[Adopted 12-18-2023 by Ord. No. 2288[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also deleted former Art. I, Environmental Commission, adopted 4-23-1973 by Ord. No. 620, as amended.
It is hereby created and established an Environmental Advisory Committee for the Borough of South Plainfield.
A. 
The Environmental Advisory Committee shall consist of three to seven members, all of whom shall be residents of the Borough, appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Borough Council. Terms of office for all members shall be three years and until the appointment and qualification of their successors.
B. 
The Mayor shall appoint one member for one year, one member for two years, and one member for three years. In case of the initial appointment of the Committee to more than three members, a fourth member shall be appointed for one year; a fifth member for two years; a sixth and seventh member for three years. The terms shall commence on January 1, 2024. Thereafter, the Mayor shall appoint or reappoint members for three-year terms.
C. 
The Mayor shall designate one of the members of the Planning Board to serve as a liaison between the Environmental Advisory Committee and the Planning Board.
D. 
In the event of a vacancy occurring on the Committee other than by expiration of a term, it shall be filled for the unexpired term. All members of the Committee shall serve without compensation.
The Committee is established to assist in the protection, development and use of natural resources, including water resources, located within the territorial limits of the Borough. In order to carry out these purposes, the Committee shall have the following functions:
A. 
Promote conservation and development of the natural resources of the Borough by making recommendations to the appropriate Borough officials, boards and bodies.
B. 
Plan implement and inform the public about local conservation programs.
C. 
Research the use and possible use of open areas of the community and make recommendations to the Planning Board and/or Borough Council.
D. 
Prepare and recommend to the Borough Council the printing and distribution of books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which it feels are necessary to further its environmental advocacy role.
E. 
Act as the coordinating agency for the community on environmental matters, and a liaison between local environmental needs and regional, county, state and federal agencies administering to those needs.
F. 
Compile and annually update an environmental resource inventory of land and water resources, which are both publically or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, in order to obtain information on the proper use of such areas.
G. 
At the request of the Borough Administrator, review proposed and existing legislation and actions of regulatory agencies as they impact the environment and advise the Borough Council on such matters.
The Committee may recommend for adoption by the Borough Council suitable rules and regulations for the use of any such lands and the conduct of any persons while on or using same.
The Committee shall keep records of its meetings and activities and shall make an annual report on or about December 1 of each year and submit the report the Borough Council, which report shall be comprehensive and detailed concerning the operations and activities of the Committee during the preceding year.
A. 
The Committee shall conduct a reorganization meeting and shall hold an annual organizational meeting in January of each year.
B. 
The Committee shall elect a chairperson, vice chairperson and secretary at its annual meeting and shall adopt a resolution establishing the dates, times and places of committee meetings for the year.
C. 
The Committee is hereby authorized to adopt bylaws to govern its procedures.