Chapter 4: Agricultural Development Committee

§ 4-1 Creation and duties.

There is hereby created the Bethlehem Township Agricultural Development Committee whose advisory duties shall be as follows:

Develop and draft, after public hearing(s), for Township Committee consideration and possible approval, agricultural retention and development programs which shall have as their principal purpose the long-term encouragement of the agricultural business climate and the preservation of agricultural land in Bethlehem Township.

Review and approve, conditionally approve or disapprove petitions, if specifically authorized by the Township Committee in writing, for the formation of a municipally approved program or other farmland preservation programs and monitor the operations thereof.

Review and approve, conditionally approve or disapprove petitions, if specifically authorized by the Township Committee in writing, prior to any applications to the State Agricultural Development Committee, for any request for financial assistance authorized by the Agricultural Retention and Development Act (N.J.S.A. 4:1C-11) et seq.).

Monitor and make appropriate recommendations to the State Agricultural Development Committee and to all applicable Hunterdon County and Bethlehem Township governing bodies and boards with respect to the resolutions, ordinances, regulations and development approvals which would threaten the continued viability of agricultural activities and farmland preservation programs within agricultural development areas.

At the specific written request of Bethlehem Township Committee, require that any person proposing any nonagricultural development in an agricultural development area prepare and submit a statement as to the potential impact the proposed development would have on agricultural activities in the area.

Develop an educational and information program concerning farmland preservation techniques and recommended agricultural management practices to advise and assist the township, its farmers and general public with respect to these techniques.

Provide assistance to farm operators concerning permit applications and information regarding the regulatory practice of state government agencies.

§ 4-2 Membership; terms; vacancies.

The membership of the Bethlehem Township Agricultural Development Committee shall be as follows: five voting members, who shall be appointed by the Township Committee, for terms as follows: of the five voting members, two shall be initially appointed for a term of two years, two for terms of three years and one for a term of four years. Thereafter, all appointments shall be made for terms of four years. Each of these members shall hold office for the term of the appointment and until a successor shall have been appointed and qualified. A member shall be eligible for reappointment for no more than two consecutive terms.

Any vacancy in the membership occurring otherwise than by expiration of a term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but for the unexpired term only.

§ 4-3 Compensation; meetings; use of state funds.

Members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their service. The Board, once a quorum has been appointed, shall commence meeting and elect a Chairman from amongst its members and establish procedures for the conduct of all meetings, provided that all meetings are conducted in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq.). The chairman shall serve for a term of one year and may be reelected. The Board may also be provided the services of township professionals to assist the Board at the discretion of, and expenditure by, the Township Committee. The Board may also receive state money from the applicable funds under the Agriculture Retention and Development Act (N.J.S.A. 4:1C-11 et seq.) and use such funds in accordance with the provisions of the Act.