[Adopted 6-13-2023]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Art. XVI, Community Economic Development Commission, adopted 4-23-1985, as amended, was removed upon the expiration of the Commission.
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.
A. 
Members of the Sustainable West Hartford Commission shall have interest or experience in the field of environmental, social or economic sustainability.
B. 
At the time of first appointment of the members of the Sustainable West Hartford Commission, four members shall be appointed to serve until December 31, 2024, four members shall be appointed to serve until December 31, 2025, and three members shall be appointed to serve until December 31, 2026. Upon the expiration of these initial terms, each subsequent appointment shall be for a term of three years, commencing on the first day of January.
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.