A department, which shall be known as the city parks and recreational department, is hereby created.
(1994 Code, sec. 8.501)
The rental rate and deposit amount for the Sens Activity Center shall be determined by the city council and set out in § A2.001 of appendix A, fee schedule.
(1994 Code, art. 1.1600; Ordinance 1710 adopted 4/16/2024)
(a) 
Board created; membership.
A board, which shall be known as the Sens Activity Center board of the city, is hereby established. Same shall consist of eight (8) members, from which a chairman, vice-chairman and secretary shall be designated. Said board is to be appointed by the mayor on the advice and consent of the city council and the term of office is to commence upon the creation of such board. The first four (4) members in order of appointment shall hold office for one (1) year, and the next four (4) members in order of appointment shall hold office for two (2) years. The term of office shall expire for four (4) members every March 31st. Any vacancy appointment to the Sens Activity Center board shall be made by the mayor on the advice and consent of the city council. Should a vacancy on the board occur, the appointee thereto shall serve for only the unexpired term. The mayor on the advice and consent of the city council shall thereafter annually appoint four (4) members to the Sens Activity Center board for a two (2) year term of office. It is expressly understood that any prior board official shall be eligible for reappointment. All board members shall be individuals of good character and reputation who have long standing ties to the city community. Board members shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for duly authorized expenses in the performance of their duties.
(b) 
Duties of board.
(1) 
Intent.
It is the intent of the city to provide a multi-purpose civic center with particular emphasis on serving senior citizens. Toward that end, it shall be the goal of the Sens Activity Center to make the center available to seniors and nonprofit groups without charge and available for individuals and groups under a system of reservation at a reasonable cost. To the extent feasible, the board shall encourage, promote or conduct activities which will maximize appropriate use of the facility.
(2) 
Reports to council; budget.
At least annually, the board shall prepare a report to the city council which shall include a general description of the use of the Sens Center and suggestions on changes in operation that would further the purpose of the center. The board shall prepare a budget outlining proposed activities for the upcoming year and any funds necessary to fund the activities conducted by the board. The city council shall review the budget and appropriate funds at its discretion in accordance with the budget procedures of the city and available funding. Funds appropriated shall be administered and accounted for in the same manner as all other city funds. The funds for utilities, maintenance and the like shall be handled through the main city budget and shall not be part of the Sens Center board budget.
(c) 
Use of facilities.
(1) 
Reservations and rental.
(A) 
The reservations for the use of the Sens Center shall be made through the city administrator or his designee. The Sens Center shall be made available for use by reservation without charge to senior and nonprofit groups from 8:00 a.m. Monday through 12:00 a.m. Friday. Reservations by seniors and nonprofits Monday through Thursday may be in one (1) hour periods. The Sens Center will be available for rent for 24-hour periods beginning at 8:00 a.m. Friday (Friday available only if not previously reserved by a senior or nonprofit group), Saturday and Sunday. Senior and nonprofit groups shall be given priority even for weekend rentals. The city administrator shall require a signed rental agreement, rental payment, and a deposit for each rental all of which must be given to the city administrator in order to receive keys to the Sens Center. All rent shall be received by the city administrator at the city hall and shall be deposited and accounted for in accordance with accepted accounting procedures of the city.
(B) 
For the purpose of this section a nonprofit group shall mean:
(i) 
Any organization which has a current tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
(ii) 
Any organization that has been incorporated as a nonprofit corporation by the Secretary of the State and which is in good standing;
(iii) 
Any organization which holds a charter from a national philanthropic or service organization, e.g. Boy Scouts or Girl Scout of America;
(iv) 
Any organization granted exemption by the city council based on historic or proposed activity intended to contribute to the betterment of the common good of the city, which shall include but not be limited to the city volunteer fire department.
(2) 
Donations.
Donations for the Sens Center will be accepted by the city. It shall be the responsibility of the city administrator to receive any donations and ensure that each person making a donation of any size receives a receipt in a form that will be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
(Ordinance 1576 adopted 12/18/18; Ordinance 1710 adopted 4/16/2024)
A board, which shall be known as the city parks and recreation board, is hereby established. The board shall consist of nine (9) members, from which a chairman and vice-chairman shall be designated. Said board is to be appointed by the mayor on the advice and consent of the city council and the term of office is to commence upon the creation of the board. The first three (3) members in order of appointment shall hold office for one year. The next three members in order of appointment shall hold office for two years. The last three members in order of appointment shall hold the office for three years. After the initial appointments, the term of office shall be for three years and the term of office shall expire for three members on October 31st of every year. Any vacancy, appointment or reappointment to the city parks and recreation board shall be made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council. In order to be eligible for appointment, the appointee need not be a resident of the city, but must reside with the Bellville Independent School District and be a registered voter. Should a vacancy on the board occur, the appointee thereto shall serve for only the unexpired term of the member’s place he or she fills. Board members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for duly authorized expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
(1994 Code, sec. 1.2001)
(a) 
It shall be the duty of such board to assist the city in maintenance and operations matters of all city park facilities within the city.
(b) 
The board shall make recommendations for improvements, equipment, fixtures and other related items for any city parks when deemed necessary. Such recommendations shall be made to the city council, for its consideration and approval.
(c) 
All formal meetings of the city parks board shall be open to the public. The mayor of the city shall be an ex-officio member of such board but shall not vote thereon.
(1994 Code, sec. 1.2002)