chapter are R.S. 40:47-1 et seq., Police and Fire Departments; R.S. 2A:8-1 et seq., Municipal Court; and Environmental Commission, R.S. 40:56A-1. Other authority to regulate the internal affairs of the township is contained in R.S. 40:48-2.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 - Schedule AAttachment 2 - Schedule BAttachment 3 - Schedule I
[New; Ord. #98-28, S 2]
All legislative power of the township, except in matters of health, shall be exercised by the township committee pursuant to law, and in matters of health by the board of health.
[New; Ord. #98-28, S 2; Ord. #01-36, S 1; Ord. #2006-37, S 1]
The township committee shall organize annually during the first week in January, at which time it shall elect a mayor from among its members. The mayor shall preside at meetings of the township committee and perform such other duties as the township committee may prescribe.
[New; Ord. #98-28, S 2; Ord. #01-36, S 1; Ord. #2006-37, S 1]
a. 
The mayor shall have the power to appoint subcommittees of the township committee with the consent of the township committee. He or she shall sign and execute documents and agreements on behalf of the township. He or she shall have the power to make proclamations concerning holidays and events of interest to the township. He or she shall exercise the ceremonial power of the township and every other power exercised by the township mayors or conferred upon him or her by law. In the absence or disability of the mayor, the mayor shall designate another member of the township committee to act in his or her stead; or if the mayor is unable to act, the most senior member of the township committee shall be the designee. The designee may not perform marriages.
b. 
Definitions.
1. 
ABSENCE – For purposes of this section shall mean a departure of the mayor from the state for a period in excess of 48 hours, or, for a period less than 48 hours where there exists a state of emergency as declared by the Governor of the State of New Jersey or declared locally in the township and where the mayor cannot be reached for purposes of performing his or her duties.
2. 
DISABILITY – For purposes of this section shall mean a mental or physical impairment which prevents the mayor from performing the duties conferred upon him or her under this section.
[New; Ord. #98-28, S 2]
a. 
Regular meetings. The township committee shall meet annually within the first week in January. The committee shall meet regularly thereafter except that the committee may dispense with or change the date of a regular meeting provided that notice shall be given as provided by law.
b. 
Special meetings. A special meeting may be called at any time upon written request by a majority of the members of the township committee or by the mayor. The request and call for a special meeting shall specify the purpose of the meeting and no business shall be transacted at any special meeting other than that specified. The call for a special meeting shall be filed with the township clerk and shall be served upon each committee member as provided by law and such other notice shall be given as provided by law.
[New; Ord. #98-28, S 2]
A majority of the whole number of members of the township committee shall constitute a quorum, and no ordinance shall be adopted by the township committee without the affirmative vote of a majority of the quorum of the committee. If a quorum is not present 1/2 hour after the appointed time for any meeting, the presiding officer or the clerk may declare the meeting adjourned.
[New; Ord. #98-28, S 2]
The vote upon every ordinance, and upon every motion or resolution when requested, shall be taken by roll call and the yeas and nays shall be entered on the minutes. The minutes of each meeting shall be signed by the township clerk.
[Ord. 4/2/73, S 1; Ord. #82-7, S 2; Ord. #98-28, S 3]
The office of township administrator is hereby created in and for the Township of Bedminster pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S. 40A:9-136, et seq. The township committee shall appoint the township administrator.
[Ord. 4/2/73, S 3; Ord. #82-7, S 3; Ord. #98-28, S 3; Ord. #2009-014, S 2]
The annual salary, and any annual increase, to be paid to the township administrator shall be as set by resolution of the township committee
[Ord. 4/2/73, S 4; Ord. #98-28, S 3; Ord. #2001-18, S 1]
It shall be the duty of the township administrator, under the control and supervision of the mayor and township committee, and to the extent not prohibited by law:
a. 
To serve as liaison between the mayor and township committee and the township's departments, boards and offices, ensuring that employees are informed of the mayor and township committee's activities and requirements, and that the mayor and township committee are informed of the programs, needs and achievements of the township.
b. 
To serve as the township's director of human resources, with responsibility to oversee the employment practices of the township's departments and agencies. The administrator shall recommend a comprehensive program of policies and procedures for approval by the mayor and township committee, and once the program is adopted, shall review it annually and recommend any appropriate changes. In this role, the administrator shall develop and oversee a comprehensive training program for township employees; develop a program to recognize township employees for exceptional skills and achievements; oversee the township's labor relations activities and be included in all labor negotiations; advise department heads on the handling of grievances, and serve as hearing officer on all formal grievances that rise above the department level. To the extent that any labor agreement prescribes some other arrangement for a township hearing, the administrator shall serve as an advisor to the prescribed individual or group.
c. 
To direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices and agencies of the township, except as otherwise provided by law.
d. 
To supervise the preparation of and recommend annually to the mayor and township committee an operating budget, a capital budget, and a detailed five-year capital plan. The recommended operating budget shall include projections of revenues and expenses and a projected tax rate and the capital budget shall include funding sources. The budgets and capital plan shall be submitted on a schedule approved by the mayor and township committee that meets the schedule requirements of the state.
e. 
To receive and deal with requests for, and complaints about, township services that cannot be dealt with by the operating departments and agencies. The administrator shall keep a record of all such requests and complaints, and their disposition, and shall report on them to the mayor and township committee quarterly.
f. 
(Reserved)[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former subsection 2-3.3f, regarding purchasing, was repealed 7-5-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-009. See now subsection 2-6.3, Purchasing Agent.
g. 
To ensure that all laws and all acts of the township committee subject to enforcement by the administrator or by offices and employees subject to the administrator's direction and supervision are executed faithfully.
h. 
To negotiate contracts for the township, other than personnel or labor contracts or those required to be bid as authorized and directed by and subject to the approval of the township committee, and ensure that all terms and conditions favorable to the township, in any statute or contract are kept faithfully and performed and, upon knowledge of any violation, immediately make such violation known to the mayor and township committee.
i. 
To keep the mayor and township committee adequately informed of township activities.
j. 
To receive notice of all regular and special meetings of the township committee and all advisory committees, and to attend all meetings of the township committee with the right to take part in the discussion.
k. 
To prepare and submit to the mayor and township committee an annual report of the township affairs, which shall include a report from each department head.
l. 
To keep the mayor and township committee fully advised as to the current financial condition and future needs of the township, and make such recommendations concerning the affairs of the township as the administrator deems appropriate.
m. 
To take appropriate disciplinary action against township employees and recommend to the mayor and township committee, when necessary, suspension or removal of department heads and any other employees, except the township clerk. The administrator may, for good cause, suspend a department head or other employee for up to five working days while recommending more serious disciplinary action to the mayor and township committee.
n. 
To authorize any transfer of supplies, materials and equipment between departments and offices and, with the authorization of the township committee, sell surplus, obsolete, unused or waste supplies, materials and equipment.
o. 
To review and supervise the township's insurance program and policies.
p. 
To advise the mayor and township committee of actions of other units of government of importance to the township.
q. 
To represent the township, as directed by the mayor and township committee.
r. 
To perform such other duties as may be specifically assigned by the township committee.
[Ord. 4/2/73, S 5; Ord. #98-28, S 3]
Nothing herein contained shall derogate from the powers and duties of the elective, appointive or other officials of the township, or of the boards and commissions thereof established pursuant to law.
[New; Ord. #98-28, S 4]
There is hereby created and established in the township the office of township clerk pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:9-133.
[New; Ord. #98-28, S 4]
The township clerk shall be appointed by the township committee. The term of office for the township clerk shall be three years which shall run from January 1 in the year in which he or she was appointed, except that any township clerk who has held the position continuously for five or more years shall have tenure as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A:9-134.
[New; Ord. #98-28, S 4]
The township clerk shall receive such compensation as shall be determined and fixed by the township committee.
[New; Ord. #98-28, S 4]
The township clerk shall serve as the clerk of the township committee. In this capacity, the township clerk shall have the following duties:
a. 
To serve as custodian of municipal records;
b. 
To supervise and participate in a variety of operations of the office of municipal clerk, including recording and reporting vital statistics, bills of sale and other documents;
c. 
To certify copies of records;
d. 
To issue permits and licenses, including equestrian permits, raffle licenses, dog licenses, and marriage intentions and licenses; collect and record fees; maintain records of such licenses and permits;
e. 
Attend local meetings; record votes passed; record and prepare official minutes of all township committee meetings; supervise assistant registrars and checkers; serve as notary public;
f. 
Administer oaths of office to elected officials and maintain records;
g. 
Attest all official documents of the township with the municipal seal; review and implement new legislation concerning the functions of the township clerk's office;
h. 
Officiate at elections and assist in the tabulation of votes; prepare reports on election returns; transmit to the state secretary a list of all municipal officers elected; register new voters; maintain up-to-date listings of voters; supervise election workers;
i. 
Serve as registrar of vital statistics for the township;
j. 
Perform related work as required.
k. 
The township clerk must hold a registered municipal clerk certificate issued pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:9-133.3 or 40A:9-133.4.
[Ord. 2/7/66, SS 1—3; Ord. #98-28, S 4]
There is hereby created and established in the township the office of deputy township clerk. The deputy township clerk shall be appointed by the township committee and shall hold office until January 1 next following the appointment. The deputy township clerk shall have all the powers and perform all the duties of the township clerk during such times and for such specific periods as the township clerk shall be absent, and shall receive such compensation as shall be determined and fixed by the township committee.
[Ord. 12/6/48, S 1]
There is hereby established in the township a municipal court to be known and designated as "Municipal Court of the Township of Bedminster, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey."
[Ord. 12/6/48, S 2-3]
The municipal court shall be presided over by a judge appointed by the township committee in pursuance with the statutes of the State of New Jersey, and the judge shall exercise jurisdiction over such offenses occurring in the township as may be cognizable before this court under the laws of the State of New Jersey. The judge of the court shall receive such compensation as shall be determined and fixed by the township committee.
[Ord. #98-28, S 5]
The township committee shall appoint a municipal court administrator to perform quasi-judicial and administrative functions related to the operation of the municipal court under the direction of the municipal court judge. The municipal court administrator shall serve for a term of one year which shall run from January 1 of the year in which he or she is appointed. The municipal court administrator shall receive such compensation as shall be determined and fixed by the township committee. The township committee shall also appoint a deputy municipal court administrator to assist the municipal court administrator. The deputy municipal court administrator shall serve for a term of one year which shall run from January 1 of the year in which he or she is appointed, and shall receive such compensation as shall be determined and fixed by the township committee.
[Ord. #97-38, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 5]
a. 
The township committee shall appoint a municipal public defender to represent indigent defendants as set forth in N.J.S.A. 2B:12-28. The municipal public defender shall be an attorney-at-law of New Jersey in good standing, and shall serve for a term of one year from the date of his/her appointment.
b. 
The municipal public defender shall receive compensation on an annual basis as established by the township committee. The township committee may also establish additional compensation to be paid to interlocutory appeals in the Superior Court.
c. 
The municipal public defender shall represent indigent defendants on the basis of need as determined by the municipal judge according to N.J.S.A. 2A:158A-14 and guidelines promulgated by the New Jersey Supreme Court, and as provided by N.J.S.A. 2B:12-28, et seq.
d. 
A person applying for representation by a municipal public defender shall pay an application fee not to exceed $200. The amount of the application fee shall be determined by the municipal court, but shall not exceed an amount necessary to pay the costs of the municipal public defender. The municipal court judge may waive the application fee if he/she determines, in his/her discretion, upon a clear and convincing showing by the applicant that the application fee represents an unreasonable burden on the person seeking representation. The municipal court judge may permit a person to pay the application fee over a specified period of time, not to exceed four months.
[Ord. #98-28, S 6]
There is hereby created in the Township of Bedminster a department of finance which shall consist of the chief financial officer/treasurer, assistant treasurer, payroll/benefits coordinator, tax collector, deputy tax collector and such other personnel as the township committee may, from time to time, deem necessary to the proper and efficient operation of the department. The head of the department of finance shall be the chief financial officer/treasurer.
[Ord. #98-28, S 6; Ord. #98-34, S 1]
The township committee shall appoint a chief financial officer/treasurer for a four year term which shall run from January 1 of the year in which he or she was appointed, except that any person who has served as the chief financial officer for four consecutive years and is reappointed shall be granted tenure in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:9-140.8. The CFO/treasurer must be certified as a certified municipal finance officer by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:9-140.2. The duties of the CFO/treasurer shall be as follows:
a. 
