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 Stafford.
[Amended 3-15-1988 by Ord. No. 88-25]
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 Stafford. The Mayor shall designate one of the members of the Environmental
Commission to serve as Chairperson and presiding officer.
[Amended 1-16-1990 by Ord. No. 90-07]
B. The Mayor shall have the right to appoint a Citizens'
Advisory Committee to the Environmental Commission. The Citizens'
Advisory Committee shall consist of up to 15 members, appointed by
the Mayor of the Township of Stafford. The members of the Citizens'
Advisory Committee shall not considered members of the Environmental
Commission, but rather an advisory committee to the Environmental
Commission. The Citizens' Advisory Committee shall, as directed by
the Environmental Commission, assist the Environmental Commission
in its work and perform such other functions as directed and authorized
by the Environmental Commission.
[Amended 1-16-1990 by Ord. No. 90-07]
A. The initial terms 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, his 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.
The Mayor or governing body of the Township
may remove any member of the 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 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 governing body concerning the same.
D. Keep records of its meetings and activities and make
an annual report to the governing body.
E. 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
the terms of the conveyance or gift.