For the purposes of this article:
"Abandoned property" means any property that is determined to be abandoned pursuant to P.L. 2003, c. 210(C.55:19-78 et al.);
"Public officer" means a person designated or appointed by the municipal governing body pursuant to section 3 of P.L. 1942, c.112 (C.40:48-2.5).
N.J.S. § 55:19-54