[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Mount Laurel 9-16-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-18. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 7-1-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-13]
There is hereby established, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:80-13 a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board of the Township of Mount Laurel (“Township”) and which shall be known as the “Mount Laurel Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board” (“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board” or “Board”) and which shall be governed by the provisions of the aforementioned law and this chapter.
[Amended 7-1-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-13]
A. 
The Mount Laurel Township Council creates the Mount Laurel Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board with the mission to bolster the increasing number of Americans across the nation joining the fight against inequality and injustice.
B. 
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board encourages residents to explore and appreciate their differences, embrace and understand challenges and ultimately capitalize on the true strength of Mount Laurel Township’s diverse community. The Board will raise awareness, foster respect, learn from each other, be inclusive and together create a warm and welcoming hometown experience for all of our community members.
C. 
It is the intention of Council that this volunteer group of volunteer residents and public officials will advise Mount Laurel Township’s governing body on how the Township can better educate and strengthen respect for the human rights of all citizens and explore the issues needed to keep a diverse community healthy and safe. The purpose of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board shall be to make recommendations to the Township Council for the formulation of policies in an attempt to foster, through community effort or otherwise, goodwill, cooperation and conciliation among the groups and elements of Township residents with the intent of eradicating bias incidents in our community. The Board shall dedicate itself to ensure that all residents can achieve the greatest levels of equality, inclusion, safety and success regardless of race, color, creed, gender, ethnicity, physical, mental, or cognitive disability, religious affiliation, political affiliation, or sexual orientation. Additionally, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board will also assist or make recommendations to the Township Council for the development of policies and procedures in general and for programs of formal or informal education that will aid in eliminating all kinds of discrimination, mentioned above and shall have such further powers and duties as may be provided by the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.)
[Amended 7-1-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-13]
The Township of Mount Laurel Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board shall consist of nine members, who shall receive their appointment from and be subject to removal by the Mayor with the advice and consent of Township Council; being the Mayor or his or her designee; one member being the Chief of Police or his or her designee; one member being a member of the Board of Education and six members from the general public. All members of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board shall serve without compensation.
[Amended 7-1-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-13]
A. 
The terms of office for the six members from the general public for the first Board shall be for one, two or three years, as shall be designated by the governing body in making the appointments, so that the terms of approximately 1/3 of the members will expire each year. Their successor shall be appointed for terms of three years until the appointment and qualification of their successors. The three-year terms for the first Board shall commence upon appointment and oath of office and shall include the remainder of the first calendar year so that the three year terms expire on December 31 in each cycle moving forward.
B. 
At the annual reorganization meeting, the Mayor shall announce the names of the Board members being appointed or renewed and the length of that individual’s term.
C. 
The Board of Education shall annually appoint one of its members to serve on the Board. Should the Board of Education fail to appoint a member by January 31 of each year, the Mayor may appoint an additional at-large member for a one-year term with an emphasis on identifying a resident associated with the local or regional school system.
D. 
In case of the death, resignation, disqualification, or removal of, or the neglect or refusal to perform the duties incumbent upon them by, any or all of the members of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board, the Mayor shall fill such place or places by new appointments for the unexpired term or terms.
(1) 
A member on notice for removal for neglect or refusal to perform duties may, within 10 days of receipt of such notice, provide a written request for a hearing on the merits of the removal. Such hearing shall be held by the governing body at the next regularly scheduled council meeting, or if the request is received within seven days of a scheduled council meeting, at the next following council meeting.
[Amended 7-1-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-13]
The regular meetings of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board shall be held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in municipal building or at such place and times as determined by a vote of the majority of the Board, but in no event less than four times annually. Special meetings may be called at any time by the President or by any three members requesting the secretary, in writing, to schedule a meeting. A majority of the full Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
[Amended 7-1-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-13]
A. 
Generally. The officers of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board shall consist of a Chairperson and Secretary and such other officers at the discretion of the Board, to be elected annually at the January meeting of the Board and shall hold office for one year or until their successors are chosen. In the event the Board is unable to elect a Chairperson and Secretary by a majority vote of the quorum in attendance, at such meeting, the Mayor shall designate a Chairperson and Secretary of the Board.
B. 
Chairperson. The Chair shall preside at the meetings of the Board and appoint all subcommittees.
C. 
Secretary. The Secretary shall keep a record of all proceedings of the Board, preserve its books and papers, conduct its correspondence and perform all duties as directed by the Board. The Secretary shall provide a copy of the adopted minutes of the meetings to the Township Clerk and said meetings shall be subject to the Open Public Meetings Act.
[Amended 7-1-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-13]
The Board shall develop public education programs, provide training for Board members and the public and/or Township businesses who may request same, hold community discussions, present panels, take public comment, advise Township leaders and develop policies and strategies, collect and analyze data and disseminate same to Mayor and Council and the public, create a website, and initiate public relation campaigns, review Township ordinances, policies and procedures and make recommendations related thereto. Develop mutual understanding and respect among all racial, religious, cultural, and ethnic groups in Mount Laurel and work to prevent discriminatory practices against such groups. Take an active role in promoting and protecting civil rights by either initiating community dialogues and/or collaborating with other organizations to co-sponsor relevant programs and events. Formulate, develop, and disseminate programs of community information, education materials and reports which will assist in the elimination of prejudice, intolerance, intergroup tension, and discrimination or which promote goodwill and result in better human relations. Assist community groups and various fraternal, services and benevolent organizations in the promotion of education campaigns devoted to the elimination of groups prejudices, racial or neighborhood tensions, intolerance, and discrimination.
A. 
The Board shall report annually on or before the final December Council meeting of each year to the Mayor and Council its activities of the preceding year.
B. 
The Board may expend such funds as may be appropriated by Mayor and Council or approved in advance by the Township Manager.
C. 
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board may utilize the services of the Township Solicitor with the consent of the Township Manager.
The Board shall receive from all officials and all authorized boards, departments and offices of the Township of Mount Laurel such assistance as may be required by the Board in the performance of the duties of the Board, and the Board shall also be given access to all municipal records and information, as permitted by law, which may assist the Board in the performance of its duties.
There shall be appropriated in each annual budget of the Township of Mount Laurel such sum as may be determined by the Township Council to be necessary for the purpose of meeting the mission of the Board.