[HISTORY: Adopted by the Special Town Meeting of the Town of Guilford
7-24-1962; amended in its entirety at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1,
General Provisions, Art. I). Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
Under the authority of Section 7-148 of the Connecticut General Statutes,
there be and is hereby created in the Town of Guilford a Parks and Recreation
Commission, the members of which shall be appointed by the Selectmen with
confirmation by Town Meeting. The Commission shall consist of nine members,
who must be electors of the town. No more than five shall be from one political
party.
Initially, the Board of Selectmen, with confirmation by Town Meeting,
shall appoint three members to the Commission to serve for terms of one year,
three to serve for terms of two years and three to serve for terms of three
years. Thereafter, all appointments shall be for a term of four years or until
a successor is appointed and qualified. Vacancies occurring otherwise than
by expiration of term of office shall be filled for the unexpired term in
the same manner as above. Members of said Commission shall serve without pay.
Immediately after appointment, the members of the Commission shall meet
and elect a Chairperson and such other officers as may be necessary for a
period of one year.
The Parks and Recreation Commission shall hold regular meetings and
shall designate the time and place thereof and shall have the power to adopt
rules and regulations for the conduct of business within its jurisdiction
and shall keep a record of all of its proceedings. Five members shall constitute
a quorum. A vacancy shall occur when a member shall fail to be present at
four consecutive meetings or 25% of such meetings in any fiscal year, unless
such absence shall be excused by the Commission and the reason thereof entered
into the proceedings.
The powers and duties of the Parks and Recreation Commission shall be
exercised and performed as herein provided and in conformity with the town
ordinances.
A.Â
The Commission shall be charged with the control, development,
management, operation and maintenance of a system of parks, recreational areas
and facilities and shall be charged with the supervision and maintenance of
playgrounds, playfields, bathing beaches, recreation centers and other recreation
and park activities, areas and facilities and shall have power to expend funds
appropriated by the town for such purposes and any funds donated or bequeathed
for recreation and/or park purposes by private individuals or organizations.
B.Â
The Commission, subject to town rules and regulations,
shall have the power to employ a Director of Parks and Recreation, who is
properly qualified in experience and education, and such other personnel as
the Director and Commission deem proper. The salaries of personnel shall be
fixed by the Commission.
C.Â
The Commission shall have the power to conduct outdoor
and indoor recreation activities and facilities on the grounds and in the
buildings in charge of the Board of Education and the Green in charge of the
Board of Selectmen, subject to their consent.
D.Â
The Commission shall have the power to call upon any
other department of the town government for assistance in the performance
of its duties.
E.Â
The Commission shall have authority to conduct, at reasonable
charges, such facilities for amusement, entertainment, refreshment or transportation
of the public as are suitable for park and recreation purposes and in accordance
with zoning regulations and may let privileges therefor, but such privileges
shall be subject to the supervision and control of the Commission and its
Director.
F.Â
The Commission shall be charged with the control, maintenance
and development of public parks and recreational areas now in existence or
that may hereafter be acquired.
G.Â
The Commission may make, with approval of the Board of
Selectmen, all contracts to carry out the objectives and purposes of the Commission
and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be necessary
for the proper administration of the affairs of the Commission.
The Parks and Recreation Commission, at the regularly designated time,
shall submit an estimate of anticipated expenditures for the coming fiscal
year. Said Commission shall operate within the budget as approved.
The Parks and Recreation Commission shall, at a designated time each
year, make a written report relative to the work of the Commission and shall
submit such other reports as may be requested from time to time.
The Parks and Recreation Commission shall establish and cause to be
maintained accurate records of the Commission's work. It shall keep a record
of the minutes of all meetings, procedures and accounts of the Commission.
The Parks and Recreation Commission may solicit or receive gifts or
bequests or other personal property or any donation to be used, as principal
or income, for municipal and/or park purposes.