To supervise and/or perform the work involved in the receipt, disbursement, and accounting of all municipal funds, including, but not limited to, grants, indebtedness, and investments; perform related work as required;
b. 
To supervise and perform work involved in the preparation of varied financial reports and statements;
c. 
To prepare or supervise the preparation of vouchers, checks and other documents and mechanisms of disbursement, and to ensure that a proper audit trail is maintained for all transactions for the purposes of preventing fraud or error in disbursement of municipal funds;
d. 
To support the preparation of the municipal budget;
e. 
To plan and install or supervise the installation of accounting systems, procedures, forms, and controls necessary to provide for effective financial management of the township;
f. 
To maintain the required records, files, ledgers and related documents;
g. 
To prepare both routine and special financial analysis, reports, and other information pertaining to municipal finances, grants, aid and delivering such documents to the township committee, auditors, or county, state or federal agency in a timely and accurate manner.
h. 
To prepare and submit to his/her supervisor an annual report of department affairs;
i. 
To set performance standards expected of subordinates, make formal appraisals of their work performance, determine training needs, initiate recommendations for promotion or reassignment of subordinates and to counsel employees, adjust informal complaints and grievances and initiate disciplinary action as needed.
The CFO/treasurer shall receive such compensation as shall be determined and fixed by the township committee.
[Added 7-5-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-010]
a. 
Position Established. The position of Purchasing Agent is hereby established for the Township of Bedminster.
b. 
Appointment. The Purchasing Agent shall be appointed by the Township Committee upon recommendation of the Administrator and Chief Financial Officer.
c. 
Qualifications.
1. 
The Director of the Division of Local Government Services, after consultation with the Commissioner of Education, shall establish criteria to qualify individuals who have completed appropriate training and possess such purchasing experience as deemed necessary to serve as a purchasing agent, and, when determined to be necessary by the director, have passed an examination administered by the director pursuant to this section. The criteria established by the director shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) 
Is a citizen of the United States;
(b) 
Is of good moral character;
(c) 
Is a high school graduate or equivalent;
(d) 
Has at least two years of higher education, and two years of full-time governmental experience performing duties relative to those of public procurement; provided, however, that additional years of experience may be substituted for years of higher education, on a one-to-one basis;
(e) 
Has successfully received certificates indicating satisfactory completion of a series of training courses in public procurement as determined by the director and provided by either the Division of Local Government Services, or, with the approval of the director, by a county college or Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, all under the supervision of instructors who meet criteria established by the director.
2. 
The Purchasing Agent is required to possess a valid Qualified Purchasing Agent License as issued by the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services, Department of Community Affairs.
d. 
Responsibilities.
1. 
The Purchasing Agent shall have, on behalf of the Township Committee, the authority, responsibility and accountability for the purchasing activity pursuant to Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.); to prepare specification and public advertising notices for and to receive bids and requests for proposals for the provision or performance of goods, services, and construction contracts.
2. 
To establish and oversee a proper purchasing system.
3. 
Approve all specifications for goods and services to be purchased by the township by bid for formal solicitation of proposals, except for the technical portions of specifications prepared by any licensed professional; purchase all materials, supplies, equipment, and labor under contract required by any department, office or agency of the township; and approve all bills and vouchers for payment prior to final approval by the Township Committee. "Purchasing agent" is authorized to award contracts under the bid threshold for nonqualified purchasing agents as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A:11-3, as such bid threshold may be raised by the governor from time to time. The Purchasing Agent is authorized to award contracts without solicitation of quotes which are less than 15% of the bid threshold for nonqualified purchasing agents as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6, as such bid threshold may be raised by the governor from time to time.
e. 
Bid Threshold and Award of Contract. The Township of Bedminster shall abide by statutory bid thresholds as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A:11-3, and award contracts in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6.1.
[Ord. 2/8/78, S 2; Ord. #91-05, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 7]
It shall be the duty of the township treasurer to see that there appears on every claim the signed certification of the appropriate department head, board, committee or commission chairman or vice chairman, or of such other officer or employee who has been duly designated by the township committee to certify that the materials have been received by or the services rendered to the township. All claims shall then be presented by the township treasurer to the township committee for formal approval at a meeting of the township committee. All claims which are to be paid from escrow funds deposited with the township shall be subject to the specific procedures set forth in Section 13-901b, h hereof.
[Ord. 2/8/78, S 3; Ord. #98-28, S 7]
All claims shall be considered by the township committee, which shall approve the same, except that the township committee may, by majority vote, reject any claim presented to it, stating the reasons for such rejection. Each member of the township committee who is in attendance at a meeting at which any claim is considered shall indicate upon each claim charged to an appropriation item pertaining to a department over which he or she exercises jurisdiction as chairman of a standing committee of the township committee, his or her approval or rejection of the same. Any claim rejected or disapproved shall be referred back to the township treasurer with such instructions as the township committee may deem appropriate.
[Ord. 2/8/78, S 4; Ord. #98-28, S 7]
It shall be the duty of the township treasurer to prepare a bill list which shall contain the following information:
a. 
The appropriation account to which the item or items are charged;
b. 
The name of the claimant or vendor;
c. 
A description of the item or items for which the claim is made;
d. 
The check number of the check issued in payment of the claim;
e. 
The amount of the check.
The bill list shall also contain the treasurer's certification that the listed bills have been audited and are, to the best of the treasurer's knowledge, correct and in order for payment. The treasurer shall also enter, on the bill list, the date of the approval for payment of the listed bills by the township committee. Each member of the township committee shall sign the bill list, thereby indicating approval of the bill list.
[Ord. 2/8/78, S 5; Ord. #98-28, S 7]
It shall be the duty of the township clerk to record the approved bill list in the official minutes of the township committee, indicating that the township committee has, by formal action, approved the same or, in the case of a rejected or disapproved claim, to include an appropriate record of its rejection or disapproval and the reasons therefor.
[Ord. 2/8/78, S 6; Ord. #98-28, S 7]
The township treasurer shall, upon receipt of the approved bill list, indicate on each approved claim the date of approval thereon. The township treasurer shall thereupon forthwith prepare the necessary checks for payment of the approved claims, which checks shall be signed by the mayor, or other member of the township committee authorized to sign checks, and the township clerk, and thereafter countersigned by the township treasurer. After preparing checks for the payment of claims, the township treasurer shall record them in proper books of account and thereafter mail or otherwise distribute the checks to the claimants.
[Ord. #98-28, S 8]
The township committee shall appoint a tax assessor for a term of four years which shall run from the first day of July next following his/her appointment except that a tax assessor who continues in office for four consecutive years shall acquire tenure as set forth in N.J.S.A. 46A:9-143. The duties of the tax assessor shall include the following:
a. 
To make inspection of existing and partly constructed buildings for the purpose of determining alteration valuation and building values;
b. 
To estimate the values of buildings under construction;
c. 
To maintain adequate assessment records of each separate parcel of real property assessed or exempted;
d. 
To keep assessment maps up to date and provide appropriate officials with necessary data for maintaining a current tax map of the township as a public record;
e. 
To prepare information for appeals and give testimony for county and state tax boards;
f. 
To establish and maintain needed records and files;
g. 
To supervise the maintenance and balancing of tax books including changes, the preparation of reports on building permits, and the review of real and personal property tax returns;
h. 
To constantly strive to achieve assessments that reflect 100% market value;
i. 
To receive visitors and give detailed information relating to assessments.
The tax assessor must hold a valid tax assessor certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Taxation pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:9-146. The tax assessor shall receive such compensation as shall be determined and fixed by the township committee.
[Ord. #83-11, S 1; Ord. #91-13, S 2; Ord. #98-28, S 9; Ord. #06-05, S 1; Ord. #2012-006; Ord. No. 2016-012]
a. 
There is hereby created, in and for the Township of Bedminster, a police department which shall consist of a chief of police, no more than one lieutenant, no more than six sergeants, and no more than 11 officers, as deemed necessary by the Bedminster Township Committee, which shall, from time to time, determine the number of persons, including temporary officers and members in an emergency, to be appointed to these positions.
b. 
The police department shall be known and designated as "The Bedminster Township Police Department."
c. 
The words "officer" and "member," whenever used in this section, shall mean a sworn law enforcement officer employed by the Bedminster Township Police Department.
[Ord. #91-13, S 2; Ord. #98-28, S 9]
The police department shall preserve the public peace; protect life and property; detect, arrest and prosecute violators of the laws of New Jersey and the ordinances of the Township of Bedminster; direct and control traffic; provide protection during emergencies; provide appearances in court; cooperate with all other law enforcement agencies; provide training for the efficiency of its members and officers; and complete any other lawful task assigned to it by the Bedminster Township Committee.
[Ord. #83-11, S 2; Ord. #91-13, S 2; Ord. #98-28, S 9; Ord. #06-05, S 2; amended 7-7-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-014]
a. 
The Bedminster Township Committee shall appoint a chief of police and such police department members, officers and personnel, in accordance with this Section 2-9, as shall be deemed necessary; the determination of their terms of office; the fixing of their compensation and the prescription of their powers, functions and duties, all as the Bedminster Township Committee shall deem necessary for the effective government of the force.
b. 
No person shall be appointed to the police department who is not qualified as provided in the New Jersey Statutes. The Bedminster Township Committee may also require that an applicant for appointment to the police department shall successfully complete a physical, mental and psychological examination.
c. 
The Bedminster Township Committee may appoint from time to time special law enforcement officers in accordance with New Jersey Statutes (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8, et seq.) for terms not exceeding one year. These said officers shall possess and exercise all the powers and duties provided by said statutes during their term in office, but shall not be regular members of the police department and shall not be entitled to tenure. The chief of police may authorize special law enforcement officers when on duty to exercise the same powers and authority as regular members of the police department, including the carrying of firearms and the power to arrest. The Bedminster Township Committee shall have the power to revoke the appointment of a special law enforcement officer, at any time, for cause after adequate hearing, unless the appointment is for four months or less, in which event the appointment may be revoked without cause or hearing. A special law enforcement officer shall receive such compensation as is lawfully determined by the Bedminster Township Committee.
1. 
All Special Law Enforcement Officers shall abide by all the rules and regulations of the Police Department and those policies, general orders or standard operating procedures established by the Bedminster Township Chief of Police and reinforced throughout the chain of command.
2. 
The Police Department is authorized to perform the necessary background investigations and arrange for all that is associated with the hiring of such Special Law Enforcement Officers, so that they will be ready to commence their duties.
3. 
The classifications for Special Law Enforcement Officers pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.11 are as follows:
(a) 
Class One. Officers of this class shall be authorized to perform routine traffic detail, spectator control, and similar duties. If authorized by ordinance or resolution, as appropriate, Class One officers shall have the power to issue summonses for disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses, violations of municipal ordinances, and violations of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes. The use of a firearm by an officer of this class shall be strictly prohibited and a Class One officer shall not be assigned any duties which may require the carrying or use of a firearm.
(b) 
Class Two. Officers of this class shall be authorized to exercise full powers and duties similar to those of a permanent, regularly appointed full-time police officer. The use of a firearm by an officer of this class may be authorized only after the officer has been fully certified as successfully completing training as prescribed by the commission.
(c) 
Class Three. Officers of this class shall be authorized to exercise full powers and duties similar to those of a permanent, regularly appointed full-time police officer while providing security at a public or nonpublic school or a county college on the school or college premises during hours when the public or nonpublic school or county college is normally in session or when it is occupied by public or nonpublic school or county college students or their teachers or professors. While on duty in the jurisdiction of employment, an officer may respond to offenses or emergencies off school or college grounds if they occur in the officer's presence while traveling to a school facility or county college, but an officer shall not otherwise be dispatched or dedicated to any assignment off school or college property. The use of a firearm by an officer of this class shall be authorized pursuant to the provisions of subsection b. of section 7 of P.L. 1985, c. 439 (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.14). An officer of this class shall not be authorized to carry a firearm while off duty unless the officer complies with the requirements set forth in subsection l. of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6 authorizing a retired law enforcement officer to carry a handgun.
[Ord. #83-11, S 4; Ord. #91-13, S 2; Ord. #98-28, S 9]
The Bedminster Township Committee shall be designated as the appropriate authority as provided for in the New Jersey Statutes (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118). The Bedminster Township Committee shall be responsible for the overall performance of the police department. The Bedminster Township Committee shall, from time to time, adopt and promulgate rules and regulations, and amend the same, for the government of the police department, for the discipline of its members, and any other lawful matter concerning the said police department. All members of the police department shall be subject to such rules and regulations.
[Ord. #83-11, S 3; Ord. #91-13, S 2; Ord. #98-28, S 9]
a. 
