It is hereby found that the health, safety and quality of life
of the citizens of the Town of Amherst would be furthered by the creation
of an Amherst Central Park. It is further found that the opportunity
to enjoy or participate in recreational events in Amherst Central
Park is a valid and proper local government object and purpose. It
is hereby declared to be the policy of the Town of Amherst to promote
recreational activities within the Town of Amherst in the Amherst
Central Park and to cooperate with various and appropriate individuals,
groups, associations, organizations and citizens concerned with the
Amherst Central Park to promote, ensure and enhance the function,
object and mission of the Town of Amherst. The Amherst Central Park
will utilize and share the Town of Amherst's natural and diverse
collective resources, become self-sustaining over time and a location
for individuals to participate in as a community. Therefore, enhancing
the quality of life of all citizens. The Town of Amherst will develop
and oversee the creation of Amherst Central Park as a central, community
location for guests and residents alike. It is perceived that Amherst
Central Park will become a haven for greenspace and recreation for
all people to experience and further implement the Town's reputation
at the forefront for a fight against climate change. The Town Board
further finds that this community asset will serve as a safe and inclusive
space for individuals of all ages to play, learn, engage and join
together in perpetuity.
There shall be and hereby is created and established the Amherst
Central Park Task Force for the Town of Amherst. It shall consist
of eleven (11) members, each member appointed by the Town Board. Each
member shall serve a three (3) year term commencing at the bi-annual
Town Reorganization Meeting, with the exception of the first such
Board, which shall be appointed following the adoption of this chapter.
The terms of the members are to be staggered to prevent the entire
Board from overturning at one time. Initial membership terms are to
be adjusted to have a term of three (3) members expire on December
31, 2020, the terms of three (3) members to expire on December 31,
2021, the terms of three (3) members to expire on December 31, 2022
and the term of two (2) members to expire on December 31, 2023. Board
members are limited to serving three (3) consecutive terms. Members
shall be representatives of the community and have a particular interest
in the creation, maintenance and fulfillment of recreational activities
in Amherst Central Park. In making appointments to the Board, the
Supervisor and the members of the Town Board shall give due consideration
to the recommendations made by recognized representatives of local,
civic, education and cultural associations, groups and organizations
that are concerned with or engaged in the establishment of public
recreational facilities. The Amherst Central Park Task Force shall
elect its own chairperson and adopt its own rules of procedure.
The Amherst Central Park Task Force shall promote, stimulate,
encourage and coordinate the pursuit of recreational activities in
Amherst Central Park; encourage public input into the utilization
of Amherst Central Park; promote the utilization of the Amherst Central
Park by all members of the community and make appropriate recommendations
in the development process concerning the Amherst Central Park.