Township of Birmingham, PA Chapter 20 Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Birmingham 7-1-1996 by Ord. No. 96-07. Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 20-1 Legislative intent.

It is the intent of the Board of Supervisors of Birmingham Township to create a Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee to provide an on-going review of the facilities and property used for recreation, parks and open space in the Township and to make recommendations to enhance the recreation, park and open space opportunities for the residents of the Township.

§ 20-2 Establishment; compensation.

There is hereby created the Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee of Birmingham Township, which shall consist of not fewer than five nor more than seven members, and all members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses.

§ 20-3 Membership appointment and term.

Members of the Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors of Birmingham Township. The term of each member of the Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee shall be five years or until his or her successor is appointed and qualified, except that the terms first appointed pursuant to this chapter shall be so fixed that on commissions of seven members or fewer, no more than two members shall be reappointed or replaced during any future calendar year. Elected or appointed officers or employees of Birmingham Township shall not forfeit the right to exercise the power, perform the duties or receive the compensation of the municipal office held by them by reason of his/her membership on the Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee.

§ 20-4 Vacancies.

The Chairman of the Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee shall promptly notify the Board of Supervisors of Birmingham Township concerning vacancies on the Committee, and such vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term. If a vacancy shall occur otherwise than by expiration of term, it shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term by the Board of Supervisors of Birmingham Township. If at any time the Board of Supervisors of Birmingham Township elects to increase the number of members of the existing Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee, additional members shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors of Birmingham Township.

§ 20-5 Reduction of number of members.

A. If the Board of Supervisors of Birmingham Township determines to reduce the number of members on the existing Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee, such reduction shall be effectuated by allowing the terms to expire and by making no new appointments to fill the vacancy.

B. Any reduction or increase in the number of members of the Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee over the authorized number shall be by ordinance. All members of the Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee shall be residents of the Township and shall be appointed pursuant to § 20-4 of this chapter.

§ 20-6 Officers.

The Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee shall elect its own chair, vice chair and secretary and create and fill other such offices as may be determined. Officers shall serve annual terms and may succeed themselves.

§ 20-7 Rules and regulations.

[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]

The Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee shall adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its own meetings and business. Said rules and regulations shall comply with all applicable statutory regulations, including, but not limited to, the Sunshine Act, codified at 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq.

§ 20-8 Meetings and records.

The Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee shall establish regular meeting dates and criteria for the calling of special meetings. The Committee shall keep a complete record of its business and shall annually present to the Board of Supervisors at the Annual Town Meeting a report of the Committee's activities and such interim reports as may be necessary or as requested by the Board of Supervisors of Birmingham Township.

§ 20-9 Powers and duties.

The powers and duties of the Recreation, Parks and Open Space Committee, at the request of the Board of Supervisors of Birmingham Township, shall be as follows:

A. Make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors concerning the supervision, regulation and rules for the use of recreation, parks and open space area and facilities within the Township.

B. Make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors concerning the use and condition of recreation, park and open space land in the Township.

C. Make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors concerning the acquisition of additional land and/or facilities for recreation, park and open space.

D. Conduct periodic inspections and surveys of the recreation, parks and open space land to assess its condition and need for improvements, maintenance and repair.

E. Make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding the maintenance, use and improvements to existing recreation, park and open space land.

F. Make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for the creation of new recreation programs.

G. Make recommendations and periodically review Code provisions that relate to the preservation of open space, development of recreation areas and management of those areas.

H. Make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for a multiyear financial plan for the Township's recreation, park and open space activities.