[Adopted 10-18-1971; amended 7-16-1979; 10-21-1991; 6-7-2004]
There is hereby established in the Town of Plainville a Conservation
Commission, hereinafter referred to as the "Commission," consisting
of 11 members, appointed by the Town Manager with the approval of
the Town Council, who shall serve for a term of four years from date
of appointment. Members serving on the Conservation Commission in
existence on the date of adoption of this article, as amended, shall
continue to serve for the terms for which they have been appointed.
The Town Manager, with the approval of the Town Council, shall fill
any vacancy on said Commission by appointment for the unexpired portion
of such term. Members of said Commission shall serve without compensation.
A.
The Commission shall elect a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary
from among its members for such terms as the Commission may designate,
to hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified.
B.
Said Commission shall make rules and regulations for the transaction
of its business and shall keep a record of all votes and other proceedings
of its meetings.
C.
Should a member of the Commission be disqualified for any reason
regarding any matter upon which the Commission is to take action,
the remaining members may appoint another elector to take his place,
to perform duties in respect to the particular matter and for no longer.
D.
The Commission may employ necessary technical, legal and clerical
assistance and prescribe the compensation for such services rendered.
However, nothing in this article shall be construed to authorize the
Commission to expend funds other than appropriations made to it pursuant
to law or funds derived from gifts, grants or other sources and made
available to its use for purposes prescribed herein.
The Commission shall concern itself with the development, conservation,
supervision and regulation of natural resources and shall coordinate
its efforts with other municipal and state agencies, as appropriate.
Its functions shall be investigative in nature and shall include but
not be limited to the following:
A.
Water. Review problems of water pollution and water supply, maintain
continuous inspection of streams and water areas, and report violation
of pollution control laws simultaneously to offenders, Town officials
and state officials.
B.
Soil and land. Urge adoption of good land use and soil conservation
practices. Establish, and periodically revise, a conservation study
of the Town, including appropriate maps. The Commission may conduct
research into the utilization and possible utilization of land area
of the municipality and may coordinate the activities of unofficial
bodies organized for similar purposes. The Commission may keep an
index of all open areas, public or privately owned, including wetlands,
for the purpose of obtaining information on the proper use of such
areas and may, from time to time, make recommendations to the Planning
and Zoning Commission on plans and programs for the development and
use of such areas. The Commission may make recommendations to the
Planning and Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands Commission and other
municipal agencies on proposed land use changes. The Commission may
recommend to the Town Council the acquisition of land or easements
for open space use. The Commission may, with the prior approval of
the Town Council, acquire land and easements in the name of the Town
and promulgate rules and regulations, including but not limited to
the establishment of reasonable charges for the use of land and easements,
for any of its purposes as set forth in Connecticut General Statutes
§ 7-131a.[1]
C.
Recreation. Work with the Department of Recreation and Parks in planning
for present and future park and recreation needs. Study and urge development
of multiple-use and open green areas principles.
D.
Wildlife. Urge use of open spaces, marshland and floodplains for
wildlife development and sanctuary. Stress importance of such land
and other "waste areas" to wildlife.
E.
Information and education. Act as coordinating agency for the Town
on conservation matters. Inform citizens of services available from
federal, state and private conservation agencies. Promote and encourage
conservation activities.
F.
Grants. The Commission may receive gifts or grants in the name of
the Town for any of the Commission's purposes and shall administer
the same for such purposes subject to the terms of the gift or grant.
If the Town Council grants approval, the Commission may apply for
grants-in-aid for programs established to preserve the use of open
space land or restrict it to conservation or recreation purposes.
Any such application made by another Town agency may be submitted
for prior approval by the Conservation Commission prior to submission.
G.
Other. Such other duties as may be conferred upon the Commission
by state statute or by assignment from the Town Council.