The chief of police shall be the executive head of the police department and shall be directly responsible to the Bedminster Township Committee for its efficiency and routine day to day operations. Pursuant to policies established by the Bedminster Township Committee, the chief of police shall:
1. 
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;
2. 
Have, exercise and discharge the functions, powers and duties of the police department;
3. 
Prescribe the duties and assignments of all subordinates and other personnel;
4. 
Delegate such authority as may be deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the police department to be exercised under the chief's direction, control and supervision;
5. 
Report at least monthly to the Bedminster Township Committee in such form as shall be prescribed on the operation of the police department during the preceding month and make such other reports as may be requested by the Bedminster Township Committee.
b. 
The chief of police shall consult and cooperate with the Bedminster Township Committee and be responsible to it for the conduct, efficiency and management of the police department; for the enforcement of the rules and regulations governing the said department and for carrying out all lawful orders and instructions of the Bedminster Township Committee. All orders and instructions to members of the police department, other than the chief of police, shall be made by or through the chief and if the chief is not available to receive the same, then through his designee or next in command.
[Ord. #91-13, S 2; Ord. #95-8, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 9; Ord. # 2012-006]
a. 
Disciplinary action. Department members, regardless of rank, shall be subject to disciplinary action, according to the nature or aggravation of the offense, for violating their oath and trust by committing an offense punishable under the laws or statutes of the United States, the State of New Jersey, or municipal ordinances; or failure, either willfully or through negligence or incompetence, to perform the duties of their rank or assignment; or for violation of any general order or rule or regulation of the department; or for failure to obey any lawful instruction, order, or command of a superior officer or the township committee, in the case of the chief of police. Disciplinary action in all cases will be decided on the merits of each case, and the individual's record of service.
b. 
Penalties. The following penalties may be assessed against any member of the department as disciplinary action:
1. 
Oral reprimand.
2. 
Written reprimand.
3. 
Suspension (Voluntary surrender of vacation time, holiday time or accumulated overtime may be substituted only with the approval of the police chief).
4. 
Reduction in rank.
5. 
Fine.
6. 
Dismissal.
7. 
Any other action deemed appropriate under the circumstances of the case.
c. 
Authority to discipline.
1. 
In any internal investigation that results in disciplinary charges and a request for a hearing, the appropriate authority, or its designee, shall sit as hearing officer for the township on any complaint against a permanent police officer charging violation of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-147 or violation of the internal rules and regulations of the police department, which complaint seeks to suspend for more than five days, demote or terminate a police officer.
2. 
In the event the appropriate authority does not act as hearing officer, the individual so designated to hear the disciplinary matter shall, at the conclusion of the hearing, forward his/her findings and recommendations to the appropriate authority, which shall make the final determination. The appropriate authority's decision shall be reviewable as provided by law, as amended from time to time, or, for minor discipline, through a collective negotiations agreement procedure. In the event an individual not employed by the township is considered by the appropriate authority to act as the hearing officer, the alternate hearing officer shall be appointed by the township administrator, with consent from the township committee via resolution.
3. 
The chief of police shall have the authority to counsel officers, issue reprimands and suspend or fine officers for up to five days without the matter coming before the appropriate authority, except that any proposed suspension of police officers must comply with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-147 and provide the officer with an opportunity for a hearing before the chief or his designee prior to imposition of the penalty. Officers who are suspended for five days or less may appeal the discipline in accordance with the grievance procedure in the PBA collective negotiations agreement.
d. 
Emergency suspension. Any command or supervisory officer shall have the authority to impose emergency suspension, with pay, until the next business day against a member or employee when it appears that such action is in the best interests of the department.
e. 
Follow-up to emergency suspension. A member or employee receiving an emergency suspension shall be required to report to the chief of police on the next business day at 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise directed by competent authority. The command or supervisory officer imposing the suspension shall also report to the chief of police at the same time. The chief of police shall continue the suspension if he feels that such action is warranted or shall lift the suspension if he feels that a suspension is unwarranted.
f. 
Disciplinary investigation reports. Whenever conduct of a police officer is investigated pursuant to the direction of the chief of police, a written report must be submitted per subsection 2-9.6g, containing the following information:
1. 
The name, rank, badge number, and present assignment of the person being investigated.
2. 
The date and time of the alleged misconduct and location.
3. 
The section number of the violated rule and common name of the infraction.
4. 
A complete statement of the facts of the alleged misconduct.
5. 
The discipline recommended.
6. 
The signature, badge number and rank for the investigating officer and his/her position in relation to the member being investigated.
g. 
Distribution of reports of disciplinary action. The investigating officer shall forward the investigative disciplinary report to the internal affairs officer for review. The internal affairs officer may approve the report, or disapprove the report and require further investigation. Once the report is approved by the internal affairs officer, the report shall be forwarded to the chief of police for his review and approval. The chief may approve the report, or disapprove the report and order further investigation. Once the chief approves the report, the chief shall then determine what disciplinary action, if any, is taken.
h. 
Endorsement and forwarding of disciplinary charges. The member being disciplined shall be informed of the charges, in writing, as provided by N.J.S.A. 40A:14-147. The chief of police shall file a copy of the charges with the township clerk, which shall not be considered a public record, shall serve a copy of the charges on the member being charged, and shall provide a copy of the charges to the township committee. An officer/member shall have a right to a hearing on charges which seek to suspend, demote or terminate officer/member as set forth in subsection 2-9.6c.
i. 
Waiving of hearing. The member being disciplined may acknowledge that the charges are correct, and by writing signed by the officer and the chief of police, waive a right to the hearing, plead guilty to the charges and accept the penalty recommended by the chief of police. The guilty plea and acceptance of the penalty shall be placed in the internal affairs file and the member's personnel file.
j. 
Misconduct observed by police personnel. Whenever any command or supervisory officer observes or is informed of the misconduct of another member or employee which indicates the need for disciplinary action, he shall take authorized and necessary action and render a complete written report of the incident and his action to his supervisory officer.
[Ord. #08-016, S 1]
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-156.1, there is hereby established a mutual aid agreement with all other municipalities in Somerset County, New Jersey, or to any other municipality in the State of New Jersey, whether or not such municipality is located within Somerset County, which municipality has adopted a reciprocal ordinance to provide mutual police and/or fire aid in the event of an emergency, and has entered into an interlocal or shared service agreement with the Township pursuant to law. The terms and conditions of such mutual aid agreements shall govern, in conjunction with the terms and conditions of providing mutual aid as provided by N.J.S.A. 40A:14-156.1, et seq. Such mutual aid agreements shall apply whenever the Township of Bedminster shall have an emergency within its boundaries requiring additional police and/or fire assistance to protect life and property, and whenever any reciprocating municipality may experience a similar emergency requiring additional police and/or fire assistance.
[1]
Editor's Note: Prior ordinance history includes portions of Ordinance Nos. 9/6/77, 94-13 and 98-28.
[Ord. #84-10, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 9]
a. 
Members of the police department shall be permitted to accept employment as safety or security personnel for private employers only during off-duty hours and at such times as will not interfere with the efficient performance of regularly scheduled or emergency duty for the township.
b. 
Any person wishing to employ off-duty police shall first obtain the approval of the chief of police, which approval shall be granted if in the opinion of the chief such employment would not be inconsistent with the efficient functioning and good reputation of the police department, and would not unreasonably endanger or threaten the safety of the officers who are to perform the work.
[Ord. #84-10, S 2; Ord. #98-28, S 9; amended 12-28-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-022]
a. 
The rate charged by Bedminster Township for off-duty employment performed by officers of the Police Department shall be $90 per hour, with a four hour minimum guarantee, which shall be paid to the Township Treasurer. The Township shall remit to the member of the police department performing such off-duty service the portion of the hourly rate as set forth above.
b. 
The police chief shall estimate the number of hours anticipated to be worked, and payment for the estimated work shall be paid by the employer to the Township treasurer prior to commencement of the work.
c. 
If additional work time is required due to unanticipated circumstances, and such work is approved by the police chief, the employer shall be liable for payment to the Township for all such additional hours worked.
d. 
In addition to the amounts noted above, a per-hour administrative fee of $35 will be charged to the employer.
e. 
An invoice from the Township for any balance due, or a credit for any refund, if any, shall be issued by the township treasurer. Payments due from employers shall be made within 10 days of receipt of the invoice from the Township.
[Ord. #98-28, S 10; Ord. #2001-11, S 1; Ord. #2003-21, S 1]
There is hereby created in and for the Township of Bedminster, a public works department which shall consist of the principal public works manager, a general foreman, a secretary of public works, a sewer utility secretary, a sewer utility collector, and such other personnel as the township committee may, from time to time, deem necessary to the proper and efficient operation of the department.
[Ord. #98-28, S 10; Ord. #2001-11, S 2; Ord. #2003-21, S 2]
The township committee shall appoint a principal public works manager for a term of one year which shall run from January 1 of the year in which he was appointed except that any principal public works manager who has held the position continuously for five years or more shall have tenure as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.5. The duties of the principal public works manager shall be as follows:
a. 
To supervise, under direction, employees engaged in the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of any combination of multiple public works facilities such as streets, storm sewers, parks, buildings or other public works operations;
b. 
To plan weekly or monthly work schedules and sequence of operations for subordinates, establish deadlines and priorities, on the basis of general work schedules, methods, and policies established by higher levels of supervision, and to select individual workers and assign particular work or tasks to be performed;
c. 
To determine equipment, material and maintenance required, and to assure that material is ordered and delivered to work sites so as not to delay work;
d. 
To coordinate the work of the department with other departments or private contractors;
e. 
To supervise the repair and maintenance of municipal vehicles and equipment;
f. 
To prepare and administer the department's annual budget and establish procedures as necessary to reduce or control costs; to write specifications for bid items and recommend contract awards;
g. 
To plan major projects in conjunction with the township engineer when necessary, including recommendations for capital improvements;
h. 
To prepare and submit to his or her supervisor an annual report of department affairs;
i. 
To administer and coordinate Interlocal Service Agreements involving public works authorized by the township;
j. 
To receive and deal with requests for and complaints about department services, activities or employees, to maintain a record of all such complaints and requests and to report on them to his or her superior quarterly;
k. 
To inspect and check the work completed to see that proper procedures are followed, that reasonable standards of workmanship and output are maintained, and that desired objectives are achieved;
l. 
To see that proper safety precautions are taken by employees at work and that proper procedures are taken to protect the public from injury which could result from the department's repair activities;
m. 
To set performance standards expected of subordinates, make formal appraisals of their work performance, determine training needs, initiate recommendations for promotion or reassignment of subordinates and to counsel employees, adjust informal complaints and grievances and initiate disciplinary action as needed;
n. 
To maintain production reports and records;
o. 
To carry out policies and programs established by the township.
p. 
To work with the recreation supervisor on the preparation and submittal of an annual budget for review and approval by the township committee after consultation and coordination with the recreation committee.
The principal public works manager must hold a valid certificate as a certified public works manager issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.6 et seq., a valid New Jersey driver's license and a commercial driver's license (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated, if necessary. The principal public works manager shall receive such compensation as the township committee shall determine and fix from time to time.
[Ord. #98-28, S 11; Ord. #2003-21, S 3; Ord. #09-028, S 10]
There is hereby created in and for the Township of Bedminster a department of community development which shall consist of the township engineer, land use board administrator, land use board secretary, zoning officer, construction official, construction control person, subcode officials and any other personnel which the township committee may from time to time deem necessary to the thorough and efficient operation of the department. The head of the department of community development shall be the township engineer, who shall be appointed in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:9-140.
[Ord. #93-15, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
The Bedminster Local Assistance Board shall consist of five members; at least one of them shall be a woman and one may be a member of the Bedminster Township Committee. If a committee member is appointed, he or she shall only be appointed to the one year term referred to hereinafter. The members shall be appointed by the mayor upon the approval of the township committee as a whole. The members shall serve without compensation.
The terms of the members of the board shall be as follows:
a. 
The term of one member of the board shall be for one year.
b. 
The terms of the other members of the board shall be for four years each, one term expiring in each year.
The term of each member of the Bedminster Township Local Assistance Board shall begin on the first day of January and shall continue until his or her successor shall be appointed and shall qualify.
Vacancies in the board shall be filled for the unexpired terms only.
[Ord. #93-15, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
The board shall organize and select a chairman and a secretary and shall appoint a director of welfare. The director of welfare shall hold office for a term of five years from the date of appointment and shall be paid such salary as may be fixed by the board subject to the approval of the Bedminster Township Committee.
