The purpose of a Municipal Wildfire
Safety Council (WSC) is to coordinate wildfire prevention efforts
within the Township. To coordinate these efforts the WSC may seek
grant funding, propose and conduct outreach efforts, develop education
opportunities to inform residents what they can do personally to reduce
their wildfire risks. They may act as the point of contact for the
New Jersey Forestry Services, Forest Fire Service and their many outreach
and educational efforts including but not limited to Firewise Communities,
Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), and Ready Set Go, for
the purpose of reducing the risk of wildfire for all residents. The
WSC may seek technical assistance from state and federal agencies
and arrange and conduct training exercises for residents and municipal
staff. A Wildfire Safety Council's purpose is to increase the wildfire
prevention capacity in the municipality they serve.
The WSC shall conduct all meetings
pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and record minutes to reflect the business conducted during
the meetings. The WSC shall meet quarterly or more frequently as needed
to address the specific needs of the Township. The WSC shall submit
an annual report to the Mayor and to the State Forest Fire Warden
at the New Jersey Forestry Services Forest Fire Service to provide
an accounting of the official duties performed and tasks completed
by the Council during the preceding year. The report shall be submitted
by February 1 of each calendar year.
The WSC may seek, accept and spend
grant or donated funds for projects submitted to address the wildfire
needs of the Township. The WSC may manage any municipal funds as appropriated,
subject to the approval of the governing body.