Council discusses reworking BEDC structure, may add student rep and reduce voting members

Township administration presented a memo on July 12 recommending changes to the Business and Economic Development Commission (BEDC) aimed at simplifying membership, clarifying ex‑officio roles and increasing accountability through measurable goals.

The manager told council the current ordinance names specific organizations and creates a large commission of 19 people; the memo proposes trimming voting membership to 11–13 and relying on advisory liaisons. The manager recommended replacing specific organizational names in the ordinance with a broader reference to community organizations so membership can flex to include Main Street Maple Shade, the train-station commission and a student ambassador.

On staffing, the administration recommended considering a full- or part‑time coordinator but warned against depending solely on grant-funded positions because of the risk of losing consistency when grants expire. "I kinda stay away, you know, from the grant funded position because if you lose grant funding and it's not something that we're budgeting for, then you don't have that consistency there," the manager said.

Council members disagreed on the pace and scope of changes. One council member said the commission had been successful as a volunteer advisory body and urged caution about hiring staff; another and several business‑community participants said volunteers need more guidance and part‑time staffing might be helpful. The manager proposed an annual work plan, defined priorities each January, and an annual performance report for accountability.

Council agreed to continue the conversation and asked for input; the BEDC will meet and representatives (including Main Street Maple Shade) are expected to attend future meetings to discuss ordinance revisions and the commission’s role.

What comes next: Council members were asked to review the memo and provide feedback by email so the manager can return proposed ordinance amendments for council consideration at a future meeting.