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Labor Contracts/Agreements
BID #: N/A
ISSUED: 7/1/2024
DUE: 12/31/2026
VALUE: $411,858
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Executive Summary
This document contains three collective bargaining agreements for the Elk Township Police Department. The first is a contract for the Chief of Police, covering July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026, detailing general duties, salary, vacation, sick leave, uniforms, insurance, and other employment benefits. The second is an agreement between the Township of Elk and PBA Local No. 122, effective January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2028. This contract outlines terms for patrolmen and sergeants, including wages, overtime, holidays, sick leave, vacations, and insurance benefits. An addendum clarifies salary guide steps and step movement descriptions. The third agreement is for Superior Officers (Lieutenants and Captains) with the Superior Officer's Association of Elk Township Police Department, PBA Local #122, running from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026. It covers similar aspects of employment, including recognition, grievances, salaries, work schedules, benefits, and contract duration.
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Document Text
--- Document: CHIEF OF POLICE CONTRACT 2024-2026 ---
CONTRACT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE TOWNSHIP OF ELK
GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
AND
LANCE HITZELBERGER,
CHIEF OF POLICE
ELK TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2024 through
DECEMBER 31, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1
ARTICLE II CHAIN OF COMMAND
ARTICLE III-MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
2
2
ARTICLE IV SALARY SCHEDULE
2
ARTICLE V-VACATION
3
ARTICLE VI- VACATION CARRY-FORWARD
3
ARTICLE VII- HOLIDAYS
3
ARTICLE VIII-SICK LEAVE
4
ARTICLE IX- PERSONAL DAYS
4
ARTICLE X- UNIFORMS, SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
5
ARTICLE IX - VEHICLE
5
ARTICLE XII RESERVED
6
ARTICLE XIII - PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
6
ARTICLE XIV CONTINUING EDUCATION.
6
ARTICLE XV RESERVED
6
ARTICLE XVI MEDICAL INSURANCE BENEFITS
.6
ARTICLE XVII- WORK WEEK, CALL-IN, AND SCHEDULE CHANGE
9
ARTICLE XVIII LEGAL AID
9
ARTICLE XIX-GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
9
ARTICLE XX-MEMBERSHIP DUES
11
i
ARTICLE XXI - NEGOTIATIONS PROCEDURE
11
ARTICLE XXII - REQUEST OF WRITTEN MODIFICATION
12
ARTICLE XXIII - RETROACTIVITY.
12
ARTICLE XXIV -RETENTION OF BENEFITS
12
ARTICLE XXV SAVINGS CLAUSE
12
ARTICLE XXVI - DURATION
12
ARTICLE XXVII MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING
13
ARTICLE XXVIII ACCRUED TIME CLAUSE
13
11
CONTRACT AGREEMENT
CHIEF OF POLICE, LANCE HITZELBERGER
July 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026
The parties hereto, the Township of Elk (hereinafter referred to as the "Township") and Chief
Lance Hitzelberger (hereinafter referred to as the "Chief'), mutually agree as follows:
This Contract is intended to establish a salary and other employment benefits for the position of
Chief of Police. Each party recognizes that said position is not part of a collective negotiations
agreement, and that establishing a Contract specifically enumerating the employment benefits for
Chief of Police is in the best interest of the Chief and the Township.
This Contract is intended to establish and govern the compensation and other employment benefits
relating to the Chief of Police during the term hereof.
SECTION 1
ARTICLE I - GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief of Police for the Elk Township Police Department serves in a management position
and as such, cannot have a standard set of hours of employment to effectively meet the
responsibilities of that position. Both the Township and the Chief understand this premise, and
that the Chief is an "exempt employee" under the "Fair Labor Standard Act" for the purposes of
overtime. Accordingly, the Township and the Chief agree there will be no overtime work
performed by the Chief. The total compensation due the Chief is contained in, and in accordance
with the terms of this document.
SECTION2
The Chief shall devote the time and effort that is necessary for him to fully and faithfully perform
the duties and responsibilities of Chief of Police in accordance with "New Jersey Statute 40A:14-
118," and "Chapter 28 of Police Department" of the Elk Municipal Code. The Chief
of Police shall agree to perform at all times faithfully, industriously, and to the best of his
abilities, experiences and talent, all of the duties and responsibilities that may be required of him.
SECTION3
The Chief shall not be engaged by and/or be in the employ of any other person or entity during
his employment unless approved by the Township Committee or its designee.
1
SECTION 4
The Chief shall attend Township functions, including:
1.
Township Committee Business meetings
2.
Special sessions held by Township Committee as requested by the liaison to the
police department.
ARTICLE II - CHAIN OF COMMAND
SECTION 1
The Chief of Police in accordance with New Jersey Statute 40A:14-118 shall be DIRECTLY
responsible to the APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY for the efficiency and routine day-to-day
operations of the Elk Township Police Department.
SECTION2
The Elk Township Committee in its entirety is the APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY, Committee,
by way of the Township of Elk Code "Chapter 28 POLICE DEPARTMENT," has created a
direct link between the Appropriate Authority and Chief of Police by appointing a liaison to the
police department. This therefore establishes a Chain of Command.
Both the Township and Chief of Police recognize that for an effective, efficient working
relationship between the Chief of Police and governing body, when in accordance with the law,
ONLY the liaison to the police department will give direct orders or assignments to the Chief of
Police. It is also understood that the Chief of Police shall work closely with ALL members of
Township Committee and respond in a timely manner to their legal requests for service.
ARTICLE III - MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
The Chief recognizes that there are certain functions, responsibilities and management rights
exclusively reserved to the Township. All of the rights, power and authority possessed by the
Township prior to the signing of this Agreement, including but not limited to the right to
terminate employment for conduct unbecoming a police officer, inability to perform police duties
and discipline with just cause, are retained exclusively by the Township subject only to such
limitations as are specifically provided in this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV - SALARY SCHEDULE
Effective July 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026, salaries for the Chief of Police shall be set forth
in, and provided for by Township Salary Ordinances for 2024, 2025 and 2026 per the Salary
Schedule set below:
2
3%
2024
2025
(Upon Appointment to Chief)
$
(As of Jan. 1)
133,248.72 $
137,246.18 $
ARTICLE V- VACATION
3%
2026
(As of Jan. 1)
141,363.57
SECTION 1
The Chief of Police shall be entitled to three hundred (300) vacation hours per year. Requests for
the use of paid vacation shall be made in four (4) hour increments. Accrued time cannot be
prorated.
SECTION2
The Chief shall disseminate a written order, assigning an "Officer in Charge" for vacation
periods of four (4) days or more.
ARTICLE VI-VACATION CARRY-FORWARD
If the Chief is unable to take all of his vacation time permitted under the conditions of this
Agreement, the vacation time not used may be carried forward to the following year. Such
vacation carryover shall be limited to a maximum of one hundred and twenty (120) hours per
year. Additional vacation hours may be carried over with the approval of the liaison to the police
department.
ARTICLE VII - HOLIDAYS
The Chief shall be scheduled off and paid for the following holidays. If the Chief decides to be
compensated in Comp time instead of pay, that would be his decision at the time of the holiday.
New Year's Day
Christmas
Flag Day
Easter
Labor Day
Veteran's Day
Memorial Day
Good Friday
Christmas Eve
July 4th
Thanksgiving
President's Day
Columbus Day
Martin Luther King Day
3
SECTION I
ARTICLE VIII - SICK LEAVE
The Chief of Police shall be entitled to one hundred and twelve (112) hours sick leave per year.
If sick more than three (3) consecutive days the Chief of Police must have a doctor's report. Sick
hours may be accumulated from year to year but at no time shall any employee have accumulated
more than 500 sick leave hours in total. Said accumulated days shall be reduced by reason of
sick leave used during the employee's tenure with the Township. Such sick days shall be used as
a sick leave only. Any officer may sell back to the Township sick hours at a rate of eight (8)
hours pay for sixteen (16) hours when he leaves the department or has accrued 240 hours. The
sell back will be exercised yearly. Accrued time cannot be prorated.
SECTION 2
Sick leave shall not be used or charged against the Chief if injured while performing a duty for
the Township. The Township shall provide for the Chiefs full salary for such period of time as
he shall be receiving workman's compensation.
In the event the Chief is on workman's compensation for three (3) continuous months, the
Township shall reserve the right to have the Chief examined by an independent physician or
medical facility of their choice. The purpose is to determine if and when the Chief can
reasonably be expected to fully perform his duties as Chief of Police.
If the Chief of Police is unable to perform his full police duties as a result of either an ON or OFF
Duty injury, he may with the approval of the liaison to the police department perform in a "Light
Duty" capacity.
In the event a "Light Duty" assignment is offered as a result of an OFF-duty injury, it shall be at
the discretion of the Chief whether to accept light duty or utilize his accrued sick time.
ARTICLE IX - PERSONAL DAYS
SECTION I
The Chief shall be given forty-eight (48) hours of personal time each year. Accrued time cannot
be prorated. Upon retirement, the Chief will not be paid for unused Personal Days.
SECTION 2 - Leave of Absence Due to Familial Death
In the event of the death of: Father, Mother, Grandfather, Grandmother, Husband, Wife, Son,
Daughter, Brother, Sister, Father-in-Law, Mother-in-Law, Son-in-Law, Daughter-in-Law
(including step relations), the Chief will be allowed from day of death, five (5) consecutive
4
regular working days off with pay. For grandchild, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, brother/sister-in-
law, or any person in the household for whom the member is legal guardian, the Chief shall be
granted from day of death, three (3) consecutive regular days off with pay. Exceptions to this
article may be made at the discretion of the liaison to the police department where the deceased is
buried in another city, and the Chief would be unable to return on duty on time with the allotted
leave granted.
SECTION 1
ARTICLE X – UNIFORMS, SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
The Township shall pay for the dry cleaning, maintenance and alteration of all uniforms to
maximize utilization of equipment and uniforms.
The Township shall provide an annual clothing allowance up to $1,000 for the Chief of Police.
The clothing allowance for purchase of uniforms, law enforcement supplies and equipment, shall
be administered on the Township purchase order system.
