Economic Development Director
Making Roselle Park “A” Priority for Business Development
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the appointment of an Economic Development Director
Making Roselle Park “A” Priority for Business Development
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the appointment of an Economic Development Director
Does Roselle Park need a Economic Development Director?
In Roselle Park, we need to make Business Development a Priority. Far too long we have left it to us, as part time elected officials to make it happen.
This idea is nothing new. Attracting businesses cannot be left to chance. Welcoming an enticing businesses must be part of the management of the day to day operations of the Borough. The surrounding communities are competing for the same businesses and they are successful because they make business development an every day priority.
It is the time to create a focused, "One-Stop Shopping" service for Business where interested
developers and businesses can meet with Borough professionals to guide them through local zoning and construction laws, help locate areas in-line with their proposed businesses, and maintain an active list of available locations. We need to strategically market our community, creating incentives for existing and new businesses, and making business development a full-time effort. We should not wait for business to find us, we should have cutting edge professionals who have knowledge and motivation to bring businesses to our community.
When was this position discussed?
The position was discussed during the budget process this year and was included in this 2018 approved budget. A workshop discussion took place at the Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council on April 5th. The position was publicly advertised on April 26th with a submission date of May 31st.
How many people applied and who conducted interviews?
There were 12 applications submitted and 4 interview by the Finance and Administration Committee of Council. Their recommended candidate was presented to the Mayor for another interview. Finally, Mayor and all members of Council interviewed the recommended candidate. This process took place from June to July.
Are any of the candidates related to the Mayor or any member of Council?
NO.
What would be the responsibility of the Economic Development Director?
Ordinance 2542 was introduced on July 19th. The duties and responsibilities as outlined in Ordinance 2542 are are as follows:
Will this person have an Office?
Yes. The office will be located at Borough Hall 110 East Westfield Avenue.
The Department of Economic Development will serve as the premier professionalized function of the Borough government that interacts with and promotes the local business community. The general objectives of the Department shall be to assist and promote existing local businesses, attract prospective businesses, and promote the ideas of sustainable and innovative commercial growth within the local community. (per Ordinance 2543 scheduled for second reading and public hearing on August 16th.)
What are other towns paying for an Economic Development Director?
From the Union County towns surveyed - the salary ranges are from $35,000 to $120,000. Based on early 2017 salaries beyond Union County the Part Time positions (15-20 hours a week) typically range from $31,000 to $65,000. Full Time positions range from $60,000 to $120,000.
Why is the range so wide?
These ranges are broad because it depends on responsibilities, goals, etc for each town. For example: skills for organizing events only is quite different from providing and implementing strategies for business & economic development, marketing, maintenance, pedestrian improvements, parking, public space improvements, communications, and organization of business community. The position really depends on the responsibilities and if the focus of the responsibility is just for a specific district, like a downtown areas, or a town-wide business community, whether redevelopment responsibilities are involved or not.
What is the salary range for this position in Roselle Park?
Ordinance 2540 was introduced on July 19th with a minimum and maximum salary range of $50,000 to $95,00.
Second reading and final adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for Thursday August 16th.
Does this mean that the starting salary will be $95,000?
No.
The only way a salary for a this position can be made is when a Resolution is passed, with the name of the person, the position, and the exact annual salary. A resolution is expected to be voted on at the Thursday August 16, during the 7pm meeting of Mayor and Council.
Can you tell us who the person is and how much he or she will earn?
At this time, a contract is still being negotiated. If negotiations are successful, the resolution will list the name of the person and annual salary.
Is there a way I can know before the final vote?
Yes.
This year the Governing Body created an email notification system where residents can sign up and get the Borough’s meeting agenda right into their email box. Sign up is easy. Go to: http://rosellepark.net/transparency/
If you have any further questions, contact members of the Finance and Administration Committee at:
Finance Chair Joseph DeIorio - jdeiorio@rosellepark.net (201)-259-0835
Commerce Chair Jayme Lynn Negron - jnegron@rosellepark.net (908)-666-7824
Public Facilities Chair - William Fahoury - wfahoury@rosellepark.net (908)-477-6412
In Roselle Park, we need to make Business Development a Priority. Far too long we have left it to us, as part time elected officials to make it happen.
This idea is nothing new. Attracting businesses cannot be left to chance. Welcoming an enticing businesses must be part of the management of the day to day operations of the Borough. The surrounding communities are competing for the same businesses and they are successful because they make business development an every day priority.
