[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Cranbury 8-30-2004
by Ord. No. 08-04-20. Amendments noted where applicable.]
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:63-7d, there is hereby created a Parks
Commission (Commission).
A.
The Commission shall consist of seven members, except
that all members of the Commission's predecessor advisory commission
shall serve the remainder of their terms.
B.
Beginning in the first January following the effective
date of this chapter and thereafter, members shall be appointed annually to
serve without pay by the Mayor. Four members shall be appointed to serve for
three-year terms, except that the terms of the four members first appointed
shall be for one, two, three and four years, with annual appointments thereafter
being for the three-year terms. The remaining members shall serve for one-year
terms. At the first meeting of each year, the members shall elect a Commission
Chairperson and two Co-Chairpersons. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment
of the Mayor for the unexpired term or terms.
C.
The Commission may also consist of up to two alternates
who shall be appointed by the Mayor to serve without pay for one-year terms.
Alternates may participate in all meetings but not vote except in the absence
of a regular member.
The Commission's purpose shall be to assist the Township Committee
in the design, development, planning, management and maintenance of the Township's
parks, and in the creation and maintenance of a balanced park system. To achieve
this purpose, the Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
A.
Review, offer comment and make recommendations on all
development of the Township's parks including but not limited to the
design, location and placement of temporary and permanent structures, equipment,
facilities, seating, playing fields, trees and other vegetation, pathways
and roadways.
B.
Review all park-related initiatives related to and offer
comment on the balance between age and interest groups, active and passive
park activities, design and other park-related issues.
C.
Solicit volunteer help for Township-sponsored and supported
park and open space programs both by active participation and by enlisting
others to serve.
D.
Encourage and invite individuals and community groups
to present ideas concerning the planning, management, operation and development
of the Township's existing parks and facilities.
E.
F.
Review and as necessary make recommendations for changes
to the rules, regulations and ordinances concerning the Township's parks.
G.
Review, offer comment and make recommendations on that
portion of the Public Works Department's annual proposed budget that
is designated for developing the Township's parks and funding new and
replacement park equipment and facilities.
H.
Donations, memorials and bequests made for the benefit
of and affecting the Township's parks shall be subject to the review,
comment and recommendation of the Commission.
Prior to making any park-related proposal to the Township Committee,
any individual or group shall first seek the review, comment and recommendation
of the Commission. If the Commission fails to review and offer comment or
recommendation within 90 days of receiving said proposal, the individual or
group may make the proposal directly to the Township Committee.
The Commission shall be an advisory commission only. The Township Committee
shall receive and consider recommendations of the Parks Commission but shall
not be bound by any comments or recommendations.
