Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq., as amended, the Council
of the Borough of Buena hereby establishes an Environmental Commission
to be known as the "Borough of Buena Environmental Commission."
[Amended 12-11-2006 by Ord. No. 542]
The Environmental Commission established under this chapter
shall have power to conduct research into the use and possible use
of the open land areas of the Borough 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 marsh lands, 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 Land Use Board programs for inclusion in a Municipal Master
Plan and the development and use of such areas.
The Borough of Buena Environmental Commission may, subject to
the approval of the governing body, acquire property, both real and
personal, in the name of the municipality, by gift, purchase, grant,
bequest, devise or lease, for any of its purposes and shall administer
such property for such purposes, subject to the terms of the conveyance
or gift. Any acquisition made by the Commission may be a fee simple
interest or any lesser interest, development right, easement (including
conservation easement) covenant or other contractual right (including
a conveyance on conditions or with limitations or reversions) as may
be necessary to acquire, maintain, improve, protect, limit the future
use of or otherwise conserve and properly utilize open spaces and
other land and water areas in the Borough.
The Environmental Commission shall keep records of its meetings
and activities and make an annual report to the Mayor and Council
of the Borough.
The Commission may appoint such clerks and other employees as
it may from time to time require, provided that the same be within
the limit of funds appropriated to it by the Mayor and Council. Additionally,
any other action taken by the Commission shall be consistent with
appropriations made to the Commission by the Mayor and Council, and
in no event shall the Commission undertake any activity or acquire
any property which would cause such Commission to exceed the appropriation
provided to it by the Mayor and Council.
The Environmental Commission shall have the power to study and
make recommendations concerning open space preservation, water resource
management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control,
soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, marine resources
and protection of flora and fauna.