New administrative code will have public hearing
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

JACKSON — A new administrative code has been presented for approval by the Township Council.

A public hearing on the administrative code will take place on Dec. 26, at which time members of the public may offer their comments on the document. Copies of the administrative code, which was introduced on Dec. 12, are available at the municipal clerk’s office for residents to take home.

“Since we had a change of government we were required by law to rewrite the administrative code,” Councilwoman Emily Ingram said, referring to the new council that took office in July, replacing the former Township Committee. “The new code reflects the current council form of government with its various departments and divisions.”

Ingram and Councilman Scott Martin worked on the revisions to the administrative code during the past few months.

Under Jackson’s previous form of government, residents elected five members of the Township Committee. Each January, the committee members selected one person to serve as mayor for the year. The mayor was a voting member of the committee and had no additional powers.

Under the council form of government, the mayor is directly elected by residents and is not a member of the council. Five council members are also elected by residents. Nonpartisan elections are held in May every other year. No municipal election is scheduled for 2007.

The administrative code, when adopted, will show the organization of the administration of the township. It sets forth the duties, responsibilities and powers of all municipal officers, departments and agencies.

In a summary of the duties of the township council, the document states that council members have certain legislative powers. They may vote to reduce any item in the mayor’s budget or approve an increase by a two-thirds vote. The council will employ a registered municipal accountant who will prepare an annual audit, and the council will elect a president and vice president.

A statement pertaining to decorum at meetings addresses the use of slander and boisterous behavior while members of the public are addressing the council.

Described in the document are the duties of the council president: to preside and preserve order at meetings; to decide on all questions of order; to state every question and announce every decision; and to sign ordinances, resolutions, minutes and bills.

Also described in the document are the duties of the mayor: the use of executive powers; to enforce the charter, ordinances and laws of the town; to report annually to the council and to give recommendations; to supervise all departments; to prepare an annual budget; to examine all accounts and records; to sign contracts and bonds; to negotiate contracts; and numerous other responsibilities.

The mayor may attend meetings of the council and take part in discussions, but has no vote unless it is necessary to break a tie vote of the council in filling a vacancy.

The new code also deals with the administrative organization of the township including the various departments — administration; community development and enforcement; law; public safety; public works; and recreation and senior services.

The code also describes the credential requirements and duties of each of the department heads.

A listing of statutory boards and commissions indicates the number of members required to serve on each board; Zoning Board of Adjustment, seven members; Environmental Commission, seven members; Historic Preservation, nine members; Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority, five members; Plan-ning Board, nine members; and Shade Tree Commission, seven members.

There is also a list of advisory boards, committees and commissions included in the document, and there is a detailed summary regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act advisory board.

In a statement at the conclusion of the administrative code summary it is noted that the budgeted cost for the preparation of the new document was $85,000. However, the actual cost for the preparation of the administrative code was $38,000, a savings of $47,000 or 55 percent less than the budgeted amount.