Howell Township cherishes the richness of its
communities, its neighborhoods and its families. The Council recognizes
that our workforce is mostly comprised of Howell residents. There
will naturally be a portion of our workforce who are related by blood
and/or marriage. Although the Township is proud to nurture families
who are devoted to the betterment of our community, we are mindful
that our purpose as a community is to provide equal employment opportunities
and to adopt safeguards against undue influences. We therefore have
charged our Township Manager with the responsibility to develop and
adopt sound personnel practices as to avoid nepotistic practices,
and we expressly authorize him to adopt such permanent employment
practices so as to eliminate appearances of favoritism.
The Township Manager shall incorporate within
the Township personnel manual such antinepotistic provisions as may,
in his or her discretion, be deemed in the best interest of the Township
workforce.
The elected officials of the Township shall
not participate in discussions nor vote upon adoption of any ordinances,
resolutions, or policies, or enter into contracts, which shall have
the direct effect of encouraging nepotism, as defined by the Township
Manager or by the Township's Ethics Committee.
The Mayor and Council shall not recommend relatives
to said municipal positions within the Township, nor shall they discuss
such recommendations with the Manager.
The above proscriptions shall not be interpreted
so as to discourage family members from independently seeking municipal
employment and/or appointments and from otherwise volunteering for
municipal committees and activities.