COURT HOUSE – Middle Township Committee introduced an ordinance Monday, Nov. 20, changing the section of the municipal code dealing with the mobile and manufactured homes Rent Leveling Board.
Comparing the newly introduced ordinance to the existing code, the changes include expanding the board membership from five to seven members. Where the existing code says that one member of the board will be a landlord and one a tenant, the introduced ordinance hedges on that requirement, saying that “to the extent possible,” one should be a landlord and one a tenant.
Terms of membership on the board are changed, with a move from five-year terms to three-year terms.
The ordinance also speaks to how the chairman and vice chairman are selected and how vacancies on the board are filled.
The tasks of the board remain the same. The board shall issue and promulgate necessary rules and regulations that must be approved by resolution of the township’s governing body. The board is responsible for holding documented hearings on applications from tenants or landlords. In all cases the board shall give tenants or landlords a reasonable opportunity to be heard before reaching any determination.
A second reading of this ordinance with a required public hearing will be held Monday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m.
Contact the author, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.
