Township of Bloomfield Establishes Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee

Bloomfield, NJ – In response to recent and recurring flood events that have caused significant damage to public and private properties and disrupted the lives of residents, the Township of Bloomfield is pleased to announce the formation of a Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee . This committee, established through a resolution passed by the Township Council yesterday, will focus on community engagement, assessing current flood control methods, and providing recommendations to address the ongoing challenges posed by flooding.

"Now is the time to act on stormwater management and flood mitigation in Bloomfield - our town’s new Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee is a testament to the advocacy and dedication of Bloomfield residents, who expressed this need for action,” said Mayor Ted Gamble . “I am thankful to all of these residents and my council colleagues for the creation and support of this much-needed, proactive effort that will help us better prepare for, and recover from, the heavy storms we know are coming more and more frequently due to climate change."

The Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee is designed to serve as a platform for community involvement in addressing flood control and prevention. Specifically, the committee will:

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• Engage residents and stakeholders to review and discuss flood mitigation projects.
• Provide advice and regular updates to the Township Council through the designated Council liaison.
• Assess existing flood control efforts at the local, county, state, and federal levels, offering feedback on projects impacting Bloomfield.
• Identify potential sources of additional funding to support flood mitigation efforts and educational initiatives.
• Recommend solutions to help mitigate flooding while raising awareness within the community.

The committee will be composed of seven members of the public, appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Township Council. These members will serve staggered terms of one, two, or three years, with future appointments set for three-year terms. Committee membership will prioritize residents and property owners in flood-prone areas, as well as individuals with expertise in flood management, engineering, or environmental science.

To apply for a position on the committee, please email the Office of the Mayor directly with a resume by the end of day Friday, September 27th. Email address is: tgamble@bloomfieldtwpnj.com

Below is the full resolution:

WHEREAS, the Township of Bloomfield has recently experience floodings which has caused substantial damage to public and private property and has negatively impacted the lives of the residents of Bloomfield; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council would like to create a Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee in order to engage key stakeholders and residents to discuss and review flood mitigation projects and undertake educational programs for the community; and

WHEREAS, a Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee can assist with the development of potential solutions for flood mitigation and community awareness and can further provide recommendations to the Township Administration and Township Council for implementation; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Township of Bloomfield as follows:

1. There is hereby created a Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee.
2. The purpose of the Committee is to:
   1. Mobilize community involvement in flood control matters.
   2. Assess current flood control methods undertaken by the Township, County, State and Federal governments and provide feedback on current flood control projects that impact the Township.
   3. Advise Township Council and provide regular updates to council liaison to be shared during liaison reports
   4. Request that Councilmember liaison seeks input from Township officials and employees as to flood control matters.
   5. Identify and make recommendations for additional alternative sources of funding for flood control and education efforts.
3. The Committee shall consist of seven (7) members of the public, appointed by the Mayor and consent of the Township Council.  The term of appointment shall be three (3) years. Initial terms shall be staggered. The initial membership is as follows: three members for one year; two members for two years and two members for three years. The Council Liaison shall be appointed to a term of one year.
4. Upon the expiration of an initial Committee member's term under this section, the Mayor shall either reappoint that Committee member or appoint their replacement for a term of three years. Thereafter, all appointments shall be for a term of three years.
5. Vacancies shall be filled by the Mayor only for the unexpired term.
6. Preference for membership shall be for residents or property owners in flood prone/impacted areas of Bloomfield.  Additionally, residents who have backgrounds and expertise in flood water management, engineering, and environmental science may be given preference for appointment.
7. The Committee shall have the following Township officials and employees (or their designee) as ex-officio members to support and advise the public members of the Committee:  Township Engineer, Flood Plain Administrator, Township Administrator, Superintendent of Public Works, and one (1) member of the Township Council.  Council member shall be designated by the Mayor on an annual basis.
8. The Chairperson of the Committee shall be appointed by a majority of the public members of the Committee.  The Chairperson shall oversee all meetings of the Committee.
9. The Committee shall rely upon the expertise of the Flood Plain Administrator, Township Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works.
10. The Committee has no jurisdiction or authority to participate in, interfere with or otherwise superimpose its will regarding the duties of the Flood Plain Administrator, Township Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works as they pertain to flood control and management.  However, the Committee may provide comments, input and advice.
11. The Committee shall meet monthly at a cadence set by the majority of the public members of the Committee.

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