[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee (now Township Council) of the Township of Byram 10-2-1974 as Sec. 2-23 of the Revised General Ordinances of 1974. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 11-19-1990 by Ord. No. 14-1990]
There is hereby created in the Township of Byram a Commission to be known as the "Byram Township Environmental Commission," in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 3, Administration of Government, § 3-47.
A. 
The Commission shall consist of seven members and two alternates appointed by the Mayor. One member of the Commission shall be a member of the Municipal Planning Board and all members shall be residents of the municipality.
[Amended 1-17-2006 by Ord. No. 3-2006]
B. 
Of the original appointees, the terms of three members shall be for one year, the terms of two members shall be for two years and the terms of two members shall be for three years. Upon expiration of the terms of the original appointees, successors shall be appointed for terms of three years and shall serve until the appointment and qualification of their successors.
C. 
Alternate members shall be designated at the time of appointment as "Alternate No. 1" and "Alternate No. 2." The terms of the alternate members shall be for two years, except that the terms of the alternate members first appointed shall be two years for Alternate No. 1 and one year for Alternate No. 2. An alternate member shall not be permitted to act in any matter in which he has either directly or indirectly any personal or financial interest. An alternate member may participate in discussions of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member. A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote first.
[Added 1-17-2006 by Ord. No. 3-2006[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the redesignation of former Subsections C and D as Subsections D and E, respectively.
D. 
The members of the Environmental Commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
E. 
The Mayor and Township Council may remove any member of the Commission for cause, on written charges served upon the member, and after a hearing thereof at which the member shall be entitled to be heard in person or by counsel. A vacancy on the Commission occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment. An alternate member may, after public hearing if he requests one, be removed by the Township Council for cause.
[Amended 1-17-2006 by Ord. No. 3-2006]
[Amended 11-19-1990 by Ord. No. 14-1990]
The Mayor shall designate one of the members of the Environmental Commission to serve as Chairman and presiding officer. The Commission may appoint such clerks and other employees as it may from time to time require and as shall be within the limits of funds appropriated to it.
Meetings shall be held at regular intervals on such dates as the Commission shall determine and at the call of the Chairman. The Commission shall keep records of its meetings and activities and shall make an annual report to the Township Council.
The Environmental Commission shall have and enjoy the following powers and duties:
A. 
To conduct research into the use and possible use of the open land areas of the Township.
B. 
To coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for the purpose of promoting the conservation and development of natural resources.
C. 
To advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which, in its judgment, it deems necessary for its purposes.
D. 
To keep an index of all open areas publicly or privately owned, including open marsh lands, swamps and other wetlands, in order to obtain information on the proper use of such areas and from time to time recommend to the Planning Board plans and programs for inclusion in the Municipal Master Plan for the development and use of such areas.
E. 
Generally to have the power to do all things necessary to promote the conservation and development of the Township's resources, to provide the impetus and take leadership in natural resources planning and to inform the public about local conservation program and the need for conserving the natural resources of the Township.
The Commission may, subject to the approval of the Township Council, acquire property, both real and personal, in the name of the municipality by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise or lease for any of its purposes and shall administer the same for purposes subject to the terms of the conveyance or gift. Such an acquisition may be to acquire the fee or any lesser interest, development right, easement (including conservation easement), covenant or other contractual right (including a conveyance on conditions or with limitations or reversions) as may be necessary to acquire, maintain, improve, protect, limit the future use of or otherwise conserve or properly utilize open spaces and other land and water areas in the municipality.