[Ord. #93-15, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
The director of welfare shall perform all functions set forth in N.J.S.A. 44:8-118 as the same may be amended from time to time; as set forth in the rules and regulations promulgated and repromulgated by the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services and as lawfully established by the board.
[Ord. #93-15, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
The board shall possess all powers and perform all duties as set forth in N.J.S.A. 44:8-107, et seq., said statute known as the "General Public Assistance Law" and as set forth in the rules and regulations as may be promulgated and repromulgated by the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services and as lawfully established by the board.
[Ord. 5/3/65, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
Pursuant to the terms of N.J.S.A. 26:3-9, the provisions of N.J.S.A. 26:3-3 et seq. are hereby adopted and in accordance therewith there is hereby established in the township, a local board of health composed of five members to be appointed in accordance with the terms of this section.
[Ord. 5/3/65, S 2; Ord. #98-06, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
a. 
Each member of the board of health shall be a resident of the township and shall be appointed by the township committee to serve for a term of three years and until a successor is appointed. All appointments shall be for a three year period. Any vacancy in the office of any member shall be filled by the township committee for the unexpired portion of the term only.
b. 
Two residents of the township shall be appointed by the township committee as alternate members. The alternate members shall meet the qualifications of regular members. Alternate members shall be designated at the time of their appointment as "Alternate No. 1" and "Alternate No. 2." A vacancy in an alternate position shall be filled by the township committee for the unexpired term only. Alternate members may participate in discussions of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member. A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote first. The terms of the alternate members shall be for two years, except that the terms of the alternate members first appointed shall be two years for Alternate No. 1 and one year for Alternate No. 2, so that the term of not more than one alternate shall expire in any one year.
[Ord. 5/3/65, S 3; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
Any member of the board of health may be removed from office for cause after an opportunity for a hearing has been given such member and upon the vote of a majority of the members of the township committee.
[Ord. 5/3/65, S 5; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
The board of health shall organize annually on or before January 15 of each year. It shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its members and shall appoint a secretary, who need not be a member of the board, and who shall serve at the pleasure of the board.
[Ord. 5/3/65, S 5; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
The board of health shall adopt such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or proper to govern its procedure and shall meet regularly at least once a month for the hearing of complaints, reports and general business.
[Ord. 5/3/65, S 6; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
The board of health herein established shall have and perform all of the powers, rights, duties and obligations applicable to a local board of health as provided by law, and shall administer and enforce all health ordinances, rules and regulations of the township now in effect or hereafter adopted.
[Ord. 5/3/65, S 7; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed or construed to repeal any ordinance, rule or regulation heretofore adopted or promulgated by the township committee or any former board of health of the township.
[Ord. 4/20/70, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12; Ord. #2008-02]
The Township of Bedminster Environmental Commission is hereby established for the protection and conservation of natural resources located within Bedminster Township pursuant to Chapter 245 of the Laws of 1968 (N.J.S. 40:56A-1 to 40:56A-5).
[Ord. 4/20/70, S 2; Ord. #92-03, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12; Ord. #2008-02; Ord. #09-028, S 10]
a. 
The environmental commission shall consist of seven members appointed by the mayor, one of whom shall also be a member of the land use board. The term of a Class II or Class IV member of the land use board who is also a member of the environmental commission shall be for three years or terminate at the completion of his term of office as a member of the environmental commission, whichever occurs first. The mayor shall designate one of the members to serve as chairman and presiding officer of the commission. The commissioners shall be appointed for terms of three years and until the appointment and qualification of their successors. All commissioners shall be residents of the township and shall serve without compensation. The mayor or township committee may remove any member of the commission for cause, on written charges served upon the member and after a 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 by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment.
b. 
Two residents of the township shall be appointed by the mayor as alternate members. The alternate members shall meet the qualifications of regular members. Alternate members shall be designated at the time of their appointment as "Alternate No. 1" and "Alternate No. 2." A vacancy in an alternate position shall be filled by the mayor for the unexpired term only. Alternate members may participate in discussions of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member. A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote first. The terms of the alternate members shall be for two years, except that the terms of the alternate members first appointed shall be two years for Alternate No. 1 and one year for Alternate No. 2 so that the term of not more than one alternate shall expire in any one year. No member of the commission shall be permitted to act on any matter in which he or she has either directly or indirectly any personal or financial interest.
c. 
Up to two associate members may be appointed by the mayor and shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor for a term lasting no more than one year, as deemed necessary and appropriate. Associate members shall not vote on any matter and shall not be counted towards a quorum. Associate members may be either residents or nonresidents who are employees, officers, or trustees of local environmental groups, such as but not limited to the Upper Raritan Watershed and the NJ Audubon Society. Associate members shall serve only in an advisory capacity.
[Ord. 4/20/70, S 3; Ord. #98-28, S 12; Ord. #2008-02; Ord. #09-028, S 10; Ord. No. 2017-021 § 1]
The powers and duties of the environmental commission are as follows:
a. 
Conduct research into the protection and conservation of the open land areas, natural environment, and natural resources within the township as well as the reduction of negative impacts caused by the built environment.
b. 
Advise the township government on environmental and related issues, including recommending policy options.
c. 
Maintain an Environmental/Natural Resources Inventory and a Protected Lands Inventory of all land within the township, whether publicly or privately owned.
1. 
An Environmental/Natural Resources Inventory may include, but is not limited to township specific data on geology, topography, soils, forests, grasslands, wetlands, hydrology, watersheds, streams, rivers, aquifers, flora, fauna, endangered and threatened species and their habitat, air quality, noise pollution and light pollution.
(a) 
The ERI/NRI shall be updated and revised, by an expert of the environmental commission's choosing, no less than every 10 years.
2. 
A Protected Lands Inventory may include, but is not limited to township specific data of all open space and protective easements, regardless of land or easement ownership, and the protected land's baseline and history of monitoring, infractions and remedies.
(a) 
Manage a sustainable identification and monitoring program for all protected lands within the township.
(b) 
See subsection 2-16.5 for report of infractions.
d. 
(Reserved)
e. 
Maintain a list of nuisance tree and plant species in accordance with Chapter 12 and other relevant sections of the Revised General Ordinances of Bedminster Township.
f. 
Interact with and coordinate the activities of individuals and unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes, including but not limited to other environmental commission, watershed agencies, experts, consultants and land trusts.
g. 
Advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans, pamphlets, or other information which in its judgment it deems necessary for regulatory, outreach, education or other purposes.
h. 
Assist other township bodies in determining appropriate land use by:
1. 
It shall keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, in order to obtain information on the proper use of such areas, and may recommend to the land use board, plans and programs for inclusion in the master plan.
2. 
Recommending environmentally sensitive adjustments to the township's code of ordinances.
3. 
Evaluating development and land use applications for environmental impact.
i. 
Acquire property, subject to the approval of the township committee, both real and personal, in the name of the township by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise or lease for any of its purposes and shall administer the same for such purposes subject to the terms of the conveyance or gift. Such an acquisition may be to acquire the fee or any lesser interests, development right, easement (including conservation easement), covenant or other contractual right (including a conveyance on conditions or with limitations or reversions), as may be necessary to acquire, maintain, improve, protect, limit the future use or otherwise protect, conserve and properly utilize open spaces and other land and water areas in the township.
j. 
Inform, educate and advise local officials and residents on:
1. 
The value of and need for preserving Bedminster's environment and natural resources.
2. 
Relevant county, state and federal regulations and programs.
3. 
Recommended initiatives which ensure conservation, protection, smart growth or municipal compliance.
[Ord. No. 2017-021 § 1]
The Environmental Commission shall have the following powers and duties regarding open space:
a. 
Conduct research into the preservation of open space and farmland within the township, related future challenges and possible solutions.
b. 
Achieve, in partnership with others, a system of interconnected open spaces, whose protection will preserve and enhance the natural environment and its historic, scenic and recreational resources for public use and enjoyment.
1. 
All relevant data shall be collected at the point of open space preservation in a timely fashion for inclusion in the Protected Lands Inventory and monitoring program.
2. 
Develop, gain acceptance and approval for and maintain the township's Open Space Management Plan and site specific Land Stewardship Plans.
c. 
Inform, educate, advise and encourage local officials and residents on:
1. 
The value of and need for preserving Bedminster Township's open space and sustainable agriculture.
2. 
Relevant county, state and federal regulations and programs.
3. 
Recommended strategies or initiatives which ensure open space preservation and land stewardship.
d. 
Assist the land use board in the ongoing refinement of the open space and recreation plan elements of the master plan.
e. 
Accomplish any other task referred to it by the township committee, land use board, or recreation committee related to open space or agricultural activities.
[Ord. 4/20/70, S 5; Ord. #98-28, S 12; Ord. #2008-02]
The environmental commission shall keep records of its meetings and activities and make an annual report to the township committee at the first regular meeting of the township committee in December of each year.
Open space and protective easement monitoring reports shall be completed regularly and documented in the Protected Lands Inventory. All known abuses of or noncompliance with protective easements within the township shall be reported to the township engineer and zoning officer as soon as they have been identified. Commissioners or other persons designated by the environmental commission shall assist the township engineer and zoning officer with assessment of abuses or noncompliance and remedy determination, if requested to do so.
[Ord. 4/20/70, S 6; Ord. #98-28, S 12; Ord. #2008-02]
The commission may appoint such clerks and other employees as it may require, providing the same shall be within the limits of funds appropriated to it by the township committee.
[Ord. No. 2017-021 § 2]
The purpose of this section is to establish a municipal Agricultural Advisory Committee to advise the Township Committee on matters pertaining to the preservation and ongoing operation of agricultural activity in the Township of Bedminster.
[Ord. No. 2017-021 § 2]
a. 
Committee; Personnel; Appointment; Organization. There is hereby established in the Township of Bedminster a permanent committee to be known and designated as the "Bedminster Township Agricultural Advisory Committee" which shall consist of three residents of the Township of Bedminster to be appointed by the Township Committee. A majority of the members shall be actively engaged in farming and shall own a portion of the land they farm. A member of the committee, or a member of his or her immediate family, is prohibited from selling or applying to sell his or her property in fee simple title pursuant to the Agriculture Retention and Development Act, N.J.S.A. 4:1C-11 et seq. and the Garden State Preservation Trust Act, N.J.S.A. 13:8C-1 et seq. The members of the said Committee first appointed shall serve for terms as follows: one appointee for a one-year term; one appointee for a two-year term and one appointee for a three-year term. Thereafter, all appointments shall be for terms of three years, and vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term only. The members shall serve until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. The members of the Committee shall receive no compensation for their services. The Committee shall annually select from among its members a Chairman and such other officers as it may deem necessary. Said Committee may establish rules of order and meet at least quarterly and from time to time as its rules of order might provide. The Agricultural Advisory Committee shall report to the Township Committee.
b. 
Alternate Members. The Committee shall also include two alternate members who shall be residents of the Township of Bedminster and who shall be appointed by the Township Committee. The two alternate members first appointed shall serve for terms as follows: One alternate for a term of two years effective as of January 1, 2018; and one alternate for a term of three years effective as of January 1, 2018. Thereafter, all alternate members shall serve for a term of three years, and alternate members shall serve until their respective successors shall be appointed. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term only of such alternate member. The alternate members shall be designated at the time of their appointment as "alternate number 1" and "alternate number 2." Alternate members may participate in discussions of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member. A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member is to vote, alternate number 1 shall vote first.
c. 
Liaisons. The Agricultural Advisory Committee may maintain as liaisons the Township Engineer, a professional planner, a member of the Somerset County Agriculture Development Board, a member of the Rutgers University Cooperative Extension, and shall maintain as a liaison a Township Committee member. Any member of the Township Committee appointed as liaison to the Agricultural Advisory Committee shall no longer be eligible to serve as such liaison upon expiration of his or her term of office on the Township Committee, and another member of the Township Committee shall thereafter be appointed to serve in such liaison position. The Agricultural Advisory Committee may establish other liaison positions as deemed appropriate, such as Jersey Fresh, other state agencies and publications to promote local farms, products and services.
d. 
The responsibilities of the Committee shall be as follows:
1. 
To become fully aware of all land in Bedminster currently used for agricultural and related purposes and compile, update and maintain an inventory of those lands.
2. 
To recommend planning and implementation of a Farmland Preservation Plan element to the Planning Board and make recommendations as to land use policies regarding farming and farm land preservation to the Township Committee.
3. 
To analyze how the Township Committee can best protect the continuance of the aforesaid uses while acting as an advocate for farming and farm preservation within the Township.