In addition to uniforms, the Chief at his discretion, may purchase clothing suitable for his
assignment. The Chief shall be reimbursed for those non-uniform purchases after submitting
receipts. The total amount of reimbursement for uniform and non-uniform purchase shall not
exceed the $1,000 maximum allotted.
SECTION 2
Ballistic vests shall be replaced at the specification of the manufacturer, or upon sustaining
damage that would affect the protective value of the vest.
Service ammunition shall be replaced twice per year at the expense of the Township as per state
regulation.
SECTION 3
Orders for clothing and equipment may be placed as needed throughout the year. The Chief
should not commit to uniform or equipment purchases prior to speaking with the Chief Financial
Officer for approval.
ARTICLE XI - VEHICLE
The Township shall provide a police vehicle for the exclusive use of the Chief of Police. He
shall have unrestricted, twenty-four (24) hour use of the vehicle for business purposes. It is
understood that traveling to and from work, meetings, police related functions, and responses-
required, is part of said duty.
5
ARTICLE XII - RESERVED
ARTICLE ΧΙΙΙ - PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
The Chief will be given a purchase order (annually) for membership to the IACP International
Association of Chiefs of Police, the NJSACOP New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police,
and Gloucester County Chiefs of Police. He shall also be reimbursed for expenses incurred as a
result of serving in an Official Position in any of those organizations. Upon submitting receipts,
the Chief shall be entitled to receive reimbursements not to exceed the annual sum of $1,000.00.
ARTICLE XIV - CONTINUING EDUCATION
SECTION 1 - Tuition Reimbursement
The Chief shall be entitled to tuition reimbursement for classes taken at an accredited college.
Classes must be related to, or required for a degree in Law Enforcement, Public Safety, or Pubic
Administration to be eligible. Chief must obtain a "C" average or better, or a "pass" for a
"pass/fail" course to be eligible. Tuition reimbursement is limited to $2,000 per year.
Chief shall submit tuition requests in writing to the liaison to the police department. The Chief
shall then forward approved requests to Financial Office for payment.
SECTION 2 - Educational Programs
The Chief shall be permitted to attend and be compensated for, at his regular salary, any school,
seminar or retraining session conducted or sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs
of Police, New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police, New Jersey State Police, Federal Bureau
of Investigation (National Academy upon acceptance), or any other educational program of a
management or supervisory nature. All expenses, such as travel, room, food, tuition, special
clothing, books, or any other charges connected with the educational program shall be borne by
the Township. In no event shall the Township be required to pay or reimburse the Chief of Police
for expenses of any class, course, schools, or educational program unrelated to police activities
and management thereof.
SECTION 1
ARTICLE XV - RESERVED
ARTICLE XVI - MEDICAL INSURANCE BENEFITS
The requirements for premium sharing for health benefits and other benefit and pension
6
contributions shall be in accordance with the New Jersey Public Law until retirement.
SECTION 2
The Township shall provide medical insurance benefit payment for the Chief and his or her
immediate eligible dependents. Township shall reserve the right for proof of "Immediate
Eligibility" before coverage is authorized.
The Chief shall receive the following medical benefits:
a.
Any medical and prescription drug plans offered under New Jersey State Health
Benefits Program (SHBP)
b.
Group Major Medical
C.
Workers' Compensation
d.
Accident and Health Benefits
e.
Dental Coverage
f.
Waiver of Health Benefits
The Chief will also be eligible for any improvements or upgrades that are offered to other
Township employees at no additional cost. If there is an anticipated change of any medical
plan(s), or carrier, the Chief shall be given advance notice by the Township
All final benefit coverage(s) must be reviewed and approved by the Township Committee upon
recommendation of the Chief Financial Officer.
SECTION 3 - Mandatory Medical Examinations
The Chief is required to have a complete mandatory medical examination once every other year.
It will be the responsibility of the Chief to schedule his own medical exam through his medical
insurance provider, and submit the bill to his insurance provider first for payment. Any expenses
resulting from the medical examination not covered by his insurance provider may be submitted
to the Township for reimbursement.
a.
b.
с.
The Township will require the Chief of Police to provide proof that all required
medical examinations are performed and documented to the liaison to the police
department. Township will require the Chief to further submit physician's proof
that his mandatory examinations were completed and passed to be able to perform
adequate police duties as Chief of Police.
As the result of any medical examination, if a doctor requires a written need for a
stress test, the Township will bear the cost.
Medical examinations requested by the Chief during the years that are not
7
mandatory, will be covered on a limited basis. Limited basis implies written
request from physician, or a newly documented medical issue is identified during
the non-mandatory year. Expenses for these additional medical exams must be
submitted by the Chief to his insurance provider first, for payment. Any expenses
resulting from the medical examination not covered by the Chiefs insurance
provider may be submitted to the Township for consideration for reimbursement.
d.
Medical examinations are critical health and safety component for the Chief.
Likewise, the results of these examinations are equally important, and any/all
negative results from the medical examinations are required to be communicated
by the Chief to the liaison to the police department, only if the negative result(s)
could hinder the performance of his duties or potentially risk other police officers
on the force.
SECTION 4- Communicable Diseases
In the event the Chief should suffer from any blood borne communicable disease, e.g. Hepatitis
B, AIDS, etc., he shall be treated initially with the assumption, but not the final conclusion, that
the disease would be contracted during the performance of his duties as a Township police
officer. It will be the responsibility of the Chief to validate the claim of contamination while on
duty through an incident report or other non-prejudicial report.
Inoculations for above noted diseases, proven to be contracted in the performance of the
Chiefs official duties, will be covered by the Township at no expense to the Chief.
SECTION 5-Retirement Benefits
Retirement benefits will be provided under the following conditions:
a.
b.
c.
The Township shall provide health insurance, prescription benefits, dental and
reimbursement of Medicare Part B premiums for the retired Chief and his
dependents, including surviving spouse, where the employee has retired in good
standing, or on disability, from the Township, under the Police and Firemen's
Retirement System, with health care contributions made in accordance with the
terms of P.L. 2011, Chapter 78.
If retiree becomes employed, and is eligible for and accepts health benefits with
dependent coverage that is equal to or better than those offered by the Township at
no cost to the retiree or spouse, it will be the responsibility of the retiree or spouse
to contact the Township to cancel their current retirement health benefits from the
Township.
In the event of the death of a retiree, the surviving spouse is entitled to receive
8
health benefits under the conditions outlined, unless the surviving spouse
remarries and becomes eligible to receive benefits through her new spouse. It shall
be the responsibility of the surviving spouse to contact the Township to cancel
their current retirement health benefits from the Township.
d.
In the event that the Township opts to change retirement health benefit coverage,
the retiree is entitled to benefits equal to or better than those offered by the
Township as of the date of his retirement. Doctor and hospital co-pays shall be
equivalent to or better than those offered as of his retirement date.
ARTICLE XVII - WORK WEEK, CALL-IN, AND SCHEDULE CHANGE
SECTION 1- Work Week
Chief of Police shall work forty (40) hour work week.
SECTION 2 - Call-In
When the Chief is recalled to duty on a scheduled day off, or prior to or after a regularly
scheduled shift, that time will be incorporated into his forty (40) hour work week.
SECTION 3 - Schedule Change
In accordance with Article III - Management Rights, and New Jersey Statute 40A:14-118, it is
recognized by all parties that the Chief of Police is directly responsible for the efficiency and
routine day-to-day operations of the police department. Therefore, it is understood that duty
assignments and shift schedules may be adjusted by the Chief of Police at any time.
ARTICLE XVIII - LEGAL AID
The Township will provide legal aid to the Chief of Police pursuant to the applicable statutes of
the State of New Jersey. Defense will be provided in any action or legal proceeding arising out of
and directly related to the lawful exercise of police powers in the furtherance of his official
duties. The Chief shall have the right to select the attorney of his choice, to be paid at the
Township's established hourly rate, provided the attorney is approved by the JIF.
ARTICLE XIX - GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
SECTION 1- Grievance Procedure
The purpose of this Article is to settle all grievances between the Township and Chief as quickly
as possible, so as to foster efficiency and employee morale. A grievance is defined as any dispute
between the Township and the Chief involving the application, interpretation or an alleged
9
violation of this Agreement. It shall be understood that ONLY the interpretation and the
application of the specific provision of this Agreement and disciplinary action can be grieved.
Any grievance must be presented to the liaison to the police department within ten (10) working
days of the Chief becoming aware of the event(s) which the claim is based or else such grievance
is deemed waived. A grievance shall be processed as follows:
STEP A - The Chief of Police shall meet with the liaison of the police department in an
attempt to settle the matter, with said meeting taking place within five (5) working days of the
filing. If a settlement is not reached, the Chief shall furnish a written statement of grievance to
the Township Committee. The grievance shall be prepared and submitted on a specific
Grievance Form provided by the Township. The liaison shall then file a written report with his
finding of fact, conclusion, and recommendation to accompany the Chiefs written statement and
forward same to the Township Committee within five (5) working days of their meeting. The
Chief has the option of also filing a written report with the Township Committee within five (5)
working days of the meeting.
STEP B - Upon compliance with the requirements of Step A, the Township Committee
shall conduct a hearing at which time the Chief, the liaison to the police department, and all
parties involved in the complaint shall be present. The Committee shall make all reasonable
attempts to reach a settlement that is satisfactory to all parties. If an amicable settlement is not
reached, the Township Committee shall within ten (10) days, render a written decision and serve
same upon the respective parties.
NOTE: If an amicable settlement of the dispute is reached upon agreement of the parties
during any of the aforementioned steps, said agreement shall be reduced to writing and signed by
the respective parties.
SECTION 2 - Arbitration
If the Chief disagrees with or objects to the decision of the Township Committee, he may file for
arbitration within twenty (20) working days of the receipt of the decision of the Committee. Said
request for arbitration may also be filed for by the Township. The filing party shall serve written
notice of same with the other party.
The parties shall immediately attempt to mutually agree to an impartial arbitrator. Should the
parties fail to agree, they shall obtain the services of the New Jersey Public Employment Relations
Commission and shall be bound by their rules and regulations. The cost of the arbitrator shall be
shared equally by the Township and the Chief. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and
binding on both parties.
