(A) Purpose. The city operates and maintains public parks and trails for the benefit and pleasure of its citizens. There is hereby established a commission to be advisory to the City Council and to be known as the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission. The Commission shall be organized and have the duties set forth in this section.
(B) Composition.
(1) Such Park and Recreation Advisory Commission shall consist of five members, recommended by the Mayor and approved by the majority of the City Council. Of the five members, one shall be a City Council member.
(2) Of the members of the Commission first appointed, one shall be appointed for the term of one year, one shall be appointed for the term of one year, one shall be appointed for the term of two years, one shall be appointed for the term of three years, one shall be appointed for the term of four years. Their successors shall be appointed for terms of four years. Both original and successive appointees shall hold their offices until their successors are appointed and qualified. Vacancies during the term shall be filled by approval of the City Council, upon recommendation by the Mayor, for the unexpired portion of the term. Every appointed member shall, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, take an oath that he or she will faithfully discharge the duties of his or her office.
(3) Members of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission shall serve without pay but may be reimbursed for actual expenses accrued in the discharge of their official duties, with Council approval.
(C) Organization, meetings and the like.
(1) Officers. The Commission shall elect a chairperson from among its appointed members for a term of one year and the Commission may create and fill such other offices as it may determine.
(2) Meetings. The Commission shall hold one regular meeting every month or as determined by the Commission. Regular meetings may be cancelled by the Chairperson or City Administrator if there is no business before the Commission. All meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public.
(3) Meeting attendance. Any Commissioner who is absent from three consecutive duly called regular meetings of the Commission shall be deemed to have resigned unless the absentee provides explanation to the Chairperson.
(4) Quorum voting. Three members at a regular or special meeting shall constitute a quorum. All questions presented for a vote shall be decided by a simple majority of those present.
(5) Records, reports. The Commission shall keep a record of its transactions, recommendations and resolutions, which record shall be public record. The Commission shall make monthly report of its activities to the City Council. Also, on or before March 1 of each year, the Commission shall make a report of its work during the preceding calendar year to the City Council.
(6) Finances. The Commission must receive City Council approval for each expenditure.
(7) Bylaws. The Commission may adopt bylaws and from time to time amend them. The bylaws, and any amendments to the bylaws, shall be approved by the City Council.
(D) Powers and duties of the Commission. The Commission is hereby designated to perform the following responsibilities:
(1) Consider, review, report and advise on all park and recreational matters, which the Council may refer to the Commission;
(2) Develop immediate and long-range plans for the park and recreational needs of the citizens of the city, and recommend to the Council a feasible means of financing such requirements;
(3) Recommend to the Council operating policies and procedures for use in existing parks, and future parks and public lands;
(4) The responsibility for enhancing parks through evaluation, planning and initiating new programs and ideas;
(5) Coordinate city programs and area-wide programs, including programs of the community education;
(6) Develop immediate and long-range planning for city-wide bike/pedestrian pathways; and
(7) Act and serve as the City Tree Board.
(Ord. 2002-123, passed 11-20-2002; Am. Ord. 2006-187, passed 1-12-2006; Am. Ord. 2009-230, passed 7-30-2009; Am. Ord. 2022-309, passed 3-31-2022)