Chapter 09. Environmental & Open Space Advisory Committee

Chapter 9 ENVIRONMENTAL & OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

[Amended on 04-28-03 by Ord. O-03-14]

§ 9-1. Establishment.

§ 9-2. Composition; appointment; compensation.

§ 9-3. Purposes.

§ 9-4. Organization.

§ 9-5. Records and annual report.

§ 9-6. Severability.

§ 9-7. When effective.

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Gloucester 5-14-79 as Ord. No. 0-79-23. Amendments noted where applicable.]

Be it ordained by the Township Council of the Township of Gloucester, County of Camden and State of New Jersey, as follows:

§ 9-1. Establishment.

The Township Council hereby creates and establishes an Environmental & Open Space Advisory Committee, which Committee shall be concerned with the protection, development and the use of the natural resources located within the terri­torial limits of the Township of Gloucester.

§ 9-2. Composition, appointment; compensation.

The Environmental & Open Space Advisory Committee shall be composed of five (5) members, appointed by the Mayor, which persons shall be citizens and residents of the Township of Gloucester and one (1) of whom shall be a member of the Township Planning Board and one (1) shall be a member of the Township Zoning Board of Adjustment. Such Committee members shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. Members shall receive no compensation for their services but may receive reimbursement for proper and authorized out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with existing Township regulations and within the limits of funds appropriated to it for such purpose by the Township Council. (Amended 1-14-85 by Ord. No. 0-85-62) [Amended on 12-16-02 by Ord. O-02-51]

§ 9-3. Purposes.

A. The Committee is formed for the following purposes:

• 1. The promotion of the conservation and development of the natural resources of the township.

  2. The planning, implementing and informing of the general public with respect to local conservation programs.

  3. The responsibility to compile and maintain an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including marshlands, swamps and other wetlands.

  4. The conduct of all appropriate research into the possible use or uses of open spaces in the township.

  5. The submission of recommendations to the Planning Board and the Township Council of appropriate plans and programs for inclusion in the Township Master Plan and for the general development and use of such areas and to make recommendation to Township Council for the possible purchase of open space through the use of the Township’s Open Space Trust Fund. [Amended on 04-18- 03 by Ord. O-03-14]

  6. The preparation of advertisements, books, maps, charts and other appropriate material necessary to the discharge of its duties, and the distribution of the same.

  7. To act as a coordinating agency in the community with respect to conservation matters and as a liaison between local conservation needs and other local boards and com­missions and the regional, state and federal agencies responsible for administering to those needs.

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

B. The Committee shall act and discharge its duties within the limits of funds appropriated to it for such purpose by the Gloucester Township Council.

§ 9-4. Organization.

The Mayor shall designate one (1) of the members to serve as Chairman and presiding officer of the Committee. The Committee is authorized to adopt bylaws governing its procedural operation.

§ 9-5. Records and annual report.

The Environmental & Open Space Advisory Committee shall keep records of all its meetings and activities and shall make an annual report to the governing body of the municipality on or before the first day of February of each year.

§ 9-6. Severability.

If any article, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision or invalidity shall not affect the remaining portions or provisions of this ordinance.

§ 9-7. When effective.

This ordinance shall take effect upon final adoption and publication in the manner prescribed by law.