N.J. Stat. § 40:108-1
L.1897, c. 30, p. 46 (C.S. pp. 1297 to 1336, s.s. 2440 to 2564), entitled "An act relating to and providing for the government of cities of this state containing a population of less than twelve thousand inhabitants," approved March twenty-fourth, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven, saved from repeal, together with amendments and supplements approved on the following dates: March 21, 1899 (L.1899, c. 53, p. 142; C.S. pp. 1297, 1298, 1308, s.s. 2441, 2445 to 2447, 2473). March 22, 1899 (L.1899, c. 84, p. 206; C.S. pp. 1319 to 1322, s.s. 2509 to 2515). March 23, 1900 (L.1900, c. 142, p. 338; C.S. p. 1309, s. 2474). April 3, 1902 (L.1902, c. 115, p. 359; C.S. p. 1307, s. 2470). March 28, 1904 (L.1904, c. 80, p. 192; C.S. p. 1298, s. 2448). March 28, 1904 (L.1904, c. 85, p. 198; C.S. p. 1309, s. 2475). March 29, 1904 (L.1904, c. 199, p. 359; C.S. p. 1309, s. 2474). April 12, 1905 (L.1905, c. 139, p. 260). [Validated certain bonds theretofore issued]. April 9, 1906 (L.1906, c. 96, p. 154; C.S. pp. 1322, 1323, s.s. 2516 to 2521). April 14, 1908 (L.1908, c. 266, p. 562; C.S. pp. 1323 to 1325, s.s. 2522 to 2531). April 17, 1909 (L.1909, c. 161, p. 240; C.S. pp. 1326 to 1329, s.s. 2532 to 2543). April 9, 1910 (L.1910, c. 174, p. 291; C.S. p. 1325, s. 2531). April 1, 1912 (L.1912, c. 284, p. 506; 1924 Suppl. s. 38-2557). April 16, 1912 (L.1912, c. 404, p. 850; 1924 Suppl. s. 38-2450a). February 11, 1915 (L.1915, c. 4, p. 15; 1924 Suppl. s.s. 38-2462a to 38-2462m). March 30, 1915 (L.1915, c. 126, p. 227; 1924 Suppl. s.s. 38-2564a, 38-2564b). March 18, 1916 (L.1916, c. 195, p. 408; 1924 Suppl. s. 38-2500a). March 2, 1925 (L.1925, c. 22, p. 78). April 2, 1929 (L.1929, c. 41, p. 73). [This act, together with its amendments and supplements, applies to all cities having a population of less than 12,000 inhabitants. The act when enacted was referendum but by L.1911, c. 365, p. 756, became operative in all cities of less than 12,000 inhabitants. The act provides for the division of the city into two or more wards. Where there are two wards three councilmen are elected from each ward, but where there are more than two wards only one councilman is elected from each ward. The original act provided for one councilman at large but by a supplement of 1912 the number was increased to two in cities having an uneven number of wards. In such cases each holds for two years and their terms expire in alternate years. A mayor is elected at large for a two-year term. He is the chief executive officer of the city and head of the police department. The council appoints all officers not elected. There is a board of assessors, a board of education and in certain cases a board of public works. The council is empowered to pass ordinances and provide penalties for violations thereof which are triable before the police court provided for by the act. Specific powers are granted with relation to taxation, improvements, beach protection, condemnation, assessments for benefits, purchase and condemnation of public utility plants and the purchase of private sewers.]
N.J.S. § 40:108-1