§ 4-61. Environmental Commission (N.J.S.A. 40:56A-3 et seq.).

A. 

Creation. There is hereby created an Environmental Commission known as the "West Windsor Environmental Commission" for the protection, development or use of the natural resources, including water resources, located within the territorial limits of the Township, pursuant to the provisions of law.

B. 

Appointment; terms of office; vacancies; compensation.

(1) 

The Mayor shall appoint seven members of the Commission, one of whom shall be a member of the Planning Board and all of whom shall be residents of the Township. The terms of office of the first Commissioners shall be for one, two or three years and are to be designated by the Mayor in making the appointments so that the initial terms of approximately 1/3 of the members will expire each year, and their successors shall be appointed for terms of three years and until the appointment and qualification of their successors. The Mayor shall also designate the Chair.

(2) 

The Mayor may remove any member of the Commission for cause, on written charges served upon the member, and after a hearing thereon at which the member shall be entitled to be heard in person or by counsel.

(3) 

A vacancy in the Commission occurring otherwise than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment.

(4) 

Members shall receive no compensation for their services.

[Added 4-19-1999 by Ord. No. 99-07]

C. 

Powers. The Commission shall have, but not be limited to, the following powers:

(1) 

Conducting research into the use and possible use of the open land areas of the Township.

(2) 

Coordinating the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes, where applicable.

(3) 

Advertising, preparing, printing and distributing books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary for its purposes.

(4) 

Keeping an index of all open areas publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, in order to obtain information on the proper use of such areas.

(5) 

Promoting the conservation and development of the natural resources of the Township.

(6) 

Recommending to the Planning Board plans and programs for inclusion in a municipal Master Plan and the development and use of such areas.

(7) 

Studying and making recommendations concerning open space preservation, water resource management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, marine resources and protection of flora and fauna.

D. 

The Commission may, subject to the approval of the Township Council, acquire property, both real and personal, in the name of the Township by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise or lease for any of its purposes and shall administer the same for such purposes subject to the terms of the conveyance or gift. Such an acquisition may be to acquire the fee or any lesser interest, development right, easement (including a conservation easement), covenant or other contractual right (including a conveyance on conditions or with limitations or reversions) as may be necessary to acquire, maintain, improve, protect, limit the future use of or otherwise conserve and properly utilize open spaces and other land use water areas in the Township.

E. 

The Commission shall keep records of its meetings and activities and make an annual report to the Mayor and Township Council.

F. 

The Council may appropriate funds for the expenses incurred by the Commission, and the Commission may appoint such clerks and other employees as it may require, provided that the same shall be within the limits of funds appropriated to it.

[Amended 5-13-1996 by Ord. No. 96-10]

Amended 12-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-37