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VERNON TOWNSHIP
RESOLUTION #R08-97

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF VERNON APPROVING A GREEN INITIATIVE TO REDUCE EMISSIONS AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP

WHEREAS, Vernon Township is located within the Highlands Region of the State and enjoys natural waterways, greenways and other outdoor recreational areas; and

WHEREAS, in order to protect the environment and the health and welfare of all Vernon residents, it is important that all residents contribute towards conserving and preserving natural resources; and

WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to bike, walk, bus or carpool at least one day a week and explore alternative means for transportation to protect air quality; and

WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to recycle wisely and to buy products made of recycled content, which purchases help to maintain the market value of recyclable materials and reduces waste materials hauled to landfills, thus conserving fuel while also protecting air quality and reducing traffic; and

WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to conserve energy and conduct an energy audit on their homes in order to determine areas for improvement. Energy specialists can identify areas where energy can be saved at little or no cost. The New Jersey Clean Energy website provides a free online energy audit; and

WHEREAS, residents are strongly encouraged to “build green” and reduce the environmental impact from remodeling or new construction by recycling construction waste, using re-claimed building materials, less toxic materials, paints and finishes, and by designing projects to conserve energy. New and renovated buildings should incorporate LEED /GREEN building practices; and

WHEREAS, residents and employees should review their buildings and try to reduce energy use by installing compact fluorescent bulbs, putting timers and/or motion sensors on lights, closing blinds on windows in the summer months, and ensuring a clean filter system in the HVAC units; and

WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to conserve water, by, among other things, checking bathroom and other fixtures for leaks and planning for efficient summer irrigation. Drought resistant landscaping is encouraged and recommended together with use of hose nozzles with automatic shutoffs when handle is released; and

WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to handle hazardous waste properly, reduce or eliminate use of chemicals and pesticides to fertilize lawns and gardens, garden naturally and dispose of all leftover hazardous waste according to directions on product or at an approved local facility; and

WHEREAS, residents are strongly encouraged to volunteer in the community. The tireless efforts of volunteers play a vital role in protecting and conserving the Township’s natural resources, and help maintain and preserve Vernon Township’s greenway, trail, park and lake areas.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township of Vernon Council that it approves of and encourages a continued effort by all its residents and employees to conserve energy by reducing waste and the carbon footprint of the Township of Vernon to the greatest extent practical.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Council, Township Manager and administrative staff should continue to investigate the possible implementation of renewable energy resources for all Township buildings wherever possible and also investigate the use of alternative fuel sources for vehicles.

CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that the above resolution is a true copy of the resolution adopted by the Vernon Township Council at their regular meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Vernon Municipal Building, 21 Church Street, Vernon, NJ.

________________________
Dennis Murray
Acting Municipal Clerk