[Added 12-30-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-13]
There is hereby established a Youth Advisory Board in the Township of Chesterfield, which shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Township Committee.
The purpose of the Youth Advisory Board shall be to:
A. 
Advise the Township Committee on issues, programs, and policies affecting youth in the Township, including but not limited to education, recreation, mental health, civic engagement, and community development.
B. 
Provide a forum for youth to voice concerns, propose ideas, and recommend actions to improve the quality of life for young residents.
C. 
Foster leadership skills among youth and encourage their participation in local government.
D. 
Review municipal matters referred to it by the Township Committee and make non-binding recommendations thereon.
E. 
Promote awareness of youth issues and inspire positive community action.
A. 
The Youth Advisory Board shall consist of up to 11 members, as follows:
(1) 
Nine youth members, who shall be residents of Chesterfield Township, between the ages of 14 and 18 at the time of appointment.
(2) 
Two adult members: one serving as a liaison from the Township Committee, and one representative from the regional school district or a youth-serving organization.
B. 
The Board shall reflect the diversity of the Township, including considerations of race, gender, ethnicity, and geographic representation.
C. 
All members shall be appointed by the Township Committee. Youth members shall submit an application to the Township Clerk for consideration, and the Township Committee may solicit nominations from schools, youth groups, and community organizations. Prior to appointment, each youth applicant must submit a signed parental or guardian consent form to the Township Clerk.
D. 
Terms of office:
(1) 
Youth members shall serve for one-year terms, commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30, to align with the academic year. Youth members may be reappointed for up to two consecutive terms.
(2) 
The Township Committee liaison shall serve a one-year term, concurrent with their selection by the Committee.
(3) 
The school or organizational representative shall serve a two-year term.
E. 
Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments.
F. 
Members shall serve without compensation.
A. 
The Youth Advisory Board shall organize annually at its first meeting following July 1, electing from among its youth members a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson (or Co-Chairpersons) to preside over meetings as well as any other officers as the Youth Advisor Board deems appropriate.
B. 
The adult members shall serve in a non-voting, advisory capacity to provide guidance and facilitate communication with the Township Committee and are expected to attend all meetings of the Board.
C. 
The Board may adopt bylaws for its internal operations, subject to approval by the Township Committee, provided they do not conflict with this chapter or applicable law.
A. 
The Youth Advisory Board shall meet at least monthly, during non-school hours, at a public location within the Township, such as the Municipal Building.
B. 
Although the Youth Advisory Board is not subject to the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq.) as a purely advisory body, all meetings shall be open to the public to promote transparency. The Township Clerk or a designated staff member shall assist the Board with providing advance notice of meetings as practicable and preparing and maintaining minutes, which shall be made available to the public upon request.
C. 
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the appointed members. Recommendations to the Township Committee shall require a majority vote of those present and voting.
D. 
The Board shall keep records of its meetings and activities, which shall be available to the public.
A. 
The Youth Advisory Board shall:
(1) 
Gather input from youth through surveys, forums, or other means.
(2) 
Prepare and submit an annual report to the Township Committee by December 31, summarizing activities, recommendations, and accomplishments.
(3) 
Assist in planning youth-related programs and events.
(4) 
Collaborate with other Township boards, committees, and community organizations.
(5) 
Perform such other advisory functions as requested by the Township Committee.
B. 
The Board shall have no authority to expend funds, enter contracts, or bind the Township in any manner. The Board may submit recommendations to the Township Committee regarding funding needs for its activities, and the Township Committee may appropriate funds for the Board as part of the municipal budget.
A member may be removed by the Township Committee for non-attendance at three consecutive meetings without excuse, non-residency (for youth members), or other good cause, upon recommendation of the Board or the Township Committee liaison.
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, or provision of this chapter shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, or provision so adjudged, and the remainder of the chapter shall be deemed valid and effective.
The initial members of the Youth Advisory Board shall be appointed by the Township Committee as soon as practicable after the effective date of this chapter,[1] with their terms commencing upon appointment and expiring on June 30, 2026, after which subsequent terms shall follow the schedule set forth in § 4-33D.
[1]
Editor's Note: This chapter provided an effective date of 1-4-2026.