Submitted by Councilor Bunder

ORDINANCE NO. 19-08

AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A GO GREENER

COMMISSION IN WEST LAFAYETTE

WHEREAS, the Mayor has previously established an informal advisory group known
as the West Lafayette Go Greener Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council desires to make such a body a permanent part of
West Lafayette City government to promote sustainable environmentally sound policies in city
government and throughout the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST LAFAYETTE that:
There is added to the West Lafayette City Code Article X, Chapter 24 to read as
follows:
Section 24.171. Establishment and Purpose. The West Lafayette Go Greener
Commission is established to promote sustainable environmental well-being of West Lafayette
and all its inhabitants. A sustainable community seeks to enhance the environmental 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 nonrenewable natural resources and its
production of wastes, while at the same time improving quality of life.
Section 24.172. Commissioners.
(a) Appointment. The commission shall consist of any interested person (members)
and will be represented by twelve voting members (commissioners): three appointed by the
mayor, three appointed by the common council, and six appointed by the commission itself.
One of the three council appointments shall be a City Council member. Members shall serve
without compensation.
(b) 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-profits and neighborhood associations and residents.
(c) Residency. Residency. As environmental concerns cannot be contained within a
political region, membership from others outside of the city proper is encouraged. No more
than 5 of the commissioners may live outside of the city.
(d) Terms. Terms. The first twelve commissioners shall be appointed for 1, 2, or 3
years. All subsequent appointments shall be for three years.
Section 24.173. Powers and Duties. The commission shall have the following powers
and duties:

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 (1) 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.
(2) To advise and make recommendations to the West Lafayette City Council, city
administration, and city boards and commissions on sustainability policies and programs.
(3) To determine, in cooperation with other city boards and commissions, West
Lafayette’s current and future sustainability status by developing and monitoring a set of
sustainability indicators.
(4) To provide, in cooperation with other city boards and commissions, an annual
“sustainability assessment” based on selected indicators. The assessment shall be included in an
annual report and provided to the city council, mayor and the public.
(5) To advise, consult and cooperate with other agencies, boards and commissions
of the city of West Lafayette, 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.
(6) To research and apply for grants or other funds or gifts from public or private
agencies for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions or purposes of this chapter.
(7) To elect officers annually by vote of the commission.
(8) To adopt administrative rules and regulations for the conduct of its business
Section 24.174. Administrative Staff. The mayor will appoint a staff liaison to the
commission. The liaison will research and pursue funding opportunities for sustainable
development, engage in education and outreach, and identify “best practices.” The city
administration shall provide general administrative support for the commission.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and signing by
the Mayor.

INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING ON THE ______ DAY OF

_______________________, 2008.

DULY ORDAINED, PASSED, AND ADOPTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA, ON THE ______ DAY OF
_____________________, 2008, HAVING BEEN PASSED BY A VOTE OF ____ IN
FAVOR AND ____ OPPOSED, THE ROLL CALL VOTE BEING:
AYE NAY
Bunder
Burch
Hunt
Keen
Roales
Thomas
Truitt

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 ____________________________
Presiding Officer

Attest:

_________________________________
Judith C. Rhodes, Clerk-Treasurer

PRESENTED BY ME TO THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WEST LAFAYETTE,

INDIANA ON THE ______ DAY OF __________________________, 2008, AT THE
HOUR OF _____________.

_________________________________
Judith C. Rhodes, Clerk-Treasurer

THIS ORDINANCE APPROVED AND SIGNED BY ME ON THE ______ DAY OF

_______________________, 2008, AT THE HOUR OF ______________.

_________________________________
John R. Dennis, Mayor
Attest:

_________________________________
Judith C. Rhodes, Clerk-Treasurer

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