The arbitrator shall be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and restricted to the application
of the facts presented to him. The arbitrator shall be further bound by the laws of the State of
New Jersey and the United States of America, and the decisions of those respective courts where
applicable.
The arbitrator shall not add to, modify, detract from, or alter in any way the provisions of this
Agreement. In rendering his decision, the arbitrator shall indicate his/her findings of fact and
reason for his/her decision.
SECTION 3
Any meeting between the Elk Township Committee and the Chief to discuss a grievance shall
not be held publicly unless the parties so agree in writing.
ARTICLE XX - MEMBERSHIP DUES
SECTION 1
The Township shall deduct dues from the wages of members of Elk Township PBA Local #122,
who have filed with the Township a proper dues deduction authorization card as required by the
laws of the State of New Jersey. The PBA shall advise the Township of the fixed and standard
dues of its members. The Township shall deduct a proportionate amount from the bi-weekly
paycheck, and deliver to the PBA on the first of each month, the previous month's dues
collection.
SECTION 2
The PBA shall hold the Township harmless from any and all claims concerning such deduction
after the Township has fulfilled its obligation in Section 1.
SECTION 1
ARTICLE XXI-NEGOTIATIONS PROCEDURE
The parties agree to enter into collective negotiations over a successor Agreement in accordance
with the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act in a good faith effort to reach agreement
on all matters concerning the terms and conditions of employment for the Chief of Police of the
Township Police Department. Such negotiations shall begin no later than September 15th of the
calendar year in which this Agreement expires. Any Agreement so negotiated shall apply to the
Chief, to be reduced to writing, and to be signed by authorized representatives of the Township
of Elk and the Chief.
The Township agrees that there shall be no changes in the terms and conditions of employment
during the term of the Agreement, except through negotiations between the parties.
In the event of a merger of police department(s) with another municipality and/or a shared
11
service agreement to provide joint police services with another municipality, the Parties shall
re-open this agreement to negotiate the Chief's compensation for increased responsibilities,
duties, coverage, and supervision arising from the merger and/or shared service.
SECTION 2
The Township shall permit the Chief to attend contract negotiations during scheduled work hours
without loss of pay. The parties recognize the right of the Township to recall the Chief to duty in
case of emergency.
ARTICLE XXII - REQUEST OF WRITTEN MODIFICATION
This Agreement may not be changed or altered in any way during the contract period without the
written consent of both parties hereto.
ARTICLE XXIII - RETROACTIVITY
Unless otherwise specified, all the terms and conditions of this Agreement are retroactive to July
1, 2024.
ARTICLE XXIV - RETENTION OF BENEFITS
Except as otherwise provided herein, all rights, privileges, and benefits which the Chief of Police
has heretofore enjoyed as of July 1, 2024, and is presently enjoying, shall be maintained and
continued by the Township during the term of this Agreement at not less than the highest
standards in effect. The Chief of Police shall receive contractual benefits that are no less than the
benefits offered to rank and file employees in the January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2028
contract between Elk Township and PBA Local 122 and any successor contract thereto.
The provisions of all municipal ordinance and resolutions, except as specifically modified herein,
shall remain in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement, and shall be incorporated
in this Agreement as if set forth herein at length.
ARTICLE XXV - SAVINGS CLAUSE
In the event that any term or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed unlawful or
inconsistent with any Federal or State Legislation, governmental regulation or court decision, in
whole or in part, all other terms and provisions not so invalidated shall remain in full force and
effect. The parties shall then renegotiate concerning any such invalidated provisions.
ARTICLE XXVI- DURATION
SECTION 1
This Agreement shall become effective July 1, 2024 and shall terminate on December 31, 2026
12
or until a successor agreement is negotiated between the parties.
SECTION 2
In the event a new contract has not been successfully negotiated and finalized by December 31,
2026, all terms of this contract shall remain in effect until such time as a contract retroactive to
January 1, 2027 is in place.
SECTION 1
ARTICLE XXVII - MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING
This contract is the product of negotiations between the Chief of Police and the Township of Elk
and each of the parties fully understands the terms hereof and have voluntarily entered into this
Agreement.
SECTION 2
This contract does not constitute an offer of continued employment nor is it intended to obligate
either of the parties except as may be specifically numerated and established herein as required by
law.
SECTION 3
This contract contains the entire understanding of the parties hereto and is intended to replace
any and all prior agreements, whether oral or in writing, previously entered by the parties, their
agents, representatives or assigns.
ARTICLE XXVII - ACCRUED TIME CLAUSE
In the event that the Chief of Police decides to use all of his accrued time which includes sick,
vacation, personal days, and comp time at the end of his career, he will not be denied or
disciplined for doing so. The Chief will provide 3 months written notice that he plans on taking
this action. This clause in the contract will save the Township monetary hardship at the time of
retirement.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
13
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto affixed their signatures.
TOWNSHIP OF ELK
Name: Carolyn King-Sammons, Mayor
Date: 12/30/24
Арай
Name: Debbie Pine, Municipal Clerk
Date: 12/30/20214
14
CHIEF HITZELBERGER
#2215
Date: 11/21/2024
--- Document: GC PBA LOCAL 122 2024-2028 ---
AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE TOWNSHIP OF ELK
AND
THE POLICEMEN'S BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY
GLOUCESTER COUNTY
LOCAL NO. 122
JANUARY 1, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2028
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I
AGREEMENT AND MANAGEMENT RIGHTS.
1
ARTICLE II
RECOGNITION
2
ARTICLE III
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE.
2
ARTICLE IV
COMPUTATIONS OF SALARIES AND BENEFITS.
5
ARTICLE V
SCHEDULE OF WORK AND OVERTIME.
5
ARTICLE VI
HOLIDAYS
6
ARTICLE VII
ΜΑΙΝΤΕΝANCE OF UNIFORMS
8
ARTICLE VIII
INSURANCE BENEFITS
ARTICLE IX
SICK LEAVE
8
11
ARTICLE X
VACATIONS
12
ARTICLE XI
RETENTION OF BENEFITS.
12
ARTICLE XII
LEGAL EXPENSES..
13
ARTICLE XIII
DISCRIMINATION OR COERCION
13
ARTICLE XIV
FAMILY DEATH BENEFITS.
13
ARTICLE XV
ANNUAL PHYSICAL
14
ARTICLE XVI
REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES..
14
ARTICLE XVII
SUPERVISOR'S PAY.
14
ARTICLE XVIII
NEGOTIATIONS PROCEDURE.
14
ARTICLE XIX
COURT TIME
15
ARTICLE XX
MEALS
15
i
ARTICLE XXI
PERSONAL DAYS
15
ARTICLE XXII
REIMBURSEMENT.
16
ARTICLE XXIII
COLLEGE DEGREE COMPENSATION
16
ARTICLE XXIV
SALARIES
16
ARTICLE XXV
TERM OF CONTRACT
18
ii
AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made this
day of
2023 by and between the Township of Elk,
hereinafter referenced to as "TOWNSHIP" and the POLICEMEN'S BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF
NEW JERSEY, Local#122, hereinafter referred to as "the PBA."
WITNESS ETH:
WHEREAS, the parties have carried on collective bargaining for the purpose of developing a
contract covering wages, hours, and other conditions of employment:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements herein
contained, the parties agree with each other as follows:
A.
ARTICLE I
MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
The Township hereby retains and reserves unto itself, without limitation, all powers,
rights, authority, duties and responsibilities conferred upon and vested in it prior to the signing of
this Agreement by the laws and Constitution of the State of New Jersey and of the United States.
B. The exercise of the foregoing powers, rights, authority, duties, and responsibilities
of the Township, the adoption of policies, rules, regulations and practices and the furtherance
thereof, and the use of judgment and discretion in connection therewith, shall be limited only by the
specific and express terms of the Agreement and then only to the extent such specific and express
terms hereof are in conformance with the Constitution and Laws of New Jersey and of the United
States, and ordinances of the Township of Elk
C.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to deny or restrict the Township of its
1
rights, responsibilities and authority under N.J.S.A. 40, 40A, 11, 11 A or other national, state, county or
local laws or ordinances.
ARTICLE II
RECOGNITION
The Employer recognizes the aforementioned PBA as the exclusive bargaining agent with
respect to hours of work, wages, and other conditions of employment for all its full-time Patrolmen
in its Police Department in the Township of Elk, New Jersey, including Sergeants, but excluding all
Superior Officers, the Chief of Police and all other employees of the Township of Elk.
ARTICLE III
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
The purpose of this Article is to settle all grievances between the TOWNSHIP and the
members of PBA as quickly as possible so as to insure efficiency and to promote employee morale.
A grievance is defined as any argument or dispute between the TOWNSHIP and the PBA involving
the application, interpretation or alleged violation of this Agreement. Any grievance must be
presented within ten (10) working days after the aggrieved person knew of the event or events upon
which the claim is based or else such grievance is deemed waived. A grievance shall be processed
as follows:
Step A: The PBA representative, the aggrieved party(s) and the Chief of Police or his
designee shall, within five (5) working days of said filing, meet and attempt to settle the matter. If
a settlement is not reached, the PBA shall furnish a written statement of the grievance to the Chief
of Police on a form provided by the TOWNSHIP.
The Chief, or his designee, and the PBA representative shall each file a written report of their
2
findings of fact, conclusions and recommendations, in addition to said written statement, with the Director
of Public Safety within five (5) working clays of their meeting.
Step B: The Director of Public Safety shall conduct a hearing no later than five (5) working
days from the receipt of said findings, conclusions and recommendations. Prior written notification
for said meeting shall be given to all interested parties. Present for said hearing shall be the Chief
of Police, the PBA representative and interested persons. The Director shall make all reasonable
attempts to reach a settlement satisfactory to all parties. If the Director is not able to obtain an
amicable settlement at this time, he shall within five (5) working days render a written decision
resolving the dispute and serve same upon the respective parties.