4. 
To determine existing issues facing farmers and those in related endeavors in the Township of Bedminster and to recommend reasonable and desirable solutions to the Township Committee.
5. 
To determine future issues which will face farmers and those related to farming in the Township of Bedminster and to recommend reasonable and desirable solutions to the Township Committee.
6. 
To encourage existing farmers to continue in active agricultural operation.
7. 
To communicate with Township farmers that the Agricultural Advisory Committee exist and can offer direction and assistance in many cases.
8. 
To assist in continuing the sustainable use of economically viable farmland for agricultural production by making the flow of information from the local, county and state and federal branches readily accessible and to offer technical assistance where possible.
9. 
To provide education were possible to farmers for the purposes of farming and meeting the challenges the industry faces.
10. 
To help preserve large, contiguous and economically viable tracts of agricultural land.
11. 
To assist in minimizing conflicts between agricultural uses and adjacent and nearby agricultural, natural resource based, rural, residential and commercial activities.
12. 
Promote landowner participation in and compliance with the Farmland Assessment Tax Program (N.J.S.A. 18:15-2), the Farmland Preservation Program and the Green Acres Program (N.J.S.A. 7:36) and assist with the application process and enable acceptance to these programs.
(a) 
In partnership with the Township's expert, a Planning Incentive Grant (PIG) Map, which depicts groups of lands prioritized for their inclusion in the Farmland Preservation Program, shall be maintained.
(b) 
All relevant data shall be collected at the point of formal approval into the Farmland Preservation Program and Farmland Assessment Tax Program and documented in the Farmland Inventory and Map.
13. 
To encourage and assist applications to farmland preservation programs.
14. 
To encourage appropriate conservation strategies and agricultural activities.
15. 
To formulate strategies and objectives with regard to any present or future local, County, State or Federal farmland regulations.
16. 
To promote interest in Township children in 4-H and other related agricultural activities.
17. 
To recommend to the Township Committee reasonable and desirable changes to this listing of responsibilities.
18. 
To make an annual report to the Township Committee setting forth and detailing the activities and operations of the Board Committee during the preceding year.
19. 
To accomplish any other tasks referred to it by the Township Committee having to do with agricultural related activities.
20. 
To promote local farming through municipal avenues, such as web sites, municipal cable channel, guidebooks, community events, schools, etc.
e. 
Cooperation with Committee. The Committee in performing its aforesaid responsibilities shall receive from all officials, employees, consultants and all authorized boards, departments and offices of the Township of Bedminster such assistance as may be necessary.
f. 
Powers of Committee. The Committee's powers relative to regulation of any activity are specifically limited to its making recommendations to the Township Committee as to its adoption of the same.
[Ord. #96-13A, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
There is hereby established in the Township of Bedminster a recreation committee, which shall have the duties and powers hereinafter more particularly set forth.
[Ord. #96-13A, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12; Ord. #2000-11, S 3; Ord. #06-31, S 1]
The recreation committee of the Township of Bedminster shall be composed of seven members and two alternates, who shall be residents of the township and who shall be appointed by the mayor upon the approval of the township committee. The members of the recreation committee shall receive no compensation for their services.
The members of the said committee first appointed shall serve for terms as follows:
Three members for a term of one year each; four members for a term of two years each; and one alternate for a term of one year; and one alternate for a term of two years. Thereafter, all appointments shall be for a term of two years, and members shall serve until their respective successors shall be appointed. Vacancies in the membership of the recreation committee, occurring for whatever cause, shall be filled by the mayor upon the approval of the township committee for the unexpired term.
The alternate members shall be designated at the time of their appointment as "Alternate No. 1" and "Alternate No. 2". Alternate members may participate in discussions of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member. A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote first. The township recreation supervisor and the principal public works manager shall also serve as members of the recreation committee without voting privileges.
[Ord. #96-13A, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
Any member of the recreation committee may be removed from his or her office for cause after an opportunity has been given for a hearing and upon the vote of the full authorized membership of the township committee.
[Ord. #96-13A, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
Each member of the committee shall, before assuming office, take and subscribe an oath that he or she will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office.
[Ord. #96-13A, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
The members of the committee shall choose annually from among its members a chairperson and vice-chairperson and such other officers as it may deem necessary, and may formulate subcommittees for the administration and handling of its programs and any and all related business.
[Ord. #96-13A, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
A majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum.
[Ord. #96-13A, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12; Ord. #2001-11, S 3; Ord. #09-028, S 10]
a. 
The recreation committee shall not be deemed to be a recreation commission pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:61-17 et seq. or N.J.S.A. 40:12-1 et seq., and shall have only those powers and duties as specifically set forth herein or as established by resolution of the township committee.
b. 
The powers and duties of the recreation committee are purely advisory and are specifically limited to its making recommendations to the township committee after full discussion with the principal public works manager and the recreation supervisor in the following areas:
1. 
The planning and promoting of recreational programs within the township on behalf of and for the benefit of the residents of the Township of Bedminster;
2. 
The appointment of aides, assistants or such other personnel as the recreation supervisor may deem necessary for the establishment, implementation and operation of recreational programs;
3. 
The feasibility of acquiring or developing additional park and recreation land within the township, when studied in concert with the Bedminster Land Use Board.
4. 
Plans for the development and improvement of public park and playground lands, and rules and regulations for the public use of said lands; and
5. 
Proper maintenance and care programs for said park and playground lands.
c. 
The township committee at its discretion may refer to the recreation committee for its consideration and recommendation any proposals for recreational programs or acquisitions of equipment, facilities or property that may be under consideration by the township committee. The recreation committee shall study such matters referred to it by the township committee and shall report its findings and conclusions thereon, in writing, to the township committee as soon as may be reasonably possible.
[Ord. #96-13A, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12; Ord. #2001-11, S3]
The recreation supervisor shall work with the recreation committee in developing a proposed annual recreation program budget. The recreation supervisor, with the advice and assistance of the principal public works manager, shall submit the proposed recreation budget to the Township Committee for its consideration. The recreation committee shall submit to the township committee a proposed comprehensive budget for the annual recreation program prior to October 31 of each year. The township committee shall annually appropriate such sums as it may deem necessary for such purposes, and those funds will hereafter be administered and disbursed by normal township financial control procedures.
[Ord. #96-13A, S1; Ord. #98-28, S 12; Ord. #2001-11, S 3]
The recreation supervisor, in concert with the recreation committee shall submit an annual report to the township committee by December 31, setting forth in detail its operations, activities and accomplishments for the preceding year.
[Ord. #96-13A, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
Nothing in this section shall be construed to hold the Township of Bedminster, the Bedminster Recreation Committee or any committee member liable for the death, injury or illness of any person in connection with any recreational activity.
[Ord. #96-13A, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
No parent, teacher, club, association, or any other individual or group shall be permitted to represent the recreation committee in any recreational league, club, or athletic endeavor without the explicit approval of the recreation committee. If an athletic and/or recreational activity is undertaken on behalf of the recreation committee without its knowledge and consent, said activity will be the sole responsibility of the individual(s) involved.
[Ord. #2001-11, S 3; Ord. #2003-21, S 4]
The township administrator shall recommend the appointment of a recreation supervisor to the township committee. The recreation supervisor shall serve at the pleasure of the township committee and may be removed by the township committee with or without cause upon 30 days written notice. The recreation supervisor shall receive such compensation as shall be fixed by the township committee. The following shall be the duties of the recreation supervisor:
a. 
Perform the administrative work involved in the operation of recreational activities, programs, functions and facilities;
b. 
Report at least monthly to the township committee on the activities and programs of the recreation supervisor and of the recreation committee.
c. 
Plan, publicize and organize recreational programs, based upon recommendations of the recreation committee, within the township, and to administer the recreational program on behalf of and for the benefit of the residents of the Township of Bedminster.
d. 
After full discussion with the recreation committee and the township administrator, recommend to the township committee the appointment of aides, assistants or such other personnel as the recreation supervisor may deem necessary for the establishment, implementation and operation of recreational programs;
e. 
Schedule all fields, and administer the adult athletic program, summer recreation program, youth athletic program, and special events, and all other appropriate recreational programs;
f. 
Guide and direct the leaders of all sports organizations and programs, including all coaches and site supervisors;
g. 
Attend monthly meetings of the recreation committee and give reports on recreation matters, record the minutes of said recreation committee and provide such other support as appropriate; and
h. 
Coordinate and process with the State of New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety all criminal history background check forms for any nonprofit youth serving organization requesting such background check for any prospective or current employee or volunteer of such organization pursuant to N.J.S.A. 15A:3A-1 et seq. and any regulations promulgated thereunder. The recreation supervisor shall merely serve as a "clearinghouse" for any information received and shall disseminate such information to the requesting organization as expeditiously as possible. The recreation supervisor shall maintain strict confidentiality relative to the receipt and dissemination of all information. The failure of the recreation supervisor to maintain such confidentiality shall subject the recreation supervisor to disciplinary action pursuant to subsection 2-3.3m of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of Bedminster, 1984, as heretofore supplemented and amended.
i. 
Perform such other powers and duties identified on his or her job description as duly adopted by the township committee.
j. 
Report to and follow the instructions of the township administrator, who shall have direct supervision and control over him or her.
[Ord. 12/18/78, S 1; New; Ord. #94-19, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
a. 
Authorization. Pursuant to the Interlocal Services Act, N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1 et seq., the township has entered into a contract for the provisions of local public health services with Bernards Township, the Borough of Bernardsville, Borough of Far Hills, Borough of Peapack-Gladstone, Mendham Township, Borough of Mendham and the Borough of Chester, which contract is available for public inspection at the office of the township clerk.
[Ord. 9/21/81, S 1-3; New; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
Pursuant to the adoption of an ordinance on September 21, 1981 and referendum held on November 8, 1981, the township has entered into an agreement with the Borough of Far Hills to provide for a joint free public library. The agreement is available for public inspection at the office of the township clerk.
[Ord. #93-26, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
a. 
Findings. The township committee of the Township of Bedminster hereby determines and states:
1. 
The New Jersey Interlocal Services Act, N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1, et seq. provides for agreements for the provision of joint services between municipalities such as the sharing of equipment.
2. 
The Townships of Bedminster and Long Hill and the Borough of Bernardsville have determined that it is in their mutual best interests for Bernardsville to purchase a certain street sweeper/catch basin vacuum truck and for all municipalities to share in its upkeep and jointly use the same. The terms of the sharing of the said equipment being set forth in an interlocal services agreement between the three municipalities.
3. 
The township committee has, by previously adopted resolution, authorized the execution of the above agreement and has specifically and expressly set forth its intent to formalize and affirm said authorization by ordinance pursuant to the aforesaid Interlocal Services Act.
b. 
Execution of agreement. The mayor and township clerk are hereby authorized to execute an agreement between the Township of Bedminster, the Township of Long Hill and the Borough of Bernardsville for the purchase by Bernardsville of a certain street sweeper/catch basin vacuum truck for the municipalities' joint use, which agreement is incorporated herein by reference and shall remain on file in the office of the township clerk, 130 Hillside Avenue, Bedminster, New Jersey, where the same shall be available for public inspection. The execution of the said agreement and the participation of the Township of Bedminster therein shall be pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1, et seq.
c. 
Participation by township. The participation of the Township of Bedminster in the sharing of the aforesaid equipment will be as set forth in the above interlocal services agreement.
d. 
Effective date. This subsection shall take effect upon the adoption of appropriate ordinances similar hereto by the Borough of Bernardsville and the Township of Long Hill and upon its passage and publication according to law.
[Ord. #93-31, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
a. 
Findings. The township committee of the Township of Bedminster hereby determines and states:
1. 
The New Jersey Interlocal Services Act, N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1, et seq. provides for agreements for the provision of joint services between municipalities such as the sharing of costs to maintain joint public streets.
2. 
The Township of Bedminster and the Borough of Peapack and Gladstone have determined that it is in their mutual best interests to share equally the costs of maintaining Fowler Road which forms a common boundary between the two municipalities. The terms of the sharing of the said costs being set forth in an interlocal services agreement between the two municipalities.
3. 
The township committee has, by previously adopted resolution, authorized the execution of the above agreement and has specifically and expressly set forth its intent to formalize and affirm said authorization by ordinance pursuant to the aforesaid Interlocal Services Act.
b. 
