[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandt 3-25-1975 as L.L. No. 1-1975. Sections 15-3B, 15-4 and 15-6 amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I. Other amendments noted where applicable.]
The preservation and improvement of the quality of the natural and man-made environment within the Town of Cortlandt, in the face of population growth, urbanization and technological change, with their accompanying demands on natural resources, are found to be of increasing and vital importance to the health, welfare and economic well-being of present and future inhabitants and require forthright action by the governing body of the Town of Cortlandt. It is recognized that the biologic integrity of the natural environment on which man is dependent for survival and the natural and functional beauty of our surroundings which condition the quality of life experience cannot be protected without the full cooperation and participation of all the people of the town working in partnership with local and state officials and with various public and private institutions, agencies and organizations. Establishment of a commission for conservation of the environment is a necessary step in fostering unified action on environmental problems.
The Town Board of the Town of Cortlandt hereby creates a commission which shall be known as the "Cortlandt Conservation Advisory Council," hereinafter called the "Cortlandt CAC."
A. 
The Cortlandt CAC shall consist of nine (9) members appointed by the Town Board for terms of two (2) years. The first four (4) members appointed shall hold office for terms of one (1) year and the second five (5) for terms of two (2) years, and the successors of all nine (9) initial appointees shall be appointed for full terms of two (2) years. Persons residing within the Town of Cortlandt who are interested in the improvement and preservation of environmental quality shall be eligible for appointment as members of the Cortlandt CAC. Vacancies on the Cortlandt CAC shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, except that a vacancy occurring other than by the expiration of term of office shall be filled only for the remainder of the unexpired term.
B. 
The Town Supervisor, the Chairman of the Planning Board and the Director of Planning and Community Improvement shall be ex officio members of the Commission. Ex-officio members of the Commission shall not vote.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I.
The Town Board shall designate a member of the Cortlandt CAC Commission to act as Chairman thereof. At the first meeting of the Cortlandt CAC, its members shall elect from among themselves a Recording Secretary. The Cortlandt CAC shall adopt rules and procedures for its meetings. It shall keep accurate records of its meetings and activities and shall file an annual report as provided in § 15-6 of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I.
The powers and duties of the Cortlandt CAC shall be to:
A. 
Advise the Town Board on matters affecting the preservation, development and use of the natural and man-made features and conditions of the town insofar as beauty, quality, biologic integrity and other environmental factors are concerned and, in the case of man's activities and developments, with regard to any major threats posed to environmental quality, so as to enhance the long-range value of the environment to the people of the town.
B. 
Develop and, after receiving general approval by resolution of the Town Board, conduct a program of public information in the community which shall be designed to foster increased understanding of the nature of environmental problems and issues and support for their solutions.
C. 
Conduct studies, surveys and inventories of the natural and man-made features within the Town of Cortlandt and such other studies and surveys as may be necessary to carry out the general purposes of this chapter.
D. 
Maintain an up-to-date inventory or index of all open spaces in public or private ownership within the municipality, including but not limited to natural landmarks; glacial and other geomorphic or physiographic features; streams and their floodplains, swamps, marshlands and other wetlands; unique biotic communities; and scenic and other open areas of natural or ecological value and of the ownership, present use and proposed use of such open areas, so as to provide a base of information for recommendations by the Commission for the preservation and/or use of such areas.
E. 
Seek to coordinate, assist and unify the efforts of private groups, institutions and individuals with the Town of Cortlandt, in accord with the purposes of this chapter.
F. 
Maintain liaison and communications with public and private agencies and organizations of local, state and national scope whose programs and activities have an impact on the quality of the environment or who can be of assistance to the Commission.
G. 
Working in cooperation with the Planning Board, recommend, from time to time, to the Town Board features, plans and programs relating to environmental improvement for inclusion in the Master Plan of the Town of Cortlandt and, similarly, recommend to the Town Board appropriate and desirable changes in the existing local laws and ordinances relating to environmental control or recommend new local laws and ordinances.
H. 
Prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts and pamphlets in accord with the purposes of this chapter.
I. 
Obtain and maintain, in orderly fashion, maps, reports, books and other publications to support the necessary researches of the Commission into local environmental conditions.
J. 
When authorized by resolution of the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandt, accept by gift, grant, devise, bequest or otherwise property, both real and personal, in the name of the Town of Cortlandt, as may be necessary to conserve and otherwise properly utilize open spaces and other land and water resources within the boundaries of the Town of Cortlandt. Such real property may be accepted in fee for land and water rights or as any lesser interest, development right, easement, including conservation easement, covenant or other contractual right, including conveyance with limitations or reversions.
K. 
Carry out such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Board.
The Cortlandt CAC 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.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I.
The members of the Cortlandt CAC, including ex officio members, shall receive no compensation for their services as members thereof but may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties within the appropriations made available therefor.
This chapter shall be deemed an exercise of the powers of the Town of Cortlandt 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.