[Ord. of 2-27-1959, § 1; Ord. of 4-5-1968, § 1]
There is hereby established in the town a Parks and Recreation
Commission, consisting of seven electors of the town, appointed by
the First Selectman with the approval of the Board of Selectmen. All
members shall hold office to the first day of July in the year of
the expiration of their terms, and all such appointments shall be
for four years.
[Ord. of 2-27-1959, § 1; Ord. of 4-5-1968, § 1]
All vacancies in the Parks and Recreation Commission shall be
filled by the appointing Authority for the unexpired portion of the
term of the vacating member.
[Ord. of 2-27-1959, § 1; Ord. of 4-5-1968, § 1]
Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission shall serve without
compensation.
[Ord. of 2-27-1959, § 2; Ord. of 4-5-1968, §§ 1, 2]
(a) The members of the Parks and Recreation Commission shall elect their
own Chairman and Secretary and all other necessary officers, who shall
serve for a period of one year.
(b) The Commission shall have the power to adopt rules and regulations
for the conduct of its meetings.
(c) No action by the Commission, except as otherwise specifically provided
in this Article, shall be valid unless authorized by a majority of
its members.
(d) A majority of the appointed members shall constitute a quorum. The
Commission shall hold regular meetings once a month, however, special
meetings may be called by the Chairman at any time and shall be called
upon the request of any two members.
[Ord. of 2-27-1959, § 9; Ord. of 4-5-1968, § 8]
The Parks and Recreation Commission shall establish an office
and shall cause to be maintained accurate records of the work of such
Commission. It shall keep a record of all meetings of the Commission,
its procedures and accounts, a copy of which shall be filed with the
Board of Selectmen, and such records shall be, at all times, open
to the public.
[Ord. of 2-27-1959, § 4; Ord. of 4-5-1968; §§ 3 - 5; Ord. of 4-24-1989]
(a) The powers and duties of the Parks and Recreation Commission shall
be exercised and performed as provided in this Article and in conformity
with the ordinances of the town and the statutes of the state.
(b) The Commission shall be charged with the preservation and maintenance
of the Village Green as an historic open green area and shall be further
charged with the preservation, control, development, improvement,
management, operation and maintenance of a system of public parks,
forests, recreational facilities and areas now in existence or that
may hereafter be acquired and shall be charged with the supervision,
development, maintenance and preservation of playgrounds, playfields,
bathing beaches, swimming pools, ice-skating and skiing facilities,
recreational areas and other park activities, areas and facilities.
The Commission shall have the power to accept, in the name of the
town, material gifts or bequests for the use or benefit of parks,
recreation areas and facilities, provided that any gifts other than
money shall not be accepted except upon the approval of the Town Council.
The Commission shall have the power to expend any funds appropriated
by the Board of Finance for such purposes and any funds collected,
donated or bequeathed to the town for park purposes by private individuals
or organizations, provided that such funds have been appropriated
in accordance with the provisions of the Town Charter. The funds from
such gifts or bequests shall be placed in the custody of the Director
of Finance and shall be kept by him or her in an account, which shall
be known as the "New Milford Parks Gift Fund," which account shall
be separate and distinct from all other town accounts. Disbursements
from the New Milford Parks Gift Fund shall be made on order of the
Commission only, in accordance with the terms, if any, of the gifts
or bequests which make up said Fund. All checks drawn on the fund
shall be signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Commission and
countersigned by the Director of Finance.
(c) The Commission shall have the power to make and enforce such rules
and regulations governing the use of such parks, recreational facilities
and areas as it deems proper and shall have the further power and
Authority to appoint subcommittees to study any phase of the work
of the Commission or to assist in carrying out its functions.
(d) The Commission shall have the power to conduct any form of recreational
or cultural activity that will employ the leisure time of the people
in a constructive and wholesome manner. It may conduct such activities
on properties under its own control or on public properties with the
consent of the owners.
(e) The Commission shall have the power to employ a Director of Parks
and Recreation, which appointment shall be subject to the approval
of the Town Council, and the power to employ such other personnel
as it deems necessary and proper, provided that there shall be sufficient
funds appropriated for the employment of such other personnel.
(f) The Commission shall have the power to cooperate with, sponsor and
assist any privately operated or sponsored recreational activity in
any way it may determine to be proper and upon such terms and conditions
as it may determine to be necessary or convenient
[Ord. of 2-27-1959, § 6; Ord. of 4-5-1968, § 5]
The Parks and Recreation Commission, with the approval of the
Board of Selectmen, shall have the authority to make reasonable charges
for the use of facilities for amusement, entertainment, refreshments
or transportation of the public as provided, and may let privileges
and concessions therefor, but such privileges and concessions shall
be subject to the supervision and control of the Commission.
[Ord. of 2-27-1959, § 8; Ord. of 4-5-1968, § 7]
On or about the first day of June of each year, the Parks and
Recreation Commission shall furnish the Board of Finance of the town
with a detailed statement of the money which will be required to meet
the obligations thereof and provide for its expenses for the ensuing
year, together with its recommendations for the development of the
parks and recreation program and such recreational facilities as it
may deem advisable. The Commission shall also prepare an annual report
of its proceedings, receipts and expenditures during the preceding
year, and file copies thereof with the Board of Selectmen and with
the Clerk of the Board of Finance on or before the first day of June
of each year.