[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township
of Waterford 2-14-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-1. Amendments noted where applicable.]
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.
A.
The WSC shall consist of a minimum of five members appointed by the
Mayor, with membership as follows: the OEM Coordinator, the local
Fire Chief(s) [or representative of the local fire company(s)], representatives
from businesses or companies with an interest in wildfire, safety,
(insurance and utility companies), as well as interested residents.
The members shall serve without compensation unless otherwise provided.
The Mayor shall designate one of the members to serve as Chairman
and presiding officer of the Council. The terms of office of the first
Councilmembers shall be for one, two, or three years, to be designated
by the Mayor in making his/her appointments, and their successors
shall be appointed for terms of three years and until the appointment
and qualification of their successors. The first members of the Council
shall be appointed for the following terms:
(1)
Class A member (member for the one-year term expiring December 31,
2018): the Waterford Township Fire Chief or designee.
(2)
Class B member (one member for the two-year term expiring December
31, 2019): OEM Coordinator or Deputy.
(3)
Three to five members for the three-year term expiring December 31,
2020: interested members from the local community, which can include,
but not be limited to, local Planner, Construction Code Official,
residents in fire-prone area, insurance company representatives, utility
company representatives, land trusts, large landowners.
(4)
One member from the Township Committee to serve as a liaison in an
ex officio, nonvoting position.
(5)
External advisors from the New Jersey State Forestry Services, New
Jersey Forest Fire Service, etc., as needed in ex officio, nonvoting
position(s).
B.
The Mayor, on notice to the Township Committee, may remove any member
of the Council for cause, on written charges served upon the member.
The member shall be entitled to a hearing within 30 days before the
Township Committee and has the right to representation by legal counsel.
The member must advise, in writing, to the Township Clerk of request
for a hearing within three days after receipt of charges.
C.
A vacancy on the Council occurring otherwise than expiration of a
term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as
an original appointment.
A.
The WSC is hereby established for the protection of municipal residents
by increasing the capacity of education, training and prevention efforts.
The WSC may seek grant funds in accordance with municipal policies,
coordinate efforts to increase outreach, provide education and training
and act as a link to the local fire companies for evacuation and training
efforts. The WSC may conduct studies, training and outreach, and seek
technical and financial assistance for wildfire risk reduction. The
WSC may coordinate local planning efforts to ensure fuel breaks may
be constructed in new developments and with the Construction Code
Official to ensure that appropriate fire-retardant building materials
are used when practical and applicable in fire-prone areas.
B.
On written notice to the Mayor and Township Committee, the WSC may
form subcommittees of volunteers or enlist advisors to increase the
Council's ability to address specific wildfire needs as they
are identified.
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.
