The preservation and improvement of the quality of the natural and man-made
environment within the Town of Phelps, in the face of population growth, urbanization
and technologic change with their accompanying demands on natural resources,
are found to be of increasing and vital importance to the health, welfare
and economic well-being of present and future inhabitants and to require forthright
action by the government body of the Town of Phelps. It is recognized that
the biologic integrity of the natural environment on which man is 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 town 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.
This chapter shall be deemed as exercise of the powers of the Town of
Phelps 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 other public
corporation.
The Town Board of the Town of Phelps hereby creates a Commission which
shall be known as the "Phelps Commission for Conservation of the Environment,"
hereinafter called the "Commission."
The Town Board shall designate a member of the Commission to act as Chairman 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 meeting. It shall keep accurate records of its meetings and activities and shall file an annual report as provided in §
11-6 of this chapter. A majority of the regular members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, and only regular members shall have a vote on any matter before the Commission.
The Commission shall submit an annual report to the Town Board not later
than the first day of April of each year, concerning the activities and work
of the Commission and from time to time shall submit such reports and recommendations
as may be necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter.
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.