If the aggrieved party(s) or the PBA object to the Director's decision, he (they) shall, within
five (5) working days of receipt of the Director's written decision, request a hearing with the full
Township Committee. Interested parties shall be furnished with advance written notice of the
scheduled hearing date.
Step C: Upon compliance with the requirements of Step B above, the Township Committee
shall conduct a hearing, present at which shall be interested parties, the Director of Public Safety,
the Chief of Police and the PBA representative. The Committee shall make all reasonable attempts
to reach a settlement satisfactory to all parties. If an amicable settlement is not achieved, the
Township Committee shall, within ten (10) days, render a written decision resolving said dispute and
serve same upon the respective parties. NOTE: If an amicable settlement of the dispute is reached
upon agreement of the parties in any of the above steps, said Agreement shall be reduced to writing
and signed by the respective parties.
3
Arbitration: If the aggrieved party(s) or the PBA disagree with or object to the decision of
the Township Committee, he (they) shall file for arbitration within twenty (20) working days of
receipt of the decision of the Committee. Said request for arbitration may also be filed for by the
TOWNSHIP. The filing party shall serve written notice of same with the other parties. Only
grievances related to the interpretation and application of the specific provisions of this
Agreement shall be arbitrable. No other issues may be submitted to the arbitrator.
The parties shall immediately attempt to mutually agree upon an impartial arbitrator. Should
the parties fail to agree, they shall obtain the services of the American Arbitration Association, the
State Board of Mediation or the Public Employment Relations Commission and shall be bound by
their rules and regulations. The cost of the arbitrator shall be shared equally by the TOWNSHIP
and the PBA. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding by both parties.
The arbitrator shall be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and restricted to the
application of the facts presented to him. The arbitrator shall be further bound by the laws of the
State of New Jersey and the United States and decisions of the Courts of the State of New Jersey and
the United States, where applicable.
The arbitrator shall not add to, modify, detract from or alter in any way the provisions of this
Agreement. In rendering his written decision, the arbitrator shall indicate his findings of fact and
reason for his decision. If during the term of this Agreement, the State of New Jersey mandates
arbitration procedures, then and in that event the mandated arbitration procedures will supersede the
procedures set forth in this Agreement.
4
ARTICLE IV
COMPUTATIONS OF SALARIES AND BENEFITS
Seniority and other rights and benefits, e.g., vacation, for the purpose of this Article, shall
be deemed to have commenced from the date of hire as a full-time regular police officer with the
Township of Elk. In the event an officer has voluntarily left his employment with the Township
for more than one (1) year, such absence will constitute the break in employment, and seniority
will then be calculated from the latest date of hire.
ARTICLE V
SCHEDULE OF WORK AND OVERTIME
All officers shall continue to be scheduled to work twelve (12) hour shifts, working the
"Pitman" schedule, where employees work two (2) days on, two (2) days off, with every
weekend being a three (3) day weekend, alternating between three (3) days on and three (3) days
off. In addition to any other overtime and in consideration of the additional hours scheduled as a
result of being scheduled to work seven (7) 12-hour tours, totaling 84 hours every two weeks,
officers shall be credited with 104 hours of compensatory time at the beginning of the year, with
this compensatory time to be taken subject to the approval of the Chief of Police. For purposes
of earning compensatory time, all paid leave time shall be considered as hours worked.
Any hours worked in excess of the scheduled hours in any day or the scheduled hours in
any week, shall be compensated at the rate of one and one-half (11/2) times a full-time, regular
police officer's base rate of pay. Base pay shall not include holiday pay.
The manpower scheduling for overtime shall be under the purview of the Chief of Police.
Overtime will be rotated among employees to be distributed as equitably as possible. All
employees may be required to work a reasonable amount of overtime.
5
In the event that any full-time police officer is called into work on a scheduled day off, he
shall be entitled to a minimum of two (2) hours pay at time and one-half. If called in on a
scheduled work day, the police officer \:viii be paid at time and one-half for the time he came in
prior to or after his shift.
All full-time police officers will be permitted to take their compensatory time on their
regular shift with the approval of the Chief of Police. All officers may accumulate up to 208
hours of compensatory time, with any amount in excess thereof, to be used by the end of the
calendar year. Officers Opdyke and Messina shall have until the end of the contract term to
reduce tlleir available compensatory time to no more than 208 hours.
There shall be a policy in place that covers the assignment and distribution of extra duty
jobs to the officers. Examples of such jobs include traffic control and other services paid for by
outside vendors, such as PSE&G, Verizon, and any other such entities. This does not include
standard police coverage overtime. Such a policy shall ensure that these extra duty jobs are
distributed on a rotating basis to all officers who are equally qualified to perform this work. This
policy shall be agreed upon between the Chief of Police and the officers of the Elk Township
Police Department.
ARTICLE VI
HOLIDAYS
Paid holidays will be as follows for all full-time police officers hired prior to January 1, 1997:
A.
New Year's Day
B.
Easter
C.
Memorial Day
D.
July 4th
E.
Thanksgiving
6
F.
Christmas
G.
Labor Day
H.
I.
J.
Κ.
Good Friday
President's Day
Martin Luther King Day
Flag Day (June 14th)
L.
Veterans' Day
M.
Christmas Eve
Any full-time police officer hired after January 1, 1997, will receive paid holidays pursuant
to the following schedule:
Holiday Schedule
Probationary
6A-F
Class 7
7 A-G
Class 6
8A-H
Class 5
9 A-I
Class 4
10 A-J
Class 3
11 A-K
Class 2
12 A-L
Class 1
13A-M
The Chief of Police, in his absolute discretion, upon request from a police officer may
modify the designated holidays to be paid for those officers who are scheduled to receive less
than 13 holidays. An officer may work vacation at his regular rate. Observance of thirteen (13)
holidays paid at the rate of one and one-half (112) times regular pay when scheduled to work in
addition to his regular pay. An officer may take a holiday off if sufficient manpower is available
to cover his shift. Compensatory time may be credited in lieu of one and one-half (12) times
regular pay.
7
ARTICLE VII
ΜΑΙΝΤΕΝANCE OF UNIFORMS
Clothing destroyed or damaged in the line of duty shall be replaced or repaired at the
Township's expense. In the event any clothing or leather accessories are beyond repair or
become obsolete, they shall be turned in to the TOWNSHIP.
All cleaning and maintenance of uniforms are to be paid for by the TOWNSHIP,
including shirts.
Shoes shall be supplied as needed, at the expense of the TOWNSHIP, with the approval
of the Chief of Police. The TOWNSHIP shall provide and pay for all leather accessories
required for the uniforms.
Uniforms shall be supplied as required to maintain a good appearance, and shall be paid
for at the TOWNSHIP's expense, but no more than seven hundred ($700) dollars annually shall
be allocated for uniform purchases by each officer. Requests for uniform purchases shall be
approved by the Chief in accordance with directives to be issued by the Chief.
A.
ARTICLE VIII
INSURANCE BENEFITS
All full-time employees shall receive the following medical benefits, inclusive of
family coverage for spouses and dependents if selected:
a.
Any Medical and Prescription Drug Plans offered under the New Jersey
State Health Benefits Program (SHBP)
B.
b.
Group Major Medical
с.
Workers' Compensation
d.
Accident and Health Benefits
e.
Dental Coverage
f.
Waiver of Health Benefits
For all employees hired prior to January 1, 2021, the Township shall provide
8
health insurance and prescription benefits and reimbursement of Medicare Part B premiums for
all eligible retired employees and their dependents, including surviving spouses, where the
employee has retired in good standing, or on disability, from the Elk Township Police
Department, under the Police and Firemen's Retirement System. For any employees hired after
January 1, 2021 and retiring on a PFRS service-related retirement with 25 years service as an Elk
Township Police Officer, or on a disability retirement, the Township shall provide health
insurance and prescription benefits to those retirees, with coverage limited to the retiree only, and
excluding reimbursement of Medicare Part B premiums. The retiree may purchase health
insurance and prescription benefits for spouse/partner and/or dependents at the Township group
rate, but the retiree is exclusively responsible for payment of the entire premium for this
coverage, and any associated co-payments and/or costs. For all retirees, regardless of date of
hire, all premium contributions shall be paid by the retiree in accordance with the terms of P.L.
2011, Chapter 78, or any amendments thereto, and all co-payments for health or prescription
benefits, shall be paid by the retiree in accordance with the terms of the Plan.
C.
Effective June 28, 2011, all active unit employees who have not withdrawn from
the Township's health insurance program, shall contribute towards the cost of health insurance,
in accordance with the provisions of P.L. 2011, Chapter 78. Those payments shall be made on a
pre-tax basis, pursuant to an IRS Section 125 salary reduction premium-only plan, in accordance
with the Township's regular payroll practices. Upon completion of the four-year schedule of
payments pursuant to the provisions of P.L. 2011 Chapter 78, the issue of contributions towards
the cost of health insurance shall be subject to collective negotiations between the parties. These
contributions shall cease upon the officer's retirement, at which time all officers with less than 20
9
years of creditable service in one or more State or locally-administered retirement systems, as of
June 28, 2011, shall be required to make health benefit contributions during retirement, in
accordance with the terms of P.L. 2011, Chapter 78.
D.
The Township reserves the right to change any medical plan carrier, so long as the
benefits provided are substantially similar to the benefits presently received by the employee.
Ε. If the Township decides to change the medical plan carrier, the PBA shall be
given advance notice of said change.
F. The Township will pay $3,500 per year to each member of the bargaining unit
who elects to waive health, prescription, and dental benefits, if the unit member shows proof of
alternate health coverage. Any unit member who elects this waiver shall be paid by the
Township $134.62 each pay period, less any applicable deductions, to be paid in accordance with
the Township's regular payroll practices. If an eligible employee chooses to participate in this
opt-out and then alternate health care coverage is terminated, upon proper verification of
termination, the Township will restore the employee, his or her spouse, and/or dependents to
coverage under its health, prescription and dental plans, effective the first day of the following
month. This opt-out payment shall begin to be paid to any eligible employee no later than one
month after the effective date of the election of this option.
G.
