[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of West Deptford 6-18-1970 as Section 2:7-4 of the General Ordinances. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
Creation. There is hereby established an Environmental Commission in the Township of West Deptford for the protection, development or use of natural resources, including water resources, located within the territorial limits of this Township.
B. 
Membership. The Environmental Commission of the Township of West Deptford shall consist of seven members, and two alternates, all of whom shall be residents of the Township of West Deptford, all of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor and one of whom shall be a member of the Township Planning Board. The Mayor shall designate one of the members to serve as Chairman and presiding officer of the Commission. All members of the Environmental Commission shall serve without compensation.
[Amended 4-1-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-05]
C. 
Terms of office.
[Amended 4-1-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-05]
(1) 
Commissioners. The terms of office of the first Commissioners shall be as follows: Three of the Commissioners shall be appointed for three-year terms, two of the Commissioners for two-year terms and two of the Commissioners for one-year terms. The Mayor shall designate the term of each Commissioner appointed, making his appointments for the first time. Successors shall be appointed for terms of three years and until the appointment and qualification of their respective successors.
(2) 
Alternate Commissioners. The terms of office of the first alternates shall be as follows: One of the alternates shall be appointed for a one-year term and one alternate shall be appointed for a two-year term. The Mayor shall designate the term of each alternate appointed, making his/her appointment for the first time. Successors shall be appointed for terms of two years and until the appointment and qualification of their respective successors.
D. 
Removal. The Township Committee 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.
E. 
Vacancies. A vacancy on the Commission occurring other than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment.
A. 
General. General powers and duties of the Environmental Commission shall be those set forth by state statute and in any amendments thereof and supplements thereto. In addition, the Township Committee may, by ordinance or resolution, assign to the Commission further powers and duties relating to conservation as may be permitted by law.
B. 
Powers.
(1) 
Specific powers. The Commission shall have the power to conduct research into the use and possible use of the open land areas of West Deptford Township and may coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes, and may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary for its purposes. It shall keep an index of all open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, in order to obtain information on the proper use of such areas, and may from time to time recommend to the Planning Board of the Township plans and programs for inclusion in a municipal master plan and the development and use of such areas.
(2) 
Acquisition of property. The Environmental Commission may, subject to the approval of the Township Committee, 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 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 or otherwise conserve and properly utilize open spaces and other land and water areas in the municipality.
C. 
Duties; records and reports. The Environmental Commission shall keep records of its meetings and activities and shall make an annual report to the Township Committee.
A. 
General. The Township Committee shall have financial duties with reference to the Environmental Commission. Said Committee shall annually review the budgetary request and records of said Commission and in general maintain financial control of its operation.
B. 
Appropriation. The Township Committee may appropriate funds for the expenses incurred by the Environmental Commission. The Commission may appoint such clerks and other employees as it may from time to time require and as shall be within the limits of funds appropriated to it.