[Amended 9-14-2021]
The Town hereby establishes the Town of Voluntown Recreation Commission, pursuant to the authority granted by C.G.S.§§ 7-130a through 7-130w, for the promotion and development of public recreation for the Town.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Voluntown 6-27-1996. Amendments noted where applicable.]
There is hereby created a commission to be known as the "Town of Voluntown Recreation Commission" (formerly the "Town of Voluntown Recreation Committee"), hereinafter referred to as the "Commission."
The purpose of the Commission is to provide for the leisure recreation opportunities for all residents of Voluntown. The Commission shall be vested with the powers, duties and obligations necessary to accomplish this purpose. It shall be charged with full responsibility for the recreation programs designated by the Commission.
A.
The Commission shall consist of not less than five nor more than nine members (residents) appointed by the Board of Selectmen.
B.
Vacancies occasioned by removal, resignation or otherwise shall be reported to the Board of Selectmen, which shall fill such vacancies, except that the term of office is restricted to the unexpired term.
C.
The members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for their services as such, but shall be reimbursed for their necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties. Members shall be reimbursed for travel and subsistence to professional recreation meetings, conferences and workshops, such reimbursements being made in compliance with the general policies of the Town of Voluntown.
[Amended 9-14-2021]
Members of the Recreation Commission shall serve staggered three-year terms.
A.
The officers of the Commission shall be voted on by members of the Commission. The officers shall be a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. Election will be held at the monthly meeting in April of each year, and officers shall serve for one year or until a successor shall be elected.
B.
The Commission shall adopt bylaws, rules and regulations governing its procedure and consistent with all provisions of state laws affecting such commissions and the approved ordinance creating the Commission.
A.
Regular monthly meetings shall be posted at the Town Hall. Meeting times shall be set by the Commission at the monthly meeting in December for the next year.
B.
Special meetings may be called by the Chairman at any time, or may be called at the written request of three members of the Commission. Agendas of all meetings will be posted and records retained in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.
C.
A quorum shall be a majority of the Commission.
A.
The Commission shall assist the Town of Voluntown Board of Selectmen in providing, maintaining, operating and supervising the public parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and recreation centers and any other recreation facilities owned or controlled by the Town. The Commission shall assist the Town in the supervision of the facilities and activities provided and conducted on or in connection with the parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and recreation centers provided. The Commission shall have the power to conduct any form of recreation or cultural activity allowable under state law.
B.
Investigation and communication.
(1)
The Commission shall investigate and determine the recreational needs and interests of the community. The Commission shall provide a program to meet these needs.
(2)
The Commission shall communicate the recreational programs and services of the Commission to the community and shall, on an ongoing basis, assess the recreational needs of the community and report such assessments to the Board of Selectmen for consideration in the budget process.
C.
Budget.
(1)
The Commission shall prepare and present to the Board of Selectmen an annual operating budget sufficient to finance the program of recreation the Commission feels is necessary for the benefit of the residents of the Town of Voluntown. The budget shall be submitted to the Board of Selectmen at the time designated by the Board.
(2)
The Commission shall annually recommend to the Board of Selectmen a budget for capital improvements (acquisition and development) in accordance with the plan for recreation for the Town and request an allocation from the general fund or other funds sufficient to provide for these needs as planned.
(3)
The Commission shall appoint a Budget Committee at the monthly meeting in February of each year.
D.
The Commission shall assist the Selectmen with plans for the acquisition and development of an adequate system of parks, facilities and recreation programs for the residents of Voluntown.
The Commission shall make full and complete reports to the Board of Selectmen at such times as may be requested and such other times as the Board of Selectmen deem proper.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Art. 8 of the 1996 ordinance adopting these provisions, regarding the disbanding of the former Voluntown Recreation Area Development Committee, which immediately followed this section, was repealed 9-14-2021.