DIVISION 3. - LAND CONSERVANCY TRUST
Part of the Code of Ordinances of Narragansett, RI.
The text
Footnotes:
--- (7) --- State Law reference— Conservation of open space, G.L. 1956, § 45-36-1 et seq.
Sec. 2-101. - Established; purpose.#
There is hereby established a Narragansett Land Conservancy Trust (hereafter called "trust" in this division). The trust is organized for the purpose of: (1)
Acquiring land, development rights and easements within the town, affording priority to environmentally sensitive lands;
(2)
Preserving open spaces, farmlands, scenic vistas, wetlands, estuaries, adjoining uplands and critical habitats;
(3)
Preserving land providing access to coastal waters; and
(4)
Preserving land for future public recreational and educational use.
(Code 1986, § 2-82)
Sec. 2-102. - Membership; terms; election of officers.#
The trust shall be administered by nine trustees, two of whom shall be members of the town council. Five public members shall be appointed by the town council for terms of three years. The current chairperson, or member designee, of the conservation commission and planning board shall also be trustees. The members of the trust shall elect each January, a chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary from among its members.
(Code 1986, § 2-83; ch. 791, § 1, 3-20-2000)
Sec. 2-103. - Authority to adopt regulations; annual report; meetings to be open to the public.#
The trustees may adopt reasonable rules and regulations governing the conduct of trust affairs, including the acquisition and management of its holdings, not inconsistent with the provisions of this division. Decisions of the trustees shall be by majority vote of those present and voting, and no business shall be transacted without five members present. The trustees shall keep an accurate record of their meetings and actions and shall file an annual report. All meetings of the trust, except those held in closed session in accordance with the open meetings law, shall be open to the public.
(Code 1986, § 2-84)
Sec. 2-104. - Acquisition of property.#
The trust shall have the authority to acquire any real property from consenting landowners in the town, or any interest therein, which it deems important to achieving its stated purposes.
(Code 1986, § 2-85)
Sec. 2-105. - Powers.#
The trust shall have the power to: (1)
Purchase, receive by gift, or otherwise acquire real property and development rights or any interest in real property consistent with the purposes of the trust. However, purchase of real property shall require prior consent of the council.
(2)
Accept gifts, grants or services from any source, public or private, and comply, subject to the provisions of this division, with any terms and conditions thereof.
(3)
Accept from the state and/or federal agencies, grants for use in carrying out the purposes of the trust and enter into any agreements with such agencies respecting any such grants.
(4)
Employ such personnel as needed to provide necessary services.
(5)
Administer and manage land and interests in land held by it in a manner which allows public use and/or enjoyment consistent with the natural, historic and scenic resources of such land.
(6)
Otherwise do all things necessary for the performance of its duties, the fulfillment of its obligations and the conduct of its business.
(Code 1986, § 2-86)
Sec. 2-106. - Budget.#
The town council shall annually budget a minimum of $50,000.00 to be deposited into a fund to be set up as a revolving account by the town treasurer, with interest to accumulate thereon. The trust's fiscal year shall be consistent with the town's fiscal year. An annual report shall be prepared on or about September of each year.
(Code 1986, § 2-87)
Sec. 2-107. - Additional contributions.#
Additional monies or other liquid assets received as voluntary contributions, or grants and the interest accumulated thereon, shall be deposited into such account, which shall be audited each year.
(Code 1986, § 2-88)