Lafayette Municipal Code Ch. 2-8 Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission

A parks, trails and recreation commission of the city of Lafayette is established. The commission consists of nine members appointed by the city council.

(Ord. 513 § 1 (part), 2000; Ord. 187 § 1, 1978: Ord. 135 § 1, 1975: Ord. 62 § 1 (part), 1971)

At least eight of the nine members of the commission shall be residents of the city; and all members shall, by experience, training, education, occupation or avocation, have demonstrated knowledge of and interest in parks, trails and/or recreation.

(Ord. 315 § 1 (part), 1984: Ord. 187 § 3, 1978: Ord. 62 § 1 (part), 1971)

The term of office of each member is two years.

(Ord. 135 § 2, 1975: Ord. 62 § 1 (part), 1971)

(Ord. No. 627, § 4, 1-13-2014)

A member of the commission may be removed by a majority vote of the council. A vacancy is filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A person appointed to fill a vacancy serves for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(Ord. 62 § 1 (part), 1971)

If a member of the commission is absent without cause from three successive regular meetings of the commission, the office becomes vacant automatically. The commission shall immediately notify the city council of the vacancy. A member is not absent without cause if his absence is (a) due to illness; or (b) unavoidable and the member gives the secretary of the commission written notice before the day of the meeting that he will be absent and giving the reason for the absence.

(Ord. 62 § 1 (part), 1971)

No member of the parks, trails and recreation commission shall receive any compensation for his services as a member of the commission.

(Ord. 513 § 1 (part), 2000; Ord. 135 § 3, 1975: Ord. 62 § 1 (part), 1971)

(a) The commission shall provide by resolution for the time and place for holding regular meetings, the appointment of its officers and their duties, and such rules as it considers necessary for the conduct of its business and the performance of its powers and duties.

(b) All meetings of the commission are open to the public, and the commission shall give notice of its meetings as is required by law.

(Ord. 62 § 1 (part), 1971)

A majority of the commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

(Ord. 62 § 1 (part), 1971)

The commission shall:

(a) Propose for the consideration of the city council a municipal parks and recreation program, including the acquisition, development and maintenance of park and recreation facilities, and the operation of a recreational program, together with one or more sources of continuing revenue (in addition to current city revenues, except for parkland dedication fees) sufficient to fund the proposal;

(b) On a continuing basis, collect and disseminate information on the park and recreation facilities and programs available to Lafayette citizens;

(c) Periodically analyze the needs of the community for recreational facilities of all types, both public and private, including profit-making recreational businesses, and recommend to the city council appropriate municipal involvement in the financing, acquisition, construction and operation of such facilities;

(d) Advise the city council on the operation of such recreational facilities as may be acquired or leased by the city, including recommendations as to user fees and facility rental charges;

(e) Prepare, and from time to time, as needed, revise a written policy governing the use of city-owned recreational facilities and parklands, and, upon the approval of such policy statement by the city council, supervise and control the use of such facilities in compliance with the approved policy;

(f) Recommend appropriate action by the city council on proposed gifts of real property, money and other valuable assets, when the gift is to be used for recreational purposes;

(g) Solicit on behalf of the city gifts and grants for recreational purposes and recommend appropriate action by the city council on applications for such grants;

(h) Encourage private individuals and organizations to (1) provide recreational facilities for the benefit of the community; and (2) subsidize the operation of those facilities;

(i) Perform such advisory tasks related to parks and recreation as may from time to time be assigned by the city council;

(j) Provide liaison in park and recreation matters between the city and other public and quasi-public agencies which own facilities which can be used for recreation, and/or which conduct recreation activities;

(k) Advise and guide civic groups, youth organizations and interested individuals who wish to engage in community service projects in the field of parks and recreation; and

(l) Advise city staff in such park and recreation activities as the city council decides to undertake.

(Ord. 315 § 1 (part), 1984; Ord. 135 § 4, 1975: Ord. 62 § 1 (part), 1971)