N.J. Stat. tit. 32, ch. 25

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 32:25-1 Short title

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Regional Advisory Council Act of 1962." L.1962, c. 46, s. 1.

N.J. Stat. § 32:25-2 Definitions

As used in this act unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context: (a) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Conservation and Economic Development or his designated representative; (b) "Governing body" means and includes the board of chosen freeholders of a county and the governing body of a municipality; (c) "Local unit" means and includes a county or municipality of this State and refers to comparable local public agencies of other States; (d) "Participating local unit" means a local unit which is a member of a regional or area advisory council established pursuant to this act; (e) "Regional or area advisory council," "advisory counsel" or "council" means an advisory council created pursuant to this act or similar boards or councils created pursuant to the laws of any other State. L.1962, c. 46, s. 2.

N.J. Stat. § 32:25-3 Establishment

The governing body of any local unit of this State is hereby authorized to enter into regional or area agreements with any local unit or units of this State and any other State or States for the establishment of a regional or area advisory council to recommend programs and policies for the participating local units for co-operative or uniform action in dealing with common governmental and community problems. The governing body of any local unit of this State may authorize the appropriate officials of such local unit to enter into such an agreement by ordinance or resolution, as the case may be. Prior to the passage of said ordinance or resolution, a public hearing shall be held in the local unit. Notice of such public hearing shall be published at least once in a newspaper having a general circulation in the local unit not less than 10 days prior to the date designated therein for such hearing. The notice shall contain a brief description of the regional or area agreement which shall specify the time and place of the hearing. L.1962, c. 46, s. 3.

N.J. Stat. § 32:25-4 Requisites to regional or area agreements

A regional or area agreement or any modification, extension or amendment thereof shall not become effective unless: (a) The commissioner finds that such agreement will serve the general public interest and will not substantially duplicate the services of any existing agreement and approves the provisions thereof; (b) The Attorney General certifies that the agreement complies with the laws and public policy of New Jersey and with the provisions of this act; and (c) A copy of the agreement or any modification, extension or amendment thereof is filed with the clerk of the governing body of each participating local unit. L.1962, c. 46, s. 4.

N.J. Stat. § 32:25-5 Contents of regional or area agreements

Each regional or area agreement shall contain provisions concerning the following: (a) The purpose or purposes of the agreement and the council created thereunder; (b) The territorial area to be served by the council. The agreement shall provide that the participating local units shall be located within said area; (c) The specific functions, powers and duties of the council; and (d) The representation of the participating local units on the advisory council. Each participating local unit of this State shall have at least one representative on any advisory council to which it is a member. Its representative or representatives shall be appointed by the governing body of the participating local unit or in such other manner as shall be prescribed by such governing body. The qualifications and terms of office of such representatives shall be prescribed by the appointing governing body subject to any applicable provisions in the regional or area agreement. Each representative shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to receive traveling and other necessary expenses actually incurred in the performance of his duties. In any agreement, it may provide and, in agreements between local units of this State representing a total of more than one million persons in the State of New Jersey, according to the most recent Federal census, it shall provide that the commissioner shall be a nonvoting member of the council. (e) The apportionment of the costs and expenses of the council between the participating local units. The apportionment of such costs and expenses may be based upon the valuation of property, population or such other factors or combination thereof as shall produce a reasonable apportionment of such costs and expenses. Such apportionment may take into consideration the value of any services or property contributed by any participating local unit. (f) The permanent staff and employees of the council, if any, including provisions relating to the selection and appointment of personnel, the compensation to be paid and other benefits available to such personnel. The agreement shall provide whether such personnel are employees of the council or of one or more of the participating local units. For the purposes of the Public Employees' Retirement System, an advisory council established pursuant to this act shall be deemed to be a public agency. (g) The composition of the executive board or body, if any, vested with the duty and responsibility of governing the operation of the council. Such provision shall provide for the annual selection of representatives on such a board or body. If the commissioner is a member of the council, he shall be a permanent member of such board or body but shall not exercise voting privileges. (h) The duration of the agreement which shall not exceed 20 years and any appropriate provisions relating to the termination of the agreement prior to the designated period of duration. (i) Such other provision as shall be necessary to implement the provisions of this act and the purposes of the agreement or as shall be required by the commissioner to protect or promote the best interests of the State. L.1962, c. 46, s. 5.

N.J. Stat. § 32:25-6 General powers of advisory councils

An advisory council established pursuant to the provisions of this act shall have the power to conduct such studies and investigations as may be desirable or necessary to carry out the advisory functions assigned to it but the power and responsibility for implementing or operating any of the programs and policies recommended by the council shall be reserved to the local units and, where appropriate, to the respective States. L.1962, c. 46, s. 6.

N.J. Stat. § 32:25-7 Authority to accept grants

An advisory council is hereby authorized to accept gifts, grants and contributions from public and private sources, provided, however, that it may not apply for or accept grants from the Federal Government or any agency thereof, until such grant has been approved by the commissioner and is otherwise authorized by the laws of the respective States of which the participating local units shall be a part thereof. L.1962, c. 46, s. 7.

N.J. Stat. § 32:25-8 Annual audit; report

Each advisory council shall have its accounts audited annually by an auditor. A copy of the audit shall be sent to each participating local unit, the commissioner and to the Division of Local Government, Department of the Treasury. Each advisory council shall submit an annual report to the participating local units, the commissioner and the Governor. L.1962, c. 46, s. 8.

N.J. Stat. § 32:25-9 Examinations and investigations by Attorney General; reports by advisory council

Each advisory council shall render to the Attorney General of this State reports concerning the activities of the area or regional council at such time, in such form and manner, and containing such information as shall be prescribed by the Attorney General. The Attorney General may examine and investigate the accounts and records of the staff and employees of the advisory council. For the purpose of such examination and investigation, the Attorney General may compel the appearance and attendance of any persons whose testimony may be required, may administer oaths, take testimony, issue subpoenas and compel the production of books and papers, in the manner prescribed by law. Each area or regional agreement shall expressly provide for the compliance by the staff and employees of the council with the directions of the Attorney General regarding the making of reports and shall expressly provide for the submission of such officers and employees to examinations by and investigations of the Attorney General as herein provided. L.1962, c. 46, s. 9.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026