There is hereby established an Environmental Commission in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1. The Environmental Commission shall be responsible for the protection, development and use of natural resources, including water resources, located within the Township of Brick.
A. 
The Environmental Commission shall consist of seven regular members and two alternate members, designated as "Alternate No. 1" and "Alternate No. 2," appointed by the Mayor of the Township of Brick. The Mayor shall designate one of the members of the Environmental Commission to serve as Chair and presiding officer.
B. 
One regular member of the Environmental Commission shall also be a member of the Planning Board. All members of the Environmental Commission shall be residents of the Township of Brick.
A. 
The initial term of office for the first members of the Commission shall be as follows: two members for one year, two members for two years and three members for three years. As the term of each member on the Commission expires, a successor shall be appointed for a term of three years. A vacancy on the Commission occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
B. 
The terms of office for the alternate members of the Commission shall be two years, except that the terms of the alternate members first appointed shall be two years for Alternate No. 1 and one year for Alternate No. 2, so that the term of not more than one alternate member shall expire in any one year. A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled by the Mayor for the unexpired term only.
C. 
An alternate member may participate in discussions of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member. A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote first.
A. 
No member or alternate member may participate in discussions of the proceedings or act on any matter in which he or she has either directly or indirectly any personal or financial interest.
B. 
The Mayor and the Council of the Township of Brick may remove any member or alternate member of the Environmental Commission for cause, on written charges served upon a member. The member or alternate member shall be entitled to a hearing and shall be entitled to be represented by counsel.
The Environmental Commission shall:
A. 
Formulate such recommendations to the Township Council concerning open space preservation, water resources management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, soil and landscaping protection, environmental appearance, marine resources and the protection of flora and fauna.
B. 
Initiate studies concerning open space preservation, water resources management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, soil and landscaping protection, environmental appearance, marine resources and the protection of flora and fauna.
C. 
Keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, in order to obtain information on the proper use of such areas and make recommendations to the Planning Board and the Mayor and Council for plans and programs for inclusion in the Master Plan and for the development and use of open areas.
D. 
Keep records of its meetings and activities and make an annual report to the Council.
E. 
Coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes and advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets and promote public education programs which support recycling and the preservation of our environment.
F. 
Subject to the approval of the Council, acquire property, both real and personal, in the name of the municipality, by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise or lease, for any of its purposes and shall administer the same for such purposes subject to terms of the conveyance or gift in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:56A-3.