[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Upper Providence 3-21-2022 by Ord. No. 593 (Ch. 38 of the 1990 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Upper Providence Township Board of Supervisors hereby establishes an Environmental Advisory Council in accordance with the provisions of 53 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 2321 through 2329, relating to environmental advisory councils, except, however, that the powers of the Council are limited to those set forth in this chapter.
The Environmental Advisory Council shall be composed of five residents of Upper Providence Township. Council members shall be appointed according to the following procedures:
A. 
All Council members shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors of Upper Providence Township.
B. 
Council members' terms of office shall expire on the first Monday in January following the last year of their term of office.
C. 
Council members shall serve a term of three years, except that initial appointments shall be staggered so that two members serve three-year terms, two members serve two-year terms, and one member serves a one-year term.
D. 
The five members of the Council shall include a member of the Parks and Recreation Board, a member of the Upper Providence Township Municipal Authority, and a member of the Township Planning Commission.
E. 
The Council shall include a Chairperson appointed by the Board of Supervisors. A Vice Chairperson and Secretary shall be elected by the members of the Council.
Members of the Environmental Advisory Council shall receive no compensation for their services but may be reimbursed for the expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in performance of their duties, provided that such expenses have been preapproved by the Board of Supervisors. The Council may not contract separately for professional or vendor services but shall have access to Township professional services.
The Environmental Advisory Council shall have the power to:
A. 
Identify environmental issues and recommend plans and programs to the Board of Supervisors for the promotion and conservation of the natural resources and for the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment within Upper Providence Township.
B. 
With the prior approval of the Board of Supervisors, promote community programs that build environmental literacy among Township residents, community organizations and businesses.
C. 
Upon request of the Board of Supervisors, keep an index of all open space areas, publicly or privately owned, including flood-prone areas, swamps and other unique natural areas, for the purpose of obtaining information on the proper use of those areas.
D. 
Upon request of the Board of Supervisors, make recommendations regarding the acquisition of both real and personal property by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, easement, devise, or lease in matters pertaining to the protection, conservation, management, promotion and use of the natural resources of the Township.
E. 
Undertake such environmental tasks as requested by the Board of Supervisors of Upper Providence Township.
F. 
The Council has no powers, express or implied, that are other than as set forth here. Any action that is other than a direct recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, including but not limited to community outreach programs, requires the express approval of the Board of Supervisors. Expenditures other than for routine supplies and materials must be approved by the Board of Supervisors.
G. 
Members of the Council shall not state or imply at any time that they are speaking for or on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, unless the Supervisors have expressly authorized or requested such.
The Environmental Advisory Council shall keep records of its meetings and activities and shall make an annual report which shall be printed and made available to the public. Minutes of each meeting shall be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors.
The Upper Providence Township Board of Supervisors may, from time to time, appropriate funds for the expenses incurred by the Environmental Advisory Council.