Agency to advertise executive-director position and give current director 120 days' notice to create formal employment relationship

The Pompton Lakes Redevelopment Agency approved a resolution to begin the formal hiring process for the agency executive director and to provide the current executive director with 120 days' notice as required by statute and administrative rules.

Agency counsel explained that redevelopment law and DCA regulations require the executive-director role to be an employment relationship rather than a consultant arrangement. Counsel recommended restarting the hiring process, publishing the required advertisement, maintaining negotiation and recordkeeping steps under the administrative code, and encouraging the current executive director to apply. Counsel emphasized the change is procedural, not a reflection of job performance.

The draft resolution (O3-2024) authorizes publication of an employment advertisement, requires the agency to follow the statutory procedures for hiring (advertising, maintaining records of negotiations and qualifications), and provides that the current director will be relieved of current duties after at least 120 days as the process proceeds. Board members asked whether the process could occur concurrently with the notice period and whether part-time hires would trigger the same requirements; counsel replied that the advertising and hiring steps may proceed while the notice period runs and that the same procedural rules apply to part-time employment.

The board moved, seconded and carried the resolution by roll-call vote; the transcript records affirmative votes by members present. The agency said it will coordinate with the borough and DCA to ensure the employment process follows statutory and regulatory requirements.

Next steps: the agency will publish the employment advertisement, follow required DCA procedures, and accept applications; staff will engage with borough attorneys and the Department of Community Affairs as needed to finalize the employment arrangement.