[Adopted 4-5-2016]
A. 
Under the authority of the Home Rule Amendment, Article 89 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, there is hereby created a Sustainability Council for the City of Lowell.
B. 
The Sustainability Council will promote and advocate for "green" design, construction and development practices in the City of Lowell, through research, identification and implementation of policies, programs and education that will increase the sustainability and reduce the environmental impacts of building and other development activity. In accordance with the Sustainability Council, the following guiding principles are hereby set forth:
(1) 
To target carbon emissions, waste reduction, recycling, building materials and techniques, energy efficiency, air quality, site and building design, etc.;
(2) 
To identify successful models and practices from other communities;
(3) 
To propose programs and policies to the Lowell City Council and City Administration;
(4) 
To work with UMass, MCC and Lowell Public Schools to develop education and outreach programs;
(5) 
To identify opportunities for funding public and private green building and energy conservation programs.
(6) 
To raise and direct funds to support the projects and priorities of the Sustainability Council, and accept money, gifts and services for these purposes.
A. 
The Sustainability Council shall be comprised of the following offices, disciplines and interests: The Department of Planning and Development Neighborhood Planner shall be the primary staff member assigned to support the work of this Commission with assistance from other departments and Department of Planning and Development staff as needed, architects, attorneys (land use and real estate), bankers and lenders, builders, business owners, developers (for-profit and nonprofit), educators and researchers, engineers, homeowners, inspectors, manufacturers, vendors of building products, regulatory board members, planners, property managers, real estate brokers, or persons with experience in climate science, conservation and recycling measures.
B. 
The Sustainability Council shall consist of up to 10 members who are either residents of the City of Lowell or affiliated with a City of Lowell business entity. A quorum shall constitute a majority of appointed members.
C. 
The members shall be appointed by the City Manager, subject to confirmation of City Council, for a term of two years, until their successors are qualified and appointed. The City Manager shall designate a member as Chairman of the Sustainability Council.
D. 
Any member of the Sustainability Council may, after notice, be removed by the City Manager for cause.
E. 
Failure of a member to attend 1/2 of the scheduled Sustainability Council meetings shall constitute good cause for removal by the City Manager.
F. 
Vacancies which occur, other than by expiration of the term, shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
A. 
The Sustainability Council shall meet at least 10 times annually to conduct its business.
B. 
The Sustainability Council may solicit and receive gifts of property, both real and personal, in the name of the City of Lowell, subject to approval of the City Council under MGL c. 44, § 53A, such gifts to be managed and controlled as provided in said statute for the purpose of the Sustainability Council.