Pursuant to P.L. 2011. Chapter 78, the Township shall establish a flexible
spending account (FSA) to permit employees to voluntarily set aside, on a pre tax basis, a portion
of their earnings to pay for qualified medical and dental expenses not otherwise covered by their
health benefits plan, pursuant to Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 125.
10
ARTICLE IX
SICK LEAVE
Up to 112 hours per year will be paid with a valid doctor's report. If sick more than one
shift in succession, a police officer must have a doctor's report. Sick hours may be accumulated
from year to year but at no time shall any employee have accumulated more than 290 hours in a
year. Said accumulated days shall be reduced by reason of sick leave and used during the
employee's tenure \Vith the TOWNSHIP. Such sick days shall be used as a sick leave only.
Any officer may sell back to the TOWNSHIP sick hours at the rate of eight (8) hours pay for
sixteen (16) sick hours when he leaves the department or has accrued 240 hours, increased to 290
hours effective January 1, 2016. This sell back may be exercised yearly.
An injury which is compensable pursuant to the New Jersey Workers' Compensation Act
arising from the employee's duties with the Township of Elk, and which require the employee to
be absent from duty, shall not be charged to sick leave. The employee shall receive the
difference between Workers' Compensation benefits and his regular pay during the first year of
disability from such a compensable injury.
If a full-time police officer goes on disability insurance, other than workers'
compensation disability, the employer will pay the difference between the insurance policy and
the officer's regular pay for a period of three (3) months, said three (3) month period to
commence at such time as the officer has utilized all sick leave and compensatory time.
At the expiration of the one-year period in regard to compensable injuries and at the
expiration of the three (3) month period in regard to non-work related disability, the Township
Committee shall cause an investigation to be made into the circumstances and may in its
11
discretion continu e payment under this Article for a further period of time. The decision as to
whether to continue payment and the duration of such further payments are decisions that will be
within the sole and absolute discretion of the Township Committee.
ARTICLE X
VACATIONS
0 to 1 year of service
60 hours
2 to 3 years of service
120 hours
4 to 5 years of service
180 hours
6 to 10 years of service
204 hours
11 to 15 years of service
252 hours
300 hours
16 to 25 years of service
Any police officer or officers may take their vacation as long as shift is covered with two
(2) weeks notice, except in an emergency. Forty-two (42) hours of vacation may be taken in
twelve (12) hour increments. Employees may save sixty (60) hours of vacation until the
following year but may not accumulate or accrue any additional vacation time beyond sixty (60)
hours.
Vacations will be scheduled according to seniority and forwarded to the Chief of Police
for his/her approval.
ARTICLE XI
RETENTION OF BENEFITS
Except as otherwise provided herein, all rights, privileges and benefits which the officers
have heretofore enjoyed and are presently enjoying, shall be maintained and continued by the
employer during the term of this Agreement at no less than the highest standards in effect.
The provisions of all Municipal Ordinances and Resolutions, except as specifically modified
herein, shall remain in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement and shall
12
be incorporated in this Agreement as if set forth herein at length.
ARTICLE XII
LEGAL EXPENSES
If an employee is charged with violation of the law as a result of acts committed by him
while on duty, the Township shall reimburse the employee for services of the attorney by
bilateral agreement with the Township Committee, which agreement shall be executed prior to
the rendering of any services by the attorney. Payment is conditioned upon the employee being
found not guilty. Employer shall also pay such other legal fees as provided by Statute.
ARTICLE XIII
DISCRIMINATION OR COERCION
There shall be no discrimination, interference or coercion by the employer or any of its
agents against the employees represented by the Policemen's Benevolent Association (PBA) or
the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) because of membership or activity in the PBA or FOP. The
PBA and FOP or any of their agents, shall not intimidate or coerce employees into membership.
Neither the employer nor the PBA or FOP shall discriminate against employees because of race,
creed, color, age, sex or national origin.
ARTICLE XIV
FAMILY DEATH BENEFITS
Five (5) days for immediate family: mother, father, brother, sister, wife and children/step children.
One (1) day for officer's grandparents, grandchildren and spouse's mother, father, brother and sister. If
the officer actually attends the funeral and travel time is required, three (3) days for officer's
grandparents, grandchildren and for spouse's mother, father, brother and sister. One (1) day for
anyone who resides in the same household as the police officer.
13
ARTICLE XV
ANNUAL PHYSICAL
The employee shall submit to a complete physical examination annually conducted by a
physician of the employer's choice and paid for by the employer, unless covered by the
employee's medical plan.
ARTICLE XVI
REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES
Officers will be paid for meals while on police business outside the TOWNSHIP, such
as schooling, meetings, etc., at rates not to exceed fifteen dollars ($15.00) in any one day,
payable by turning in a voucher each month with proof of purchase. Officers shall be reimbursed
at the applicable IRS reimbursement rate per mile for the use of their own vehicle, when the
TOWNSHIP docs not supply transportation, at the discretion of the Director.
ARTICLE XVII
SUPERVISOR'S PAY
In the event a sergeant or corporal is not on duty senior patrolmen who are in direct
charge of a subordinate officer will be compensated at an additional rate of one dollar ($1.00) per
hour, for the time when they are serving in a supervisory capacity.
ARTICLE XVIII
NEGOTIATIONS PROCEDURE
The parties agree to enter into collective negotiations over a successor Agreement in
accordance with the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act, in a good faith effort to
reach agreement on all matters concerning the terms and conditions of such employee of the
14
Township of Elk included in Article I. Such negotiations shall begin no later than September 15
of the calendar year in which this Agreement expires. Any Agreement so negotiated shall apply
to all employees included in Article 1, be reduced to writing, be signed and authorized by
representatives of the Township of Elk and the authorized representatives of the Elk Township
Police Department.
ARTICLE XIX
COURT TIME
In the event a full-time police officer is required to appear in Municipal Court or in the
Superior Court of New Jersey at such time when he is off duty, he shall be paid at his regular
base rate of pay for the year in question, times one and one-half (1/2). In the event the officer
shall be on duty when called to Municipal Court or Superior Court, Civil or Criminal, he must be
excused from duty during the period required for the Court attendance.
ARTICLE XX
MEALS
An officer may eat his meal at home or restaurant as he desires within the Township or
within one (1) mile outside of the Township limits during his/her shift.
ARTICLE XXI
PERSONAL DAY
Each officer will earn personal time as follows:
0 to 5 years of service
24 hours per year
6 to 25 years of service
48 hours per year
Personal time may be taken at any time during the year but only after forty-eight hours
advanced notice to the Chief of Police. In the event of an emergency, the Chief in his discretion
may waive the forty-eight hour notice requirement.
15
ARTICLE XXII
REIMBURSEMENT
It is further agreed that any officers in the Elk Township Police Department that are
members of the FOP shall pay to the PBA a sum established in the manner provided in
N.J.S.A. 34:1 JA-5.5 as reimbursement to the PBA for service rendered in the bargaining
process. It is further agreed that during this contract period that none of the officers will make a
request to the Township Committee for payroll deductions for either their dues or for the
payment provided herein.
ARTICLE XXIII
COLLEGE DEGREE COMPENSATION
For Years 2024-2028
Associate's Degree -$400
Bachelor's Degree - $550
Master's Degree - $800
All above noted college degrees shall be earned in law enforcement related field, which
must be approved by the Township Committee.
ARTICLE XXIV
SALARIES
Effective January 1, 2024, a 3% increase on all steps, retroactive to January 1, 2024;
effective January 1, 2025, a 3% increase on all steps; a 3% increase on all steps effective January
1, 2026; a 3% increase on all steps effective January 1, 2027; and a 3% increase on all steps
effective January 1, 2028. The salary schedule shall be as follows:
16
JEE ADDENDUM
3%
Rank
Sgt. 10
2024
3%
2025
3%
3%
3%
2026
2027
2028
$ 96,834.39 $ 99,739.42 $
102,731.60 105,813.55 $
108,987.96
Sgt. 5
$ 95,482.09 $ 98,346.55 $
101,296.95 $ 104,335.86 $ 107,465.94
Officer 1st Class
$ 91,726.11 $ 94,477.90 $
97,312.23 $ 100,231.60 $ 103,238.55
Officer 2nd Class
S
90.446.10
93.159.49
95,954.27 $ 98,832.90 $ 101,797.89
Officer 3rd Class
$ 83,500.48 $
86,005.50 $
88,585.66 $
91,243.23 $ 93,980.53
Officer 4th Class
$ 79,267.09 $ 81,645.10 $
84,094.46 $
86,617.29 $ 89,215.81
Officer 5th Class
$ 75,366.13 $ 77,627.11 $
79,955.93 $ 82,354.61 $
84,825.24
Officer 6th Class
$68,646.02 $ 70,705.40 $
72,826.56 $
75,011.36 $
77,261.70
Officer 7th Class
$ 61,925.89 $ 63,783.66 $
65,697.17 $
67,668.09
69,698.13
Officer 8th Class
$ 55,667.96 $ 57,338.00 $
59,058.14 $ 60,829.88 $ 62,654,78
Probationary
$ 44,672.87 $ 46,013.06 $
47,393.45 $ 48,815.25 $ 50,279.71
steps.
Any officer hired prior to December 31, 2006 will I not be affected by the additional salary
Salaries will be paid every two (2) weeks.
The salary schedule for all employees covered by this Agreement is set forth below.
1.
Officers when hired, shall be compensated at the salary level reflecting
"Probationary Officer," except with the Chief of Police's recommendation and the Township
Committee's approval, an officer may be hired at a higher pay class.
2.
After completing one year of full time service as a "Probationary Officer,"
the officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer, 8th Class."
3.
After completing one year of full time service as an "Officer 8th Class,"
the officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer 7th Class."
4.
After completing one year of full time service as an "Officer 7th Class," the
officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer 6th Class."
5.
After completing one year of full time service as an "Officer, 6th Class," the
17
officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer 5th Class.
6.
After completing one year of full time service as an "Officer 5th Class,' the
officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer 4th Class."
7.
After completing one year of full time service as an "Officer 4th Class," the
officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer 3rd Class."
8.
