[[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Bethlehem 3-17-2022 by Ord. No. 469.2022.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed Ord. No. 469.2021, adopted 7-15-2021 , which repealed former Ch. 3, Administrator, adopted 5-5-1988 by Ord. No. 240-88.
There be and hereby is created in the Township of Bethlehem the position of Township Administrator.
The duties of the Township Administrator shall include, generally, the management of the business and operations of the Township under the supervision and control of the Township Committee and such duties as shall be specifically assigned by the Committee from time to time either verbally or by resolution.
A. 
The appointment of the Township Administrator shall be by the governing body. The appointment shall be for a term commencing on the date of appointment through the end of the calendar year of appointment. Any vacancy in such office shall similarly be filled by appointment of the governing body.
B. 
The Township Administrator may be removed, for cause, by a two-thirds vote of the entire governing body. Any absence or disability of the Township Administrator in excess of three months may be deemed a vacancy. The resolution of removal shall become effective immediately after its adoption by the governing body. The governing body may provide that the resolution shall have immediate effect; provided, however, that the governing body shall cause to be paid to the Administrator, forthwith, any unpaid balance of their salary and his/her salary for the next three calendar months following adoption of the resolution.
C. 
Upon the vacancy, removal, resignation or during any absence or disability of the duly appointed Township Administrator, the governing body may appoint an officer or regular employee of the municipality or other individual to perform such duties, and said person shall serve as the Acting Township Administrator. The Acting Township Administrator shall serve for 90 days or until a new Township Administrator is appointed. The Acting Township Administrator shall serve at the pleasure of the governing body and may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the entire governing body. Employment of the Acting Township Administrator is at will.
A. 
The Township Administrator shall be appointed on the basis of executive and administrative abilities and qualifications, with special regard to education, training and experience in governmental affairs.
B. 
The Township Administrator must be a resident of the State of New Jersey. It is deemed desirable that the Township Administrator is a resident of Hunterdon County and the Township of Bethlehem, but such residency is not a requirement of holding the office.
C. 
The Township Administrator shall be paid a fixed salary adopted by the governing body in the annual salary ordinance/resolution. The Township Administrator shall receive additional compensation for other positions whose titles may be held and shall be reimbursed for all necessary expenses which are approved in advance by the governing body and incurred in the performance of the office.
A. 
Nothing in this chapter shall derogate from or authorize the Township Administrator to exercise the powers and duties of the elected and appointed officials or statutory employees, as provided by law.
B. 
At no time shall the Township Administrator engage in any organized political campaigns within the municipality or publicly offer any opinion with regard to a candidate in the municipality.
C. 
The Township Administrator shall not have any interest, direct or indirect, in any contract, subcontract or job for work, materials or services or the profit thereof to be furnished to or performed for the municipality, its departments, offices, boards, commission, authorities, employees, agencies, and other municipal entities and their professional advisors. The Township Administrator shall comply with the Local Government Ethics Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:9-22.1 et seq.