[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Gloucester 5-14-1979 by Ord. No. O-79-23. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 4-28-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-14[1]]
The Township Council hereby creates and establishes an Environmental and Open Space Advisory Committee, which Committee shall be concerned with the protection, development and the use of the natural resources located within the territorial limits of the Township of Gloucester.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance changed the name of the "Environmental Advisory Committee" to the "Environmental and Open Space Advisory Committee."
[Amended 1-14-1985 by Ord. No. O-84-62; 12-16-2002 by Ord. No. O-02-51; 4-28-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-14]
The Environmental and Open Space Advisory Committee shall be composed of five members, appointed by the Mayor, which persons shall be citizens and residents of the Township of Gloucester and one of whom shall be a member of the Township Planning Board and one shall be a member of the Township Zoning Board of Adjustment. Such Committee members shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. Members shall receive no compensation for their services but may receive reimbursement for proper and authorized out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with existing Township regulations and within the limits of funds appropriated to it for such purpose by the Township Council.
A. 
The Committee is formed for the following purposes:
(1) 
The promotion of the conservation and development of the natural resources of the Township.
(2) 
The planning, implementing and informing of the general public with respect to local conservation programs.
(3) 
The responsibility to compile and maintain an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including marshlands, swamps and other wetlands.
(4) 
The conduct of all appropriate research into the possible use or uses of open spaces in the Township.
(5) 
The submission of recommendations to the Planning Board and the Township Council of appropriate plans and programs for inclusion in the Township Master Plan and for the general development and use of such areas and to make recommendation to Township Council for the possible purchase of open space through the use of the Township's Open Space Trust Fund.
[Amended 4-28-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-14]
(6) 
The preparation of advertisements, books, maps, charts and other appropriate material necessary to the discharge of its duties, and the distribution of the same.
(7) 
To act as a coordinating agency in the community with respect to conservation matters and as a liaison between local conservation needs and other local boards and commissions and the regional, state and federal agencies responsible for administering to those needs.
(8) 
Study and make recommendations concerning open space preservation, water resources management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, marine resources and protection of flora and fauna.
B. 
The Committee shall act and discharge its duties within the limits of funds appropriated to it for such purpose by the Gloucester Township Council.
The Mayor shall designate one of the members to serve as Chairman and presiding officer of the Committee. The Committee is authorized to adopt bylaws governing its procedural operation.
[Amended 4-28-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-14]
The Environmental and Open Space Advisory Committee shall keep records of all its meetings and activities and shall make an annual report to the governing body of the municipality on or before the first day of February of each year.
If any article, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision or invalidity shall not affect the remaining portions or provisions of this chapter.
This chapter shall take effect upon final adoption and publication in the manner prescribed by law.