After completing one year of full time service as an "Officer 3rd Class," the
officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer 2nd Class."
9.
After completing one full year of full-time service as an "Officer 2nd Class"
the officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer 1st Class" with Elk Township.
10. Any officer who obtains the rank of "Detective" shall be paid an additional
$1,500 annually over and above their current salary level. Any officer who obtains the rank
of "Corporal" shall be paid an additional $1,600 annually over and above their current salary
level.
All movements in rank will be by action of the Township Committee after review of the
recommendation by the Chief of Police.
A.
ARTICLE XXV
TERM OF CONTRACT
This contract shall cover the period nunc pro tunc from January 1, 2024 to
midnight, December 31, 2028.
B.
Negotiations for the execution of a new contract shall begin no later than
September 15, 2028.
C
This contract shall not be changed or altered in any way during the contract term
without the written consent of both parties.
18
D.
The contract shall continue to bind the parties during any period beyond December 31,
2028, until such time as a new contract is signed between the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused these presence to be duly executed the
day and year first aforesaid.
FOR THE TOWNSHIP
FOR THE РВА
Carolyn D.K. Karmens, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ашшаркий
Pibit Lovel 1はみ
Christopher abuse
Patrolman, Elk TWP.
18
RESOLUTION R-53-2024
RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ELK, COUNTY OF
GLOUCESTER, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AUTHORIZING ADDENDUM TO THE AGREEMENT
(1/1/24-12/31/2028) WITH PBA LOCAL NO. 122
WHEREAS, the Township of Elk previously entered into an Agreement with PBA Local No. 122 for
the term January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2028; and
and
WHEREAS, a typographical error was found to be included in the final version of the contract; and
WHEREAS, the PBA Local No. 122 desires to correct this error; and
WHEREAS, the Township Committee agrees to amending the Agreement to include the correction;
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the residents of the Township of Elk to authorize execution
of the attached Addendum to the Agreement with PBA Local No. 122.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Elk,
County of Gloucester, State of New Jersey, that the Mayor and Clerk of the Township of Elk are hereby
authorized to execute the attached Addendum to the Agreement with PBA Local No. 122, and any other
documents necessary in order to implement the terms and conditions of the Addendum.
ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the Elk Township Committee held March 19, 2024.
TOWNSHIP OF ELK
BY:
Carolyn D. K. Sammons, Mayor
ATTEST:
DEBORA R. PINE, Township Clerk
ROLL CALL VOTE
COMMITTEE AYE NAY ABSTAIN ABSENT
Cowan
Lucas
Nicholson
Rambo
Sammons
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the above resolution is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Township
Committee of the Township of Elk, County of Gloucester, State of New Jersey, at a meeting held by the
same on March 19, 2024 in the Elk Township Municipal Building, 680 Whig Lane, Monroeville, New Jersey.
DEBORA R. PINE, Township Clerk
PBA 122 AND ELK TOWNSHIP ADDENDUM ТО СВА SPANNING FROM 2024-2028
ТО CLARIFY DESCRIPTION OF STEPS ON THE SALARY GUIDE.
WHEREAS, PBA 122 and Elk Township (The Township) (collectively the Parties) are the
Parties to a collective bargaining agreement applying to Elk Township Police Department
patrolman and sergeants, spanning from January 1, 2024 through and including December 31,
2028 ("CBA" hereafter); and
WHEREAS, the Parties recognize and agree that the description of the steps in the CBA salary
guide causes unintended confusion with other portions of the agreement and the practices of the
Elk Township Police Department; and
WHEREAS, the Parties seek to address the unintended confusion by replacing the description of
steps in the salary guide on page 17 of the CBA and the description of the guide on pages 17 to
18 of the CBA, without making any substantive changes that alter officer movement one step per
year, and without changing the increases to the guide on an annual basis; and
WHEREAS, the Parties seek to replace the salary guide on page 17 of the CBA to edit the
description of the guide and to edit the language on pages 17-18 of the CBA. The Parties seek to
have the top patrol step be described as "Senior Officer" with Classes 1 through 7, and with an
initial "probationary step".
WHEREAS, the Parties only seek to amend the specific descriptive language set forth herein to
avoid confusion, and without altering any other language that could substantively alter the CBA.
NOW THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
1. The Parties will correct the description of steps in the salary guide and replace the guide
on page 17 of the current CBA as follows:
Rank
3%
2024
3%
2025
3%
3%
3%
2026
2027
2028
Sgt. 10
$ 96,834.39 $ 99,739.42 $
102,731.60 $ 105,813.55 $
108,987.96
Sgt. 5
$ 95,482.09 $ 98,346.55 $
101,296.95 $ 104,335.86 $
107,465.94
Senior Officer
$ 91,726.11 $ 94,477.90 $
97,312.23 $ 100,231.60 $
103,238.55
Officer 1st Class
$ 90,446.10 $ 93,159.49 $
95,954.27 $
98,832.90 $
101,797.89
Officer 2nd Class
$ 83,500.48 $ 86,005.50 $
88,585.66 $
91,243.23 $
93,980.53
Officer 3rd Class
$ 79,267.09 $ 81,645.10 $
84,094.46 $
86,617.29 $
89,215.81
Officer 4th Class
$ 75,366.13 $ 77,627.11 $
79,955.93 $
82,354.61 $
84,825.24
Officer 5th Class
$ 68,646.02 $ 70,705.40 $
72,826.56 $
75,011.36 $
77,261.70
Officer 6th Class
$ 61,925.89 $ 63,783.66 $
65,697.17 $
67,668.09 $
69,698.13
Officer 7th Class
$ 55,667.96 $ 57,338.00 $
59,058.14 $
60,829.88 $
62,654.78
Probationary
$ 44,672.87 $ 46,013.06 $
47,393.45 $ 48,815.25 $
50,279.71
2. The Parties will correct the description of step movement in language immediately
following the guide and paragraphs 1 through 9 on pages 17 to 18 of the CBA to avoid
confusion. Paragraph 10 on page 18 of the CBA, and all language thereafter, shall remain
1
unaltered. The language immediately following the guide and paragraphs 1 through 9 on
pages 17 to 18 of the CBA shall be replaced as follows:
"Any officer hired prior to December 31, 2006 will not be affected by the
additional salary steps.
Salaries will be paid every two (2) weeks.
The salary schedule for all employees covered by this Agreement is set
forth below.
1. Officers when hired, shall be compensated at the salary level
reflecting "Probationary Officer," except with the Chief of Police's recommendation
and the Township Committee's approval, an officer may be hired at a higher pay class.
2.
After completing one year of full time service as a
"Probationary Officer," the officer shall be eligible for advancement to
"Officer, 7th Class."
3.
After completing one year of full time service as an "Officer
7th Class," the officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer 6th
Class."
4.
After completing one year of full time service as an "Officer 6th
Class," the officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer 5th Class."
5. After completing one year of full time service as an "Officer,
5th Class," the officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer
4 th Class.
6.
After completing one year of full time service as an "Officer
4th Class,' the officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer
3rd Class."
7.
After completing one year of full time service as an "Officer 3rd
Class," the officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer 2nd Class."
8.
After completing one year of full time service as an "Officer
2nd Class," the officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Officer 1st
Class."
9.
After completing one full year of full-time service as an
"Officer 1st Class" the officer shall be eligible for advancement to "Senior
Officer" with Elk Township."
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3. The above provisions shall apply and control to amend the CBA with the specific intent
to avoid confusion in the description of the salary guide, and officers shall continue to
advance one step per year on the salary guide with the same increases to the guide, and
without any substantive changes to the CBA.
4. Upon approval and execution of this addendum by the Parties, this Addendum shall be
incorporated into the CBA and this Addendum shall control over the portions of the
agreement that are amended herein for purposes of clarity and alleviating confusion.
5. A copy of this Addendum shall be annexed to the current CBA held in the PBA's and the
Township's respective files and appropriate Township officials and PBA members shall
be advised that this addendum is a part of the CBА.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, duly authorized representatives of the Parties
have caused this agreement to be executed in acknowledgement of their
understanding, agreement and the binding effect of the terms herein.
ATTEST:
FOR THE TOWNSHIP
3
FOR PBA 122
--- Document: SUPERIOR OFFICERS CONTRACT 2024-2026 ---
AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE TOWNSHIP OF
ELK AND
SUPERIOR OFFICER'S
ASSOCIATION OF ELK TOWNSHIP
POLICE DEPARTMENT
PBA LOCAL 122
JANUARY 1, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I
AGREEMENT AND MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
1
ARTICLE II
RECOGNITION
ARTICLE III
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
2
2
ARTICLE IV
COMPUTATIONS OF SALARIES AND BENEFITS.
4
ARTICLE V
SCHEDULE OF WORK AND OVERTIME
5
ARTICLE VI
HOLIDAYS
6
ARTICLE VII
ΜΑΙΝΤΕΝANCE OF UNIFORMS
6
ARTICLE VIII
INSURANCE BENEFITS
7
ARTICLE IX
SICK LEAVE.
9
ARTICLEX
VACATIONS
10
ARTICLE XI
RETENTION OF BENEFITS.
11
ARTICLE XII
LEGAL EXPENSES.
11
ARTICLE XIII
DISCRIMINATION OR COERCION.
11
ARTICLE XIV
FAMILY DEATH BENEFITS
12
ARTICLE XV
ANNUAL PHYSICAL..
12
ARTICLE XVI
ARTICLE XVII
REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES
12
NEGOTIATIONS PROCEDURE
ARTICLE XVIII
COURT TIME
ARTICLE XIX
MEALS.
12
13
13
ARTICLE XX
PERSONAL DAYS
13
ARTICLE XXI
REIMBURSEMENTNT
13
ARTICLE XXII
COLLEGE DEGREE COMPENSATION.
14
ARTICLE XXIII
SALARIES
14
ARTICLE XXIV
TERM OF CONTRACT
14
AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made this
day of
, 2023 by and between the
TOWNSHIP OF ELK, hereinafter referred to as "TOWNSHIP" and the SUPERIOR
OFFICER'S ASSOCIATION OF ELK TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT, PBA LOCAL
#122, hereinafter referred to as "the PBА."
