A program to provide an orderly process to balance
the need for the economic growth of Meriden and the use of its land
with the need to protect its environment and ecology is in the best
interests of the health, welfare and safety of its citizens.
By the authority granted under Chapter 439 of
the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, an inland wetlands and
watercourse agency is hereby established. The name of said agency
shall be the "Meriden Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission."
[Amended 1-18-1994]
The Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission shall consist of seven members, one of whom shall be a member of the Planning Commission. All members shall be appointed in accordance with § C3-3J of the City Charter and may be removed by the City Council. The member of the Commission who is a member of the Planning Commission shall serve at the pleasure of the City Council as long as he is a member of said Planning Commission. The remaining members shall serve for terms of three years, except that of the first members appointed three shall be appointed for terms of three years, two shall be appointed for terms of two years, and two shall be appointed for terms of one year. A member appointed to the Commission to replace a member whose term has not expired shall be appointed for the unexpired term only.
At its April meeting the Inland Wetlands and
Watercourse Commission shall elect from its members a Chairman, Vice
Chairman and Secretary.
The Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission
shall meet as often as it deems necessary pursuant to its own rules
of procedure, but no less than once a month. It shall file a monthly
report of its activities and financial statement with the City Council.
A.
The Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission shall
have such powers and duties as are assigned to it by Chapter 440,
Wetlands and Watercourses, of the Connecticut General Statutes, as
amended, and/or any legislation by the City Council.
[Amended 3-20-2017]
B.
The Meriden Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission
shall compile, interpret and place on file data on the status of Meriden's
environment and ways to improve it.
C.
Pursuant to § 25-84 of the General Statutes
of the State of Connecticut, the Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission
is appointed as the Flood Control Implementation Agency of the City
of Meriden. Said Commission's primary responsibility shall be in the
implementation and development of a flood control plan pursuant to
the PL-566 Study of 1962. Said Commission shall meet every two months
and report semiannually to the City Council. Said Commission is mandated
to hold public hearings in the months of April and October in order
that the public be apprised of its progress. The City Council reserves
the right to approve or disapprove any action taken by the Flood Control
Implementat-++ion Agency of the City of Meriden.[1]
D.
Enforcement; penalties for offenses.
[Added 3-20-2017]
(1)
In accordance
with Connecticut General Statutes § 22a-42g, and in addition
to any other penalties and enforcement powers, the Inland Wetlands
and Watercourse Commission shall have the authority to establish fines
for violations of its regulations adopted pursuant to Connecticut
General Statutes § 22a-42. However, no fine shall be levied
against the State of Connecticut or any State of Connecticut employee
while acting within the scope of his or her employment.
(2)
Any police officer or other person authorized by the City Manager may issue a citation to any person who commits a violation. The citation process and the citation hearing procedure in Chapter 86 of the Meriden City Code and Connecticut General Statutes § 7-152c shall be followed.
(3)
Any
fine collected shall be deposited into the General Fund or in any
special fund designated by the City Council.
Except where otherwise specifically provided
by statute, Charter or other legislation, a majority of the members
of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission must be present
to constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of the total membership
of the Commission is required for action. The Commission may establish
such rules of procedure as it deems necessary, provided that no such
rule shall conflict with any other legislation.
