STATUTORY BOARD & COMMISSIONS

AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE - appointed (Mayoral w/Twp. Comm. Consent)

Contact: LWasilauski@twp.montgomery.nj.us

The Agricultural Advisory Committee shall make recommendations as to which farms should be preserved and shall report those recommendations to the Planning Board. The creation of an Agricultural Advisory Committee enables the Township to obtain farmland preservation planning incentive grants for the purpose of preserving significant areas of reasonably contiguous farmland that will promote long term economic viability of agriculture as an industry in Montgomery Township.

AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE - appointed (Township Committee)

Princeton Airport Complaint Form - Please use this link if you are experiencing problems with aircraft traveling to or from Princeton Airport.

The duties of the Airport Advisory Committee are:

a. To review and make recommendations concerning Princeton Airport's General Operating Rules and Facility Management Standards as set forth more fully in Sec. 11.02 of the Settlement Agreement;

b. To review and make recommendations concerning standards for pilot discipline as set forth more fully in Sec. 11.02 of the Settlement Agreement;

c. To serve as a forum to hear and evaluate any issue brought before the Airport Advisory Committee, and to develop by-laws and procedures for
addressing any such issues as set forth more fully in Sec. 11.02 of the Settlement Agreement;

d. To address complaints and comments as set forth more fully in Sec. 11.03 of the Settlement Agreement;

e. To participate in a Pilot Discipline Program as set forth more fully in Sec. 11.04 of the Settlement Agreement;

f. To review noise abatement plans as set forth more fully in Sec. 11.06 of the Settlement Agreement;

g. To file an annual report with Princeton Aero Corp. and the Township concerning its activities for the previous year;

h. To perform such other tasks as may, from time to time, be jointly requested by Princeton Aero Corp. and the Township.

CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS - appointed (Township Committee)


The duty of the Construction Board of Appeals is to hear appeals from decisions by the enforcing agency. This is now handled on the County level. Please see Somerset County website at www.co.somerset.nj.us.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION - appointed (Mayor w/ Twp. Committee Consent)


Economic Development Webpages: www.twp.montgomery.nj.us/depts/landuse/edc.asp
Contact: EDC@twp.montgomery.nj.us

The Economic Development Commission was created to analyze the economic development of the region and to promote the sound development of the Township.

Furthermore, the EDC is charges with mobilizing the potential resources of the Township for efficient commercial, office and economic development uses. They are to conduct a thorough study of the basic economic advantages of the Township and promote the same so that a program for managed and selected growth of clean and environmentally desirable ratables may be realized.

EFFICIENCY INCENTIVE COMMITTEE – appointed (Township Administrator)

This committee reviews employee suggestions regarding how local government can operate more efficiently to realize cost savings for the taxpayers.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - appointed (Township Committee)

The purpose of establishing an Emergency Management Unit is for it to provide for optimum use of the resources of the Township for action in coordinating emergency operations.

The office of Emergency Management will be the coordinating unit for all activity in connection with civil defense, disaster control and civil preparedness. The Emergency Management Unit will provide guidance to the departments and agencies of the Township.

EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATING COMMITTEE - appointed (Township Committee)

EMERGENCY PLANNING COUNCIL, LOCAL– appointed (Mayoral) (NJSA A:9-41)

The Local Emergency Planning Council or LEPC was established by Resolution on 06/19/03, it's fifteen members having been appointed by the Mayor. Pursuant to N.J.S. A:9-41, LEPC's must be established by each municipality and chaired by the local Emergency Management Coordinator. The Council is established to assist the Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator in the development & revision of the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) of the Twp. which is comprised of sixteen annexes. Generally, the members of the LEPC are selected on the basis of subject area expertise or otherwise serve in a decision making capacity with a public or private entity who can contribute resources to the Twp. in the event of a local emergency to achieve stabilization and/or resolution.


ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION - appointed (Mayoral)

Contact: LWasilauski@twp.montgomery.nj.us

Go to our 2011 EARTH DAY FAIR WEBSITE

The Environmental Commission shall have power to conduct research into the use and possible use of the open land areas of the municipality and may coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes, and may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary for its purposes. It shall keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, in order to obtain information on the proper use of such area, and may from time to time recommend to the Planning Board of the municipality plans and programs for inclusion in a municipal master plan and the development and use of such areas. The Environmental Commission may, subject to the approval of the Township Committee, acquire property, both real and personal in the name of the Township by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise, or lease for any of its purposes and shall administer the same for such purposes subject to the terms of the conveyance or gift. Such an acquisition may be to acquire the fee or any lesser interest, development right, easement (including conservation easement) covenant or other contractual right (including a conveyance on conditions or with limitations or reversions), as may be necessary to acquire, maintain, improve, protect, limit the future use of, or otherwise conserve and properly utilize open spaces and other land and water areas in the municipality.

Sustainable Montgomery Committee

In May 2009, a sub-committee of the environmental commission, the Sustainable Montgomery Committee (aka The Green Team) was formed in order to assist Montgomery Township in gaining certification throught the Sustainable Jersey program. We are pleased to announce that the 2 year certification was achieved in November, 2009. The Sustainable Montgomery Committee also works on other sustainability initiatives, such as creating a green purchasing policy and a sustainable land use pledge.

Earth Day Related Information:

Sustainability Earth Day Activities Ideas
Environmental Quiz Questions - Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3 & Quiz 4
Suggested High School Environmental Presentations

FIRE PREVENTION, BOARD OF - appointed (Township Committee)

Contact: firepre@twp.montgomery.nj.us

The Bureau of Fire Prevention shall enforce the Uniform Fire Safety Act (P.L. 1983, C. 383) and all codes and regulations adopted thereunder in all buildings, structures and premises, other than owner-occupied one and two family dwellings, within the established boundaries of the Township of Montgomery and shall faithfully comply with the requirements of the Uniform Fire Safety Act and the Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:18). The Bureau of Fire Prevention shall be responsible for the periodic inspection of life hazard uses as required by the Uniform Fire Code. The Bureau of Fire Prevention shall annually prepare a report and transmit the same to the Township Committee, and the Commissioners of Fire Districts Nos. 1 and 2 summarizing the activities of all proceedings under the Uniform Fire Code which report shall contain, without limitation, statistics concerning the number and location of inspections and violations, relevant municipal court action and recommendations for means of fire prevention. The Bureau of Fire Prevention shall meet at such times as may be necessary to fulfill its responsibilities, but in any event, not less than bi-monthly.

FLOOD MITIGATION PLANNING COMMITTEE - appointed (Township Committee)

HEALTH, BOARD OF - appointed (Township Committee)

Contact: SCarey@twp.montgomery.nj.us

All legislative power of the Township in matters of health, except as provided by law, shall be exercised by the Board of Health.


IMPROVEMENT ASSESSORS, BOARD OF- appointed (Township Committee)


The Board of Improvement Assessors shall make all assessments for benefits accruing from local improvements in the manner provided by law.

JOINT INSURANCE FUND

The Mid-Jersey Joint Insurance Fund is a form of grouped self-insurance among 12 New Jersey municipalities including Montgomery. Their representatives meet approximately every 6 weeks to discuss and arrange for their mutual liability and workers compensation insurance coverage needs.

LANDMARKS COMMISSION - appointed (Mayoral)

Contact:planning@twp.montgomery.nj.us

The Landmarks Preservation Commission shall have the following powers and duties:

a. To adopt and promulgate such regulations and procedures as are necessary and proper for the effective and efficient performance of the duties herein assigned.

b. To complete a survey of historic sites and historic districts in Montgomery Township and to prepare a list and official map of said historic sites and districts which shall then be referred to the Planning Board for inclusion in the Master Plan pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55d-28(b). The list and official map shall also be referred to the Montgomery Township Committee for adoption and inclusion in the Zoning Map and the Land Development Ordinance as a Landmarks Preservation Overlay Zone.

