[Ord. No. 3158, 7-26-1988, § 2-21.2; amended by Ord. No. 3295, 4-23-1991, § 1; Ord. No. 44-2023, 1-23-2024]
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 40:55D-27, there shall be an Environmental Commission established by the Council for the protection, development or use of natural resources located within the territorial limits of the Township, to consist of seven members, one of whom shall also be a member of the Planning Board, and two alternates.
[Ord. No. 3158, 7-26-1988, § 2-21.2; amended by Ord. No. 3295, 4-23-1991, § 2; Ord. No. 3898, 8-23-2005, § 1; Ord. No. 4084, 8-19-2008, § 1; Ord. No. 33-2021, 9-14-2021; Ord. No. 44-2023, 1-23-2024]
(a) 
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 and N.J.S.A. 40:69A-98, the members and alternate members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Municipal Manager. The Municipal Manager shall designate one of the members to serve as Chairperson and presiding officer of the Commission, who shall serve in such position at the pleasure of the Manager. The terms of the first Commissioners shall be for one year, two years or three years, to be designated by the Municipal Manager in making 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.
(b) 
The terms of the alternate members shall be for 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.
(c) 
The Municipal Manager may remove any member or alternate member of the Commission for cause, on written charges served upon the member, and after a hearing at which the member shall be entitled to be heard 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 the original appointment.
(d) 
An alternate member may participate in discussions of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member. A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote first.
[Ord. No. 3158, 7-26-1988, § 2-21.3; amended by Ord. No. 44-2023, 1-23-2024]
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq., the Commission shall have the power to conduct research into the use and possible use of the open land areas of the Township and may coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes and may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary for its purposes. It shall 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 may from time to time recommend to the Planning Board plans and programs for inclusion in a Master Plan and the development and use of such area. The Commission shall have power to study and make recommendations concerning open space preservation, water resources management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, marine resources and protection of flora and fauna. In addition, the Commission shall have the powers provided in N.J.S.A. 40:56A-6 as the same may be from time to time amended.
[Ord. No. 3158, 7-26-1988, § 2-21.4; amended by Ord. No. 44-2023, 1-23-2024]
The Council may appropriate funds for the expenses incurred by the Commission. The Commission may appoint such clerks and other employees as it may from time to time require, but only within the limit of funds appropriated to it by the Council. The Commission shall keep records of its meetings and activities and shall make periodic, but not less than annual, reports to the Council, in writing.