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the parties have carried on collective bargaining for the purpose of
developing a contract covering wages, hours, and other conditions of employment:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements herein
contained, the parties agree with each other as follows:
A.
ARTICLE I
MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
The Township hereby retains and reserves unto itself, without limitation, all
powers, rights, authority, duties and responsibilities conferred upon and vested in it prior
to the signing of this Agreement by the laws and Constitution of the State of New Jersey
and of the United States.
B. The exercise of the foregoing powers, rights. authority, duties, and
responsibilities of the Township, the adoption of policies, rules, regulations and practices and
the furtherance thereof, and the use of judgment and discretion in connection therewith, shall
be limited only by the specific and express terms ofthe Agreement and then only to the extent
such specific and express terms hereof are in conformance with the Constitution and Laws of
New Jersey and of the United States, and ordinances of the Township of Elk.
C. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to deny or restrict the Township of its
rights, responsibilities and authority under N.J.S.A. 40, 40A, 11, 1 La or other national, state,
county or local laws or ordinances.
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ARTICLE II
RECOGNITION
The employer recognizes the aforementioned PBA as the exclusive bargaining agent
with respect to hours of work, wages, and other conditions of employment for all its full-time
Lieutenants and Captains employed in its Police Department in the Township of Elk, New
Jersey, excluding all rank and file Patrolmen, Sergeants, the Chief of Police and all other
employees of the Township of Elk.
ARTICLE I
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
The purpose of this Article is to settle all grievances between the TOWNSHIP and the
members of PBA as quickly as possible so as to insure efficiency and to promote employee
morale. A grievance is defined as any argument or dispute between the TOWNSHIP and the
PBA involving the application, interpretation or alleged violation of this Agreement. Any
grievance must be presented within ten (10) working days after the aggrieved person knew of
the event or events upon which the claim is based or else such grievance is deemed waived. A
grievance shall be processed as follows:
Step A: The PBA representative, the aggrieved party(s) and the Chief of Police or his
designee shall, within live (5) working days of said filing, meet and attempt to settle the matter.
If a settlement is not reached, the PBA shall furnish a written statement of the grievance to the
Chief of Police on a form provided by the TOWNSHIP.
The Chief, or his designee, and the PBA representative shall each file a written report of
their findings of fact, conclusions and recommendations, in addition to said written statement,
with the Director of Public Safety within five (5) working days of their meeting.
Step B: The Director of Public Safety shall conduct a hearing no later than five (5)
working days from the receipt of said findings, conclusions and recommendations. Prior
2
written notification for said meeting shall be given to all interested parties. Present for said
hearing shall be the Chief of Police, the PBA representative and interested persons. The
Director shall make all reasonable attempts to reach a settlement satisfactory to all parties. If
the Director is not able to obtain an amicable settlement at this time, he shall within five (5)
working days render a written decision resolving the dispute and serve same upon the
respective parties.
If the aggrieved party(s) or the PBA object to the Director's decision, he (they)
shall, within five (5) working days of receipt of the Director's written decision, request a
hearing with the full Township Committee. Interested parties shall be furnished with
advance written notice of the scheduled hearing date.
Step C: Upon compliance with the requirements of Step B above, the Township
Committee shall conduct a hearing, present at which shall be interested parties, the Director
of Public Safety, the Chief of Police and the PBA representative. The Committee shall
make all reasonable attempts to reach a settlement satisfactory to all parties. If an amicable
settlement is not achieved, the Township Committee shall, within ten (10) days, render a
written decision resolving said dispute and serve same upon the respective parties. NOTE: if
an amicable settlement of the dispute is reached upon agreement of the parties in any of the
above steps, said Agreement shall be reduced to writing and signed by the respective parties.
Arbitration: If the aggrieved party(s) or the PBA disagree with or object to the decision of the
Township Committee, he (they) shall file for arbitration within twenty (20) working days of receipt of
the decision of the Committee. Said request for arbitration may also be filed for by the TOWNSHIP.
The filing party shall serve written notice of same with the other parties.
Only grievances related to the interpretation and application of the specific provisions of this
3
Agreement shall be arbitrable. No other issues may be submitted to the arbitrator.
The parties shall immediately attempt to mutually agree upon an impartial arbitrator. Should the
parties fail to agree, they shall obtain the services of the American Arbitration Association, the State Board
of Mediation or the Public Employment Relations Commission and shall be bound by their rules and
regulations. The cost of the arbitrator shall be shared equally by the TOWNSHIP and the PBA. The
decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding by both parties.
The arbitrator shall be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and restricted to the
application of the facts presented to him. The arbitrator shall be further bound by the laws of the
State of New Jersey and the United States and decisions of the Courts of the State of New Jersey and
the United States, where applicable.
The arbitrator shall not add to, modify, detract from or alter in any way the provisions of this
Agreement. In rendering his written decision, the arbitrator shall indicate his findings of fact and
reason for his decision. If during the term of this Agreement, the State of New Jersey mandates
arbitration procedures. then and in that event the mandated arbitration procedures will supersede
the procedures set forth in this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
COMPUTATIONS OF SALARIES AND BENEFITS
Seniority and other rights and benefits, e.g., vacation, for the purpose of this Article shall be
deemed to have commenced from the date of hire as a full-time regular police officer with the
Township of Elk. In the event an officer has voluntarily left his employment with the Township for
more than one (1) year, such absence will constitute the break in employment, and seniority will
then be calculated from the latest date of hire.
4
ARTICLE V
SCHEDULE OF WORK AND OVER TIME
Lieutenants' scheduling shall be under the direction of the Chief of Police. If scheduled to
work twelve (12) hour shifts. in addition to any other overtime, Lieutenants shall be credited with 104
hours of compensatory time at the beginning of the year, with the compensatory time to be taken subject
to the approval of the Chief of Police.
Any hours worked in excess of the scheduled hours in any day or the scheduled hours in any
week, shall be compensated at the rate of one and one-half (1 1/2) times a full-time, regular police
officer's base rate of pay. Base pay shall not include holiday pay.
The manpower scheduling for overtime shall be under the purview of the Chief of Police.
Overtime will be rotated among employees to be distributed as equitably as possible. All employees
may be required to work a reasonable amount of overtime.
In the event that any full time police officer is called into work on a scheduled day off, he shall
he entitled to a minimum of two (2) hours pay at time and one-half. If called in on a scheduled work
day, the police officer will be paid at time and one-half for the time he came in prior to or after his shift.
All full-time police officers will be permitted to take their compensatory time on their
regular shift with the approval of the Chief of Police. All officers may accumulate up to 208 hours
of compensatory time, with any amount in excess thereof, to be used by the end of the calendar
year.
5
ARTICLE VI
HOLIDAYS
Lieutenants paid holidays will be as follows:
A.
New Year's Day
B.
Easter
C.
Memorial Day
D.
July 4
4th
Ε.
Thanksgiving
F.
Christmas
G.
Labor Day
H.
Good Friday
1.
President's Day
J.
Martin Luther King Day
Κ.
Flag Day (June 14th)
L.
Veterans' Day
Μ. Christmas Eve
ARTICLE VII
ΜΑΙΝΤΕΝANCE OF UNIFORMS
Clothing destroyed or damaged in the line of duty shall be replaced or repaired at the
Township's expense. In the event any clothing or leather accessories arc beyond repair or
become obsolete, they shall be turned in to the TOWNSHIP.
All cleaning and maintenance of uniforms arc to be paid for by the TOWNSHIP,
including shirts.
Shoes shall be supplied as needed, at the expense of the TOWNSHIP, with the approval
of the Chief of Police. The TOWNSHIP shall provide and pay for all leather accessories
required for the uniforms.
Uniforms shall be supplied as required to maintain a good appearance, and shall be paid for at
the TOWNSHIP's expense, but no more than seven hundred ($700) dollars annually shall be allocated
for uniform purchases by each officer. Requests for uniform purchases shall be approved by the Chief
in accordance with directives to be issued by the Chief.
6
A.
ARTICLE VIII
INSURANCE BENEFITS
All full-time employees shall receive the following medical benefits, inclusive of
family coverage for spouses and dependents if selected:
a.
Any Medical and Prescription Drug Plans offered under the New Jersey
State Health Benefits Program (SHBP)
b.
Group Major Medical
c.
Workers' Compensation
d.
Accident and Health Benefits
e.
Dental Coverage
f.
Waiver of Health Bene fits
B.
For all employees hired prior to January 1, 2021, the Township shall provide health
insurance and prescription benefits and reimbursement of Medicare Part B premiums for all eligible
retired employees and their dependents, including surviving spouses, where the employee has retired in
good standing, or on disability, from the Elk Township Police Department, under the Police and Firemen's
Retirement System. For any employees hired after January 1, 2021 and retiring on a PFRS service related
retirement with 25 years service as an Elk Township Police Officer, or on a disability retirement, the
Township shall provide health insurance and prescription benefits to those retirees, with coverage limited
to the retiree only, and excluding reimbursement of Medicare Part B premiums. The retiree may purchase
health insurance and prescription benefits for spouse / partner and/or dependents at the Township
group rate, but the retiree is exclusively responsible for payment of the entire premium for this
coverage, and any associated co-payments and/or costs. For all retirees, regardless of date of hire,
all premium contributions shall paid by the retiree in accordance with the terms of P.L 2011,
Chapter 78, or any amendments thereto, and all co-payments for health or prescription benefits,
shall be paid by the retiree in accordance with the terms of the Plan
C.
Effective June 28, 2011, all active unit employees who have not withdrawn
from the Township's health insurance program, shall contribute towards the cost of health
insurance, in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2011, Chapter 78. Those payments shall be
made on a pre-tax basis, pursuant to an IRS Section 125 salary reduction premium-only plan, in
accordance with the Township's regular payroll practices. Upon completion of the four-year
7
schedule of payments pursuant to the provisions of P.L. 2011, Chapter 78, the issue of
contributions towards the cost of health insurance shall be subject to collective negotiations
between the parties. These contributions shall cease upon the officer's retirement, at which time
all officers with less than 20 years of creditable service in one or more State or locally-
administered retirement systems, as of June 28, 2011, shall be required to make health benefit
contributions during retirement, in accordance with the terms of P.L. 2011, Chapter 78.
