Chapter 2.21
PARKS, RECREATION, AND TREE ADVISORY COMMISSION

Sections:

2.21.010    Term of office and compensation.

2.21.020    Records.

2.21.030    Advisory capacity.

2.21.040    Review by city council.

2.21.010 Term of office and compensation.

The Parks, Recreation, and Tree Advisory Commission shall consist of seven members, each having their principal place of residence within the jurisdictional limits of the City of Albany. Each council member shall have one counterpart, with nominations to be ratified by the council. The members shall be appointed for a term of three years with the exception of those terms of office newly established under this section, which shall begin January 1, 2023, and will be staggered to provide for the expiration of the terms of office of two of the members each year except for each third year, when the terms of office of three members shall expire. Councilors should seek to recruit members who represent the following areas of knowledge or interest, although they are not required to do so: urban forestry; tree care; recreation; and natural open spaces. Commission members shall serve without compensation. Persons appointed to membership on the Parks, Recreation and Tree Commission shall serve at the pleasure of the council and may be removed therefrom without cause by a majority vote of the council. (Ord. 6002 § 1, 2022).

2.21.020 Records.

The commission shall annually select one of its members as chair. Records and proceedings shall remain in the office of the city clerk as one of the public records of that office. (Ord. 6002 § 1, 2022).

2.21.030 Advisory capacity.

The Parks, Recreation, and Tree Advisory Commission would act in an advisory capacity to the city council and Parks and Recreation Department on matters related to park, trail, and facility improvements, prioritization, and updates to the park master plan. The commission would also advise on matters involving Albany’s urban forest, recommend policies for planting, removal, and care of public trees, and support maintaining Albany’s status as a Tree City USA since 1994.

General functions and specific responsibilities of the Commission are as follows:

(1) General functions of the commission:

(a) To promote and build awareness of our recreation services and park system to other boards, community members, and civic groups;

(b) To define the objectives of public recreation services;

(c) To maintain the highest quality and standards of recreation service;

(d) To interpret the importance of and need of recreation services to the general public;

(e) To keep public officials informed of the status and progress of recreation services;

(f) To recommend a sound fiscal plan to achieve recreation goals;

(g) To recommend an adequate system of recreation areas and facilities; and

(h) To evaluate the services of the recreation system in relation to its objectives.

(2) Specific responsibilities of the commission:

(a) Act in an advisory capacity to the city council, the city manager and the Parks and Recreation Director;

(b) Recommend policies as to recreation service for approval of the city council;

(c) Advise the city council on problems of development of recreation areas, facilities, programs and improved recreation services;

(d) Interpret the policies and functions of the Parks and Recreation Department to the public; and

(e) Review the annual budget of the Parks and Recreation Department before presentation to the city manager and advise the Parks and Recreation Director on the development of long-range capital improvement programs;

(f) Develop criteria for the City Forester to apply in making decisions entrusted to his/her discretion;

(g) Designate heritage trees on public and private lands within the city as part of the Heritage Tree Program;

(h) Promote the planting and proper maintenance of trees through special events including an annual local celebration of Arbor Day;

(i) Obtain the annual Tree City USA designation by the National Arbor Day Foundation;

(j) Review the discretionary decisions of the City Forester;

(k) Consider grant opportunities; and

(l) Carry out such other tasks as may be delegated to them by the city council. (Ord. 6002 § 1, 2022).

2.21.040 Review by city council.

The city council shall have the right to review the conduct, acts, and decisions of the Parks, Recreation, and Tree Advisory Commission. Any person may appeal any ruling or order of the Parks, Recreation, and Tree Advisory Commission to the city council who may hear the matter and make a final decision. (Ord. 6002 § 1, 2022).