[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township
of West Deptford 6-18-1970 as
Section 2:7-4 of the General Ordinances. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
Creation. There is hereby established an Environmental Commission
in the Township of West Deptford for the protection, development or
use of natural resources, including water resources, located within
the territorial limits of this Township.
B.
Membership. The Environmental Commission of the Township of West
Deptford shall consist of seven members, and two alternates, all of
whom shall be residents of the Township of West Deptford, all of whom
shall be appointed by the Mayor and one of whom shall be a member
of the Township Planning Board. The Mayor shall designate one of the
members to serve as Chairman and presiding officer of the Commission.
All members of the Environmental Commission shall serve without compensation.
[Amended 4-1-2015 by Ord.
No. 2015-05]
C.
Terms of office.
[Amended 4-1-2015 by Ord.
No. 2015-05]
(1)
Commissioners. The terms of office of the first Commissioners shall
be as follows: Three of the Commissioners shall be appointed for three-year
terms, two of the Commissioners for two-year terms and two of the
Commissioners for one-year terms. The Mayor shall designate the term
of each Commissioner appointed, making his appointments for the first
time. Successors shall be appointed for terms of three years and until
the appointment and qualification of their respective successors.
(2)
Alternate Commissioners. The terms of office of the first alternates
shall be as follows: One of the alternates shall be appointed for
a one-year term and one alternate shall be appointed for a two-year
term. The Mayor shall designate the term of each alternate appointed,
making his/her appointment for the first time. Successors shall be
appointed for terms of two years and until the appointment and qualification
of their respective successors.
D.
Removal. The Township Committee may remove any member of the Commission
for cause, on written charges served upon the member and after a hearing
thereon at which the member shall be entitled to be heard in person
or by counsel.
E.
Vacancies. A vacancy on the Commission occurring other than by expiration
of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner
as an original appointment.
A.
General. General powers and duties of the Environmental Commission
shall be those set forth by state statute and in any amendments thereof
and supplements thereto. In addition, the Township Committee may,
by ordinance or resolution, assign to the Commission further powers
and duties relating to conservation as may be permitted by law.
B.
Powers.
(1)
Specific powers. The Commission shall have the power to conduct research
into the use and possible use of the open land areas of West Deptford
Township 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
marshlands, 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 Planning Board of the Township plans and programs for inclusion
in a municipal master plan and the development and use of such areas.
(2)
Acquisition of property. The Environmental Commission may, subject
to the approval of the Township Committee, acquire property, both
real and personal, in the name of the Township, by gift, purchase,
grant, bequest, devise or lease for any of its purposes and shall
administer the same for such purposes subject to the terms of the
conveyance or gift. Such an acquisition may be to acquire the fee
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 or otherwise
conserve and properly utilize open spaces and other land and water
areas in the municipality.
C.
Duties; records and reports. The Environmental Commission shall keep
records of its meetings and activities and shall make an annual report
to the Township Committee.
A.
General. The Township Committee shall have financial duties with
reference to the Environmental Commission. Said Committee shall annually
review the budgetary request and records of said Commission and in
general maintain financial control of its operation.
B.
Appropriation. The Township Committee may appropriate funds for the
expenses incurred by the Environmental Commission. The Commission
may appoint such clerks and other employees as it may from time to
time require and as shall be within the limits of funds appropriated
to it.
