[Ord. 1078, 2/21/2006]
The Mechanicsburg Borough Environmental Advisory Council is hereby established to advise and counsel other Borough agencies, including, but not limited to, the Borough Council, Mayor, Planning Commission, Park and Recreation Board, the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Mechanicsburg, Historical Architectural Review Board, and appointed officials, on matters dealing with protection, conservation, management, promotion and use of natural resources, including air, land and water resources, located within Borough limits.[1] The Council shall have no autonomous powers but shall serve solely in an advisory capacity.
[1]
See 53 Pa.C.S.A. § 2322 et seq.
[Ord. 1078, 2/21/2006]
The Council shall have the power and duty to:
A. 
Identify environmental problems and recommend plans and programs to the appropriate agencies, including Borough Council, Mayor, Planning Commission, Recreation Board, the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Mechanicsburg, and appointed officials, for the promotion and conservation of the natural resources and for the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment within the Borough consistent with its Comprehensive Plan.
[Amended by Ord. 1170, 3/16/2021]
B. 
Make recommendations as to the possible use of open land areas within the Borough, and to keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including flood-prone areas, swamps and other unique natural areas, for the purpose of obtaining information on the proper use of those areas.
C. 
Make recommendations regarding issues with environmental impact, including but not limited to air and water quality.
D. 
Promote a community environmental program.
E. 
Advise the appropriate local government agencies in the acquisition of both real and personal property by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, easement, devise or lease, in matters dealing with the purposes of this subpart.
F. 
Work with schools and environmental groups to enhance community environmental education programs.
G. 
Monitor recycling collection practices and review bid and contract documents for compliance with Pennsylvania State regulations regarding the promotion of recycling, as outlined in Act 101[1] and other applicable law.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 4000.101 et seq.
H. 
Consult with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, environmental advisory councils in neighboring municipalities and any other appropriate county, state and federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations with respect to environmental issues affecting the Borough.
I. 
Perform any other duties assigned by the Borough Council.
[Ord. 1078, 2/21/2006; as amended by Ord. 1170, 3/16/2021]
The Mechanicsburg Borough Environmental Advisory Council shall be composed of seven residents of the Borough appointed by Borough Council, and appointments shall be as follows: three members to be appointed for three years, two for two years and two for one year, and thereafter each appointment shall be for terms of three years. All terms shall expire on December 31, and the remaining portion of calendar year 2006 shall be added to the initial terms. One member shall also be a member of the Borough Planning Commission. In addition, members may appoint a representative from the Mechanicsburg Area High School Environmental Club to sit as a nonvoting member for terms not exceeding one year. Each member shall serve at the pleasure of Borough Council. Members shall receive no compensation for their services but may be reimbursed for expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in the performance of their duties as permitted by law, provided that the expenses have the approval of the Borough Council.
[Ord. 1078, 2/21/2006]
Officers shall be chosen in each even-numbered year. The Chairperson shall be appointed by the Borough Council. A Vice Chairperson and Secretary shall be elected by the members. A recording secretary, who shall not have a vote, shall be provided by the Borough Council. The Chairperson shall designate such committees, which may include nonmembers, as he deems necessary.
[Ord. 1078, 2/21/2006]
The Council shall meet no less than monthly on dates chosen annually in advance by the members. Special meetings may be held at the call of the Chairperson or the Borough Council upon at least 24 hours' advance notice to each member. Meetings shall be advertised and conducted under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.[1] A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at a duly constituted meeting shall be required to transact any business. The Council shall keep written minutes of its meetings and retain written records of its activities. Meeting minutes and an annual report of its activities shall be provided to the Borough Council and shall also be made available to the public upon request.
[1]
See 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq.
The Borough Council may appropriate funds for the expenses incurred by the Council in accordance with an annual budget. Appropriations may be expended for such administrative, clerical, printing, engineering, planning and legal services as may from time to time be required and approved by the Borough Council and shall be within the limits of the annual budget.