Chapter 2.72
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
Sections:
2.72.020 Created – Composition – Compensation.
2.72.030 Terms of commissioners – Filling vacancies.
2.72.040 Officers of board – Meetings – Quorum.
2.72.010 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, certain words shall have the following meanings:
A. “Board” means board of parks and recreation commissioners;
B. “Park” means an area of land, with or without water, developed and used for public recreational purposes, including landscaped tracts, picnic grounds, playgrounds, athletic fields, recreation centers, camps, foot, bicycle and bridle paths, motor vehicle drives, wildlife sanctuaries, museums, zoological and botanical gardens, facilities for bathing, boating, hunting and fishing, as well as other recreational facilities for the use and benefit of the public.
(Ord. O2012-001, Amended, 05/15/2012; Ord. 636, Added, 02/06/1973)
2.72.020 Created – Composition – Compensation.
There is created a board of parks and recreation commissioners, consisting of seven members, who shall be appointed by the mayor, with the consent of the majority of the city council, from citizens of recognized fitness for such positions who reside in this city, except that two members may reside in the Tumwater urban growth area, as defined in the Tumwater/Thurston County joint plan. No commissioner shall receive any compensation for his services.
(Ord. O2012-001, Amended, 05/15/2012; Ord. O2007-011, Amended, 07/17/2007; Ord. O2000-025, Amended, 11/08/00; Ord. 656, Amended, 10/02/1973; Ord. 636, Added, 02/06/1973)
2.72.030 Terms of commissioners – Filling vacancies.
The first commissioners appointed and those appointed to newly created positions shall determine by lot whose term shall expire in one, two and three years respectively, and their terms shall begin after their appointment has been approved by the city council, and upon taking the usual oath of qualification. The terms of office, except the first, shall begin on the first Monday in June, and, at the expiration of each commissioner’s term, the mayor shall appoint, with the consent of the city council, one member for a three-year term.
(Ord. O2023-008, Amended, 05/02/2023; Ord. O2007-011, Amended, 07/17/2007; Ord. 636, Added, 02/06/1973)
2.72.040 Officers of board – Meetings – Quorum.
Immediately after their appointment, members of the board shall meet and organize by electing from the members of the board a president, a secretary, and such other officers as may be necessary. It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all meetings of the board and of the secretary to keep minutes of all meetings and of all proceedings of the board. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and two affirmative votes shall be necessary to carry any proposition. A meeting of the board shall be held at least once a month.
(Ord. 636, Added, 02/06/1973)
2.72.050 Powers and duties.
The board shall advise the city council regarding the expansion and operation of the city parks and recreational facilities and programs, but shall have no administrative or supervisory powers not available to the council. The board shall have the power to advise regarding the establishment of a park and/or recreation department, hereinafter called “the department,” and regarding the employment of necessary personnel, and to advise regarding conduct of any form of recreation or cultural activity that will employ the leisure time of the people in a constructive and wholesome manner, and shall advise regarding control and supervision of all parks belonging to the city, and advise regarding planning, promotion, management and acquisition, construction, development, maintenance and operation, including restrictions on, and compensation to be paid for, concessions or privileges in parks and/or playgrounds, either within or without the city limits, of parks, squares, parkways and boulevards, play and recreational grounds, and/or other municipally owned recreational facilities, including community buildings, and improvement and ornamentation of the same; make recommendations regarding entering into written contracts with the United States, the state of Washington, and county, city or town, park district, school district, or any such public organizations for the purpose of conducting a recreational program or exercising any other power granted by this chapter.
(Ord. 636, Added, 02/06/1973)
2.72.060 Recommended budget.
The board shall submit to the city council each year, on or before the second Monday in August, an estimate of the amount of money recommended for the department to carry on its activities for the ensuing year, together with recommendations for the development of the program and facilities as it may deem advisable, for the information and guidance of the city council in preparing the budget for the tax levy, for the operation and maintenance of the city parks and the recreational program and necessary facilities and the acquisition of land, structures, or facilities needed therefor.
(Ord. 636, Added, 02/06/1973)