Chapter 2.24
PARK BOARD

Sections:

2.24.010    Created – Objective.

2.24.020    Membership.

2.24.030    Meetings – Rules.

2.24.040    Repealed.

2.24.050    Duties and responsibilities.

2.24.060    Abolishment of Board of Park Commissioners.

Stat. Ref.: For provisions authorizing code cities to acquire and operate public parks, see RCW 35A.67.010.

2.24.010 Created – Objective.

As of March 1, 1983, there is created a Board of Park Commissioners to be known as the “Park Board.” The objective of the Park Board is to provide guidance and direction in meeting the parks and recreational needs of the City by advising the Mayor and the Parks and Recreation Director on matters relating to planning, acquisition, development and operation of park facilities and recreational programs either inside or outside the City limits. (Ord. 1545 § 1, 1982).

2.24.020 Membership.

A. Qualifications. The selection of Park Commissioners shall be made from individuals who have an interest in parks and recreation as evidenced by training, experience or actions. City residency is preferred, but not required; provided, however, a majority of the members shall be City residents; provided, an appointed incumbent moving outside the City may continue membership until his term expires even if such a move allows the majority of the members to be non-City residents; and provided further, that a non-resident incumbent whose term has expired prior to that of the member who has relocated may be reappointed, regardless of the majority of the members of the Board being non-City residents.

B. Number of Members – Terms. The Park Board shall consist of 9 members, each of whom shall be appointed for a term of 4 years. Terms shall expire the first day of May of each appropriate year.

C. Alternate Members. Up to 2 alternate members shall be appointed to serve in the absence of regular members. Alternates shall be selected by using the same qualifications specified under subsection A of this section. Alternate members shall serve for terms of 2 years.

D. Appointment. Members of the Park Board shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council. Members shall be selected without respect to political affiliations and shall serve without compensation.

E. Removal. Members of the Board may be removed by the Mayor, with concurrence of the City Council, for neglect of duty, conflict of interest, malfeasance in office, or other just cause, or for unexcused absence from more than 3 consecutive regular meetings. The decision of the City Council shall be final and there shall be no appeal therefrom. Members finding themselves unable to attend regular meetings are expected to tender their resignations.

F. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring other than through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the unexpired terms in the same manner as for appointments as provided in this section. (Ord. 2211 § 2, 1998; Ord. 2180 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1921 §§ 1, 2, 1992; Ord. 1717 § 2, 1986; Ord. 1545 § 2, 1982).

2.24.030 Meetings – Rules.

A. The Park Board shall organize and elect from its members a Chair who shall preside at all meetings of the Board. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and a majority vote of those present shall be necessary to carry any proposition.

B. The Board shall determine a regular meeting schedule (time, place and frequency), as necessary, but no less frequent than once every 2 months. All meetings shall be open to the public.

C. The Board shall adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary for the conduct of its business, and shall keep a written record of its proceedings which shall be a public record. (Ord. 1545 § 3, 1982).

2.24.040 Staff support.

Repealed by Ord. 2341. (Ord. 1545 § 4, 1982).

2.24.050 Duties and responsibilities.

The Park Board shall be an advisory body responsible for providing guidance and direction in meeting the parks and recreational needs of the City.

A. The Board shall advise the Mayor on matters pertaining to:

1. Comprehensive park planning;

2. Park capital improvements;

3. Land acquisition for park and recreational purposes;

4. Development of new or existing parks;

5. Leases, agreements or contracts with governmental and/or other outside agencies relating to use of park and recreation facilities.

B. The Park Board shall advise the Park and Recreation Director on matters pertaining to:

1. Use and scheduling of parks and recreation facilities;

2. Fees charged for recreational activities and/or use of park facilities;

3. Park planning;

4. Management, supervision and control of all City parks;

5. Operation and maintenance of all City parks.

C. The Park Board shall assume any matters pending before the previous Board of Park Commissioners established under Ordinance 1106.

D. The Park Board shall have such other duties and responsibilities as may be prescribed by ordinance, or as directed by the Mayor. (Ord. 1545 § 5, 1982).

2.24.060 Abolishment of Board of Park Commissioners.

The Board of Park Commissioners established by Ordinance 1106 is abolished. As of February 28, 1983, all matters pending before the previous Board of Park Commissioners established under Ordinance 1106 shall be transferred to the Park Board hereby created. (Ord. 1545 § 6, 1982).