What is Green Jenkintown?

Green Jenkintown is the Environmental Advisory Committee for the Borough of Jenkintown. Each of the Committee's Members is appointed by Jenkintown's Borough Council with the mission to:

Identify environmental problems; Recommend plans and programs to the Borough Council for the conservation of natural resources and for the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment within Jenkintown; Promote a community environmental program; Untertake such environmental tasks as required by the governing body of this municipality.

What is an EAC?

In 1973, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Act 148, authorizing any municipality or group of municipalities to establish an environmental advisory council to advise the local planning commission, park and recreation board, and elected officials on matters dealing with the protection, conservation, management, promotion, and use of natural resources located within the municipality's territorial limits.

In 1996, this legislation was updated as Act 177.

EAC's are composed of three to seven members, who serve without compensation and are appointed to staggered three-year terms.

Who can Join?

Anyone can apply to serve as a member of their town's EAC. Act 148/177 places a cap of seven on the number of official members who may sit on an EAC. However, it does allow for Associate Members, who may participate in all other council activities and serve on standing and special committees. Associate members can be an important source of expertise, and are given high priority for appointment to the EAC when vacancies occur.

According the the EAC Handbook, the organization of standing and special committees enables EACs to delve into issues in greater detail. Green Jenkintown has several such subcommittees.

Meetings

Meetings must be regularly scheduled, usually monthly, in a public place at a convenient time. Green Jenkintown meets on the second Wednesday of each month, at Borough Hall, at 7pm.

A copy of the minutes is kept by the municipal secretary as a permanent record and will be available to the public on this site, www.GreenJenkintown.org