c. To keep a register of all properties and structures that have been designated as historic sites or historic districts, including all information required for each designation. To advise and assist owners of historic sites and property or structures within historic districts on physical and financial aspects of preservation, renovation, rehabilitation and re-use and on procedures for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

d. To provide information and advice concerning all proposed National Register nominations for properties that come within the jurisdiction of the Landmarks Preservation Commission and to provide assistance to people who may wish to secure national or state historic recognition.

e. To hold public hearings and to review applications for construction, alteration, removal or demolition affecting proposed or designated historic sites within historic districts in accordance with the provision of subsection 1613.16 of Chapter 16. Applicants may be required to submit plans, drawings, elevations, specifications, and such other information as may be necessary for the Commission to make informed decisions upon said applications.

f. To consider applications for Certificates of Hardship pursuant to subsection 16-13.16 of Chapter 16.

g. To develop specific design guidelines for the alteration, construction, or removal of landmarks or property and structures within historic districts.

h. Subject to the amount appropriated by the Township Committee for the Commission's use, to call upon available Township staff members as well as other experts for technical advice.

i. Subject to the amount appropriated by the Township Committee for the Commission's use, to retain such specialists or consultants and/or to appoint such citizen advisory committees as may be required from time to time;

j. To amend from time to time as circumstances warrant the Landmark Designation List and Historic Preservation Map for the Township.

k. To advise the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment on matters affecting historically and architecturally significant property, structures and areas.

1. At its discretion, to confer recognition upon the owners of landmarks or properties or structures within historic districts by means of certificates, plaques, or markers.

m. To collect and assemble materials on the importance of historic preservation and specific techniques for achieving same.

n. Report at least annually to the Township Committee on the state of historic preservation in the Township and to recommend measures to improve same.

o. To undertake any other action or activity necessary or appropriate for the implementation of its powers and duties pursuant to this section or to the implementation of the purposes of this section.

LICENSE APPEALS BOARD - appointed (Township Committee)

The License Appeals Board meets once a month, on the third Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. to hear appeals of Private Alarm System suspensions. The Board hears said appeals and then makes decisions concerning whether the suspensions should stand or not.

MONTGOMERY/ROCKY HILL MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE - YOUTH SERVICES COMMISSION - appointed (Twp.Comm.)

Contact: municipalalliance@twp.montgomery.nj.us

The Montgomery Township/ Rocky Hill Municipal Alliance and Youth Services Commission are two distinct functions served by one group of volunteers.

The Municipal Alliance serves as the official township coordinating body for alcohol and drug abuse prevention. The committee's activities include: programs to reduce alcoholism and drug abuse; community awareness efforts and educational programs to deter alcoholism and drug abuse; and serving as an open forum for discussion of solutions to the problems of alcoholism and drug abuse. Programs include Red Ribbon Month speakers and activities, Safe Homes and other programs in the schools and community.

The Youth Services Commission is charged with the task of determining youths at risk in order to assess their needs and develop programs and services to meet these needs. The focus of the Commission is identifying the needs of our troubled youth and developing solutions. Programs include the many activities of TREND at Montgomery High School.

Heathy Communities, Heathy Youth is the latest initiative of the group. Out programs that address drug and alcohol issues and building a strong, nurturing community for our youth include: Girls on the Run/Girls on Track, Kids on the Move, Middle School Movie Nights, Montgomery & Rocky Hill's Night Off, Montgomery Night at the Somerset Patriots, Peer Leadership, Red Ribbon Week, Red Ribbon at the Senior Center, Search Institute Partnership, Stress Reduction Toolbox, Safe Homes, Transition to High School

The Municipal Alliance and Youth Services Commission is made up of a diverse group of volunteers who care about youth and our community. The volunteers represent our parents, civic clubs, municipal officials, school teachers, counselors and administrators. Volunteers are appointed by the Township Committee for one-year terms, which may be renewed.

The Municipal Alliance and Youth Services committees welcomes and actively seeks members who are residents and community professionals of Montgomery Township and Rocky Hill Borough. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Otto Kaufman Community Center.

OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE - appointed (Township Committee)

Contact: lwasilauski@twp.montgomery.nj.us

In the face of development pressures, the preservation of areas of open space is vital to the provisions of recreational opportunities for the enjoyment of present and future generations of Montgomery Township residents and to the preservation of Montgomery Township’s rich farming heritage. The Township Committee, therefore, deemed it desirable and necessary that a Committee be formed to aid in the acquisition of open space in Montgomery Township.

The duties of the Open Space Committee are as follows:
a. Make recommendations to the governing body on whether lands proposed for dedication for stream corridors, general open space or farmland preservation shall be accepted or approved by the Township Committee.

b. Seek on behalf of the Township, opportunities for the acquisition of open space and stream corridors, and for bringing participants into the Farmland Preservation Program in accordance with priorities established by the Township Committee.

c. Interact with other boards, committees, commissions in the Township in coordinating recommendations for the acquisition of open space and stream corridors, and the development of Farmland Preservation Program participants. d. Assist, as may be needed, in the implementation of open space, stream, corridor and farmland preservation programs established or approved by the Township Committee. e. Perform such other duties as, from time to time, may be assigned by the Township Committee.

PLANNING BOARD - appointed (Mayoral and Township Committee)

Contact:planning@twp.montgomery.nj.us

The Planning Board shall have the powers listed below in addition to other powers established by law:
a. Make, adopt and, from time to time, amend a Master Plan for the physical development of the Township, including any areas outside its boundaries which, in the Board's judgment, bear essential relationship to the planning of the Township.

b. Administer the Subdivision and Site Plan Review provisions of the Land Development Ordinance in accordance with the applicable provisions of said ordinance.
c. Hear and decide applications for conditional uses in accordance with the applicable provisions of this chapter.

d. Participate in the preparation and review of programs or plans required by State or Federal law or regulation.

e. Assemble data on a continuing basis as part of a continuous planning process.

f. Annually, at the request of the Township Committee, prepare a program of municipal capital improvements projects projected over a term of six (6) years and recommend same to the Township Committee.

g. Consider and report to the Township Committee within thirty-five (35) days after referral as to any proposed development regulation submitted to it and also pass upon other matters specifically referred to the Planning Board by the Township Committee.

h. Whenever the proposed development requires approval of a subdivision, site plan or conditional use, but not a variance pursuant to subsection 16-7.2d. of Chapter 16 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70[d]), to grant to the same extent and subject to the same restrictions as the Zoning Board of Adjustment:
1. Variances pursuant to subsection 16-7.2c. of Chapter 16 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70 [c ]).
2. Direction pursuant to subsection 16-7.2f. I of Chapter 16 (NA.S.A. 40:55D-34) for issuance of a permit for a building or structure in the bed of a mapped street or public drainage way, flood control basin or public area reserved pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-32.
3. Direction pursuant to subsection 16-7.2f.2 of Chapter 16 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-36) for issuance of a permit for a building or structure not related to a street. Whenever relief is requested pursuant to this section, notice of the hearing on the application for development shall include reference to the request for a variance, or direction for issuance of a permit, as the case may be. The developer may elect to submit a separate application requesting approval of the variance or direction of the issuance of a permit, and a subsequent application for any required approval for a subdivision, site plan, or conditional use. The separate approval of the variance or direction of the issuance of a permit, shall be conditioned upon grant of all required subsequent approvals by the Planning Board. No such subsequent approval shall be granted unless the approval can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without substantial impairment of the intent and purpose of the zone plan and the zoning provisions of Chapter 16 (Land Use Chapter).

1. SITE PLAN/SUBDIVISION SUBCOMMITTEE - appointed (Planning Board)

Contact:planning@twp.montgomery.nj.us

2. MASTER PLAN/LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE UPDATE COMMITTEE - appointed (Planning Bd.)

Contact:planning@twp.montgomery.nj.us

3. DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE – appointed (Planning Board)

Contact:planning@twp.montgomery.nj.us

Design Guidelines Brochure (2 pgs.)

P.L.A.Y.


