The Waterford Township Wildfire Safety Council is hereby established.
The purpose of the Wildfire Safety Council (WSC) is to coordinate
wildfire prevention efforts within the Township. To coordinate these
efforts, the WSC may, with municipal approval, seek grant funding,
propose and conduct outreach efforts, and develop educational opportunities
to inform residents what they can do personally to reduce their wildfire
risks. The WSC may act as the point of contact for the New Jersey
Forestry Services, Forest Fire Service and their many outreach and
educational efforts, including but not limited to Firewise Communities,
Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), and Ready Set Go, for
the purpose of reducing the risk of wildfire for all residents. The
WSC may seek technical assistance from state and federal agencies
and arrange and conduct training exercises for residents and municipal
staff. The WSC's purpose is to increase the wildfire preparedness
and planning capacity in the Township.
The WSC shall conduct all meetings pursuant to the Open Public
Meetings Act (OPMA) and record minutes to reflect the business conducted
during the meetings. The WSC shall meet quarterly or more frequently
as needed to address the specific needs of the municipality. The WSC
shall submit an annual report to the Mayor and is encouraged to also
submit a report to the State Forest Firewarden at the New Jersey Forestry
Services, Forest Fire Service, to provide an accounting of the official
duties performed and tasks completed by the Council during the preceding
year. The report is to be submitted by February 1 of each calendar
year.
The WSC may seek, accept and spend grant or donated funds for
projects submitted to address the wildfire needs of the Township subject
to required municipal auditing practices as established by the Waterford
Township Chief Financial Officer. Any member responsible for managing
and spending funds shall be bonded by the Township.