There is hereby created and established the city parks and open space board. The board shall consist of five (5) regular voting members, including a chairperson, and two (2) alternate members. The board members shall be appointed by the city council for a term of two (2) years, and shall serve until their successor is appointed. The alternate board members may participate in the board discussions; however, the alternate board members shall only vote in the absence of a regular board member, as determined by the chairperson. Board members shall reside in the city for at least six (6) months preceding appointment day.
(Ordinance 2014-12-00803 adopted 12/4/14)
The members of the park and open space board may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the city council with or without cause. Any vacancy in the board shall be filled by the city council for the unexpired term of the member whose place has become vacant.
(Ordinance 2014-12-00803 adopted 12/4/14)
The park and open space board shall hold at least one (1) quarterly meeting. Such meeting shall be held on a day of the month approved by the board. Special meetings may be called by the chairman, by the city manager, or, if requested, by at least four (4) board members. A simple majority of the board shall constitute a quorum. A vote of the simple majority of the quorum shall be required for any action taken by the board. Such meetings shall comply with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
(Ordinance 2014-12-00803 adopted 12/4/14)
(a) 
Election.
A chairman and vice-chairman shall be selected annually, preferably at the first regular meeting of the fiscal year.
(b) 
Duties of officers.
(1) 
Chairman.
It shall be the duty of the chairman to preside at all meetings of the board and to call special meetings.
(2) 
Vice-chairman.
It shall be the duty of the vice-chairman to perform the duties of the chairman during any absence.
(Ordinance 2014-12-00803 adopted 12/4/14)
(a) 
The board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the city council in all matters relating to the parks and open space of the city. The board shall also make recommendations to the city council on the implementation of beautification programs and projects to enhance the natural beauty of the city.
(b) 
The board shall review, study and make recommendations to the city manager or designee for priorities of projects or activities to be included in future parks, open space and beautification projects and programs. Board input and guidance on parks and open space should be incorporated into the parks and open space master plan which also includes the identification of the city’s trail network and possible locations of trailheads. Such master plan shall be considered, revised and maintained with technical assistance and recommendations of the city manager or designee. The parks and open space master plan shall be reviewed at least annually by the board.
(c) 
Based on the park and open space master plan and the identification of beautification projects by the board, a five-year capital improvement program should be developed for consideration by the city council and coordinated with the city manager or designee and the finance department.
(d) 
The board should review fees relating the use of parks on an annual basis, making recommendations to the city manager or designee for consideration during the budget process. The board shall study budget proposals on an annual basis and recommend inclusion or exclusion of budget items to the city manager or designee.
(e) 
The board should review park rules and policies on an annual basis, making recommendations to the city manager or designee.
(f) 
The board should assist in educational and community outreach programs to help facilitate litter prevention, preservation of open space, encouragement of community advocacy relating to beautification and the establishment of partnerships to help with the overall aesthetic appeal of the city.
(g) 
The board should help ensure a high quality of life for city residents by coordinating special events that provide a mechanism to create a sense of community spirit and enjoyment.
(h) 
The board may establish additional policies and guidelines upon approval by the city council.
(i) 
The board shall study and make recommendations to the city council on any other matters as requested by the city council.
(Ordinance 2014-12-00803 adopted 12/4/14)
(a) 
To ensure that the board has sufficient members present to transact business, board members and alternates shall maintain a record of at least 75% attendance at the official meetings of the board.
(b) 
A review of each board member’s attendance will be conducted at the time the member’s reappointment. If at the time of reappointment, the attendance record of the member is below 75% for their last appointed term, the staff and chair will review the attendance record with the board member and will then provide a written board attendance report to the city council. Upon review of the written report, the city council may ask to meet with the member concerning the ability to continue to meet the attendance requirements. The outcome of the review of the report and/or the interview with the member will be considered in the reappointment process.
(Ordinance 2014-12-00803 adopted 12/4/14)