[Code 1974, § 121-1]
There is hereby created an environmental commission for the
Township.
[Code 1974, § 121-2]
The purpose for the environmental commission is to advise the
Township in:
(1)
Preventing pollution and encouraging the wise management of the natural
resources of the Township in the interest of the public health, safety,
and general welfare.
(2)
Preserving open space and natural areas in the Township for recreational
and environmental protection purposes.
(3)
Promoting a healthy environment and thus promoting the longterm economic
health of the Township, including protecting property values, and
avoiding the high financial burden of correcting environmental problems.
(4)
Ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal environmental
laws.
(5)
Meeting the policies of the Township Board and its agencies.
[Code 1974, § 121-3]
The environmental commission shall consist of seven members,
to be appointed by the Township Board. Members shall be residents
of the Township and shall have an interest or expertise in natural
resources, environmental protection, or ecology. All members shall
serve three-year terms, except that three members of the first commission
to be appointed shall serve a term of one year and two for a term
of two years. In addition two youth members shall be nonvoting, ex
officio members of the environmental commission. Their terms shall
be for one year.
[Code 1974, § 121-4]
Members of the environmental commission may be compensated at
a rate to be determined by the Township Board. Such rate of compensation,
if any, shall be established and may be revised from time to time
by resolution of the Township Board.
[Code 1974, § 121-5]
The environmental commission shall be organized as follows:
(1)
Chair. The environmental commission shall elect its chair from among
the voting members and create and fill such other of its offices as
it may determine. The term of the chair shall be one year with eligibility
for reelection.
(2)
Quorum. A majority of the voting membership shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business.
(3)
Meetings. The environmental commission shall hold at least one regular
meeting each month. Special meetings may be held at the call of the
chair or written request of two members of the commission upon at
least 48 hours' notice to the members thereof. All meetings shall
be subject to the Open Meetings Act (MCL § 15.261 et seq.).
(4)
Rules of procedure. The environmental commission shall adopt rules
for the transaction of business.
(5)
Records. The environmental commission shall keep minutes of its resolutions,
findings, and recommendations which shall be available to the public.
(6)
Budget and staff. The Township Board shall provide for staff support
and a budget.
[Code 1974, § 121-6]
The duties of the environmental commission shall include the
following:
(1)
Advise the Township Board, officials, and staff on matters pertaining
to environmental protection, management of natural resources, water
conservation, and preservation of open space.
(2)
Review Township ordinances, operating procedures, and activities
to identify conflicts with stated purposes in this division, and propose
improvements for Township Board consideration.
(3)
Develop educational and outreach programs for local agencies, businesses,
institutions, and individuals to encourage environmental stewardship.
(4)
Identify ways to ensure and improve the quality of the Township's
environment for the health and pleasure of the residents.
(5)
Assume the duties of the Township wetland board as outlined in § 22-120(c).
(6)
Assume such other duties that may be assigned by the Township Board.
