An Environmental Commission is hereby established for the protection,
development or use of natural resources, including water resources, located
within the territorial limits of the Borough of Paulsboro.
The Commission established under this chapter shall have the following
powers:
A. Conduct research into the use and possible use of the
open land areas of the Borough.
B. Conduct research into the proper use of the water resources
within the territorial limits of the Borough, the preservation of such resources
and the elimination of pollution and improper drainage.
C. Coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized
for similar purposes.
D. Advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps,
charts, plans and pamphlets necessary for the Commission's purpose, subject
to the prior approval of Borough Council and certification of the availability
of funds by the Administrator/CFO and within the limits of funds appropriated
to the Commission by Borough Council.
E. Maintain and keep an index of all open areas, publicly
or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands so
as to obtain information on the proper use of such areas.
F. Recommend to the Land Use Board programs and plans for
inclusion in the Master Plan and the development and use of such areas.
The Commission may, subject to the approval of the Borough Council,
acquire property, both real and personal, in the name of the Borough by gift,
purchase, grant, bequest, devise or lease for any of its purposes and shall
administer the same for such purposes subject to the terms of the conveyance
or gift. Such an acquisition may be to acquire the fee or any lesser interest,
development right, easement (including commission easement), covenant or other
contractual right (including a conveyance on conditions or with limitations
or reservations) as may be necessary to acquire, maintain, improve, protect,
limit the future use of or otherwise conserve and properly utilize open spaces
and other lands and water areas in the Borough.
The Commission shall keep records of its meetings and activities and
shall make an annual report of its activities to the Borough Council. Such
annual report shall be made each year on or about the anniversary date of
the adoption of this chapter.
The Borough Council may appropriate funds for the expenses incurred
by the Environmental Commission. The Commission may appoint such clerks and
other employees as it may from time to time require and as shall be within
the limits of funds appropriated to it.