N.J. Stat. § 40:84-9
Whenever in any municipality in which the terms of office of the members of the municipal council by whatsoever name the council and its members may be known, expire in successive years, proceedings are instituted for the adoption pursuant to this subtitle of the municipal manager form of government, the request or petition filed pursuant to section 40:80-1 of this title may state in words or substance that it is the desire of the petitioners, in case said form of government is adopted, that the terms of office of the members of the municipal council shall be three years each. If the election held pursuant to such a petition shall result in the adoption of the municipal manager form of government then the terms of the members of the first municipal council elected as provided in section 40:81-4 of this title shall be as follows: If the municipal council is to consist of three members one of the first members shall be elected for one year, one for two years and one for three years. If the municipal council is to consist of five members two of the first members shall be elected for one year, two for two years and one for three years. If the municipal council is to consist of seven members three of the first members shall be elected for one year, two for two years and two for three years. If the municipal council is to consist of nine members three of the first members shall be elected for one year, three for two years and three for three years.
N.J.S. § 40:84-9