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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4349 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 1971/09/20Original SEPTEMBER 20, 1971 7B 4110 RESOLUTION NO. 4349 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION AND DEFINING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES THEREOF WHEREAS, the City Council and citizens of St. Louis Park, like other citizens of the State of Minnesota, have become increasingly concerned about the preservation of natural resources and environmental quality; and WHEREAS, the City has been a leader in Minnesota by taking various steps to protect the quality of life of its residents by legislative measures and positive actions dealing with various types of pollution controls, and WHEREAS, the City Council feels that to successfully carry out the total objectives of protecting the environment and prevent misuse of its natural resources, a concerted effort involving active and broad citizen support is required; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park that citizens should be encouraged to participate in an active program for the improvement of the environment and preservation of natural resources by controlling pollution at the source wherever and whenever possible; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that to meet today's public demands for a cleaner environment and to implement the constant changes in technology for controlling pollution problems in all phases, it is necessary for the general public support in identifying and resolving the problems involved to preserve the environment and to improve the quality of life. To this end there is hereby established within the City of St. Louis Park an advisory commission to the City Manager and City Council for environmental improvement as follows: Subd. 1. TITLE: This organization shall be known as the St. Louis Park Environmental Improvement Advisory Commission. Subd. 2. SCOPE: The scope of this Commission shall be advisory to the City Council, City Manager, and upon request of the City Council, to other appointive commissions/boards on all matters relevant to environmental quality and natural resources. Subd. 3. PURPOSE: The Commission shall be created for the purpose of stimulating interest and awareness in the environment and natural resources in St. Louis Park and within the metropolitan area wherever possible; to act as a resource agency for the City government on areas of environmental concern; to coordinate, as much as possible within the framework of the intent of such a Commission, conservation projects within the City; to be informed regarding environmental problems, laws, policies and regulations within the county, metropolitan, state and federal levels of government to the extent that they affect St. Louis Park and . • • .a �t• r and to advise the City Council and City Manager of actions that should be considered by the City Council relevant to all matters of our environment and natural resources. Subd. 4. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: In fulfillment of its purpose, the duties and responsibilities of the Commission shall be to: (1) Conduct informational programs to increase environmental awareness of the public; coordinate or support community projects after approval by the City Council which seek to maintain, improve or reclaim a quality environment or educate or inform residents about environmental problems and problem -solving methods. (2) Cooperate with citizen groups and other governmental jurisdictions and agencies to the extent appropriate in matters pertinent to the conservation of natural resources, the disposal of wastes, control of air, water, noise and visual pollution, and any other regarding the environment. (3) Support expanded research efforts in cooperation with private industry and business to develop standards and products for the improvement of the environment; study effects of social, physical and technological changes upon the environment within St. Louis Park and the surrounding metropolitan areas. (4) Coordinate activities with other communities and attempt to effectuate an area -wide program of pollution control and conservation of natural resources. (5) Provide information to, and coordination with, the School District and the Community Education Program of St. Louis Park to encourage proper use of natural environment and open space lands by all age groups, using curriculum and training resources available through such organizations as state and local environmental centers. (6) Provide information to, and coordination with, St. Louis Park organizations interested in conservation such as youth groups, sportsmen's clubs, garden clubs, civic organizations and the like and to concerned individuals and groups who, through their actions, exhibit concern for the improvement of the environment. (7) Conduct research and recommend action on specific products and conditions which have an impact on the environment and its inhabitants. (8) Carry out studies and research as requested by the City Council and City Manager; develop a comprehensive library of materials to be made available to the public and local government concerning ecology; work with other units of government to encourage area -wide pollution control programs; and investigate resources and grants-in-aid available to local government in protecting the environmental quality. (9) Examine the mechanisms available and required to resolve the issues arising in Minnesota over the use of the environment, including the issues of water, air, land, noise and visual pollution, and make recommendations through the City Council to other agencies of government such as the State Legislature, Metropolitan Government, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and other units of government. -2- • Yf ' (10) Advise the City Council, City Manager and other advisory commission/boards on any matters related to maintaining or improving the quality of the environment and the preservation and conservation of the environment and natural resources. Subd. 6. COMPOSITION AND SELECTION: The Commission shall be composed of representatives from various organizations and citizens interested in the improvement of the environment and contain no more than nine (9) members, plus an ex -officio member of the City Council, but without a vote, to provide liaison between the Commission and the City Council. The members shall be selected by the Council, without compensation for terms of one (1) year beginning October 1, 1971, however, such terms may be extended at the will of the Mayor and Council. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original selection. A chairman shall be elected by the Commission, whose duties will be to call and preside over meetings, represent the Commission and work in the same manner as chairmen of other citizen advisory boards/commissions and appoint study task forces to carry out the responsibilities and duties as outlined and requested by the City Council and City Manager. The Mayor shall appoint a temporary chairman for purposes of convening the Commission. Subd. 7. MEETINGS: Meetings of the Commission shall be held with date and time to be determined by the Commission. Special meetings may be called by the chairman. Subd. 8. REPORTS: The Commission shall make such reports as requested and an annual report of all activities carried on by said Commission. Subd. 9. SECRETARY: The City Manager shall assign one member of the administrative staff to serve as executive secretary to the Commission. Att-st: Adopted by the City Council Septeber 20, 1971. City Clerk Reviewed adm'.'stration: Appr ved as to form a d legality: City Manager City A orney or -3-