In accordance with the provisions of R.I.G.L. § 45-35-1, there
is established a Conservation Commission consisting of seven members residing
in the Town to be appointed by the Council. As terms expire, appointments,
other than interim appointments, shall be for terms of three years, and shall
commence in the month of January. Said Commissioners shall continue to hold
their respective offices until their successors are qualified. Members of
said Conservation Commission shall serve without pay. The Recording Clerk
shall be approved by said Commission and appointed by the Town Council. In
event of a vacancy, interim appointments may be made by the appointing authority
to complete the unexpired term of such position.
At least three members of the Commission must, if possible, be members
of duly incorporated and existing wildlife, conservation, sportsman, horticultural,
or like organizations. Such organizations may present lists of qualified citizens
to the Town Council for consideration when new or interim appointments must
be made.
Said Commission may receive gifts of funds, lands, buildings or other
properties in the name of the municipality, subject to the approval of its
Council, and thereafter shall manage same in accordance with the purposes
set forth in this chapter. However, such power shall not be construed to deny
the people access to said lands for all legitimate purposes. No municipal
corporation may deny or restrict to the people free access to said lands,
or to any other land held by or for the municipality for recreation purposes.
All meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public, and any
person or his duly constituted representative shall be entitled to appear
and be heard on any matter before the Commission before it reaches its decision.
All records of its proceedings, resolutions, and actions shall be open to
public view.