[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee
of the Township of Little Egg Harbor; see Ch. 1, General Provisions,
Art. I. Amendments noted where applicable.]
There is hereby established an Environmental
Commission in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1
et seq. The Environmental Commission shall be responsible for the
protection, development and use of natural resources, including water
resources, located within the Township of Little Egg Harbor.
The Environmental Commission shall consist of
seven regular members, one of whom shall be a member of the Municipal
Planning Board, appointed by the Mayor of the Township of Little Egg
Harbor. Two alternate members, designated as "Alternate No. 1" and
"Alternate No. 2," shall be appointed by the governing body. The Mayor
shall designate one member of the Environmental Commission to serve
as Chairman and presiding officer. All members shall be residents
of the municipality.
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, the 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 governing
body for the unexpired term only. An alternate member shall not be
permitted to act on any matter in which he or she has, either directly
or indirectly, any personal or financial interest. An alternate member
may, after public hearing if he or she requests one, be removed by
the governing body for cause. 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.
The Mayor and governing body of the Township
may remove any member of the Environmental Commission for cause, on
written charges served upon a member. The 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 Committee
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 governing body concerning the same.
D.
Keep records of its meetings and activities and make
an annual report to the governing body.
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 governing body, 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. Such an acquisition may be to acquire
the fee or lesser interest, development right, easement (including
conservation easement), covenant or other contractual right (including
a conveyance on conditions or with limitations or reversions), as
may be necessary to acquire, maintain, improve, protect and limit
the future use or otherwise conserve and properly utilize open spaces
and other lands and water areas in the Township.
G.
Appoint such clerks and other employees and incur
such expenses as it may from time to time require, provided that the
same shall be within the limits of funds appropriated to it by the
governing body or otherwise available to it.
H.
Coordinate
with the Green Team Advisory Committee to support and maintain the
Township's participation in the Sustainable Jersey program.
[Added 3-11-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-03]
