Chapter 2.24
PARKS COMMISSION1
Sections:
2.24.100 Duties and responsibilities.
2.24.010 Created.
There is created and established for the city an advisory commission to be know as the parks, recreation and beautification commission, to be know as the parks commission. (Ord. 870 § 2, 1991).
2.24.020 Membership.
The parks commission shall consist of seven members. The selection of park commissioners shall be made from individuals who have an interest in parks, recreation and beautification as evidenced by training, interest, experience or actions. The majority of members shall be city residents; provided, that an appointed incumbent moving outside the city may continue membership until his or her term expires. Three members may reside outside the city limits and within the districts designated in this chapter. One member shall be a resident of the Snoqualmie Valley School District enrollment area, shall be between the ages of 16 and 18 years at the time of appointment, and shall have full voting rights. In appointing parks commission members, the mayor shall make a reasonable effort to appoint members representing the districts established in NBMC 2.24.050. (Ord. 1277 § 1, 2007: Ord. 870 § 3 (A), 1991).
2.24.030 Terms.
Original terms of members of the parks commission shall be established by lot: two members for terms of one year; two members for terms of two years; two members for terms of three years; and one member for a term of four years. Subsequent terms shall be for four years; provided, however, that the commission member serving in the capacity of the resident of the Snoqualmie Valley School District enrollment area as set forth in NBMC 2.24.020 shall serve for only a one-year term. Terms shall expire the first day of January each year. (Ord. 1277 § 2, 2007: Ord. 870 § 3 (B), 1991).
2.24.040 Advisory members.
The parks commission may, at its option, accept advisory member(s) to provide assistance and advice on projects relating to planning, acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of park and recreational facilities and recreation and beautification programs. Such advisory members shall not be voting members of the parks commission and shall receive no compensation. (Ord. 870 § 3 (C), 1991).
2.24.050 Districts.
Four districts shall be created within the North Bend planning area. District 1 shall be the area within the boundaries of the city of North Bend; District 2 shall be the area located south of the Interstate 90 corridor, west of Cedar Falls Road; District 3 shall be the area south of the Interstate 90 corridor, east of Cedar Falls Road; District 4 shall be the unincorporated area located north of the Interstate 90 corridor. (Ord. 870 § 3 (D), 1991).
2.24.060 Appointment.
Members of the parks commission shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the council. Members shall be selected without respect to political affiliations and shall serve without compensation. (Ord. 870 § 3 (E), 1991).
2.24.070 Removal.
Members of the parks commission may be removed by the mayor, with concurrence of the council. If a member of the parks commission is absent from three consecutive regularly scheduled meetings, his or her office may be declared vacant by the chair of the parks commission, unless the member is absent by permission of the parks commission. (Ord. 870 § 3 (F), 1991).
2.24.080 Vacancies.
Vacancies occurring other than through the expiration of terms shall be filled from the remainder of the unexpired term as provided in NBMC 2.24.060. (Ord. 870 § 3 (G), 1991).
2.24.090 Meetings – Rules.
A. The parks commission shall elect its own chairman and create and fill such other offices as it may determine it requires. The terms of such offices shall be one year.
B. The parks commission shall hold at least one regular meeting every other month at such date, time, and place as may be established by final action of the commission. Special meetings may be held as often as the parks commission deems necessary. All meetings shall be open to the public.
C. The parks commission may adopt such rules and regulations for its own guidance and transaction of business. Rules and regulations adopted by the parks commission shall remain in full force and effect until changed by amendments, repeal or otherwise. The parks commission shall have all other powers and perform all other specific duties now or hereinafter conferred or imposed upon it by ordinance. A written record of all proceedings will be kept on file at City Hall and shall be a public record.
D. A majority of the membership of the parks commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any action taken by a majority of those present when those present constitute a quorum, at any regular or special meeting of the parks commission shall be deemed and taken as the action of the parks commission. (Ord. 1484 § 1, 2013; Ord. 870 § 4, 1991).
2.24.100 Duties and responsibilities.
The parks commission shall be an advisory body responsible for providing guidance and direction in meeting the parks, recreational and beautification needs of the city. The parks commission shall consult with and make recommendations to the mayor, council, community development director, city departments and the planning commission on matters relating to planning, acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of park and recreational facilities, and recreation and beautification programs either inside or outside the city limits. The parks commission and the planning commission may establish joint committees as needed to develop recommendations on matters relating to park and recreation facilities, open space, and community beautification. The parks commission may be represented on a local land conservation trust organization or a parks and recreation service area if such organizations are established.
A. The parks commission shall periodically review and recommend amendments to the city’s park, recreation and beautification comprehensive plan and capital improvement program. At least one public hearing, which may be a joint hearing of the planning commission and the parks commission, shall be held prior to submitting any such recommendations to the council.
B. The parks commission shall study and make recommendations for the acquisition of land, open space, waterways, buildings, facilities and equipment. The parks commission shall include recommendations regarding use and allocation of park and recreational impact fees collected for development.
C. The parks commission shall hold public hearings for all specific proposed projects that involve major expenditures for land acquisition, facility development and renovations of park and recreation purposes. Such hearings may be joint hearings involving the planning commission and/or the city council. Public hearings shall be held, giving notice of time and place by one publication in the official newspaper of the city, posting at City Hall and other such places as deemed necessary to inform the public.
D. The parks commission, at its discretion, may advise the appropriate city department regarding operation and maintenance of public parks, playgrounds, recreation facilities, beautification of city streets, buildings and other city-owned property. The parks commission may recommend or provide advice to the council regarding policies that concern city parks, recreation and beautification programs. In addition, it will review and make recommendations regarding the budget as required to implement these projects and programs.
E. The parks commission may recommend the formation of special boards or task forces as deemed necessary for special or ongoing projects related to parks, open space, recreation or beautification. The formation of such boards shall be approved by the council and members appointed by the mayor.
F. City staff and legal counsel will consult with the parks commission as necessary to assist the commission in carrying out its responsibilities.
G. The parks commission shall develop public interest in the activities of the parks, recreation and beautification programs and facilities. It will encourage individuals and community groups to donate funds, property or labor for the improvement and development of park, open space, recreation or beautification projects. (Ord. 870 § 5, 1991).
2.24.110 Education.
Parks commission members are eligible to utilize city education and training funding, subject to availability, to attend workshops, seminars, and/or conferences relating to parks, open space, and recreation planning. (Ord. 870 § 6, 1991).
2.24.120 Reports.
The parks commission, at or before its first regular meeting in February of each year, shall make a full report, in writing, to the council of its transactions and expenditures, if any, for the preceding year, with such general recommendations as to matters covered by its prescribed duties and authority as may seem proper. (Ord. 870 § 7, 1991).
Prior legislation: Ords. 573 and 785, repealed by Ord. 870.