Execution of agreement. The mayor and township clerk are hereby authorized to execute an agreement between the Township of Bedminster and the Borough of Peapack and Gladstone for the sharing of the costs of maintaining Fowler Road, which agreement is incorporated herein by reference and shall remain on file in the office of the township clerk, 130 Hillside Avenue, Bedminster, New Jersey, where the same shall be available for public inspection. The execution of the said agreement and the participation of the Township of Bedminster therein shall be pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1, et seq.
c. 
Participation by township. The participation of the Township of Bedminster in the sharing of the aforesaid costs will be as set forth in the above interlocal services agreement.
d. 
Effective date. This ordinance shall take effect upon the adoption of appropriate ordinances similar hereto by the Borough of Peapack and Gladstone and upon its passage and publication according to law.
[Ord. #94-17, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
a. 
Findings. The township committee of the Township of Bedminster hereby determines and states:
1. 
The New Jersey Interlocal Services Act, N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1, et seq. provides for agreements for the provision of joint services between municipalities such as the sharing of costs to maintain, repair, replace and operate the sanitary sewer transmission system which serves or will serve the Town- ship of Bedminster and the Boroughs of Peapack and Gladstone and Far Hills.
2. 
The Township of Bedminster and the Boroughs of Peapack and Gladstone and Far Hills have determined that it is in their mutual best interests to share the costs of maintaining, repairing, replacing and operating the said sanitary sewer transmission system. The terms of the sharing of the said costs being set forth in an interlocal services agreement between the two municipalities.
3. 
The township committee has, by previously adopted resolution, authorized the execution of the above agreement and has specifically and expressly set forth its intent to formalize and affirm said authorization by ordinance pursuant to the aforesaid Interlocal Services Act.
b. 
Execution of agreement. The mayor and township clerk are hereby authorized to execute an agreement between the Township of Bedminster and the Boroughs of Peapack and Gladstone and Far Hills for the sharing of the costs of maintaining, repairing, replacing and operating the said sanitary sewer transmission system, which agreement is incorporated herein by reference and shall remain on file in the office of the township clerk, 130 Hillside Avenue, Bedminster, New Jersey, where the same shall be available for public inspection. The execution of the said agreement and the participation of the Township of Bedminster therein shall be pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1, et seq.
c. 
Participation by township. The participation of the Township of Bedminster in the sharing of the aforesaid costs will be as set forth in the above interlocal services agreement.
d. 
Effective date. This subsection shall take effect upon the adoption of appropriate ordinances similar hereto by the Boroughs of Peapack and Gladstone and Far Hills and upon its passage and publication according to law.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former subsection 2-19.6, Agreement to Maintain J. Malcolm Belcher Fairgrounds, previously codified herein and containing portions of Ordinance Nos. 95-14, 96-01 and 98-28 was repealed in its entirety by Ordinance No. 2002-06.
[Ord. #95-23; Ord. #98-23, SS 1—5; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
a. 
Preamble. Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 provides for substantial federal funds being made available to certain urban counties for use therein. Community Development program has benefited the county as a whole and has provided a unique opportunity for intermunicipal cooperating. The program has provided substantial benefits to persons of low and moderate income including the elderly and disabled, and that these benefits would be lost without a renewal of the county cooperation agreement; and Bedminster Township desires to preserve the benefits of the Community Development and HOME Programs for the county by renewing its participation in the Somerset County Community Development Consortium. The Interlocal Services Act (N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1 et seq.) provides a mechanism through which counties and municipalities may enter into agreements for the provision of joint services. N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1 et seq. provides that authorization for participation in such a cooperative program must be by ordinance;
b. 
Authorization and execution.
1. 
It does hereby authorize continued participation in the Somerset County Community Development Consortium.
2. 
It does hereby authorize, ratify and confirm a certain agreement (hereinafter referred to as "Contract") between the Township of Bedminster and Somerset County entitled "Agreement Between the County of Somerset and Certain Municipalities Located Therein For The Establishment of Cooperative Means of Conducting Certain Community Development Activities;"
3. 
It hereby authorized full participation by Bedminster Township in all aspects of the activities provided for within said Contract pursuant to the terms and conditions as more fully set forth in said Contract.
4. 
It hereby incorporates said Contract into this ordinance by reference, as if fully set forth herein.
5. 
The mayor and municipal clerk are hereby authorized to execute the Contract with the county and copy of said Contract will remain filed in the office of the clerk of the Township of Bedminster for public inspection.
6. 
This subsection shall take effect upon adoption and publication in accordance with law.
[Ord. #95-50, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
a. 
Findings. The Township of Bedminster finds it to be in its best interest to provide supplemental police and fire assistance as a "participating municipality" to any "requesting municipality," as such terms are defined in the attached Intermunicipal Agreement for Mutual Police and Fire Aid.
b. 
Adoption of agreement. The Township of Bedminster does hereby approve and adopt the attached Agreement for Mutual Police and Fire Aid and does hereby agree to provide supplemental police and fire assistance as a "participating municipality" to any "requesting municipality" which has adopted an ordinance approving and adopting the attached or a substantially similar Intermunicipal Agreement for Mutual Police and Fire Aid.
c. 
Participation by township. The participation of the Township of Bedminster as a "participating municipality" shall be as set forth in the attached Intermunicipal Agreement for Mutual Police and Fire Aid.
[1]
Editor's Note: The agreement referred to herein may be found on file in the office of the township clerk.
[Ord. #95-53, S 1; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
a. 
The mayor and township clerk are hereby authorized to execute an agreement with the county whereby the county agrees to perform services for the implementation of a Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy, the form of which agreement is annexed hereto and made a part hereof. The execution of the said agreement and the participation of the Township of Bedminster therein shall be pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1 et seq.
b. 
The agreement between the township and the county shall remain on file at the office of the township clerk, 130 Hillside Avenue, Bedminster, New Jersey, and shall be available for public inspection.
c. 
The township clerk is hereby directed to forward an executed copy of said agreement to the administrator for the county for execution by the Director of the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
[Ord. #96-02, S 1-2; Ord. #98-28, S 12]
a. 
Findings. The Township of Bedminster finds it to be in the best interests to retain the services of the county for the residential curbside pick-up of recyclable materials as such terms are defined in the attached agreement between Somerset County and its municipalities for recycling.
b. 
Adoption of agreement. The Township of Bedminster does hereby approve and adopt the attached agreement between Somerset County and its municipalities for recycling.
c. 
Authorization to execute. The mayor and township clerk are hereby authorized to execute the attached agreement between Somerset County and its municipalities for recycling, which agreement is incorporated herein by reference and shall remain on file in the office of the township clerk, 130 Hillside Avenue, Bedminster, New Jersey, where the same shall be available for public inspection. The execution of said agreement, and the participation of the Township of Bedminster therein, shall be pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1 et seq.
[Ord. #2000-01, S 1]
a. 
Findings. By Resolution No. 98-172 adopted by the Bedminster Township Committee on September 21, 1998, the Bedminster Township Committee authorized the execution of an Interlocal Agreement Regarding Fire and Rescue Services between the Township of Bedminster and the Borough of Far Hills relative to funding capital expenditures of the Far Hills-Bedminster First Aid Squad and the Union Hook & Ladder Company pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:8A-4. The Bedminster Township Committee desires to codify said Interlocal Agreement. Notwithstanding such codification, any future modifications of said Interlocal Agreement shall not require an amendment to this subsection provided a copy of the modified Interlocal Agreement remains on file with the township clerk as provided in paragraph c below.
b. 
Codification of Interlocal Agreement. The Bedminster Township Committee does hereby authorize the codification of the aforesaid Interlocal Agreement Regarding Fire and Rescue Services within Chapter 2 entitled "Administration" of The Revised General Ordinances of the Township of Bedminster, 1984, as heretofore supplemented and amended.
c. 
Copy of Interlocal Agreement for Review and Inspection. A copy of the aforesaid Interlocal Agreement Regarding Fire and Rescue Services is incorporated herein by reference and shall remain on file in the office of the township clerk, where the same shall be available for public review and inspection.
d. 
Designation of Public Safety and Law Standing Committee Chairman. For purposes of this subsection, the term "public safety and law standing committee chairman" set forth in paragraph 2b of the Interlocal Agreement Regarding Fire and Rescue Services shall mean any member of the Public Safety and Law Standing Committee.
[Ord. #08-016, S 2]
a. 
Findings. The Township of Bedminster finds it to be in the best interests of the Township to provide supplemental police assistance as a "participating local unit" to any "requesting local unit" for "mutual police aid," as such terms are defined in the Mutual Police Aid Interlocal Services Agreement herein adopted.
b. 
Adoption of Agreement. The Township of Bedminster does hereby approve and adopt the Mutual Police Aid Interlocal Services Agreement, and does hereby agree to provide supplemental police assistance as a "participating local unit" to any "requesting local unit" which has adopted an ordinance approving and adopting the Mutual Police Aid Interlocal Services Agreement. Any future amendments or modifications to the Mutual Police Aid Interlocal Services Agreement shall not require an amendment to this subsection, provided such amended or modified agreement is authorized by proper Resolution of the Township.
c. 
Participation by Township. The participation by the Township of Bedminster shall be pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Mutual Police Aid Interlocal Services Agreement, in conjunction with the terms and conditions of providing mutual aid as provided by N.J.S.A. 40A:14-156.1, et seq.
[Ord. #2002-33, S 1]
The purpose of this section is to establish a procedure for the inspection and reproduction of government records by the public.
[Ord. #2002-33, S 1]
ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT RECORDS
Form shall mean the form that shall be adopted by the custodian of government records for use by any person or entity requesting government records.
CUSTODIAN OF GOVERNMENT RECORDS
Shall mean the township clerk.
DEPUTY CUSTODIAN OF GOVERNMENT RECORDS
Shall mean a designee of the township clerk.
GOVERNMENT RECORD OR RECORD
Shall mean any paper, written or printed book, document, drawing, map, plan, photograph, microfilm, data processed or image processed document, information stored or maintained electronically or by sound recording or in a similar device, or any copy thereof, that has been made, maintained or kept on file in the course of his or its official business, by an official or employee of the township. The term shall not include internal advisory, deliberative or consultative materials. The term shall not include any information listed as an exception in N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, or information that the disclosure of which would violate a citizen's reasonable expectation of privacy.
REQUESTOR
Shall mean any person who requests access to government records pursuant to this section or the state law on examination and copying of public records, N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.
SPECIAL SERVICE CHARGE
Shall mean a charge, in addition to the actual cost of reproduction of a record, which shall reflect the expense associated with extensive use of township information, technology, or resources, or the extensive clerical or supervisory assistance by township personnel in order to provide access to the requested records.
[Ord. #2002-33, S 1]
All government records shall be subject to the provisions of this section unless otherwise provided for by law or regulation.
[Ord. #2002-33, S1]
The custodian of government records shall adopt an access to government records form for use by a requestor and shall make recommendations to the township committee regarding the appropriate fees to be charged for access to, and copies of, government records. The access to government records form shall contain all information required by N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5f. Completed access to government records forms shall be filed with the township clerk.
[Ord. #2002-33, S 1; Ord. #2007-19, S 1; Ord. #2008-28, S 1; Ord. #2010-017, S 1]
a.
All public records in paper format 8.5" x 11" (letter), unless otherwise specified
$0.05/page
b.
All public records in paper format 8.5" x 14" (legal) or larger, unless otherwise specified
$0.07/page
c.
All public records in:
Disk Format
$1.35
CD Format
(unless otherwise specified)
$1.45
d.
Meeting CD's, audio
$1.45
e.
Tax and assessment searches
$10.00/lot
f.
Duplicate tax bill, first copy
$5.00
Duplicate tax bill, second or more in same tax year
$25.00
g.
Mailing list or labels of property owners (paper and disk formats)
Cost of reproduction as charged by tax assessment software licensor
h.
200' property search by assessor
$.25/name or $10.00 whichever is greater
i.
Copy of a videotape
Cost of outside reproduction
j.
Photographs (general)
Cost of outside reproduction
k.
Photographs (police)
Cost of outside reproduction plus $25.00 handling fee
l.
Police reports
In Person:
Pages 1-10, $.75/page
Pages 11-20, $.50/page
Pages over 20, $.25/page
Not in person(mail or fax):
Additional fee of $5.00 for the first 3 pages; $1.00 per page thereafter
m.
Police audiotape
$50.00
n.
Tax map (full size)
$6.00/page
o.
Tax map (reduced size)
$3.00/page
p.
Zoning map (color)
$8.00/page
q.
Maps up to 11" x 17"
Color
$8.00/page
Black and white
$4.00/page
r.
Maps greater than 11" x 17" up to 24" x 36"
Color
$15.00/page
Black and white
$7.50/page
s.
