A major focus was the Charter Study Commission’s intent to thoroughly examine Millburn’s current form of governance, the township committee, and to consider alternatives under state law. The commission aims to assess both the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system, with plans to conduct interviews with current and former township officials and employees. The historical context of Millburn’s governance, with roots predating 1800 and evolving through numerous revisions, will be a foundational element of the study.

To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, the commission plans to compare Millburn’s governance with that of other townships, particularly those with similar characteristics such as proximity to transportation lines and comparable community structures. This approach will help identify best practices and potential pitfalls, drawing lessons from other communities that have undergone governance transitions. The commission acknowledges the need to focus on relevant townships and streamline the process by targeting those most similar to Millburn.

Public engagement emerged as an aspect of the commission’s work. Members emphasized the importance of involving residents in the study process, recognizing that any future governance model must reflect the community’s will. Strategies to enhance public participation include posting a list of questions on the township’s website to solicit feedback and using local media platforms and social networks to reach a broader audience. The commission aims to create a structured method for public comment, encouraging residents to share their experiences and opinions on current governance.

Concerns were raised about the current facility’s limitations for public meetings, particularly its recording and broadcasting capabilities. With uncertainty surrounding renovations at the library, alternative methods for broadcasting meetings, such as using a tripod and a gimbal for a phone, were discussed. The commission is considering a hybrid model for meetings, combining Zoom and in-person attendance to maximize accessibility.

The commission also deliberated on administrative needs, including the potential involvement of consultants and legal counsel. Budget considerations were highlighted, referencing the Red Bank Charter Study Commission’s expenditure on legal services. There was discussion on leveraging existing legal resources within the township to minimize additional costs, with a focus on using internal knowledge and resources before engaging external legal assistance.

To ensure effective communication among members, the commission addressed the legal requirement limiting discussions to no more than two members at a time in group emails or chats. A centralized email account, charterstudy@millburntw.org, was established to streamline correspondence, with proposals to designate a single point of contact or use an autoresponder to manage expectations and transparency.

Public comments underscored the significance of the commission’s work and the strong community support for the study process. Residents urged the commission to prioritize transparency and civic engagement, with recommendations to publish historical documents and educate the community on past governance issues. The importance of completing the study efficiently, within or ahead of the nine-month timeline, was emphasized.