[Adopted 8-19-2003 by L.L. No. 10-2003]
This article shall be known as the "Advisory
Committee on Open Space Act." This article shall apply creation of
an Advisory Committee on Open Space and to the appointment, terms,
functions and powers of the members appointed to serve on the Committee.
The Town Board hereby finds and determines that
in order to protect and safeguard the health, safety, welfare and
quality of life of the Town of Yorktown and its residents; protect
wetlands, water bodies, habitat areas, steep slopes, and other sensitive
areas from encroachment; protect drinking water supplies, including
both reservoirs and aquifers; protect and enhance the community character
of residential neighborhoods; and protect the visual quality of scenic
corridors, as well as key scenic vistas; it is necessary and proper
to preserve significant remaining areas of open space throughout the
Town of Yorktown. The Town Board further finds and determines that
in endeavoring to accomplish said goal it will be most beneficial
to have the advice and assistance of a committee of residents from
throughout the Town who can formulate an open space preservation plan,
advise on the Town's preservation efforts, identify open space preservation
opportunities, form tactical plans and generally provide advice regarding
open space preservation matters to the Town Board.
This article is enacted under the authority
of Subparagraphs (a)(12) and (d)(3) of the Municipal Home Rule Law,
§ 10(1)(ii), and Municipal Home Rule Law § 22.
A.
There is hereby created an Advisory Committee on Open
Space, which hereinafter and elsewhere may be referred to by the acronym
"ACOS."
B.
ACOS shall be a multidisciplinary committee comprised
of nine individuals, who are either residents of the Town of Yorktown
or individuals who own businesses in the Town of Yorktown, appointed
by the Town Board. The Chairperson(s) shall be appointed by the Town
Board. Members must be 18 years of age or older. A person otherwise
qualified shall not be disqualified from membership by virtue of being
an employee or appointed officer of the Town of Yorktown.
[Amended 7-6-2010 by L.L. No. 4-2010]
C.
The term of office of each member shall be three years,
except that as to the members first appointed, three shall serve until
December 31 in the year in which this Committee was established, three
shall serve until the second December 31 and three shall serve until
the third December 31. Members whose terms have expired shall continue
to serve until their successors have been appointed. The Town Board
shall have the power to remove any member for cause.
[Amended 7-6-2010 by L.L. No. 4-2010]
D.
Vacancies shall be filled by the Town Board for the
unexpired term of any member whose place has become vacant, whether
by expiration, resignation, removal for cause, or otherwise.
E.
The Committee shall elect from its membership a Secretary
whose term of office shall be fixed by the Committee.
F.
The members shall receive no salary or compensation
for their services as members of ACOS.
A.
ACOS shall be hold meetings at such times and places
as its members shall determine, from time to time, but no less frequently
than once per calendar quarter. Notice of such meeting shall be posted
and published in accordance with the Open Meetings Law of the State
of New York. A majority of said Committee shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business.
B.
Each of the nine members shall be allowed one vote,
which vote shall be cast in person at a meeting. Determinations and
actions by ACOS shall be made by majority vote of those members voting.
The concurring vote of at least three members of the committee shall
be necessary for the adoption of any recommendations, motions or other
acts of the Committee.
C.
The Secretary shall take minutes of the meetings and
proceedings of the Committee and shall make a record of all resolutions
and actions of the Committee. The records of the Committee shall set
forth every determination made by the Committee. The Secretary shall
file the records and minutes of the Committee in the Town Clerk's
office.
ACOS shall assist and advise the Town Board
and the Planning Board in carrying out the goals of the Town Comprehensive
Plan with respect to open space conservation, identifying open space
opportunities, formulating tactical plans to preserve open space,
and coordinating the Town's implementation activities. Specifically,
but without limitation, the Committee shall:
A.
In consultation with the Town Board, the Planning
Board and other appropriate boards, develop an Open Space Preservation
Plan, based on the Town Comprehensive Plan with respect to open space
conservation, that identifies critical areas or patterns of open space
which should be protected and extended;
B.
Develop specific open space opportunities that are
necessary to fulfill this plan;
C.
Enhance community awareness concerning the protection
and extension of open space by educating the public about the role
of Town government and other organizations in facilitating open space
preservation and by giving information on various financial and legal
mechanisms for achieving preservation;
D.
Recommend strategies and actions to the Town Board
and the Planning Board which will further the Open Space Preservation
Plan;
E.
Coordinate its activities with those of the Town's
Conservation Board;
F.
Serve as the Town's open space ombudsman; and
G.
Report to the Town Board on its activities at least
twice per year.
