[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee (now Township Council) of the Township of Greenwich 5-3-1971.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: The title of this Commission was changed 10-4-1976 from "Conservation Commission" to "Environmental Commission" pursuant to Section 8 of Chapter 35 of the Laws of 1972 (amends N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq.), which provided that Conservation Commissions established prior to the amendment would now be known as "Environmental Commissions."
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 Township of Greenwich.
[Amended 3-15-2021 by Ord. No. 3-2021]
The committee shall consist of not less than five nor more than seven members, who shall all be appointed by the Mayor. One member shall also be a member of the municipal Planning Board. The Mayor shall designate one member of the Commission to serve as Chairperson and one member to serve as Secretary. The members of said Environmental Commission shall receive no compensation for their services except that the Secretary shall receive the compensation provided in the annual Salary Ordinance of the Township.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 152, Salaries and Compensation.
The terms of office of the first Commissioners shall be for one two or three years, to be designated by the Mayor in making his appointments so that the terms of approximately 1/3 of the members will expire each year, and their successors shall be appointed for terms of three years and until the appointment and qualification of their successors.
The Mayor or governing body may remove any member of the Commission for cause, on written charges served upon the member and after a hearing thereon, at which hearing the member shall be entitled to be heard either in person or by counsel.
A vacancy on the Commission occurring otherwise than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment.
The Commission established under this chapter shall have the following powers to:
A. 
Conduct research into the use and possible use of the open land areas of the Township.
B. 
Conduct research into the proper use of the water resources within the territorial limits of the Township, 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 above purposes.
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 Planning Board programs and plans for inclusion in the Master Plan and recommend the development and use of such areas.
The Commission may, subject to the approval of the Township Council, acquire property, both real and personal, in the name of the Township 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 conservation 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 Township.
The Commission shall keep records of its meetings and activities and shall make an annual report of its activities to the Township Council. Such annual report shall be made each year on or about the anniversary date of the adoption of this chapter.
The expenses incurred by the Commission shall be within the limits of funds appropriated to it by the Township Council. The Commission may appoint such clerks and other employees as it may require and as shall be within the limits of funds appropriated to it.