Maps greater than 24" x 36"
Color
$25.00/page
Black and white
$12.50/page
t.
Land Management Ordinance Book (including maps)
$125.00
u.
Master Plan
$125.00
v.
Township General Ordinance Book
$125.00
w.
Certified copy of marriage, birth or death certificate
$10.00/page
[1]
Editor's Note: See also, Section 2-20A, Miscellaneous Fees..
[Ord. #2002-33, S 1]
Postage costs will be added to all requests for government records required to be mailed and will be determined at the time of the request in accordance with current postal rates.
A $0.50 surcharge per page will be added to all requests requiring government records to be faxed. The township will not fax requests larger than 10 pages.
[Ord. #2002-33, S 1; Ord. #2007-19, S 2]
a. 
An extraordinary service charge of $30 per hour for clerical services and $45 per hour for supervisory services and services requiring special skills, shall be applied for any extensive use of information technology, or for the labor cost of township personnel incurred by the township for programming, clerical and supervisory assistance required to provide a government record in the medium requested if it is not a medium routinely used or maintained by the township, or requiring a substantial amount of manipulation or programming of information. When outside services must be procured in order to convert information to a requested medium, the actual cost for such services shall be charged.
b. 
Any research conducted by the township engineer, including but not limited to, requests for information from the Geographic Information System (GIS) shall carry an extraordinary service charge of $110 for the first hour and $90 for each hour thereafter, rounded to the nearest hour, in order to compensate the township for the cost of the professional engineer's time and services.
c. 
All costs will be determined and communicated to the requestor prior to the request being filled.
[Ord. #2002-33, S 1]
The custodian of government records shall grant or deny a request for access to government records within seven business days. A request shall have been made once it comes to the attention of the custodian of government records or a designated deputy custodian of government records. If a requested government record is in storage or archived or otherwise unavailable, the custodian shall advise the requestor within seven business days, when the government record will be available.
[Ord. #2002-33, S 2; Ord. #2002-40, S 1; Ord. #2009-017, S 2; Ord. #2010-017, S 2]
The following schedules of fees shall be charged from and after the effective date of this section:
a. 
Tax sales certificate: $100.00
b. 
Marriage license application: $28.00
c. 
Special alcoholic beverage permit application: $5.00
d. 
Soil movement permit application: $100.00
e. 
Tree removal permit application: $100.00
f. 
Road opening permit: See Chapter 11, subsection 11-3.5
g. 
Fence permit application: $20.00
h. 
Limousine license fee—Original vehicle: $50.00
i. 
Limousine license fee—Each additional vehicle: $25.00
j. 
Notary fee (per N.J.S.A. 22A) for administering an oath, taking an affidavit, taking proof of a deed or taking an acknowledgement: $2.50/page
[Ord. #2002-33, S 2]
Refunds of fees paid by residents for participation in a township recreation program or for field and facilities usage may be processed by the township clerk and/or the recreation coordinator without the need for formal township committee action when the refund is $100 or less.
[Added 11-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-020]
a. 
The Chief Financial Officer or his/her designee shall collect a fee in the amount of $20 from any payer of fees, taxes or other charges paid pursuant to any ordinance of the Township of Bedminster whose check or ACH payment has been returned unpaid. Said fee shall be collected for any payment returned whether by stop payment, insufficient funds or uncollected funds. Said fees shall be collected for any returned payment tendered to any department of the Township of Bedminster.
b. 
In addition, the Chief Financial Officer or his/ her designee may to be tendered in cash or by certified or cashier's check.
[Ord. #98-38, S 1]
a. 
The mayor shall appoint the Bedminster Emergency Management Coordinator. The coordinator shall be a resident of the township and shall serve for a term of three years.
b. 
As a condition of appointment, and the right to continue for the full term of the appointment, the coordinator shall successfully complete the approved courses within one year of appointment.
c. 
The emergency management coordinator shall appoint one, and may appoint more than one deputy emergency management coordinator, with the approval of the mayor. Whenever possible, such deputies shall be appointed from among the salaried officers of the municipality. The deputies shall serve for a term of three years.
[Ord. #98-38, S 1]
a. 
The Bedminster Emergency Management Coordinator shall have a minimum of two years experience in the planning, development and administration of emergency response activities such as those provided by police, fire, rescue, medical or emergency management units either in the public or private sector or in the military service.
b. 
The Bedminster Emergency Management Coordinator shall complete the following courses:
1. 
Within one year of appointment, the Emergency Management Coordinator must complete 24 classroom hours of emergency management continuing education per year. All courses taken by the Bedminster Emergency Management Coordinator must be submitted to and approved by the Somerset County Emergency Management Coordinator.
[Ord. #98-38, S 1; Ord. #2004-03, S 1]
a. 
The Bedminster Emergency Management Coordinator shall be responsible for the planning, activating, coordinating and the conduct of emergency management operations within the township.
b. 
The Bedminster Emergency Management Coordinator shall be a member and shall serve as chairman of the Bedminster Emergency Management Committee.
c. 
Whenever, in the opinion of the Bedminster Emergency Management Coordinator, a disaster has occurred or is imminent in the township, the Bedminster Emergency Management Coordinator, with the approval of the mayor, shall proclaim a state of local disaster emergency within the township.
d. 
The Bedminster Emergency Management Coordinator, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the State Director of Emergency Management, shall be empowered to issue and enforce such orders as may be necessary to implement and carry out emergency management operations and to protect the health, safety, and resources of the residents of the township.
e. 
The County Emergency Management Coordinator and the township committee shall be immediately advised of the proclamation of a state of local disaster emergency as well as any action taken by the Bedminster Emergency Management Coordinator.
f. 
The Bedminster Emergency Management Coordinator is responsible for the provision of leadership in the field of emergency management at the municipal level. As such, the emergency management coordinator is responsible for emergency management program development and administration, and shall have all the duties and responsibilities as set forth in New Jersey State Police Directive No. 102 (July 24, 1981).
g. 
The Bedminster Emergency Management Coordinator shall supervise and coordinate the Citizens Emergency Response Team ("CERT") volunteers.
[Ord. #98-38, S 1]
a. 
The emergency management committee (LEPC) shall consist of no more than 15 members, to be appointed by the mayor, who are directly responsible for or can assist in providing resources during an emergency.
b. 
There shall be at least one representative from each of the following emergency organizations:
1. 
The Far Hills-Bedminster First Aid Squad;
2. 
The Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department; and
3. 
The Pottersville Volunteer Fire Company.
These representatives shall be selected by the emergency organizations identified herein.
c. 
The members of the LEPC shall serve without compensation.
d. 
The principal public works manager and township administrator shall serve as ex-officio members of the LEPC.
[Ord. #2004-03, S 2]
a. 
Community Emergency Response Team. A community emergency response team ("CERT") is hereby established in the Township of Bedminster. The community emergency response team shall be an entity within the office of emergency management and shall be under the supervision and control of the township emergency management coordinator or his designee.
b. 
Mission, Organization and Purpose. The mission, organization and purpose of the township CERT program is to provide volunteer services in the areas of natural and other disasters under the direction of the office of emergency management to supplement and assist police, fire and EMS response to a disaster.
c. 
Membership. CERT volunteers shall be approved by the governing body upon recommendation of the emergency management coordinator. To be eligible, a volunteer must be at least 18 years of age and either reside or work in the township.
d. 
Training. All CERT volunteers will receive approximately 20 hours of basic-level training as required by FEMA and will include:
1. 
Disaster first aid.
2. 
Family disaster preparedness.
3. 
Disaster fire suppression.
4. 
Medical operations.
5. 
CERT operations in WMD and terrorism incidents.
6. 
Disaster mental health.
7. 
Basic emergency management.
8. 
Disaster simulation — skills review.
[Ord. #99-21, S 1]
A Length of Service Award Program ("LOSAP") is hereby created in accordance with Chapter 388 of the Laws of 1997, to reward members of the Pottersville Volunteer Fire Company, the Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department and the Far Hills-Bedminster First Aid Squad for their loyal, diligent and devoted services to the residents of Bedminster Township, Far Hills Borough and Tewksbury Township. This LOSAP may include, but shall not require, participation by the Borough of Far Hills and the Township of Tewksbury.
[Ord. #99-21, S 1]
The LOSAP shall provide for fixed annual contributions and contributions as credit for prior years of service to a deferred income account for each volunteer member that meets the criteria set forth below, that such contributions shall be made in accordance with a plan that shall be established by Bedminster Township pursuant to P.L. 1997, c.388 (N.J.S.A. 40A:14-183, et seq.); and that such plan shall be administered in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, and this section.
[Ord. #99-21, S 1]
As used in this section:
ACTIVE VOLUNTEER MEMBER
Shall mean a person who has been so designated by the governing board of a duly created emergency service organization and who is faithfully and actually performing volunteer service in that organization.
LEAD SPONSORING AGENCY
Shall mean the Township Committee of the Township of Bedminster.
YEAR OF ACTIVE EMERGENCY SERVICE
Shall mean a 12 month period during which an active volunteer member participated in the fire or first aid service and satisfies the minimum requirements of participation established by Bedminster Township, as sponsoring agency, on a consistent and uniform basis.
[Ord. #99-21, S 1]
The LOSAP shall provide for annual contributions to each eligible member that meets the criteria as follows:
a. 
An active volunteer member shall be eligible to participate in a LOSAP immediately upon commencement of the active volunteer member's performance of active emergency services in the Potterville Volunteer Fire Department, the Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department and the Far Hills-Bedminster First Aid Squad.
b. 
A year of active emergency service shall be credited for each calendar year in which an active volunteer member accumulates sufficient points pursuant to and in accordance with the uniform point system annexed hereto as Schedule A and made part of this section.
c. 
For each year in which an active volunteer member accumulates sufficient points for active emergency service, a contribution to the LOSAP will be made based on a calculation of base benefit and prior year's service credit (if any) as set forth in Schedule B annexed hereto and made a part of this section.
d. 
The LOSAP shall provide for a contribution in the amount set forth in Schedule B representing a credit for no more than 10 years of service prior to the effective date of this section for each active volunteer member who qualifies in accordance with the uniform point schedule annexed hereto as Schedule A.
e. 
The definition of years of active emergency service shall be determined by the by-laws of the participating emergency service organization at the time service was earned. Approval of such prior service shall require certification by the Captain of the volunteer first aid squad or by the Fire Chief of the volunteer fire company or department, as the case may be, to the Township of Bedminster, Far Hills Borough and Tewksbury Township.
f. 
If an active volunteer member requests credit for service in more than one volunteer participating organization, each such emergency service organization shall provide a certification to the Township of Bedminster, Far Hills Borough and Tewksbury Township for the appropriate number of years. That credit may be awarded at the discretion of the Township of Bedminster, Far Hills Borough and Tewksbury Township. In no event, shall a participant be credited for the same year of active emergency service in more than one service award program.
g. 
Notwithstanding the above, if an active volunteer serves on more than one emergency service organization during any one LOSAP contribution year, such active volunteer can accumulate points sufficient to achieve qualification pursuant to and in accordance with the uniform system annexed hereto as Schedule A; provided, however, that if an active volunteer qualifies in both emergency service organizations during any one LOSAP contribution year, only one such emergency service organization shall certify such active volunteer member in accordance with subsection 2-22.5 of this section such that the maximum amount of contribution in any one year shall not exceed $1,150 (as adjusted in accordance with subsection 2-22.4k of this section).
h. 
No participant may accrue points with more than one emergency service organization by (i) participating in the same training course, (ii) responding to the same call, (iii) participating in the same emergency event, or (iv) participating in the same inspection, for and on behalf of more than one emergency service organization.
i. 
In computing credit for those active volunteer members who also serve as paid employees within a local government unit of the state (as such term is defined in N.J.S.A. 40A:14-184), credit shall not be given for activities performed during the individual's regularly assigned work periods.
j. 
An active volunteer member whose name does not appear on the approved certification list or who is denied credit for service prior to the establishment of the LOSAP program may appeal within 30 days of posting of the list or within 30 days of denial of past service credit. The appeal shall be in writing and mailed to the Bedminster Township Clerk. The Bedminster Township Committee shall investigate the appeal in consultation with Far Hills Borough and Tewksbury Township. The decision of a participating emergency service organization shall be subject to appropriate judicial review.
k. 
The maximum annual contribution may be increased, from time to time, without public hearing or public question, by resolution in accordance with an adjustment calculated by the State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs. If adjusted, the entire adjusted amount of the increase shall be applied to the base contribution only. The contribution for prior years of service shall not exceed $575.
