Chapter 2.50
PARKS COMMISSION

Sections:

2.50.010    Friends of the parks commission established.

2.50.020    Organization.

2.50.030    Rules of procedure.

2.50.040    Voting.

2.50.050    Powers and duties.

2.50.060    Meetings and staff services.

2.50.010 Friends of the parks commission established.

A. The city of Gig Harbor friends of the parks commission, consisting of five members, appointed by a vote of the majority of the city council, is hereby established.

B. The purpose of the friends of the parks commission is to advise the mayor and city council on park and recreation facilities, open space acquisition and development, maintenance and operation of parks and recreation public facilities, operation of parks and recreation programs, and other matters as directed by the city council.

C. Commission members shall initially be selected for staggered terms. Three commissioners or their successors will serve a one-, two- or three-year term based on the position. All subsequent appointments shall be for three years, or for the duration of an unexpired term in the case of an appointment to a vacancy. All commission members’ terms shall expire on March 31st and all successive terms shall commence on April 1st. No member shall serve more than two consecutive full terms of office unless the vacancy cannot be filled by a new applicant. (This appears in GHMC 2.49.010 for arts commission.)

D. Commission Appointments.

1. Appointments to the friends of the parks commission will be by the city council during a regularly scheduled meeting. Each member of the commission shall be a resident of the city of Gig Harbor at the time of appointment and throughout her or his time in office.

2. The council shall seek the advice and input of the commission prior to making any commission appointments.

E. Vacancies occurring other than through the expiration of terms shall be filled by the council, in consultation with the friends of the parks commission, within 90 days of the vacancy, for the unexpired term.

F. Members may be removed by the city council for any reason. (Ord. 1002 § 1, 2005).

2.50.020 Organization.

The commission shall elect its own chairperson and vice-chairperson. The vice-chairperson shall preside in the absence of the chairperson. The chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be voting members of the commission. The commission shall hold at least two regular meetings each year. (Ord. 1002 § 1, 2005).

2.50.030 Rules of procedure.

The commission shall utilize Robert’s Rules of Order for the transaction of business, and shall keep a written record of its meetings, attendance, resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations, which shall be a public record consistent with all city council authorized bylaws for the friends of the parks commission. The rules shall provide that all commission meetings shall be open to the public and that notice of meetings shall comply with the city’s code and the Open Public Meetings Act (Chapter 42.30 RCW) to the extent that the proceedings are subject to the Act. The commission members must comply with Chapter 42.23 RCW on conflicts of interest. (Ord. 1002 § 1, 2005).

2.50.040 Voting.

A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum. A quorum of the commission shall be necessary to legally act on any matter before the commission. For a five-member commission, a quorum is three members. (Ord. 1002 § 1, 2005).

2.50.050 Powers and duties.

The commission will assist the council by providing advisory opinions and reports as follows:

A. As directed by the council, the commission may make informal investigations and informal surveys concerning the future park, playground and recreation resources of the city;

B. As directed by the council, the commission may formulate draft plans for the future development of the parks and playgrounds system of the city;

C. The commission may recommend to the city council regarding planning, promotion, acquisition, construction, and development of public recreational facilities and recreational programs;

D. The commission may review the proposed annual budget for the operation, maintenance and acquisition of public recreational facilities of the city;

E. To cooperate with any and all departments of the city and with public school authorities, Pierce County, the state of Washington, Peninsula Metropolitan Park District, and other cities and jurisdictions in the surrounding area in the furtherance of a well-rounded parks and recreation program;

F. To recommend such rules and regulations in regard to the use of city parks and city recreational facilities as shall best serve the interests of the public. (Ord. 1002 § 1, 2005).

2.50.060 Meetings and staff services.

A. The parks commission shall meet as established by resolution.

B. The director of operations shall be responsible for providing administrative and staff services for the commission.

C. The commission shall provide a written report to the city council of its activities within two weeks after every meeting. (Ord. 1089 § 1, 2007; Ord. 1014 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1002 § 1, 2005).