It is the intent of this chapter to protect the health, safety,
and welfare of the community and its wildlife by prohibiting the feeding
of migratory, nonmigratory, or resident waterfowl within publicly
owned lands or waterways of the Village of Port Jefferson. The feeding
of waterfowl increases the potential for damage to lands, can cause
water quality problems, beach closures and contamination of shellfish
growing areas, and increases the potential for the spread of disease
to residents. In addition, it is the intent of this chapter to protect
the welfare of the waterfowl themselves, since wildlife studies have
shown that the feeding of waterfowl can interrupt their normal migration
patterns, cause nutritional problems, and promote the spread of serious
waterfowl diseases such as avian influenza, avian cholera, plague,
and botulism.
The terms used in this chapter or in documents prepared or reviewed
under this chapter shall have the meanings set forth in this section:
FEED or FEEDING
To place, deposit, scatter, or distribute in a location accessible
to waterfowl any type of food, including but not limited to corn,
wheat or other grains, bread, popcorn, scraps, or any substance liable
to be eaten by the waterfowl.
PERSON
Any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm,
association, or political subdivision of this state subject to municipal
jurisdiction.
PUBLICLY OWNED PROPERTY
Any land which is owned, maintained, leased or managed by
the Village of Port Jefferson for any purpose whatsoever, including
but not limited to parks, preserves, beaches and marinas.
WATERFOWL
Those species of birds commonly known as "swans," "geese"
and "ducks," and any other waterfowl falling under the jurisdiction
of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and are either migratory,
nonmigratory, or resident fowl.
WATERWAYS
A general term referring to lakes, ponds, streams, creeks,
stormwater basins, and harbors.
It shall be unlawful for any person to:
A. Feed or provide food for any waterfowl on publicly owned lands or
waterways within the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson at any
time of year.
B. Create any condition which results in a congregation of waterfowl
on Village property which results in:
(1) An accumulation of waterfowl feces or droppings;
(2) Damage to flora, fauna or property;
(3) A threat or nuisance to the public health, safety, or welfare;
(4) A threat to the health, safety or welfare of said waterfowl.
The provisions of this chapter shall be administered and enforced
by the members of the Village Code Enforcement Bureau who have the
power to issue appearance tickets; provided, however, that for the
first year after the effective date of this law, such personnel shall
only issue warnings for violations of this law.
[Amended 1-5-2015 by L.L.
No. 1-2015]
Any person who violates this chapter or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to the penalties provided in §
1-2 of the Code of the Village of Port Jefferson.
In accordance with § 10 of the Municipal Home Rule
Law of the State of New York, the Village Board of Trustees of the
Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson has the authority to enact
local laws and amend local laws for the purpose of promoting the health,
safety or general welfare of the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson
and for the protection and enhancement of its physical environment.
The Village Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Port
Jefferson may include in any such local law provisions for the appointment
of any municipal officer, employees, or independent contractor to
effectuate, administer and enforce such local law.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this chapter
shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid,
such judgment shall not impair or invalidate the remainder hereof,
but such adjudication shall be confined in its operation to the clause,
sentence, paragraph or section directly involved in the controversy
in which judgment shall have been rendered.
This chapter shall be effective upon filing with the office
of the Secretary of State; provided, however, that no appearance ticket
shall be issued pursuant to this chapter until one year from such
effective date.