There is hereby created a park advisory board composed of seven (7) regular members appointed from the city at large. The members of the park advisory board shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the city council and shall be residents of the city. Members of the board shall serve without compensation. The member shall serve for a period as hereinafter stated. Three members, previously appointed to terms that expired on December 31, 2017, shall have terms extended to June 30, 2020; two members with terms that currently expired on December 31, 2018, shall have terms that extend to June 30, 2021; and two members with terms that extend to December 31, 2019, shall serve until June 30, 2022. Upon the expiration of these initial terms of office all appointments made thereafter shall be made for a term of three years, with the terms consisting of consecutive calendar years. In the event that a vacancy shall occur during the term of any member, his or her successor shall be appointed for the unexpired portion of the term.

(Ord. 243; Ord. 763; Ord. 769; Ord. 781; Ord. 833)

The duties and functions of the park advisory board shall be to:

(a)      Promote the use of the City parks, so as to foster a healthy and fun community environment that enriches the quality of life of the residents;

(b)     Undertake to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle through the use of public opens spaces;

(c)      Promote the planting and nurturing of trees in public and private spaces;

(d)     Advise the city council on recommendations for improvements and beautification in the city parks and public open spaces;

(e)      Solicit grants and gifts of sites, facilities, and funds and seek the cooperation of agencies and groups in the development and maintenance of park and recreational facilities;

(f)      Coordinate any volunteer labor offered for beautifying and improving the city parks and open spaces; and

(g)     Undertake such other- responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the City Council.

(Ord. 243; Ord. 763; Ord. 769)

The park advisory board shall meet at least once each calendar quarter. The board shall conduct meetings, elect officers, and adopt by-laws. Proposed agendas shall be transmitted to the City Clerk for publication on the City web site at least 10 days prior to meetings, and minutes of meetings shall also be posted. The Board shall be subject to the provisions of the Kansas Open Meetings Act (K.S.A. 75-4317 et seq.) .and the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.) The City staff shall provide the necessary support to insure that the board receives informational support and professional and technical assistance necessary to carry on its duties and conduct its meetings.

(Ord. 243; Ord. 763; Ord. 769)

The park advisory board shall not by this ordinance be granted any authority over the operation of the park nor have any authority to make any rules or regulations governing the use of the park but shall be permitted to make recommendations to the city council for council action regarding any laws, rules or restrictions on the use of the city park. The actions of the park advisory board shall be subject to the direction of the city council.

(Ord. 763; Ord. 769)