The Commission on Environmental Quality and Conservation shall have the following powers and duties:
(A) Adopt administrative rules and regulations for the conduct of its business.
(B) Hold hearings relating to any aspect of or matter in the administration of this subchapter and in cases of noncompliance request the City Attorney to take legal action.
(C) Retain, employ, provide for and compensate, within appropriations available thereof, those consultants, assistants and deputies, as may be necessary in case of emergency or with the consent of the Mayor and Common Council to carry out the provisions of this subchapter and prescribe the times at which they shall be appointed, the duration of their appointments and their powers and duties.
(D) Secure necessary scientific, technical, administrative and operational services including laboratory facilities, by contract or otherwise with any educational institution, experiment station or any board, department or other agency of any subdivision or state or the federal government.
(E) Determine by means of field studies and sampling the degree of pollution in the city and county.
(F) Encourage and conduct studies, investigations and research relating to pollution and its causes, effects, prevention, abatement and control in the city, and make recommendations to the appropriate public and private bodies with respect thereto.
(G) Classify contaminant sources, which in the Commission's judgement may cause or contribute to pollution.
(H) Prepare and develop a comprehensive plan or plans for the prevention, abatement and control of pollution in the city.
(I) Encourage voluntary cooperation by persons and affected groups to achieve the purposes of this subchapter.
(J) Collect and disseminate information and conduct educational and training programs relating to pollution and environmental quality and conservation.
(K) Advise, consult, contract and cooperate with other agencies of the state and the city, other local governments, industries, other states, interstate or interlocal agencies and the federal government, and with interested persons or groups.
(L) Apply for, accept, receive and administer grants or other funds or gifts from public or private agencies including the state and federal governments for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions or purposes of this subchapter. The funds received by the Commission pursuant to this division shall be deposited in accordance with the administrative regulations of the Commission. The Commission is authorized to promulgate any rules and regulations or enter into contracts as it may deem necessary for carrying out the provisions of this division.
(M) Make appropriate inquiry into and give constructive consideration to the operations and policies of all departments and governmental branches of the city concerning their adherence to a commitment for environmental quality and the conservation of natural resources.
(N) Prepare reports and recommendations to the Mayor, Board of Public Works and Safety and the Common Council as needed.
(O) Promote improved education of citizens on the specific laws and regulations on air, water and soil issues.
(P) Provide a resource of data to industry and business on current and proposed environmental regulations.
(Q) Provide a nonthreatening advisory group that may aid industries with known or suspected environmental problems, find solutions and support.
(R) Provide a positive atmosphere for new industry to show that the community is educated on environmental issues and is willing to assist and not condemn responsible businesses.
('71 Code, § 45.11) (Ord. 26-1986, passed 8-11-86)