HomeMy Public PortalAbout2009-5 - COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABILITYrr
Ordinance 2009 -5
An Ordinance Establishing a Greencastle Commission on Snstainability
WHEREAS, a sustainable community seeks to enhance and unify economic development
and environmental health while taking precautions not to compromise the quality of life
of future generations;
WHFRFAS, world scientific bodies have called for a reduction of adverse human
impacts on global ecosystems, and the UN Conference on Environment and Development
has recognized the importance of local community efforts to promote sustainability;
WI-IERFAS, communities throughout the United States have established municipal
sustainability departments, boards or other entities to ensure the long -term local quality
of life;
WHEREAS, local and regional sustainable initiatives will be fostered by the formation of
an independent commission whose role is to increase awareness in both public and
private sectors, to develop new sustainable programs and harmonize existing ones and to
help guide sustainable actions by government, citizens and businesses;
WHEREAS, The Mayor has previously established an informal advisory group known as
the Suslainability Core Focus Group; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council desires to make such a body a permanent part of
Greencastle city government to promote sustainable environmentally sound polices in
city government and throughout the community..
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF TH1.
CITY 01' GREENCASTLE THAT:
In the interest of fostering sustainable local businesses and environmental integrity, there
is added to the City of Greencastle City Code, Chapter 2, Article 5. Section 2 -136, which
shall read as follows:
a. Public Policy and Purpose. The Greencastle Commission on Suslainability is hereby
established to enhance the socio- environmental- economic well -being of the community
while taking precautions not to compromise the quality of life of future generations.
'toward that end, it reduces its use of non- renewable natural resources and its production
of wastes, while at the same time improving livability. 'fhe mission of the Greencastle
Commission on Sustainability is to promote sustainable socio - environmental- economic
well -being of Greencastle and all its inhabitants.
b. Commissioners
I . Appointment. The Commission shall consist of nine (9) members, three (3)
appointed by the Mayor, three (3) appointed by the Common Council and three
appointed by the Commission itself. One of the council appointments shall be a
City Council member. The Mayor shall be an ex- officio member of the
Commission. Members shall serve without compensation.
2. Qualifications. Sustainability is an interdisciplinary concept. As such, the
Commission's membership shall reflect environmental, social and economic
perspectives, unified by the common interest of Sustainability. The Commission
shall draw its members from government, business, academia, not- for -profit
organizations and residents at large.
3. Residency. As environmental concerns cannot he contained within a political
.subdivision, membership from others outside of the city limits is encouraged;
however, no more than four (4) of the Commissioners may live outside of the
City.
4. "terms. The first commissioners shall serve staggered terms, with three (3)
appointed to three year terms, three (3) appointed to two year terms and three (3)
appointed to one year terms. The City Council member appointment shall always
he a one year term. With the exception of the City Council member, thereafter,
all appointments shall be for three year terms. 'there shall be a limit of two
consecutive terms.
S. Powers and Duties. The commission shall have the following powers and duties:
a. To coordinate ongoing, and to propose and promote new, sustainability
initiatives among residents, businesses, governmental, nongovernmental
agencies and educational organizations through education and outreach
programs.
b. To advise and make recommendations to the City of Greencastle Common
Council, city administration, and City boards and commissions on
sustainability policies and programs.
c. To determine, in cooperation with other city boards and commissions
Greencastle's current and future sustainability status by developing and
monitoring a set of sustainability indicators.
d. To advise, consult and cooperate with other agencies, boards and
commissions of the city of Greencastle, the state, other local governments,
industries, other states, interstate or interlocal agencies, and the federal
government, and with interested persons or groups on matters of
sustainability.
e. To research and apply for grants or other funds or gifts from public or
private entities for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions or
purposes of this chapter.
f. To elect officers annually by vote of the commission.
g. "1'o adopt administrative rules and.regulations for the conduct of its
business, including rules governing the creation of committee, as the
Board deerns necessary.
6 w
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This Ordinance shall have full force and effect upon passage of the Greencastle
Common Council and its approval by the Mayor.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Common Council of the City of Greencastle,
Indiana this / of 2009.
Adam Ceh i — Jinsie S. Bingham
c Al
Mar N.Ilannuei
/
Teny Sny i
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Approved and signed by me this
0!5 o'clock C.m.
John Lanie
– oil __ day of 2009, at
AI TEST
Teresa Glenn, Clerk - Treasurer