[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Cheektowaga 7-2-1990 by L.L. No. 3-1990. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Environmental impact review — See Ch. 107.
The preservation and improvement of the quality of the natural and man-made environment within the Town of Cheektowaga, in the face of population growth, urbanization and technologic 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 residents and require forthright action by the Town Board of the Town of Cheektowaga. 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 our 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 conservation council is a necessary step in fostering unified action on environmental problems.
The Town Board of the Town of Cheektowaga hereby creates a Conservation Advisory Council which shall be known as the "Cheektowaga Conservation Advisory Council," hereinafter called the "Council."
The Council shall consist of 10 members, of which seven shall be appointed by resolution of the Town Board and who shall serve for two years, at the pleasure of the Town Board, and the remainder shall be ex officio members as provided herein. Persons residing within the Town of Cheektowaga who are interested in the improvement and preservation of environmental quality shall be eligible for appointment as a member of the Council. Vacancies on the Council 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.
The Town Board shall designate a member of the Council to act as Chairman thereof. At the first meeting of the Council, its members shall elect from among themselves a Recording Secretary. The Council 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 § 9-6 of this chapter.
The powers and duties of the Council 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 quality, biologic integrity, beauty and other environmental factors are concerned. In the case of man's activities and developments, it shall advise on 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. 
Conduct and maintain an inventory of the natural resources within the Town of Cheektowaga.
C. 
Maintain an up-to-date index of all open marsh lands, swamps, wetlands and open areas as defined in § 239-y of the General Municipal Law, in public or private ownership within the municipality. Such index shall include the ownership, present and proposed uses of such open areas, so as to provide a base of information for recommendations by the Council for their preservation and/or use.
D. 
Seek to coordinate, assist and unify the efforts of private groups, institutions and individuals within the Town of Cheektowaga in accord with the purposes of this chapter.
E. 
Maintain liaison and communications with public and private agencies and organizations whose programs and activities have an impact on the quality of the environment or who can be of assistance to the Council.
F. 
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 Cheektowaga and, similarly, recommend to the Town Board appropriate and desirable changes in existing local laws and ordinances relating to environmental and land use controls or recommend new local laws and ordinances.
G. 
Prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts and pamphlets in accord with the purposes of this chapter.
H. 
Obtain and maintain in orderly fashion maps, reports, books and other publications to support the necessary researches of the commission into local environmental conditions.
I. 
When authorized by resolution of the Town Board of the Town of Cheektowaga, the Council may accept, by gift, grant, devise, bequest or otherwise, property, both real and personal, in the name of the Town of Cheektowaga, 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 Cheektowaga. Such real property may be accepted in fee for land and water rights or as any lesser interest, development right or easement, including conservation easement, covenant or other contractual right, including conveyance with limitations or reversions.
J. 
Carry out such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Town Board.
The Council shall keep accurate records of its meetings and actions and shall submit an annual report to the Town Board not later than the 31st day of December of each year, concerning the activities and work of the Council. From time to time, the Council shall submit such reports and recommendations as may be necessary to fulfill the purpose of this chapter.
The members of the Council, 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 thereof.