List of Statutory and Advisory Boards

The many residents who give countless hours of volunteer time are a major factor in making Teaneck a special place. The Township Council takes this opportunity to thank all who participate actively in municipal government as unpaid members of the Statutory and Advisory Boards, Commissions and Committees. It is impossible to place a monetary value on their service.

We also take this opportunity to highlight some of the boards, commissions and committees.

Patriotic Observance Advisory Board: The Patriotic Observance Advisory Board is appointed each year by the Township Council. Its members represent various civic and veterans organizations as well as the community at large. The Board has the overall responsibility to coordinate the Memorial Day, Flag Day and Veterans' Day ceremonies. The Board also organizes the annual Fourth of July parade and makes recommendation to the Township Council on other matters of a patriotic nature such as the placing of names on the memorial on the Municipal Complex Green, as well as its maintenance. The Board's goal is to continue the recognition of all patriotic events and the education of the public regarding their participation and understanding.

Shade Tree Advisory Board: The Shade Tree Advisory Board was created in 1995 to provide technical and management advice to the Council and Shade Tree Supervisor as well as educating residents to the benefits and care of trees. The Board conducts tree inspections when necessary in conjunction with the Shade Tree Supervisor, assists in identifying suitable tree planting sites and recommends appropriate species for Township planting. The Board annually tracks and evaluates progress made towards the goals and objectives of the recently approved Community Forestry Management Plan. The Board also plans Teaneck's annual Arbor Day celebration and sees that Teaneck maintains its Tree City USA status.

Teaneck Economic Development Corporation: The Teaneck Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit corporation organized under the auspices of the Township of Teaneck. Its purpose is twofold: 1) to foster and nurture the current and future business climate within the Township. 2) to act as District Manager for the Special Improvement Districts within the Township. Currently, there is only one District within the Township, the Cedar Lane Special Improvement District. The Corporation is had undertaken a project to create a business development plan which will involve all four commercial areas within the Township.

Environmental Commission: The Teaneck Environmental Commission advises the Planning Board on environmental aspects of site plans, Master Plan development and the sale of Township property. The Commission is empowered by State law to conduct research in the use and possible use of the open land area of the Township and may coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes. The Commission may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which, in its judgment, it deems necessary for its purposes. The Commission is required to keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including open space, marshland, swamps and other wetlands.

The Commission was recognized in 2000 by the Association New Jersey Environmental Commission with an Achievement Award for its work. The Commission also conducts hearing and organizes meetings on topics related to its charge. It has links to the Shade Tree Advisory Board, the Hackensack River Greenway Advisory Board and one of its members, by State law, serves on the Planning Board. The Commission is currently engaged in a revision of Teaneck's Environmental Resource Inventory, which includes the development of an open space plan to be included in the revised Master Plan.

Teaneck Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse: The Teaneck Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse (TMAASA), is an advisory committee which deals with the issues of drug, alcohol and substance abuse within our community. TMAASA is made up of community representatives, a Council and Board of Education liaison, and Health Department and Police Department personnel who coordinate anti-drug and substance abuse programs based on the community needs assessment. Some of the programs which TMAASA is involved in include: END DWI, Project Graduation, First Night, Junior Police Academy, National Night Out, DARE, TIGS and Project Find.

Teaneck Civilian Complain Review Board: The Board's function is to receive complaints of possible police misconduct (unnecessary force, excessive force, harassment or use of abusive language), investigate, evaluate and if appropriate, refer them to the appropriate disciplinary authority.

Teaneck Library Board of Trustees: The Board sets the policies which govern the operation and programs of the Teaneck Public Library. In implementing this responsibility, the Board works with its appointed Director to analyze and oversee the Library's operating and capital budgets, keep abreast of standard and trends in the field and maintain liaisons with the Township Council, the Board of Education, the Friends of the Library and the wider community.

Advisory Board on Parks, Playgrounds and Recreation: The Advisory Board on Parks, Playgrounds and Recreation (PPRAB) advises the Council on matters relating to parks, playgrounds and recreation. These matters arise from the Council, professional staff and other Township employees, residents and directly from PPRAB members. PPRAB always endeavors to enhance the quality of life in Teaneck and to satisfy and balance the needs in Teaneck by considering conflicting and competing interests. PPRAB provides recommendations to the Planning Board as well as input on the municipal budget. Recent projects which PPRAB initiated or assisted in their development/implementation included the proposed Tryon Park Walking Path, Adopt-a-Park Program, Hackensack River Greenway Through Teaneck, and Votee Park Roller Hockey Rink.

Hackensack River Greenway Advisory Board: The Hackensack River Greenway Advisory Board was created by the Teaneck Township Council in October 2000. It replaced an existing Task Force. The Board's mission is the design and development of a walking or jogging path along the 3.5 mile length of the River in Teaneck. Recreation options also include bird watch and photography. Additional objectives are environmental conservation in the form of protection and enhancement of water quality and protection of native animal and plant species. Work has been done on the Terhune Park and Andreas Park sections. Trail heads are marked and stories in art and text may be seen along the way. The Board has developed a policy on the choice of native species for planting and identification and control of invasive species along the greenway. The Board is currently working with staff to develop the Andreas Park section under a grant from the National Recreation Trails Program.

Please contact the Township Clerk's Office at 8374806 for further information on these and all other Boards and Commissions.

List of Statutory & Advisory Boards

The many residents who gave countless hours of volunteer time are a major factor in making Teaneck a special place.  The Township Council takes this opportunity to thank all who participated actively in municipal government as unpaid members of the Statutory and Advisory Boards.  It is impossible to place a monetary value on their service.  The listing includes membership during 2000-2001.