Visalia Municipal Code Ch. 2.12 Park, Playground and Recreation Commission

The park and recreation commission shall consist of five members who shall be appointed by the city council to serve without compensation. Each member shall be a qualified elector of the city at the time of his appointment and during his incumbency, and the term of office shall be two years and/or until his successor shall be appointed and qualified. The council has the option of appointing up to two park and recreation commission alternates should a mid-term vacancy occur. At the time of the alternate appointment, the council has the option of designating either to consider appointing an alternate if and when a mid-term vacancy occurs, or designating that the alternate may automatically become a commissioner if and when a mid-term vacancy occurs. The term of an alternate cannot exceed two years, and may be less. Vacancies from any cause whatever on the parks and recreation commission shall be filled by the council, and all such vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term only. Whenever, in the discretion of the city council, the best interests of the city shall be subserved thereby, any member of the commission may be removed from office by a majority vote of the council. Each commissioner shall qualify by taking the oath of office before taking the office of park and recreation commissioner. (Ord. 2008-13 § 1, 2008; prior code § 2301)

A. Within ten days after their appointment, the members of the commission shall meet in regular session and organize, by electing from their members a president and secretary, who shall hold office for one year. Thereafter, the commission shall hold such regular or special meetings of its members as it may determine to be necessary. It shall be the duty of the president to preside over all meetings of the commission and transmit its recommendations to the city council.

B. Regular meetings shall be held at such stated times as may be fixed by the commission by resolution. Special meetings of the commission may be called by the president or by any three members. Written notice of each special meeting must be given not less than three hours before such meeting to all members not joining in the call.

C. Three members shall constitute a quorum, but a less number may adjourn from time to time to a certain day. (Prior code § 2302)

Absence from four consecutive regular meetings without the formal consent of the commission for any reason thereof shall be deemed to constitute a retirement of such member, and the vacancy thus created shall be filled thereafter by the city council by an appointment of a successor to fill the unexpired terms of office. (Prior code § 2303)

The powers and duties of the commission shall be as follows:

A. To plan and recommend by regular reports to the city council such action as may be necessary to create and develop an adequate and complete system of parks, playgrounds, bathing facilities, and recreation centers and facilities; to advise regarding management, organization, director and supervision of various properties and facilities of public parks and public recreation; to advise regarding parks and playgrounds and activities thereon, recreation and social centers, play fields, natatoriums, and similar facilities; to advise regarding supervision and provision for the community of sports of all kinds, community singing, music, games, plays, celebrations, and similar activities; to cooperate with individuals, firms or organizations interested in public recreation; and it shall be the duty of said commission to provide such clean and wholesome recreation and amusement for the citizens of the city as it shall deem advisable;

B. To prepare and recommend to the city council plans for the planting or removal of trees, plants and shrubbery along and upon public streets, together with preparation and recommendations as to the cost thereof; to recommend regarding the care of trees, plants and shrubbery in parkings along public streets;

C. To cooperate with any other public authority and to aid and assist in the coordinating of recreational activities;

D. The council may from time to time, either by resolution or ordinance, require the parks and recreation commission to fulfill other tasks as they may relate to parks, recreation, or community beautification. (Prior code § 2304)

All officers, departments and department heads of the city shall render cooperation and all reasonable and necessary assistance to the park, playground and recreation commission. Neither the commission nor any person connected with said commission shall incur any financial liability in the name of the city. (Prior code § 2306)

The commission shall render annually a full report of its work to the council. (Prior code § 2307)

The city council of the city may, at its discretion, appropriate such monies as it may deem necessary for the purpose of carrying on the activities of said commission. (Prior code § 2308)