The P.L.A.Y (Panel of Leagues for Adults and Youth) Committee was established to promote youth and adult athletic activities in the Township and to facilitate coordination and sharing of facilities. We also promote safe play and sportsmanship through training of managers, coaches and volunteers, as well as research and recommend new athletic programs in the Township.

RECREATION COMMITTEE - appointed (Township Committee)

Contact:recreation@twp.montgomery.nj.us

The Recreation Committee shall provide advice and assistance to the Recreation Director in the planning, coordination, and implementation of a balanced recreation program for the Township. To this end, a primary function of the Committee shall be to communicate with Township residents in various community organizations within the Township and attempt to involve them in the planning process and assimilate them into established programs. On a period basis, the Recreation Committee shall reevaluate the Township Recreation Master Plan and make appropriate recommendations to the Township Committee.

SEWER COMMITTEE - appointed (Township Committee)

The Sewer Committee is a committee comprised of the Mayor, one (1) member of the Township Committee, and the Chairpersons of the Planning Board, Board of Health and Environmental Commission that may provide advice to the Township Committee on matters pertaining to Chapter 12 - "Sewer Rate and Regulation Ordinance of the Township of Montgomery".

SHADE TREE COMMITTEE - appointed (Township Committee)

Contact: STC@twp.montgomery.nj.us or lwasilauski@twp.montgomery.nj.us

Charged with preservation of patriarch trees and long standing hedgerows to the extent reasonably possible and the planting of new trees to enhance the quality of life of residents of the Township. The Township Committee deemed it desirable and necessary, that a committee be formed to provide on-going advice to Township residents and officials concerning the planting, care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees.

The Shade Tree Committee is charged with the planting, care and preservation of public trees. It advises the Township in matters relating to tree policy, including review of development applications.

The committee collaborates with the Parks Department, scouts, local businesses, and other Township committees on a variety of environmental and education projects. The committee meets on every third Wednesday of the month in the volunteer room in the Town Hall at 7:30 PM. The public is always welcome.

The following link will take you to the Shade Tree Committee webpage:

Shade Tree Committee (38 kb)

The following are links to educational literature on various horticultural topics. Please note the size of these adobe acrobat files.

Arboretum Info (15 kb)
Arboretum Donation Form (51 kb)
Arboretum Directions (109 kb)
Drought-Tolerant Native Trees (22 kb)
Arboretum Map (59 kb)
Hiring an Arborist (132 kb)
Invasive Plants List (25 kb)
Mulching Article (33 kb)
Native Trees Recommended for Montgomery Twp. (26 kb)
Planting Article (1.27 MB)
Pruning Article (232kb)
Salt Damage Article (12.72 MB)
Xeriscaping (106 kb)

( requires adobe acrobat reader)

STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION TEAM
Gail Smith, Township Engineer, Stormwater Program Coordinator
Donna Kukla, Township Clerk, Public Notice Coordinator
Gail Smith, Township Engineer, Post-Construction Stormwater Management Coordinator
Tamara Garaffa, Community Information Officer, Local Public Education Coordinator
Kristina Hadinger, Township Attorney, Ordinance Coordinator
Arthur Villano, Superintendent of Public Works, Public Works Coordinator
Arthur Villano, Superintendent of Public Works, Employee Training Coordinator
John Marold, Construction/Code Official

Consists of Township staff charged under NJ's Stormwater Management regulations with oversight of Montgomery's responsibilities in this area.

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT - appointed (Township Committee)

Contact:planning@twp.montgomery.nj.us

The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall have the power to:

a. Error or Refusal. Hear and decide appeals where it is alleged by the applicant that there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or refusal made by a Township official based on or made in the enforcement of the zoning provisions of this chapter.

b. Exceptions or Interpretations. Hear and decide requests for interpretation of the Zoning Map or the zoning provisions of this chapter or for decisions upon other special questions upon which the Board is authorized to pass by any zoning provisions of this chapter or by any duly adopted Official Map.

c. General Bulk Variances.

