[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Elk 10-2-2008
by Ord. No. O-2008-10. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
The use of land for agricultural purposes is conducive
to the preservation of open space for appropriate residential, commercial
and recreational use, as well as agricultural use, and assures a supply of
potable water, clean air and a pleasant and healthful environment as well
as the aesthetic preservation of the countryside and production of food and
agricultural products for this and future generations within Elk Township.
B.
Agricultural enterprise has long been the primary economic
base of the Township.
C.
It is self-evident that the comfort, safety, health and
general welfare of the residents of the Township and general public will be
best served by the protection of land now and hereafter used for agricultural
purposes from incompatible encroaching land development and interference by
persons not engaged in the occupation of farming.
D.
It is determined that any discomfort or inconvenience
to persons not engaged in the occupation of farming resulting from dust, noise,
odors, smoke and/or fumes created by farming activities is superseded by the
benefits resulting from retaining farm lands and the production of agricultural
products in the Township.
E.
It is further determined that it is wise and proper to
encourage and protect the use of land for agricultural purposes by ordaining
the right to farm all land everywhere in the Township by creation of a Right
to Farm Zone encompassing the entire Township.
The Agricultural Advisory Committee shall have as its purposes:
A.
To attract new agriculture-related business, commerce
and industry to locate or relocate in the Township.
B.
To encourage growth, expansion and retention of existing
agricultural businesses and farms in the Township.
C.
Serve as a conduit for the farming community and local
government relating to agriculture and farming practices, development projects
and issues.
The Agricultural Advisory Committee shall have the following powers
and shall perform the following duties:
A.
Prepare an agricultural development plan. The Committee
shall prepare an agricultural development plan for the Township of Elk area
which shall consist, at a minimum, of the following:
(1)
An evaluation of existing agricultural businesses and
farms and their retention and expansion needs.
(2)
An assessment of the types of agricultural businesses
and farms suitable to the area.
(3)
Contacts to be pursued in order to encourage relocation
of new agricultural businesses and farms and/or retention and expansion of
current agricultural businesses and farms.
B.
Participate in state, county, and local agricultural
development planning. Members of the Committee shall attend and participate
in meetings and activities involving agricultural planning and development
at the state and county level, as well as at the local level, with agricultural
business and farm groups. The Committee shall be charged with the responsibility
of bringing to the attention of the Township Committee the agricultural development
plans and concerns of such groups and, upon motion and at the direction of
the Township Committee, shall coordinate joint resolution efforts with such
groups. The Committee may recommend to the Township Committee that funds designated
for the agricultural development of the Township of Elk be expended in support
of such agricultural development efforts.
C.
Advertise for or otherwise solicit agricultural businesses
and farms in order to attract interest in relocation to or expansion to the
Township.
D.
Assist agricultural businesses in determining required
infrastructure and/or other needs.
E.
Report to the Township Committee at least once per quarter
on agricultural development activities and issues.
F.
Submit an annual report to the Township Committee in
November of each year. By November 30 of each year, the Committee shall submit
a detailed written report to the Township Committee, evaluating agricultural
development and concerns in the Township during the prior 11 months. The report
may include recommendations to the Township Committee for agricultural development
efforts in the upcoming year.
G.
Limited authority.
(1)
It is not intended that nor shall the Committee be a
subagency of the Township Committee. The Committee shall possess no aspect
of policy- or rule-making authority for the Township. Advice or information
from the Committee shall not be binding upon the Township Committee, nor shall
any action of the Township Committee be dependent first upon any recommendation
or review by the Committee.
(2)
The Committee may not incur any debt nor contract for
any goods in the name of the Township of Elk or the Township Committee.
A.
Membership. The Agricultural Advisory Committee shall
consist of five members and two alternate members, appointed by a majority
of the Township Committee. The members shall be residents of the Township
of Elk and/or Elk Township landowners who engage in the farming and agriculture
business. All members shall be residents of the Township and shall serve without
compensation.
B.
Term of office. Members of the Committee shall serve
three-year terms, except that, upon the creation of this Committee, in order
to create staggered terms, one member shall serve for a one-year term from
2008 through 2009; two members shall serve a two-year term, each from 2008
through 2010; and two members shall serve a full three-year term, each from
2008 through 2011. Alternate members shall serve two-year terms, except that,
upon the creation of this Committee, in order to create staggered terms, one
alternate member shall serve for a one-year term from 2008 through 2009, and
the other alternate member shall serve a two-year term from 2008 through 2010.
C.
Resignation. Any member desiring to resign from the Committee
shall submit a resignation in writing to the Township Clerk, who shall present
it to the Township Committee for action.
D.
Removal from office. Upon three consecutive, unexcused
absences of a member or upon an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the Committee following
consideration and discussion of the issue taken in executive session, the
Township Committee may, upon recommendation of the Committee, remove such
member and appoint a replacement member.
The officers of the Committee shall be as follows: Chairperson, Vice
Chairperson and Secretary. The officers shall be elected by ballot of Committee
members to serve for one year or until their successors are elected and qualified,
and their term of office shall begin at the close of the regular January meeting,
except the initial officers upon the creation of this Committee.
Regular meetings of the Committee shall be held monthly. Special meetings
may be called by the Chairperson or upon the written request of two or more
members of the Committee. Each Committee member shall be notified of a meeting
at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, and written notice of each meeting
shall be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
