Year: 2016

NJ Court Refuses to Dismiss OPMA Suit Against Orange School Board

NJ Court Refuses to Dismiss OPMA Suit Against Orange School Board

A New Jersey Court recently refused to dismiss a suit against the City of Orange Board of Education alleging violations of the Open Public Meeting Act (OPMA). It found that a teacher could sustain a claim alleging that board had engaged in private discussions regarding her employment outside of the

NJ Appeals Court Addresses Reach of Timber Glen Decision

The Appellate Division recently addressed the extent to which its previous decision in Timber Glen Phase III, LLC v. Township of Hamilton limits municipal authority to regulate residential rental properties. In State of New Jersey v. Mill Village Apartments, the Appeals Court held that inspection requirements are not de facto

NJ Council on Local Mandates Rejects Bail Reform Challenge

DLGS Issues New Guidance on Length of Service Award Programs

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) published an update to the guidelines for New Jersey’s “Emergency Services Volunteer Length of Service Award Program” (LOSAP).  The program allows municipalities to structure financial rewards the service of fire and first aid volunteers. The program has come under scrutiny after the State

NJ Appeals Court Upholds Municipality’s Liquor License Denial

NJ Appeals Court Upholds Municipality’s Liquor License Denial

The Appellate Division recently upheld the City of Plainfield’s decision to deny a liquor license renewal. In Naicken Inc. v. Governing Body of City of Plainfield, the appeals court found that the applicant had violated all of the conditions imposed on the prior license renewal and, therefore, the municipality had

New Tax Abatement Law Takes Effect in New Jersey

New Long Term Tax Abatement Law Takes Effect in New Jersey

Gov. Chris Christie recently signed legislation into law that imposes new requirements on municipalities that provide long term tax abatements. Most notably, cities and towns will be required to file the financial agreements required in relation to long term tax exemptions with their county finance officer and counsel, as well

Fitness for Duty Examinations Under the ADA

Fitness-for-Duty Examinations Under the ADA

In a recent decision, a New Jersey appeals court considered whether requiring a public employee to undergo a fitness-for-duty test ran afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In In the Matter of Paul Williams and Township of Lakewood, the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court ultimately

NJ Appeals Court Rules Records Custodian Can’t Bring DJ Action

NJ Appeals Court Rules Records Custodians Can’t Bring DJ Action

Records custodians can’t go on the offensive when facing suit under the Open Public Records Act, according to a New Jersey appeals court. In Jeff Carter v. John Doe, the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court held that a records custodian may not bring a declaratory judgment action