Chapter 12: Economic Development Advisory Committee

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Editor's Note: This chapter was adopted as Ch. 40, but was renumbered to fit into the organizational structure of the Code.

§ 12-1 Findings; purpose.

The Mayor and Township Council have determined, with the assistance of the Ad Hoc Committee on Economic Development, that it is desirable and appropriate to thoroughly analyze the business and commercial structure of the municipality and region; to promote the sound economic development of the Township; to mobilize the potential resources of the Township for efficient business, commercial and corporate users; and to maintain and improve the Township's relationship with business and commerce within the Township.

Economic development would include the preservation of economic stability in Bridgewater Township through a positive commercial environment for the attraction, promotion and retention of diversified economic activities with protection for the quality-of-life of Bridgewater residents.

§ 12-2 Creation.

There is hereby created the Economic Development Advisory Committee of the Township of Bridgewater.

§ 12-3 Membership.

The Economic Development Advisory Committee shall consist of nine members, with a diverse range of business interests, all of whom shall be residents or have business interests within the Township. Committee members will serve without compensation.

§ 12-4 Appointment; qualifications and term; quorum.

The members of the Economic Development Advisory Committee shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Township Council.

The term of office shall be three years. The terms of the original appointments shall be from one to three years, to the end that no more than three terms will expire in any year.

If a vacancy in any term shall occur, otherwise than by expiration of the term, it shall be filled by appointment as above provided for the unexpired term.

The Mayor shall choose, from among the members of the Economic Development Advisory Committee, a Chairman and such other officers as she may deem necessary. The Mayor, or her designee, and the Economic Development Officer (see Chapter 13 of this Code) shall be ex officio members thereof.

Members may be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office.

Each member and officer of the Committee shall, before assuming office, take and subscribe to an oath that he or she will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of his or her office.

A majority of the nine members shall constitute a quorum of the Committee.

§ 12-5 Duties.

The duties of the Economic Development Advisory Committee shall be as follows:

To study and analyze the various commercial, business and corporate entities of the nation with a view to ascertaining opportunities for positive economic development and expansion of the Township.

To recommend to the Administration desirable and suitable areas within the Township for the location of business, commerce and corporate development.

In carrying out its responsibilities, the Committee shall include consideration of the quality-of-life implications of any economic activity.

In any decision to encourage a particular economic activity, the Committee shall consider the extent to which that activity will provide employment opportunities and stable employment.

To participate in each Master Plan review and recommend such provisions for the Master Plan as necessary or appropriate for economic development purposes.

The Committee shall meet on a monthly schedule. During its first six months of operation, it shall develop a mission statement and goals for the year, both to be subject to the approval of the Mayor. The mission statement and goals shall be reviewed by the Administration and established during the first quarter annually.

The Committee shall conduct a biannual survey of business in Bridgewater for the purpose of defining areas for which improvement in business conditions can be developed by the Township government.

The Committee shall prepare an annual, or as-needed, report on the status of business and commercial conditions in Bridgewater with recommendations on changes in legislation, rules, procedures and other municipal matters affecting business activity.

§ 12-6 Cooperation of Township officials; access to information.

The Economic Development Advisory Committee shall receive, from all officers and official bodies of the Township, such assistance as may be required by it in performing its duties. The Committee shall have access to Township public information and records which may assist in the performance of its duties.

§ 12-7 Funds and expenses.

There shall be appropriated by the Township Council, based on the recommendation of the Mayor, annually, such sum as it may determine to be necessary for the purpose of fulfilling the duties and objectives of the Economic Development Office.

§ 12-8 Employees; use of offices.

Insofar as may be practicable, the employees and assistance required by the Committee shall be recruited from the public officers and employees of the municipality. The Municipal Attorney, Municipal Engineer and the various departments of the municipal government shall be available to the Committee, at the direction of the Administration, for the purposes of the Committee's business. Municipal employees serving the Committee shall do so without compensation, other than their regular compensation as employees of the municipality.