1. Where: (a) by reason of exceptional narrowness, shallowness or shape of a specific piece of property; or (b) by reason of exceptional topographic conditions or physical features uniquely affecting a specific piece of property; or (c) by reason of an extraordinary and exceptional situation uniquely affecting a specific piece of property or the structures lawfully existing thereon, the strict application of any regulation of this chapter would result in peculiar and exceptional practical difficulties to, or exceptional and undue hardship upon the developer of such property, grant, upon an application or an appeal relating to such property, a variance from such strict application of such regulation so as to relieve such difficulties or hardship;

2. Where, in an application or appeal relating to a specific piece of property the purposes of this chapter would be advanced by a deviation from the zoning requirements and the benefits of the deviation would substantially outweigh any detriment, grant a variance to allow departure from such zoning requirements; provided, however, that no variance from those departures enumerated in subsection 16-7.2d. hereinbelow (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70[d]) shall be granted under this subsection; and provided further, that the proposed development does not require approval by the Planning Board of a subdivision, site plan or conditional use in conjunction with which the Planning Board has power to review a request for a variance pursuant to subsection 16-7.5h. of this chapter. (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-60 [a]).

d. Use Variance, Variances from Conditional Use Standards, and Major Specific Bulk Variances. In particular cases and for special reasons, grant a variance to allow departure from the zoning provisions of this chapter to permit: (1) a use or principal structure in a district restricted against such use or principal structure; (2) an expansion of a nonconforming use; (3) deviation from a particular specification or standard set forth in this chapter as pertaining solely to a conditional use; (4) an increase in the permitted floor area ratio as defined in section 16-2 of this chapter and in N.J.S.A. 40:55D4; (5) an increase in the permitted density as defined in section 16-4 or section 16-6 of this chapter, as the case may be, and in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-4, except as applied to the required lot area for a lot or lots for detached one (I ) or two (2) dwelling unit buildings, which lot or lots are either an isolated undersized lot or lots resulting from a minor subdivision, in which event applications would be made pursuant to subsection 16-7.2c. hereinabove. A variance under this subsection shall be granted only by affirmative vote of at least five (5) members of the Board.

A variance under this subsection shall expire if no construction, alteration or conversion relative to the nonconforming use has been commenced within one (1) year of the date of the Board's decision to grant the variance. For variances granted prior to the effective date of this subsection, the one (1) year period shall commence as of the effective date of this subsection. For variances which become the subject of litigation, the one (1) year period shall commence on the date of the last reviewing court's decision to grant the variance. For good cause shown, and after a hearing before the Board on notice in the manner required for original variance applications, the Board may extend the variance by resolution. Any extension may not exceed one (1) year in duration and no more than four (4) extensions shall be permitted. To receive consideration, an application for extension of a variance shall be made prior to the expiration of the time limit sought to be extended.

e. General Provisions. No variance or other relief may be granted under the terms of this section unless such variance or other relief can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and will not substantially impair the intent and purpose of the zone plan and the zoning provisions of this chapter. In respect of any airport hazard areas delineated under the "Air Safety and Hazardous Zoning Act of 1983" (N.J.S.A. 6:1-80 et seq.), no variance or other relief may be granted under the terms of this section permitting the creation or establishment of a nonconforming use which would be prohibited under the standards promulgated pursuant to that act, except upon issuance of a permit by the Commissioner of Transportation. An application under this section may be referred to any appropriate person or agency, other than the Planning Board, for its report; provided that such reference shall not extend the period of time within which the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall act.

f. Other Powers. The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall have such other powers as prescribed by law.

MAYORAL AD HOC COMMITTEES

BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE – 2002


Budget and Finance Advisory Committee (“BFAC”) was established in January 2002 by Mayor Louise Wilson as an ad hoc committee. It consists of 3 to 5 citizen volunteers (mostly with finance background), the Township Administrator, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and professional consultants, including the financial advisor, bond counsel and auditor. The Township Committee relies on BFAC to provide independent advice on financial issues of the town both as finance professionals and local taxpayers.

In the past, BFAC has been involved with the hiring of our CFO and financial consultant. It also provided support and guidance to the Finance Department as the department worked to incorporate financial best practices.