The Oswego Parks Committee, hereinafter known as the committee, is hereby created for the purpose of advising the governing body on matters relating to the development, maintenance, and operation of the various city parks and to promote recreation and use of the parks for Oswego citizens, special events, and tourism. The board shall have no legislative or administrative authority.

(Ord. 1136; Code 2013)

The Committee shall consist of the seven members of the Oswego Parks & Community Foundation, a standalone 501(c)(3) organization. Their terms will be the same as those set out in the Foundation by-laws. Additionally, the City Superintendent will serve as an ex-officio member of the committee to provide guidance, input and to provide awareness of the park system to the committee.

(Ord. 1136; Code 2013)

The members of the Parks Committee shall be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the governing body at the first regular meeting of the governing body in July of each year and take office at the next regular meeting of the committee. All members shall be appointed for staggered terms of three years each. Said Committee shall organize itself and elect a chairman, a vice-chairman and a secretary and such other officers as may be deemed necessary, and adopt bylaws or establish rules and order necessary to carry out its said purpose. Should any member have a conflict of interest, either directly or indirectly, in any manner coming before the commission, he or she shall be disqualified to discuss or vote on the matter. Members of the committee shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for expenses actually incurred in the performance of their duties as deemed desirable by the governing body.

(Ord. 1136; Code 2013)

Duties of the Board include the following:

(a)   To study, investigate, council and develop and/or update annually, and administer a written long-range plan for the care and preservation of the city’s parks in order to maintain the park’s integrity, historical and aesthetic values. Final plans shall be approved by the governing body.

(b)   Hear requests from groups, organizations, citizens, and others regarding park improvements to ensure they fit the overall plan of the city’s park system, and upon hearing and researching information submitted, shall make a recommendation to the governing body on how the request fits or does not fit into the long-range park plan. The Governing Body shall make the final decision.

(c)   Recommend rules and regulations for the use and operation of the city’s parks.

(d)   Work with other key committees, such as Tree Board, Tourism Committee, Arts & Humanities Commission, Planning Commission, Oswego Chamber of Commerce, Oswegofest Committee, Oswego Recreation Commission, Labette County Fair Board and any other city appointed or civic organizations, to encourage the use of the city’s parks, to plan and implement special events in the city’s parks and to promote the city’s park system to visitors.

(e)   Submit an annual plan from the Foundation Board to the governing body as well as any special projects that may occur from special donations, memorials, estates, etc.

(Ord. 1136; Code 2013)