The Town Council hereby establishes a Sustainable West Hartford
Commission consisting of 11 electors of the Town for the purpose of
promoting practices that lead to greater environmental, social and
economic sustainability; ensuring a high quality of life for present
and future generations by fostering an inclusive, resilient, and thriving
community; and encouraging the responsible use and conservation of
energy and natural resources.
The members of the Commission shall serve without compensation,
but their necessary and actual expenses incurred in the performance
of their actual duties shall be paid by the Town within limits of
any appropriation made therefor.
The Sustainable West Hartford Commission shall, at its first
meeting following the effective date of its appointment, and annually
thereafter, elect a Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary from among its
members.
The Town Manager shall designate one or more representatives
from his or her office or other appropriate department to serve as
a staff liaison for the Sustainable West Hartford Commission for the
purposes of coordination and administrative support.
The Commission established by this article shall:
A. Identify and prioritize concerns and issues relating to long-term
environmental, social and economic sustainability of the Town of West
Hartford with due consideration of local, regional, state, national,
and global contexts.
B. Advise and make recommendations to the Town Manager on policies,
programs and proposals regarding sustainable practices including,
but not limited to, environmental and ecological resources, air, water,
energy, land, waste, materials management, transportation, climate
change, equity and environmental justice.
C. Collaborate with and serve as a resource for Town Council, Town departments,
boards, commissions, and committees of the Town, and the community
at large in order to advance a comprehensive, integrated approach
to sustainability.
D. Develop and encourage efforts, relationships and resources to educate
and act on sustainability within our community and beyond and to serve
as a community liaison for issues, ideas, and proposals.
E. File an annual written report with the Town Council. Such report
shall include a summary of current sustainability initiatives, as
well as recommendations for future sustainability initiatives and
policy.