A Parks Board (hereinafter referred to as the Board) is hereby created to advise the Council on needed facilities such as parks, playgrounds, or other forms of recreation. The Board shall oversee City programs and aid in the creation of new programs for the leisure time of the City’s residents.

   The members of the Board shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the approval of the Council at the organization Council meeting each year, for a term of two years with staggered terms, whereby not more than four terms shall expire in any one year. The Board shall consist of seven citizens of the City of legal age. Two unexcused absences, or three total absences from regularly scheduled meetings in any one calendar year are grounds for dismissal from the Board.

   The Board shall, at its first meeting in January of each year, elect one of its members as Chairperson and such other officers as the Board shall deem necessary to conduct its business. The Board shall adopt such rules as it deems necessary to conduct its business and duties as required by this chapter. The Board meetings shall be conducted pursuant to the rules adopted by the Board and in the event of a specific rule not being adopted by the Board, Robert’s Rules of Order Revised shall apply. The Board shall keep a record of all transactions and proceedings and submit copies to the Council promptly.

   There shall be no compensation attached to the office of Parks Board and all services performed by said Board member shall be rendered without compensation therefore.

   The jurisdiction of the Board shall consist of all parks, pleasure grounds owned by the City and set apart for leisure time or recreation, within or outside the City. The Board shall have and exercise, without request, the powers and duties set out herein, but the Council shall have final authority of said powers and duties. They are:

   1.   To recommend development and extension of playgrounds to the Council, and accomplish the same as municipal budget allocations permit.

   2.   To monitor all facilities, appurtenances, fixtures, and equipment owned by or under control of the City used for parks or recreation purposes.

   3.   To aid, review, and recommend charges for the use of parks when applicable.

   4.   To seek citizens’ input with and serve as a liaison between the residents of the City and the Council and to promote City parks and recreational programs.

   5.   To recommend to the Council a long-term capital improvement program for parks, including the acquisition or leasing of park sites.

   6.   To recommend rules and regulations concerning the use of parks.

   A liaison officer will be supplied from the Council who will forward all recommendations of the Parks Board to either the Mayor or Council for their consideration.