SENATE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 375

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JUNE 5, 1997

      The Senate Community Affairs Committee reports favorably, with committee amendments, Senate Bill No. 375.

      Senate Bill No. 375, as amended by the committee, is special legislation, duly requested by the mayor and board of aldermen of the Town of Boonton, Morris County. The bill would establish a new town charter, as recommended by a charter study commission. The Town of Boonton currently operates under the town law, N.J.S.40A:62-1 et seq.

      The committee amended the bill to reflect changes, requested by the Town of Boonton, to remove references to committees of aldermen, recall (which will be governed by the recently approved constitutional provision), initiative and referendum. The committee also amended the bill to require the adoption of an administrative code and to require that the first election to take place under the new charter be held at the general election of 1998. If enacted, the new charter will not take effect until adopted by ordinance by the Town of Boonton.

      This bill, as amended, is identical to A-1792(1R), as amended by this committee on this date, and also released on this date.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 1996-1997 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which has been performed.