[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the
Town of Clifton Park 5-15-1972. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Construction and design standards — See Ch. 86.
Farming — See Ch. 102.
Flood damage prevention — See Ch. 119.
Freshwater wetlands and stream protection — See Ch. 124.
Conservation easement — See Ch. 125.
Nature preserves — See Ch. 152.
Subdivision of land — See Ch. 179.
Cutting of timber — See Ch. 184.
Zoning — See Ch. 208.
Planned development districts — See Ch. A217.
[Amended 4-6-1998 by L.L. No. 2-1998]
The preservation and enhancement of the environment
in the Town of Clifton Park is recognized to be of vital importance
to the quality of life of present and future residents of Clifton
Park. Since population pressure, urbanization, technology changes
and changing cultural attitudes place demands on natural resources,
the Town Board further recognizes that the participation of its citizens
is vital for the protection of the environment. The establishment
of a local citizens' advisory commission on the environment is a necessary
step in understanding environmental issues for the purposes of sound
decision making.
The Town Board of the Town of Clifton Park hereby
creates, in order to carry out said legislative intent, a Commission
which shall be known as the "Environmental Conservation Commission,"
hereinafter referred to as the "Commission."
A.
The Commission shall consist of nine members and shall
be appointed by the Town Board. The term of office shall be two years.
Vacancies shall be filled by the same method as the original appointment.
A member shall be considered a holdover member until reappointed or
replaced. Replacement of an unexpired term shall be for the remainder
of the term. The Chairman of the Environmental Conservation Commission
(ECC) shall notify the Supervisor if any member shall miss three consecutive
or eight meetings in any calendar year. The Town Board, after reviewing
the information submitted by the Chairman, may, by resolution, remove
that member from the ECC.
[Amended 12-19-1977; 2-8-1988; 4-6-1998 by L.L. No. 2-1998; 2-1-2010 by L.L. No. 1-2010; 9-8-2014 by L.L. No. 7-2014]
B.
The Town Board shall be ex officio members of the
Commission.
C.
[1]The Town's Stormwater Management Officer, or his designee,
shall attend regular meetings of the Commission and provide to the
Commission resorts regarding proposed actions to be undertaken, funded
or approved by the Town. The Stormwater Management Officer, or his
designee, will not vote on any action considered by the Commission.
[Added 4-6-1998 by L.L. No. 2-1998; amended 9-8-2014 by L.L. No. 7-2014; 12-12-2022 by L.L. No. 3-2022]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection C, added 3-23-1992 by Res.
No. 88-1992, as amended, which pertained to associate members, was
repealed 9-8-2014 by L.L. No. 7-2014. This local law also provided
for the redesignation of former Subsection D as Subsection C.
A.
The Town Board shall designate a member of the Commission
to act as Chairman thereof.
B.
The Town of Clifton Park will appoint a Recording
Secretary to the Commission.
[Amended 4-6-1998 by L.L. No. 2-1998]
C.
The Commission shall adopt rules and procedures for
its meetings. The Commission and Recording Secretary shall keep accurate
records of its meetings and, as requested, provide timely reports
to other boards and commissions within the Town of Clifton Park.
[Amended 4-6-1998 by L.L. No. 2-1998]
[Amended 4-6-1998 by L.L. No. 2-1998]
The powers and duties of the Commission shall
be to:
A.
As requested, advise the Town Board, Planning Board
or other boards or commissions within the Town of Clifton Park on
matters affecting preservation, development and the use of natural
resources within the Town of Clifton Park. The Commission shall consider
the existing conditions and environmental impacts associated with
any proposed actions in order to formulate its recommendations.
B.
Participate in programs of public information that
are designed to increase community awareness regarding the environment.
C.
Participate in the design, implementation and review
of studies, surveys and inventories of environmental features within
the Town of Clifton Park.
D.
Work with the Town Stormwater Management Officer,
or his designee, to maintain a current inventory of publicly and privately
owned open spaces and special environmental features within the Town
of Clifton Park. This inventory should include, but not be limited
to: streams, lakes and ponds; floodways; wetlands; forests; scenic
vistas; unique biological communities (such as protected, rare, threatened
or endangered species); and natural landmarks.
[Amended 1-12-2015 by L.L. No. 1-2015; 12-12-2022 by L.L. No. 3-2022]
E.
Maintain liaison with public and private agencies,
authorities, organizations, institutions and individuals whose environmental
programs, activities or knowledge will help the Town meet the goals
of this chapter.
F.
Recommend to the Town Board, or its designated committee(s),
features, plans, programs or controls related to enhancement of environmental
quality for inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan.
G.
Recommend to the Town Board, or its designated committee(s),
new or amended regulations related to environmental quality for inclusion
in the Code of the Town of Clifton Park.
H.
As authorized by the Town Board, write, publish and
distribute books, maps, charts and pamphlets in accord with this chapter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection I, concerning acceptance
of property by gift or otherwise, was repealed 2-1-2010 by L.L. No.
1-2010, which ordinance also redesignated former Subsection J as Subsection
I.
I.
Carry out such duties as may be assigned from time
to time by the Town Board.
[Amended 2-8-1988]
The Commission shall submit an annual report
to the Town Board not later than December 31 of each year, concerning
the activities and work of the Commission and from time to time shall
submit such reports and recommendations as may be necessary to fulfill
the purposes of this chapter.
A.
The members of the Commission, including ex officio
members, shall receive no compensation for their services as members.
The Chairman shall receive a stipend as set by the Town Board.
[Amended 4-6-1998 by L.L. No. 2-1998]
B.
The Town Board may appropriate funds for the expenses
incurred by the Commission, including but not limited to expenses
for professional staff, consultants, clerical assistance and printing
and distribution of publications. The Commission should prepare and
submit an annual budget request in the manner prescribed by the Town
Board. The Town Board, upon request by the Commission, also may, from
time to time and for designated purposes, assign or detail public
employees to perform work for the Commission.
[Amended 2-8-1988]
This chapter shall be construed as an exercise
of the powers of the Town of Clifton Park to preserve and improve
the quality of the natural and man-made environment on behalf of the
present and future inhabitants thereof. This chapter is not intended
and shall not be deemed to impair the powers of any other public corporation.