It is the time to create a focused, "One-Stop Shopping" service for Business where interested
developers and businesses can meet with Borough professionals to guide them through local zoning and construction laws, help locate areas in-line with their proposed businesses, and maintain an active list of available locations. We need to strategically market our community, creating incentives for existing and new businesses, and making business development a full-time effort. We should not wait for business to find us, we should have cutting edge professionals who have knowledge and motivation to bring businesses to our community.
When was this position discussed?
The position was discussed during the budget process this year and was included in this 2018 approved budget. A workshop discussion took place at the Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council on April 5th. The position was publicly advertised on April 26th with a submission date of May 31st.
How many people applied and who conducted interviews?
There were 12 applications submitted and 4 interview by the Finance and Administration Committee of Council. Their recommended candidate was presented to the Mayor for another interview. Finally, Mayor and all members of Council interviewed the recommended candidate. This process took place from June to July.
Are any of the candidates related to the Mayor or any member of Council?
NO.
What would be the responsibility of the Economic Development Director?
Ordinance 2542 was introduced on July 19th. The duties and responsibilities as outlined in Ordinance 2542 are are as follows:
- a. Generally and regularly assist current and prospective businesses communicate and interact with the Borough government to promote a business-friendly environment;
- b. Identify existing businesses seeking to expand and assist in furthering their goal;
- c. Identify prospective businesses seeking to locate to the area and market Roselle Park as a viable business opportunity;
- d. Assist businesses in the permitting process, including, but not limited to, health, building, and zoning;
- e. Assist in the redevelopment process with the objective of securing new commercial or mixed-use spaces;
- f. Market the local business community to interested developers, customers, and investors;
- g. Maintain a running list of commercial and retail locations available for rent or purchase;
- h. Research grants and programs available for business improvements;
- i. Create networking opportunities for realtors, developers and chambers of commerce;
- j. Create welcome and educational materials for the local business community;
- k. Periodically host workshops and gatherings on various commerce-related topics for the benefit of the local business community;
- l. Regularly monitor and report on the conditions of the local business community to the Mayor and Council as a whole;
- m. Make recommendations to the Mayor and Council as to how to improve processes of the Borough to gain efficiencies;
- n. Perform such other duties as may be assigned to them by the Mayor and Council.
Will this person have an Office?
Yes. The office will be located at Borough Hall 110 East Westfield Avenue.
The Department of Economic Development will serve as the premier professionalized function of the Borough government that interacts with and promotes the local business community. The general objectives of the Department shall be to assist and promote existing local businesses, attract prospective businesses, and promote the ideas of sustainable and innovative commercial growth within the local community. (per Ordinance 2543 scheduled for second reading and public hearing on August 16th.)
What are other towns paying for an Economic Development Director?
From the Union County towns surveyed - the salary ranges are from $35,000 to $120,000. Based on early 2017 salaries beyond Union County the Part Time positions (15-20 hours a week) typically range from $31,000 to $65,000. Full Time positions range from $60,000 to $120,000.
Why is the range so wide?
These ranges are broad because it depends on responsibilities, goals, etc for each town. For example: skills for organizing events only is quite different from providing and implementing strategies for business & economic development, marketing, maintenance, pedestrian improvements, parking, public space improvements, communications, and organization of business community. The position really depends on the responsibilities and if the focus of the responsibility is just for a specific district, like a downtown areas, or a town-wide business community, whether redevelopment responsibilities are involved or not.
What is the salary range for this position in Roselle Park?
Ordinance 2540 was introduced on July 19th with a minimum and maximum salary range of $50,000 to $95,00.
Second reading and final adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for Thursday August 16th.
Does this mean that the starting salary will be $95,000?
No.
The only way a salary for a this position can be made is when a Resolution is passed, with the name of the person, the position, and the exact annual salary. A resolution is expected to be voted on at the Thursday August 16, during the 7pm meeting of Mayor and Council.
Can you tell us who the person is and how much he or she will earn?
At this time, a contract is still being negotiated. If negotiations are successful, the resolution will list the name of the person and annual salary.
Is there a way I can know before the final vote?
Yes.
This year the Governing Body created an email notification system where residents can sign up and get the Borough’s meeting agenda right into their email box. Sign up is easy. Go to: http://rosellepark.net/transparency/
If you have any further questions, contact members of the Finance and Administration Committee at:
Finance Chair Joseph DeIorio - jdeiorio@rosellepark.net (201)-259-0835
Commerce Chair Jayme Lynn Negron - jnegron@rosellepark.net (908)-666-7824
Public Facilities Chair - William Fahoury - wfahoury@rosellepark.net (908)-477-6412