The parks commission shall be an advisory body responsible for providing guidance and direction in meeting the parks, recreational and beautification needs of the city. The parks commission shall consult with and make recommendations to the mayor, council, community development director, city departments and the planning commission on matters relating to planning, acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of park and recreational facilities, and recreation and beautification programs either inside or outside the city limits. The parks commission and the planning commission may establish joint committees as needed to develop recommendations on matters relating to park and recreation facilities, open space, and community beautification. The parks commission may be represented on a local land conservation trust organization or a parks and recreation service area if such organizations are established.
A. The parks commission shall periodically review and recommend amendments to the city's park, recreation and beautification comprehensive plan and capital improvement program. At least one public hearing, which may be a joint hearing of the planning commission and the parks commission, shall be held prior to submitting any such recommendations to the council.
B. The parks commission shall study and make recommendations for the acquisition of land, open space, waterways, buildings, facilities and equipment. The parks commission shall include recommendations regarding use and allocation of park and recreational impact fees collected for development.
C. The parks commission shall hold public hearings for all specific proposed projects that involve major expenditures for land acquisition, facility development and renovations of park and recreation purposes. Such hearings may be joint hearings involving the planning commission and/or the city council. Public hearings shall be held, giving notice of time and place by one publication in the official newspaper of the city, posting at City Hall and other such places as deemed necessary to inform the public.
D. The parks commission, at its discretion, may advise the appropriate city department regarding operation and maintenance of public parks, playgrounds, recreation facilities, beautification of city streets, buildings and other city-owned property. The parks commission may recommend or provide advice to the council regarding policies that concern city parks, recreation and beautification programs. In addition, it will review and make recommendations regarding the budget as required to implement these projects and programs.
E. The parks commission may recommend the formation of special boards or task forces as deemed necessary for special or ongoing projects related to parks, open space, recreation or beautification. The formation of such boards shall be approved by the council and members appointed by the mayor.
F. City staff and legal counsel will consult with the parks commission as necessary to assist the commission in carrying out its responsibilities.
G. The parks commission shall develop public interest in the activities of the parks, recreation and beautification programs and facilities. It will encourage individuals and community groups to donate funds, property or labor for the improvement and development of park, open space, recreation or beautification projects.
(Ord. 870 § 5, 1991)