The preservation and improvement of the quality of the natural and man-made
environment within the Village of Hamburg in the face of population growth,
urbanization and technological change, with their accompanying demands on
natural resources, is found to be of increasing and vital importance to the
health, welfare and economic well-being of present and future inhabitants
and requires forthright action by the governing body of the Village of Hamburg.
It is recognized that the biologic integrity of the natural environment on
which humans are dependent for survival and the natural and functional beauty
of our surroundings which condition the quality of our life experience cannot
be protected without the full cooperation and participation of all the people
of the village working in partnership with local and state officials and with
various public and private institutions, agencies and organizations. Establishment
of a Commission for Conservation of the Environment is a necessary step in
fostering unified action on environmental problems.
The Village Board of Trustees of the Village of Hamburg hereby creates
a commission which shall be known as the "Village Environmental Conservation
Commission" for conservation of the environment, pursuant to Article 12f,
§ 239-x, General Municipal Law, hereinafter called the "Commission."
[Amended 9-2-2003 by L.L. No. 1-2003]
The Village Board of Trustees shall designate a member of the Commission
to act as Chairperson thereof. At the first meeting of the Commission its
members shall elect from among themselves a recording secretary. The Commission
shall adopt rules and procedures for its meetings. It shall keep accurate
records of its meetings and activities.
[Amended 9-2-2003 by L.L. No. 1-2003]
The powers and duties of the Commission shall be to:
A. Advise the Village Board of Trustees on matters affecting
the preservation, development and use of the natural and man-made features
and conditions of the village insofar as beauty, quality, biologic integrity
and other environmental factors are concerned and, in the case of man's activities
and developments, with regard to any major threats posed to environmental
quality, so as to enhance the long-range value of the environment to the people
of the village.
B. Develop and, after receiving general approval by resolution
of the Village Board of Trustees, 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 Village of Hamburg and such other studies
and surveys as may be necessary to carry out the general purpose of this chapter,
with the approval of the Village Board.
D. Seek to coordinate, assist and unify the efforts of private
groups, institutions and individuals with the Village of Hamburg in accord
with the purpose of this chapter.
E. Maintain liaison and communications with public and private
agencies and organizations of local, state and national scope whose programs
and activities have impact on the quality of the environment or who can be
of assistance to the Commission.
F. Prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts and
pamphlets in accord with the purposes of this chapter and the budget established
by the Village Board of Trustees.
G. Obtain and maintain in orderly fashion maps, reports,
books and other publications to support the necessary research of the Commission
into local environmental conditions.
H. Carry out such other duties as may be assigned from time
to time by the Village Board of Trustees.
The members of the Commission, including ex-officio members, shall receive
no compensation for their services as members thereof but may be reimbursed
for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their
duties within the appropriations made available therefor.
This chapter shall be deemed an exercise of the powers of the Village
of Hamburg to preserve and improve the quality of the natural and man-made
environment on behalf of the present and future inhabitants thereof. This
chapter is not intended and shall not be deemed to impair the powers of any
public corporation.