2007
Mendham Borough Mayor & Council

Organization

The Borough's Mayor and Council constitute the governing body of the Borough.  The Borough form of government, established in 1878, allowed any part of a Township to set itself of as an impendent municipality providing that the new entity was not more then four square miles and a population not exceeding 5,000 persons.  Over the years the Borough Act of 1878 was amended several times.

The Borough form of government consists of six elected council members two of which each year are elected (or re-elected) to three year terms.  Council members are "elected at large" meaning rather then representing a ward or district, each member represents the entire Borough.   The Borough Council is considered the legislative body of municipality and can override the Mayor's veto of an ordinance by a 2/3 majority of all members. The Borough Council also confirms the Mayor's appointments.

The Mayor is considered the head of the municipal government and as chief executive is responsible to see that all state laws and borough ordinances are faithfully executed.  The Mayor, who is elected to a four year term, presides over Borough Council meetings and only votes in order to break a tie.  The Mayor can veto ordinances and appoint subordinate officials, ad hoc committees and certain other officials to boards, committees and commissions.

• The Code of the Borough of Mendham - Administrative Organization
• New Jersey State League of Municipalities - Forms & Types of Government
• Borough Form of Government, From Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

In order to facilitate the decision making process the Borough Council divides itself into "standing committees".  Each of these committees is responsible for a particular are of administration: Public Safety, Land Use, Public Works and Utilities, Recreation, Finance and Personnel. Each committee is made up of three council members, with one acting as committee chair. Standing committees do not have the decision making power, but rather are used to develop and recommend policy and legislation with advice from the appropriative Borough staff and professionals.

For additional information on the duties of the Borough Council's standing committees please review the Borough Council Bylaws"

• Borough Council Bylaws

The Mayor and Borough Council the first and third Mondays of each month at 8:00 PM in the Garabrant Center, 4 Wilson Street.  In 2007 the Mayor and Borough Council will meet on the following dates:

Ordinances, resolutions and motions are the instruments used by the governing body to direct staff and professionals, to set policy and established the laws of the Borough.

Ordinances are adopted by the Borough Council and signed into law by the Mayor.  Adopting and ordinance is generally a two step process: An ordinance is introduced and read by title at one meeting, then after publication in a newspaper of record, a public hearing is held at a second meeting. After the public hearing the governing body may approved the ordinance and it becomes law.  When an ordinance is introduced or adopted it requires it requires an introduction and a second by a member of the Borough Council.  Ordinances fall into two types: regulations such as speed limits, zoning laws and public health and safety regulations and authorizations, generally financial in nature. Ordinances that regulate, or legislative in nature, are combined, or codified, into a single book which is organized by chapters and sections.  This is often referred to as the "code of a municipality" and a copy of Mendham Borough's code can be found online at the link below.  Examples of ordinance authorizations would include capital ordinances that release and authorize large purchases such as fire trucks or projects such as street improvements.  Ordinance carry the full weight of the law, meaning that a person can be accused of violating certain ordinances and would be required to appear before the municipal court.  Ordinances are considered the most formal of actions a governing body can take.

Resolutions are less formal then ordinances and can be adopted at one meeting of the governing body.  Resolutions generally take two forms: authorizations and position statements of the governing body.  Resolutions authorizing certain actions include directing an grant application to be file, refunding tax or utility payments, or adopting policy, such as personnel policies or contract for professional services.  Governing bodies may also adopt a resolution when they wish to make a statement or take a position on pending state legislation, rules or to recognize the accomplishments of an individual or organization.  Resolutions are adopted via a motion and a second by a member of the Borough Council.   Resolutions are generally prepared in advance of a meeting and copies are maintained in the Borough Clerk's office.

Motions are the least formal instrument or directive action a governing body can take.  Generally a motion takes the form of authorizing or directing some action to be taken, such as the preparation of a resolution or ordinance to be considered at the next meeting, or for the approval of some action to be taken,

• Borough Code Online