Chapter 2.30
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
Sections:
2.30.030 Membership – Appointments, attendance, vacancies, and officers.
2.30.050 Conflict of interest.
2.30.010 Creation.
There is hereby created a parks and recreation advisory commission to serve as an advisory body to the mayor and Oak Harbor city council. (Ord. 1989 § 2, 2023).
2.30.020 Powers and duties.
The parks and recreation advisory commission shall:
(1) Advise the city council regarding the planning, promotion, and acquisition, construction, development, maintenance, and operation of parks, playgrounds, squares, parkways and boulevards, play facilities and recreational facilities;
(2) Advise the city council regarding the planning, promotion, and operation of the city’s recreation programs, senior services, community special events, and other life enrichment programming;
(3) Advise the city council regarding the planning, implementation, and promotion of the city’s Tree City USA designation. The commission shall also investigate, study, and report to the city council on such matters concerning the city’s urban tree canopy, planting, maintenance, and removal of street trees and landscaping; the protection and conservation of naturalized open spaces; and the beautification of the city’s public spaces;
(4) Investigate, study, and advise the city council on grants, donations, and other forms of funding to assist in the operation of the city’s recreational facilities and programs, and to otherwise advise the city council on budgetary needs related to the operations of the parks and recreation department;
(5) Periodically review a complete inventory list of all property and equipment; and
(6) Adopt rules and procedures for designated parks and create a subcommittee for approving memorials. (Ord. 1989 § 2, 2023).
2.30.030 Membership – Appointments, attendance, vacancies, and officers.
The parks and recreation advisory commission shall follow the membership requirements in Chapter 2.65 OHMC. The following items are specific to the parks and recreation advisory commission:
(1) Appointments. In appointing members and filling vacancies, the mayor and council should endeavor to obtain a diverse cross-section and appoint members having an interest in parks and recreation.
(a) Parks and recreation advisory commission members shall be appointed, and terms of office shall be as provided in Chapter 2.65 OHMC.
(b) The parks and recreation advisory commission consists of seven members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.
(i) Five members shall reside within the city limits.
(ii) Two members may reside within the 98277 or 98278 zip code areas.
(c) There shall be one ex officio councilmember appointed to the parks and recreation advisory commission. This will be a nonvoting position and their attendance does not count towards a quorum.
(d) There shall be one student representative from the local high school. This will be a nonvoting position and their attendance does not count towards a quorum. (Ord. 1989 § 2, 2023).
2.30.040 Meetings.
(1) Meeting Schedule. In January of each year, the Oak Harbor parks and recreation advisory commission shall establish their meeting schedule and set the time and location for each meeting. Any changes must be added to a meeting agenda and approved by a majority of parks and recreation advisory commission members. Special meetings of the commission may be called at any time by the chairperson or by a quorum of the members of the commission upon personal notice being given to all members of the commission. If personal notice cannot be given, written notice must be received by such members at least 24 hours prior to said meeting.
(2) Meeting Agenda – Notice. The parks and recreation advisory commission agenda and meeting notice shall be sent to parks and recreation advisory commission members and posted as required 24 hours prior to said meeting.
(3) Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of official business shall consist of a majority of the appointed members of the commission. If a quorum is not present within 15 minutes of the meeting time, the chairperson needs to call the meeting to order, indicate there is no quorum, and close the meeting. Ex officio members and student representatives are nonvoting and do not count towards a quorum. (Ord. 1989 § 2, 2023).
2.30.050 Conflict of interest.
Parks and recreation advisory commission members shall recuse themselves from discussing and voting on contracts in which that member or a member of that person’s immediate family has a direct or remote financial interest. The definitions of contracts, financial interests, remote interests, and direct interests are set forth in RCW 42.23.020 and 42.23.030 and commissioners are encouraged to contact the city attorney in advance of the deliberation or vote on a contract in which the commissioner may have a financial interest for a recommendation regarding how to proceed. (Ord. 1989 § 2, 2023).
2.30.060 Park defined.
For purposes of this chapter, “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, and facilities for bathing, hunting, and fishing. “Park” shall also include any and all undeveloped land owned or controlled by the city which is presently designated for park purposes, as well as other recreational facilities for the use and benefit of the public, excluding marinas. (Ord. 1989 § 2, 2023).