residency requirements of committees

[Libyan Sibyl]

Borough Committees where residency is required:

- Planning Board
- Zoning Board
- Board of Rec Commission
- Lake Topanemus Commission (3 "resident voters")
- Shade Tree Commission
- Municipal Alliance Committee

Borough Positions and Committees where residency is not required:

- Multiple dwelling review board
- Housing Commission
- Human relations Advisory Committee
- Parking Authority Committee (divided by classes, but each clas has some relation to the borough, such as business person, police, rep from the county)
- Historic Preservation Committee
- Rental Advisory Committee (2 tenants, 2 landlords, 2 HR members, 2 homeowners, 1 realtor, 1 code enforcement rep)
- Board of Health

[Libyan Sibyl]

some of these, I assume, may be defunct, like the Multiple dwelling review board, Parking Authority Committee, Housing Commission and Municipal Alliance Committee.

The point of the post is that there seems to be no rhyme or reason for some committees to require residency and others not. Some make perfect sense to not require residency, like those permitting landowners and business owners to be appointed.

But in my opinion, unless there is some outstanding reason for a non-resident, like specific expertise in a field like health, I think committees should be comprised of residents.

I also think that the borough should like into the ordinance that I posted previously about providing notices to the community at large of openings. That seems like a simple thing to do. Post it on their website, on borough hall's front door at the service windows, place an ad in the Transcript, send a flier to the local churches...

At the very least, these committees/commissions should give preference to residents before seeking non-residents.

I particularly like the language included in Lake Topanemus Commission requirement: "resident voters." Perhaps this should be changed to residents who are registered voters, or more simply "residents who are citizens of the United States of America."

[richardkelsey]

This is very helpful -- thanks.

This leads back to one of the very first questions asked -- which is why we need non-residents to sit on these Committees?

I certainly agree that not all fields of expertise sit within the Borough -- so looking outside the Borough for at least advisers or expert input could make sense for certain Committees. (I don't know that the outsider has to be appointed to the Committee though)

Before being silenced -- Marc brought up a a good point with regard to why some Committee members might have a strong interest even if they themselves are not residents. For example, the pastor of a church that has many residents might make sense as a committee appointee. If it were me, however, I would look for a respected and active member of such an organization in town first.

The odd thing about this whole issue is that NJ prides itself on local control over issues. That local control costs you thousands of dollars in taxes each year. Why a town -- any town -- would want people from outside the town as permanent members to its committees is just not clear. Yes -- occasionally a committee might get help or presentation from experts on distinct issues who are not from in town (e.g. Health)

Experts abound, and may are willing to give you input for free on the rare distinct issues.

Having multiple outsiders on a policy recommending Board -- outsiders with a stated political agenda -- outsiders who lobby for organizations attacking your town -- that makes no sense to me. (Of course -- as has been properly and repeatedly disclosed -- I am also an outsider.)

I can't think of any legitimate reason for this town to have a person sit on its committee who is not here legally. Whether or not that is happening, we don't know. But I also can't think of any reason why this town -- of all towns -- would not be asking the question of all committee members about lawful presence.

That makes no sense to me.

[admin]

I believe the question of residency requirements is a good one and well worth discussion. With that said, I want to point out an observation of why professionals who do not live in town can be of great value.

It is no secret that not all of the CIC members are FB residents. This is a new committee and one of our all star players is Lisa Schoefield. She lives about one block outside of our town, in the township.

With what work has been done on the committee, Lisa has been a key player and very valuable to us due to her professional expertise that she brings to the table.

The committee would not be the same without her, and she is a very welcome addition.