[Adopted 8-19-2003 by L.L. No. 10-2003]
This article shall be known as the "Advisory Committee on Open Space Act." This article shall apply creation of an Advisory Committee on Open Space and to the appointment, terms, functions and powers of the members appointed to serve on the Committee.
The Town Board hereby finds and determines that in order to protect and safeguard the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of the Town of Yorktown and its residents; protect wetlands, water bodies, habitat areas, steep slopes, and other sensitive areas from encroachment; protect drinking water supplies, including both reservoirs and aquifers; protect and enhance the community character of residential neighborhoods; and protect the visual quality of scenic corridors, as well as key scenic vistas; it is necessary and proper to preserve significant remaining areas of open space throughout the Town of Yorktown. The Town Board further finds and determines that in endeavoring to accomplish said goal it will be most beneficial to have the advice and assistance of a committee of residents from throughout the Town who can formulate an open space preservation plan, advise on the Town's preservation efforts, identify open space preservation opportunities, form tactical plans and generally provide advice regarding open space preservation matters to the Town Board.
This article is enacted under the authority of Subparagraphs (a)(12) and (d)(3) of the Municipal Home Rule Law, § 10(1)(ii), and Municipal Home Rule Law § 22.
A. 
There is hereby created an Advisory Committee on Open Space, which hereinafter and elsewhere may be referred to by the acronym "ACOS."
B. 
ACOS shall be a multidisciplinary committee comprised of nine individuals, who are either residents of the Town of Yorktown or individuals who own businesses in the Town of Yorktown, appointed by the Town Board. The Chairperson(s) shall be appointed by the Town Board. Members must be 18 years of age or older. A person otherwise qualified shall not be disqualified from membership by virtue of being an employee or appointed officer of the Town of Yorktown.
[Amended 7-6-2010 by L.L. No. 4-2010]
C. 
The term of office of each member shall be three years, except that as to the members first appointed, three shall serve until December 31 in the year in which this Committee was established, three shall serve until the second December 31 and three shall serve until the third December 31. Members whose terms have expired shall continue to serve until their successors have been appointed. The Town Board shall have the power to remove any member for cause.
[Amended 7-6-2010 by L.L. No. 4-2010]
D. 
Vacancies shall be filled by the Town Board for the unexpired term of any member whose place has become vacant, whether by expiration, resignation, removal for cause, or otherwise.
E. 
The Committee shall elect from its membership a Secretary whose term of office shall be fixed by the Committee.
F. 
The members shall receive no salary or compensation for their services as members of ACOS.
A. 
ACOS shall be hold meetings at such times and places as its members shall determine, from time to time, but no less frequently than once per calendar quarter. Notice of such meeting shall be posted and published in accordance with the Open Meetings Law of the State of New York. A majority of said Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
B. 
Each of the nine members shall be allowed one vote, which vote shall be cast in person at a meeting. Determinations and actions by ACOS shall be made by majority vote of those members voting. The concurring vote of at least three members of the committee shall be necessary for the adoption of any recommendations, motions or other acts of the Committee.
C. 
The Secretary shall take minutes of the meetings and proceedings of the Committee and shall make a record of all resolutions and actions of the Committee. The records of the Committee shall set forth every determination made by the Committee. The Secretary shall file the records and minutes of the Committee in the Town Clerk's office.
ACOS shall assist and advise the Town Board and the Planning Board in carrying out the goals of the Town Comprehensive Plan with respect to open space conservation, identifying open space opportunities, formulating tactical plans to preserve open space, and coordinating the Town's implementation activities. Specifically, but without limitation, the Committee shall:
A. 
In consultation with the Town Board, the Planning Board and other appropriate boards, develop an Open Space Preservation Plan, based on the Town Comprehensive Plan with respect to open space conservation, that identifies critical areas or patterns of open space which should be protected and extended;
B. 
Develop specific open space opportunities that are necessary to fulfill this plan;
C. 
Enhance community awareness concerning the protection and extension of open space by educating the public about the role of Town government and other organizations in facilitating open space preservation and by giving information on various financial and legal mechanisms for achieving preservation;
D. 
Recommend strategies and actions to the Town Board and the Planning Board which will further the Open Space Preservation Plan;
E. 
Coordinate its activities with those of the Town's Conservation Board;
F. 
Serve as the Town's open space ombudsman; and
G. 
Report to the Town Board on its activities at least twice per year.