[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Southampton 10-13-1992 by L.L. No. 42-1992. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Coastal erosion hazard areas — See Ch. 138.
Environmental quality review — See Ch. 157.
Historic landmarks — See Ch. 194.
Protection of natural resources — See Ch. 229.
Open space — See Ch. 247.
Wetlands — See Ch. 325.
A. 
The Town Board of the Town of Southampton hereby establishes a separate fund to be known as an "Environmental Savings Fund."
B. 
There shall be paid into said fund:
(1) 
Such amounts contributed to the Town as a gift under the Gift for Southampton's Heritage Program authorized by § 158-2 of this chapter.
(2) 
Amounts from other governments or private conservative organizations to effect the purposes of the fund.
(3) 
Other funds from private sources specifically earmarked for this fund.
(4) 
Such other funds as may be legally appropriated.
C. 
The amounts paid into the Environmental Savings Fund shall be used exclusively for the following purposes only:
(1) 
The costs relating to the acquisition of open spaces and areas pursuant to § 247 of the General Municipal Law.
(2) 
The costs relating to the management of lands acquired as open spaces or areas where management activities, including activities intended to enhance the visual or recreational appeal of the area, would be consistent with the goals of preservation and would promote enjoyment of said lands.
(3) 
The costs relating to Town-approved projects to control or remedy pollution to Town surface waters. Said projects shall be determined to be innovative and necessary to protect a critically important natural resource. Costs to maintain or repair existing infrastructure or relating to normal operation and maintenance of Town facilities shall not be eligible.
(4) 
The payment of interest on and the retirement of indebtedness incurred for the purposes stated in Subsection C(1), (2) and (3) of this section.
(5) 
Programs, support services, and grants to further environmental initiatives, including, but not limited to, habitat restoration, wildlife rehabilitation services, public access enhancements (i.e., kiosks, trail blazing), and energy conservation projects.
[Added 5-27-2008 by L.L. No. 34-2008]
D. 
The Town Board may establish a Citizens Advisory Committee of five to seven members for the purpose of evaluating and recommending eligible projects under the provision of this chapter. However, only the Town Board by formal resolution may authorize an expenditure from the fund.
E. 
The monies in such fund shall be deposited in one or more of the banks or trust companies designated as banks of deposit by the Town Board. The Supervisor may invest the monies in such fund obligations permitted by the state law. Any interest earned or capital gain realized on the money so deposited or invested shall accrue to and become part of such fund.
[Amended 5-27-2008 by L.L. No. 34-2008]
F. 
The Supervisor shall account for this fund separate and apart from all other funds of the Town. Such accounting shall show the source, date and the amount of each sum paid into the fund; the interest earned by such fund; capital gains or losses resulting from the sale of investments of this fund; the order, source thereof, date and amount of each payment from this fund; and the assets of the fund indicating cash balance and a schedule of investments. The Supervisor, within 60 days of the end of each fiscal year, shall furnish a detailed report of the operation and condition of this fund to the Town Board, and may delegate such duty to the Receiver of Taxes.
[Amended 5-27-2008 by L.L. No. 34-2008]
G. 
Said fund shall also be subject to all requirements and limitations provided for by state law.
H. 
The Town Board, by resolution, may establish rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
Effective for any fiscal year commencing after the effective date of this chapter, an individual may elect to contribute to the Southampton Town Environmental Savings Fund for the purposes stated in § 158-1C of this chapter. The Receiver of Taxes shall include space on the annual real property tax bill or provide an enclosure with said bill to enable a taxpayer to make such a contribution. Such contribution shall be in any whole dollar amount and shall not reduce the amount of real property tax due. All revenue collected pursuant to this section shall be credited to the Environmental Trust Fund and shall be used only for the purposes stated in § 158-1C of this chapter.