It is recognized that the preservation of urban open space is
vital to the health, well-being and development of all area residents.
It is desirable to establish a committee in the Town of Rotterdam
government that is responsible on an ongoing basis for examining the
stewardship of the Town's parks system and for determining whether
residents' needs are being met by the Town's parks and open
spaces.
A Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (hereafter referred
to as the "Committee") is hereby established to advise, as appropriate,
the Town Board on issues relating to Town-owned parks, open spaces,
recreation and programs for the aging.
The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Committee shall
be chosen by the Town Board from the nine members of the Committee.
The powers and duties of the Committee are as follows:
A. At the request of the Town Board, review and make recommendations
to the Department of Public Works and, as appropriate, advise the
Town Board on issues affecting the parks and open spaces and cemeteries.
B. Prepare and maintain a detailed inventory with descriptions of all areas described in Subsection
A.
C. Review significant new projects or proposed significant changes involving
the use, design, construction and management of the lands on which
it makes recommendations to be submitted to the Town Board for consideration.
D. Review and make recommendations regarding the use of parks and open
spaces and facilities thereon.
E. Provide a forum for public comment regarding parks and recreation
issues and promote public awareness of the value of open spaces within
the community.
F. Formulate rules, regulations and procedures necessary to conduct
its own business, including the authority to set up subcommittees.
All significant issues involving parks or open spaces that come
before any branch of Town government may be referred to the Committee
for review and recommendation before they are approved.
The members of the Committee, including ex officio members,
shall receive no compensation for their services but may be reimbursed
for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred, as allowed for in
the budget.
The Committee shall provide an annual summary of its activities
to the Town Board and the Board of Public Works not later than the
first day of April of each year. The Committee shall also provide
any special reports and recommendations as may be necessary.