D. The Township reserves the right to change any medical plan carrier, so long
as the benefits provided arc substantially similar to the benefits presently received by the
employee.
Ε. If the Township decides to change the medical plan carrier, the PBA
shall be given advance notice of said change.
F. The Township will pay $3,500 per year to each member of the bargaining unit
who elects to waive health, prescription, and dental benefits, if the unit member shows proof
of alternate health coverage. Any unit member who elects this waiver shall be paid by the
Township $134.62 each pay period, less any applicable deductions, to be paid in accordance
with the Township's regular payroll practices. If an eligible employee chooses to participate in
this opt-out and then alternate health care coverage is terminated, upon proper verification of
termination, the Township will restore the employee, his or her spouse, and/or dependents to
coverage under its health, prescription and dental plans, effective the first day of the following
month. This opt-out payment shall begin to be paid to any eligible employee no later than one
month after the effective date of the election of this option.
G. Pursuant to P.L. 2011, Chapter 78, the township shall establish a flexible
spending account (FSA) to permit employees to voluntarily set aside, on a pre-tax basis, a
portion of their earnings to pay for qualified medical and dental expenses not otherwise covered
by their health benefits plan, pursuant to Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C.
§ 125.
8
ARTICLE IX
SICK LEAVE
Up to 112 hours per year will be paid with a valid doctor's report. If sick more than two(2) shifts
in succession, a police officer must have a doctor's report. Sick hours may be accumulated from
year to year but at no time shall any employee have accumulated more than 500 sick leave hours
in total. Said accumulated days shall be reduced by reason of sick leave and used during the
employee's tenure with the TOWNSHIP. Such sick days shall be used as sick leave only. Any
officer may sell back to the TOWNSHIP sick hours at the rate of eight (8) hours pay for sixteen
(16) sick hours when he leaves the department or has accrued 240 hours..
This sell back may be exercised yearly.
An injury which is compensable pursuant to the New Jersey Workers' Compensation
Act arising from the employee's duties with the Township of Elk, and which require the
employee to be absent from duty, shall not be charged to sick leave. The employee shall
receive the difference between Workers' Compensation benefits and his regular pay during
the first year of disability from such a compensable injury.
If a full-time police officer goes on disability insurance, other than worker's
compensation disability, the employer will pay the difference between the insurance
policy and the officer's regular pay for a period of three (3) months, said three (3) month
period to commence at such time as the officer has utilized all sick leave and
compensatory time.
At the expiration of the one-year period in regard to compensable injuries and at the
expiration of the three (3) month period in regard to non-work related disability, the
Township Committee shall cause an investigation to be made into the circumstances and
may in its discretion continue payment under this Article for a further period of time. The
decision as to whether to continue payment and the duration of such further payments are
decisions that will be within the sole and absolute discretion of the Township Committee.
9
ARTICLE X
VACATIONS
0 to 1 year of service
60 hours
2 to 3 years of service
120 hours
4 to 5 years of service
180 hours
6 to 10 years of service
204 hours
11 to 15 years of service
252 hours
16 to 25 years of service
300 hours
Any police officer or officers may take their vacation as long as shift is covered with two (2)
weeks notice, except in an emergency. Vacation may be taken in ten (10) or twelve (12) hour increments,
depending on the scheduled shift for the Lieutenants. Employees may save eighty (80) hours of vacation
until the following year but may not accumulate or accrue any additional vacation time beyond eighty (80)
hours.
Vacations will be scheduled according to seniority and forwarded to the Chief of Police
for his/her approval.
10
ARTICLE XI
RETENTION OF BENEFITS
Except as otherwise provided herein, all rights, privileges and benefits which the officers
have heretofore enjoyed and are presently enjoying, shall be maintained and continued by the
employer during the term of this Agreement at no less than the highest standards in effect.
Lieutenants shall receive at least the same terms and conditions of employment as sergeants and
patrol officers, with benefits at least equal to or better than the terms and conditions of
employment in the agreement(s) applicable to sergeants and patrol officers.
The provisions of all Municipal Ordinances and Resolutions, except as specifically modified
herein, shall remain in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement and shall be
incorporated in this Agreement as if set forth herein at length.
ARTICLE XII
LEGAL EXPENSES
If an employee is charged with violation of the law as a result of acts committed by him
while on duty, the Township shall reimburse the employee for services of the attorney by bilateral
agreement with the Township Committee, which agreement shall be executed prior to the rendering
of any services by the attorney. Payment is conditioned upon the employee being found not guilty.
Employer shall also pay such other legal fees as provided by Statute.
ARTICLE XII
DISCRIMINATION OR COERCION
There shall be no discrimination, interference or coercion by the employer or any of its
agents against the employees represented by the Policemen's Benevolent Association (PBA) or
the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) because of membership or activity in the PBA or FOP. The
PBA and FOP or any of their agents, shall not intimidate or coerce employees into membership.
Neither the employer nor the PBA or FOP shall discriminate against employees because of race,
11
creed, color, age, sex or national origin.
ARTICLE XIV
FAMILY DEATH BENEFITS
Five (5) days for immediate family: mother, father, brother, sister, wife and children/step
children. One (1) day for officer's grandparents, grandchildren and spouse's mother, father,
brother and sister. If the officer actually attends the funeral and travel time is required, three (3)
days for officer's grandparents, grandchildren and for spouse's mother, father, brother and sister.
One (I) day for anyone who resides in the same household as the police officer.
ARTICLE XV
ANNUAL PHYSICAL
The employee shall submit to a complete physical examination annually conducted by a
physician of the employer's choice and paid for by the employer, unless covered by the
employee's medical plan.
ARTICLE XVI
REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES
Officers will be paid for meals while on police business outside the TOWNSHIP, such as
schooling, meetings, etc., at rates not to exceed fifteen dollars ($15.00) in any one day, payable
by turning in a voucher each month with proof of purchase. Officers shall be reimbursed at the
applicable IRS reimbursement rate per mile for the use of their own vehicle, when the
TOWNSHIP does not supply transportation, at the discretion of the Director.
ARTICLE XVII
NEGOTIATIONS PROCEDURE
The parties agree to enter into collective negotiations over a successor Agreement in
accordance with the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act, in a good faith effort to
reach agreement on all matters concerning the terms and conditions of such employee of the
Township of Elk included in Article II. Such negotiations shall begin no later than September 15
of the calendar year in which this Agreement expires. Any Agreement so negotiated shall apply
to all employees included in Article II, be reduced to writing, be signed and authorized by
representatives of the Township of Elk and the authorized representatives of the Elk Townshi
12
Police Department.
ARTICLE XVIII
COURT TIME
In the event a full-time police officer is required to appear in Municipal Court or in the Superior
Court of New Jersey at such time when he is off duty, he shall be paid at his regular base rate of pay
for the year in question, times one and one-half (1 1/2). In the event the officer shall be on duty when
called to municipal Court or Superior Court, Civil or Criminal, he must be excused from duty during
the period required for the Court attendance.
ARTICLE XIX
MEALS
An officer may eat his meal at home or restaurant as he desires within the Township or
within one (1) mile outside of the Township limits during his/her shift.
ARTICLE XX
PERSONAL DAY
Each officer will earn personal time as follows:
0 to 5 years of service
24 hours per year
6 to 25 years of service
48 hours per year
Personal time may be taken at any time during the year but only after forty eight hours
advanced notice to the Chief of Police. In the event of an emergency, the Chief in his discretion
may waive the forty-eight hour notice requirement.
ARTICLE XXI
REIMBURSEMENT
It is further agreed that any officers in the Elk Township Police Department that are
members of the FOP shall pay to the PBA a sum established in the manner provided in
N.J.S.A. 34: I 3A-5.5 as reimbursement to the PBA for service rendered in the bargaining
process. It is further agreed that during this contract period that none of the officers will make a
request to the Township Committee for payroll deductions for either their dues or for the
payment provided herein.
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ARTICLE ΧΧΙ
COLLEGE DEGREE COMPENSATION
FOR YEARS 2024-2026
Associate's Degree - $400
Bachelor's Degree - $550
Master's Degree - $800
All above noted college degrees shall be earned in law enforcement related field, which
must be approved by the Township Committee.
ARTICLE XXIII
SALARIES
Effective January 1, 2024, the salary schedule for Elk Township Police Lieutenants shall be adjusted
$5,000, and the schedule shall increase 3% per year on January 1 in 2025, and January 1, 2026 on the guide
as follows:
$5,000 adjustment
3%
2024
2025
3%
2026
Lieutenant
10 years
$
106,230.42 $
109,417.33 $
112,699.85
5 years
$
104,777.35 $
107,920.67 $
111,158.29
$
101,871.20 $
104,927.34 $
108,075.16
Years mean "total years" of service with the Elk Township Police Department.
Salaries will be paid every two (2) weeks. All movement in rank will be by action of the
Township Committee after review of the recommendation by the Chief of Police.
A.
ARTICLE XXIV
TERM OF CONTRACT
This contract shall cover the period nunc pro tunc from January 1, 2024 to midnight,
December 31, 2026. All retroactive monies due shall be paid by separate check on or before the
14
thirtieth (30th) day after ratification of this Agreement.
B.
Negotiations for the execution of a new contract shall begin no later than
September 15, 2026.
C. This contract shall not be changed or altered in any way during the contract term
without the written consent of both parties.
D. The contract shall continue to bind the parties during any period beyond
December 31. 2026, until such time as a new contract is signed between the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused these presence to be duly
Executed the day and year first aforesaid.
FOR THE TOWNSHIP:
FOR THE РВА:
ATTEST:
Carolyn. K. Samions, Mayor
RRmi
15
Wiring Linh
PBA Laullah
2215
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Debbie Pine
Municipal Clerk · Municipal Clerk
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Timeline
First Discovered
Apr 27, 2026
Last Info Update
May 20, 2026
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