Committee May Set Rules For Removing Officials

Complaining too many people weren't taking attendance at board and commission meetings seriously enough, the Township Committee introduced an ordinance setting a policy for removing the perennially-absent members.

The ordinance as approved 4-0, with Committeeman Frank Salvato absent after falling and becoming wheelchair-bound.

"This issue of people not coming to meetings has been critical on several boards and commissions, as we have over 150 volunteer positions on such boards (and) commissions," Deputy Mayor Carolann Garafola said after the meeting. "Thus, we felt that it was appropriate to pass this ordinance at this point in time."

If passed after a March 17 public hearing, the ordinance will add a section to township codes titled "Removal for absenteeism" and will allow "any member of any Township commission, statutory board and appointed advisory board, appointed by the chairman, Mayor or the Township Committee" to be removed for missing four consecutive meetings or the meetings held over eight consecutive weeks, whichever is longer.

The ordinance provides exceptions, however, including absences excused by the majority of the absent member's assigned body, or if the absence is the result of an illness.

Members of the Township Committee are also exempt from the ordinance's provisions.

Garafola pointed out the ordinance wouldn't apply to Salvato, even if committee members were not exempted, because of the circumstances of his absence.

"Committeeman Salvato had a bad fall on his farm early in December," she said. "(He) has been in a wheelchair and in light of the weather, it is very difficult for him to get out. 

"Mr. Salvato is 97 years old, has served consecutively in an elected position since 1938, and expects to return," she added. "He is still reviewing the agenda and providing input as recently as Tuesday, Feb. 15, when I personally spoke with him on the phone."