The Commission shall have the following duties and perform the following functions:
(A) The Commission shall prepare a program of conservation and a program of watershed and open space protection for the city and in undertaking this program, shall conduct research into local natural resources, watershed areas, and open spaces, along with evaluation of the uses thereof. It shall keep an index of the open areas, swamps, wetlands, and areas of unique natural value or ecological importance within the city. The Commission shall coordinate its efforts with the activities of other official or unofficial bodies conducting studies, research, and evaluations for similar purposes.
(B) The Commission shall prepare, adopt, and from time to time, review and amend, a conservation and open space plan, and shall submit the plan to the Planning Board for consideration as part of the comprehensive plan of the city. In preparation of the plan, the Commission shall also obtain information pertinent to the proper utilization of open areas in the city including lands owned by the state and the city with the exception of land owned by the waterworks and shall make recommendations for the better promotion, development, or utilization of the natural resources and open areas in the city.
(C) The Commission shall adopt bylaws and shall keep accurate records of its meetings and actions and shall file an annual report with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen which shall be in the annual city report.
(D) The Commission may receive gifts of money and property, both real and personal, and may acquire land or an easement in the name of the city, subject to approval of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The Commission shall not dispose of city-owned land without a public hearing and approval of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
(E) Any monies received by the Commission shall be placed in a conservation fund and allowed to accumulate from year to year and such monies may be expended from the fund for purposes consistent with this subchapter. The city may also make appropriations to the conservation fund. All monies maintained or expended by the Commission shall be recorded in accordance with city accounting procedures, and any matters relating to personnel shall be governed in a manner consistent with the pertinent requirements of the City Charter and appropriate city ordinances.
('71 Code, § 2-188) (Ord. passed 3-7-89)