Pompton Lakes council debates residency rule for boards; clerk ordered to inventory nonresident members

Council members engaged in a lengthy debate over whether the borough should require that future appointments to boards and commissions be held by Pompton Lakes residents.

The discussion began after councilmembers flagged that some volunteer seats appear to be occupied by people who no longer live in town. One councilmember noted that board of health rules specifically require residents and said "technically, that position should be vacated now" when an appointee no longer resides in Pompton Lakes. The borough attorney and clerk responded that legal requirements vary by board: the historic preservation commission allows a "Class B" (nonresident) member chosen for expertise, while the board of health statute and some municipal bylaws expect residency.

Councilwoman Polidori (first to push for a residency requirement) recommended implementing a residency rule prospectively at the start of 2025 and grandfathering current volunteers so they can finish their terms. "I would like to see at the end of this year, starting in 2025, we implement that unless you are a resident of the borough, you do not serve..." she said. Other members urged caution, noting difficulty filling certain boards (for example, the historic commission and library) and suggesting a compromise that gives Pompton Lakes residents first priority for vacancies and only then opens appointments outward.

The borough attorney and clerk said they would prepare a list of boards and current appointees who live outside Pompton Lakes so the council could assess the scope of the issue. The clerk also noted that some boards are subject to state filing requirements and that not all positions are covered by the same disclosure or residency rules.

What happens next: Council directed staff to compile a list of current board and commission members, identifying nonresident members and which boards have statutory or charter exceptions, so that a policy decision—including whether to craft a residency ordinance or targeted amendments—can be made at a future meeting.