[1]
Editor's Note: The schedules referred to herein are included as attachments to this chapter.
[Ord. #99-21, S 1]
a. 
The Pottersville Volunteer Fire Company shall provide Bedminster Township and Tewksbury Township and the Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department and the Far Hills-Bedminster First Aid Squad shall each provide Bedminster Township and Far Hills Borough with an annual certification list, certified under oath, of all volunteer members, which shall identify those active volunteer members who have qualified for credit in accordance with Schedule A[1] for the previous year. This list shall be submitted annually by not later than November 1st of each year.
[1]
Editor's Note: The schedules referred to herein may be found at the end of this chapter.
b. 
For the initial year of the LOSAP (calendar year 2000), the annual certification list shall also include a list of all active members who also qualify for prior years of service credit, including the number of years of previously qualified service, up to a maximum of 10 years prior to the effective date of this section.
c. 
An active volunteer member may request that his or her name be deleted from the list as a participant in LOSAP. A request for deletion shall be in writing and shall remain effective until withdrawn in the same manner.
d. 
Bedminster Township, Far Hills Borough and Tewksbury Township shall review the annual certification lists of their respective above-mentioned volunteer emergency organizations and shall approve the final annual certification. The approved list of active certified volunteer members shall be returned to the volunteer emergency organization and posted for at least 30 days for review by members.
[Ord. #99-21, S 1]
The estimated amount to be budgeted for contributions for the LOSAP during calendar year 2000 has been calculated as follows:
a. 
Bedminster Township
1.
For contributions for regular annual services
$35,000.00
2.
For contributions for prior years of service
$35,000.00
Total:
$70,000.00
b. 
Far Hills Borough
1.
For contributions for regular annual services
$6,000.00
2.
For contributions for prior years of service
$6,000.00
Total:
$12,000.00
c. 
Tewksbury Township
1.
For contributions for regular annual services
$5,000.00
2.
For contributions for prior years of service
$5,000.00
Total:
$10,000.00
d. 
Grand Total
1.
For contributions for regular annual services
$46,000.00
2.
For contributions for prior years of service:
$46,000.00
Total:
$92,000.00
[Ord. #99-21, S 1]
As the services of the Pottersville Volunteer Fire Company are also provided to Tewksbury Township and the services of the Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department and the Far Hills-Bedminster First Aid Squad are also provided to the Borough of Far Hills, Tewksbury and Far Hills may also make annual contributions to the LOSAP. If either or both Tewksbury and Far Hills participate, the LOSAP shall be administered in accordance with an Interlocal Agreement by and between Bedminster and each of Tewksbury and Far Hills. Bedminster shall execute separate Interlocal Agreements for Tewksbury and for Far Hills if both municipalities desire to participate.
If both Tewksbury and Far Hills participate, nothing contained in one Interlocal Agreement shall affect the rights and responsibilities of the parties to the other Interlocal Agreement, and the LOSAP would be administered in accordance with both Interlocal Agreements and with this section.
If either Far Hills or Tewksbury participates and the other does not, the LOSAP shall be administered in accordance with this section and the Interlocal Agreement between Bedminster and the participating municipality.
If neither Far Hills nor Tewksbury participates, the provisions of this Ordinance shall remain valid and unchanged, and the LOSAP shall be administered in accordance with this LOSAP. The execution of an Interlocal Agreement with either or both Far Hills or/and Tewksbury is not necessary for the creation and continuation of the LOSAP.
[Ord. #99-21, S 1]
The LOSAP may only be amended or terminated upon the vote of 2/3 of the majority of the full membership of the Bedminster Township Committee and ratifying referendum by the voters of Bedminster Township, except for (i) minor, clarifying or administrative amendments which do not materially affect the elements of the LOSAP, or (ii) modifications to the LOSAP point system annexed hereto as Schedule A.[1] Such minor amendments or point system modifications may be effectuated by ordinance adopted by a majority vote of the Bedminster Township Committee without the need for referendum. For purposes of this section, a minor amendment shall be deemed to be one which conforms with or advances the intent of the initial LOSAP referendum approved by the voters of Bedminster Township on November 2, 1999. For purposes of this Section, any amendment which seeks to terminate the LOSAP or to change any of the payment rates shall not be deemed to be a minor amendment.
[1]
Editor's Note: The schedules referred to herein may be found at the end of this chapter.
[Prior § 2-23, Awarding of Public Contracts, was repealed 12-4-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-021. Prior history includes Ord. #07-005.]
[Ord. #2010-018, S 1]
a. 
Except as hereinafter provided, the Township of Bedminster shall, upon the request of any present or former official, employee or appointee of Bedminster Township, provide indemnification and legal defense of any civil action brought against said person or persons arising from an act or omission falling within the scope of their public duties.
b. 
For the purposes of this section, Bedminster Township's duty and authority to defend and indemnify shall extend to a cross-claim or counterclaim against said person.
c. 
The terms of this section and the definitions of "official," "employee" and "appointee" are to be construed liberally in order to effectuate the purposes of this section.
d. 
Bedminster Township may indemnify a person for exemplary or punitive damages resulting from that person's civil violation of state or federal law, if, in the opinion of Bedminster Township Committee, the acts committed by the person to be indemnified upon which the damages are based did not constitute actual fraud, actual malice, willful misconduct or an intentional wrong.
[Ord. #2010-018, S 1]
a. 
Bedminster Township shall provide for the defense of and indemnify the defendant or defendants in a civil action if the person or persons involved:
1. 
Acted or failed to act in a matter in which the township has or had an interest.
2. 
Acted or failed to act in the discharge of a duty imposed or authorized by law.
3. 
Acted or failed to take action in good faith.
b. 
Bedminster Township may refuse to provide for the defense and indemnification of any civil action referred to herein if the Bedminster Township Committee determines that:
1. 
The act or omission did not occur within the scope of a duty authorized or imposed by law;
2. 
The act or failure to act was the result of actual fraud, willful misconduct or actual malice of the person requesting defense and indemnification; or
3. 
The defense of the action or proceeding by Bedminster Township would create a conflict of interest between Bedminster Township and the person or persons involved.
[Ord. #2010-018, S 1]
In any other action or proceeding, including criminal proceedings, Bedminster Township may provide for the defense of a present or former official, employee or appointee if the Bedminster Township Committee concludes that such representation is in the best interest of Bedminster Township and that the person to be defended acted or failed to act in accord with the standards set forth in subsection 2-24.2 herein.
[Ord. #2010-018, S 1]
Whenever Bedminster Township provides for the defense of any action set forth herein and as a condition of such defense, Bedminster Township may assume exclusive control over the representation of such person defended, and such person shall cooperate fully with the township.
[Ord. #2010-018, S 1]
Bedminster Township may provide for the defense pursuant to this section by authorizing the municipal attorney to act in behalf of the person being defended, or by employing other counsel for this purpose, or by asserting Bedminster Township's right under any appropriate insurance policy that requires the insurer to provide the defense.
[Ord. #2010-019, S I]
a. 
Bedminster Township employees shall be permitted to accept employment for private employers only during off-duty hours on Bedminster Township property or within the right-of-way along Bedminster Township roadways and at such times as will not interfere with the efficient performance of regularly scheduled or emergency duty for Bedminster Township.
b. 
Any person or entity wishing to employ off-duty personnel shall first obtain the approval of the principal public works manager (PPWM) or the clerk/ administrator, which approval shall be granted if in the opinion of the PPWM or clerk/administrator that such employment would not be inconsistent with the efficient functioning and good reputation of Bedminster Township and would not unreasonably endanger or threaten the safety of the personnel who are to perform the work.
[Ord. #2010-019, S II]
a. 
Private employers shall pay to the Treasurer of Bedminster Township such hourly sum as may be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Township committee as compensation for such service. The township shall remit to the employee performing such off-duty service a portion of said hourly rate, and the balance shall be retained by the township for administrative expense, all as established by resolution of the township committee.
b. 
The PPWM or the clerk/administrator shall estimate the number of hours anticipated to be worked, and payment for said estimated work shall be paid by the private employer to the township treasurer. At the option of the PPWM or the clerk/administrator, payment may be required prior to the commencement of the work.
c. 
If additional work time is required due to unanticipated circumstances, and such work is approved by the PPWM or the clerk/administrator, the private employer shall be liable for payment to the township for all such additional hours worked.
d. 
An invoice from the township for any balance due, or a credit for any refund, if any, shall be issued by the township treasurer. Payments due from private employers shall be made within 10 days of receipt of the invoice from the township.
[Added 7-7-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-015]
There is created in and for the Township of Bedminster a Commission to be known as The Jacobus Vanderveer House Commission (the "Commission"). The Commission shall advise the Township Committee as set forth herein. The Commission's advice shall also be based on objective criteria and in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:60-25.53.
[Added 7-7-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-015]
a. 
The Commission shall consist of 21 regular members. A person who is not a resident of the Township may serve as a member. Preference shall be given to residents having a knowledge in architecture, history or archaeology. All members shall serve without compensation.
b. 
The Mayor shall appoint, with the approval of the Township Committee, all members of the Commission. The terms of the members first appointed shall be so determined that to the greatest practicable extent the expiration of the terms shall be distributed. Thereafter, the term of a member shall be four years. A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term only.
c. 
The Mayor shall annually designate one of the Township Committee members to serve as a member of the Commission. Of the 21 members on the Commission, one each shall be from the Recreation Committee, the Historic Preservation Commission, and from a member designated by the Bedminster Board of Education.
d. 
The Township Committee may remove any member of the Commission for cause, on written charges served upon the member and after a hearing thereon, at which the member shall be entitled to be heard in person.
[Added 7-7-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-015]
The Commission shall annually elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from its members and select a Secretary who may or may not be a member of the Commission or a municipal employee. The secretary shall keep written or recorded minutes of all proceedings.
[Added 7-7-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-015]
The Commission shall meet at least once per month or as often as required to fulfill its obligations to advise the Township Committee and shall adopt rules and regulations of procedure to include the following:
a. 
That a quorum to conduct a meeting shall be at least 11 members and that no less than seven votes shall be necessary to take any formal action.
b. 
That all meetings shall comply with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6, et seq., known as "The Open Public Meetings Act."
c. 
Such other rules and regulations as the Commission may adopt to further its purposes subject to the approval of the Township Committee.
[Added 7-7-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-015]
a. 
The Township Committee shall make a provision in its budget and appropriate funds for the reasonable expenses of the Commission.
b. 
Subject to the approval of the Township Committee, the Commission may employ, contract for, and fix the compensation of experts and other staff and services as it shall deem necessary, provided that expenditures pursuant to this subsection shall not exceed, exclusive of gifts or grants, the amount appropriated by the Township Committee for the Commission's use. The Commission shall obtain its legal counsel from the Township Attorney at the rate of compensation determined by the Township Committee.
[Added 7-7-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-015]
The Commission shall have the following responsibilities:
a. 
The restoration, development, maintenance and operation of the Jacobus Vanderveer House at the property identified as Lot 34, in Block 41, 3055 River Road, ("JVH"), and any other existing farm-related buildings and features that recreate the historic farmstead including a barn, carriage house, hay barrack, privy, kitchen garden, well house, and orchard as identified in the Historic Landscape Report and site master plan prepared by Hunter Research Inc. (1999, 2001, 2004, 2007), Holt Morgan Russel Architects (HMR), and ETM Landscape Architects (2006-2008).
b. 
The Commission's obligations shall include the affirmative duty to 1) establish, maintain and operate a historic museum, including furnishings; 2) engage in historic research; 3) provide educational programs; and (4) provide access to the JVH to the community at large to use the JVH for meetings and other appropriate events, based upon reasonable criteria mutually determined by the Commission and Township Committee.
c. 
The Commission shall be responsible for coordinating with the Township Administrator or other duly authorized representative, as necessary, the scheduling and holding of Township authorized functions or events using the JVH premises.
d. 
The Commission and Township Committee shall be responsible to plan and oversee any required restoration and development, and operation of JVH. The Commission may raise funds necessary for such restoration, development and operation. Prior to any restoration or development of JVH, including any future farm-related structures or facilities, the Commission shall submit plans for such restoration and development to the Township Committee for review, input and approval.
e. 
The Commission may solicit and apply for funds available from public and private sources sufficient to develop, restore and implement programs as set forth herein, and to operate JVH.
f. 
The Commission shall have the right to alter or improve JVH, including construction of the barn, provided any such plans for alterations or improvements shall be mutually agreed upon between the Township Committee and JVH prior to such expenditures and alterations or improvements being performed.