In as much as Article 12-F, § 239-x, of the General Municipal
Law of the State of New York provides for the creation of a local conservation
agency by any city, town or village, with said agency being considered as
advisory in its relation to the local legislative body, the Dover Town Board
hereby recognizes and supports the need for such an agency in order to preserve
and improve the quality of the natural and man-made environments within the
Town of Dover. This Conservation Advisory Council, in the face of increasing
population growth, suburbanization and technological change with accompanying
demands on natural resources, shall be always mindful of the need for balance
between environmental preservation and economic expansion, that both the environment
and economy are of increasing and vital importance to the health, welfare
and well-being of both our present citizenry as well as our progeny. To this
end, the Dover Town Board hereby offers this chapter amending the duties and
responsibilities of the Dover Conservation Advisory Council, established July
10, 1978.
Within its advisory capacity, said Council shall have the responsibility
to:
A. Advise the Town Board on matters affecting the preservation,
quality and use of the natural resources and environment of the Town of Dover.
B. Develop and, after receiving general approval of the
Town Board, conduct a program of public information in the community which
shall be designed to foster increased understanding of the nature of environmental
problems and issues and support for their solutions.
C. Conduct studies, surveys and inventories of the natural
and man-made features within the Town of Dover and such other studies as may
be requested by the Town Board to ensure the wise use of natural resources
and to enhance and protect the environment.
D. Maintain an up-to-date inventory and index of all open
land and wetland areas in public or private ownership within the town so as
to provide a base of information for recommendations as to their preservation
and/or use.
E. Seek to coordinate and assist the efforts of private
groups, institutions and individuals within the Town of Dover in accord with
the purposes of this chapter.
F. Maintain liaison and communications with public and private
agencies and organizations of local, state and national scope whose programs
and activities have an impact on the quality of the environment or who can
be of assistance to the Council.
G. Work in close cooperation wherever possible with the
Town of Dover Planning Board and Town Recreation Commission, when requested
by the Dover Town Board.
H. Maintain accurate records of meetings and activities
and submit a monthly written report of such activities to the Town Board in
time to be reviewed at the monthly Town Board business meeting.
I. File an annual report with the local legislative body
(Dover Town Board) on or before the 31st day of December of each and every
year. Once approved, such legislative body shall forward a copy of this report
to the State Commissioner of Environmental Conservation.
J. Receive authorization from the Town Board before expending
any moneys exceeding $50.
K. In addition to the foregoing, carry out any other duties,
tasks or responsibilities consistent with the objectives of Article 12-F of
the General Municipal Law assigned to it by resolution of the Town Board,
Town of Dover.