[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Atlantic City 6-16-2021 by Ord. No. 25-2021. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
The Atlantic City Environmental Commission shall consist of seven members and two alternates, to be appointed by the Mayor, who shall designate one of the members to serve as Chairperson and presiding officer. All members and alternates must be residents of the City of Atlantic City. Each ward of the City shall be represented by at least one member. No ward shall have more than two members and alternates combined. One of the members shall also be a member of the Planning Board and one a member of the City Council. At least one member shall be a professional environmental scientist, geologist, toxicologist, botanist or other environmental specialist. All members and alternates shall serve without compensation.
B. 
Each member of the Environmental Commission shall be appointed for a term of three years. All appointments to fill vacancies that may occur shall be for the unexpired term of the vacating member.
C. 
The terms of the alternate members shall be for two years.
The purposes of the Environmental Commission are to:
A. 
Promote the protection and conservation of land, air, water and other natural resources within the territorial limits of the City. Such promotion shall consist of educating the public and advising the City government about the best methods for protecting and conserving these resources.
B. 
Assist the City in the proper development and use of these resources by making recommendations concerning the planning efforts of the various departments, agencies and agents who provide environmental services.
C. 
Promote the protection of the public health by educating the public and advising City government about environmental health hazards.
D. 
Conduct research into the use and possible use of open land areas of Atlantic City and:
(1) 
Have the power to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes.
(2) 
Keep an index of all open areas, whether publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, in order to obtain information on the proper use of such areas.
(3) 
Have the authority to recommend to the Planning Board plans and programs for the development and use of such areas for inclusion in the Atlantic City Master Plan.
E. 
Study and make recommendations concerning open space preservation, water resources management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, environmental appearance, marine resources, protection of flora and fauna and any other environmental concerns which affect the enjoyment and health of the public.
F. 
Refer matters to the proper City authorities whenever violations of environmental law come to its attention.
G. 
Keep records of its meetings and activities and shall make an annual report to the City Council.
H. 
Assist Atlantic City's Sustainable Green Team, that is responsible for pursuing and maintaining the City's Sustainable Jersey certification, through collaboration with the municipality and public to develop and support sustainable initiatives for the City.
A. 
For the purpose of effectuating the goals of this chapter, the Environmental Commission shall have such clerical and technical assistance, as needed, but without financial impact to the City.
B. 
The Commission may appoint such clerks and other employees as it may from time to time require, but without financial impact to the City.
The Mayor may remove any member of the Commission for cause, on written charges. Such written charges must be served upon the member, and after a hearing on the allegations the member shall be entitled to be heard in person or by counsel.