[Adopted 5-4-2015 by L.L. No. 4-2015[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Part 30,
Parks and Recreation Planning Commission, adopted 12-15-2014 by Ord.
No. 42.81.14. Section 2 of L.L. No. 4-2015 states that "notwithstanding
any inconsistent provision of law or the Albany City Charter to the
contrary, any actions taken by the Parks and Recreation Planning Commission,
as established by Ordinance No. 42.81.14 adopted on or about December
15, 2014, on or before the effective date of this local law are hereby
confirmed and ratified and shall be deemed valid actions. Such Parks
and Recreation Planning Commission shall cease to exist upon the taking
effect into law of this local law, provided that any members shall
continue to hold office under the provisions of this local law under
the same terms and conditions of their previous appointments."
The Common Council recognizes and finds that the development
of a long-term plan for the utilization of Albany's park and recreational
facilities is a valuable tool for using limited tax dollars to their
best advantage and for identifying and leveraging additional funds
from other sources. The purpose of the Commission created hereby is
to seek the involvement and input of the general public, as well as
the many recreational service providers and interested organizations
in and around the City of Albany.
The Common Council hereby establishes the Parks
and Recreation Planning Commission. The Commission shall serve as
an advisory body in developing a comprehensive five-year plan for
the City's parks and recreation programs. The Commission will expire
12 months from the date of its creation or when the final report is
completed and submitted to the Common Council and the Mayor.
A.
The Parks and Recreation Planning Commission shall
be composed of seven voting members: three appointed by the Mayor,
and four appointed by the Common Council. The members shall be residents
of the City of Albany who possess an interest in Albany's parks and/or
recreation services and have a time commitment to serve. The members
shall be broadly representative of the City's residents, including
the population's characteristics and geographic distribution, and
shall serve without compensation. Organizations with an interest in
City recreational planning, including neighborhood associations, school
groups, social welfare agencies and senior citizen organizations,
shall be encouraged to submit nominees for appointment. Individuals
also will be encouraged to submit names for consideration.
B.
The members shall be appointed for the duration of
the Commission's existence. Vacancies shall be filled in the same
manner as the original appointment.
C.
The Common Council will designate one of the voting
members as Chairperson.
D.
There shall also be six ex officio members of the
Commission who shall be the City Commissioner of Recreation or designee,
the Commissioner of General Services or designee, the Director of
Planning or designee, the Superintendent of the City School District
of Albany or designee and two members of the Common Council to be
appointed by the Common Council President. Ex officio members shall
serve without vote and provide the citizen members with information
and advice as to the City's present and anticipated capabilities,
resources and priorities concerning parks management, programs and
strategies.
A.
The Commission shall provide an opportunity and forum
for public involvement and perspective in developing short- and long-term
recommendations for park improvements and recreational activities.
The Commission shall have the authority to form committees and to
hold public hearings.
B.
The short-term goals of the Commission shall include:
(1)
Completing an inventory and evaluation of park and
playground facilities and recreational services available to City
residents, including those owned or funded by the City, reviewing
and evaluating park maintenance and forestry standards and practices;
(2)
An analysis of the use of existing parks by residents
and the parks and recreational programs within each ward;
(3)
Reviewing and evaluating the annual operating budget
and capital improvement budget.
C.
A written report of the Commission's findings in these
regards shall be submitted to the Mayor and Common Council within
seven months of the Commission's creation.
D.
Upon completing the evaluations, the Commission shall
develop a comprehensive, long-term plan for the City parks and recreational
services to be submitted to the Common Council for approval. The plan
shall include:
(1)
Findings from the outreach efforts conducted by the
Commission;
(2)
Recommendations for maintenance and forestry standards;
(3)
Establishing goals for use of parkland in the City
of Albany;
(4)
Recommendations for establishing a permanent Parks
and Recreation Citizens Advisory Commission;
(5)
A phased implementation list for park and recreational
improvements that will be prioritized based on project feasibility.
(6)
Suggestions for improvements to existing parks and programs and the
cost associated with such improvements along with suggestions on reducing
expenses;
(7)
Any other item related to parks and recreation development, planning
or programming which may be referred to the Commission by the City
Council or the Mayor or any park policy matter of concern to a Commission
member or the community.