There is created a Conservation Commission for the Town of Putnam
pursuant to Section 7-131a of the Connecticut General Statutes, as
amended, for the purpose of the development, conservation, supervision
and regulation of natural resources, including water resources, within
the Town of Putnam.
Said Commission shall consist of seven members, who shall be
appointed by the First Selectman. Said members shall be residents
of the Town of Putnam. One new member shall serve one year; two new
members shall serve two years; two new members shall serve three years;
and two new members shall serve four years. Upon the expiration of
any term of any member of said Commission, the appointment shall be
for a term of five years.
The Commission shall elect a Chairman and a Secretary from its
members, shall adopt rules for the transaction of business, and shall
keep a public records of its activities and make an annual report
to the First Selectman. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by
the First Selectman for the unexpired portion of the term.
[Amended 9-4-2018 STM]
Said Commission shall conduct researches into the utilization
and possible utilization of land areas of the Town of Putnam and may
coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar
purposes, and may advertise, prepare and distribute books, maps, charts,
plans and pamphlets necessary for its purposes. It shall keep an index
of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands,
swamps and other wetlands, for the purpose of obtaining information
on the proper use of such areas, and may from time to time recommend
to the Planning Commission plans and programs for the development
and use of such areas. It may, with the approval of the Town, acquire
land and easements in the name of the Town and promulgate rules and
regulations, including but not limited to the establishment of reasonable
charges for the use of the land and easements so acquired for any
of its purposes as herein set forth. The Commission may receive gifts
in the name of the Town of Putnam for any of its purposes and shall
administer the same for such purposes subject to the terms of the
gift.
The Commission may exchange information with the Commissioner
of Environmental Protection, and said Commissioner may, on request,
assign technical personnel to a Commission for assistance in planning
its overall program and for coordinating state and local conservation
activities.
[Added 1-30-1975 STM]
There shall be three alternate members, who shall have the same
qualifications as regular members and who shall be appointed by the
Board of Selectmen or a majority of said Board. One alternate member
shall serve from the date of appointment until the second Monday of
October 1973. One alternate member shall serve from the date of appointment
until the second Monday of October 1977. One alternate member shall
serve from the date of appointment until the second Monday of October
1979. On or before the second Monday of October 1975, and every other
year thereafter, the Board of Selectmen, or a majority of said Board,
shall appoint one alternate member for a term of five years from the
second Monday of October of the year in which appointment is made.