There is hereby created the De Soto Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (hereafter “Board”) which shall have such members, organization and duties as set forth in this article.

(Ord. 1001; Ord. 2140; Ord. 2378; Ord. 2459)

Effective June 1, 2015, the Board shall consist of seven members, who shall be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council.  Three of the seven members appointed shall be assigned terms of office of three years, two of the seven members appointed shall be assigned terms of office of two years, and the remaining two of the seven members appointed shall be assigned terms of office of one year.  Thereafter, Board members shall be appointed for two-year terms.  If a vacancy shall occur during the term of any member, their successor shall be appointed for the unexpired portion of the term.

(Ord. 1001; Ord. 2140; Ord. 2378; Ord. 2459)

In addition to the members appointed pursuant to section 12-302 above, the mayor shall, with the approval of the city council appoint a member of the governing body to serve as a non-voting ex officio member of the Board for a term of one year.

(Ord. 1001; Ord. 2140; Ord. 2378; Ord. 2459)

Following June 1, 2015, the Board shall reorganize by the election of one member as chairperson and one as vice chairperson. A secretary shall also be designated who may but need not be a member of the Board.  The chairperson, or upon his or her absence, the vice chairperson, shall preside at all meetings and the secretary shall keep or cause to be kept a proper record of all proceedings of the Board.  Following the reorganization meeting, officers shall be elected thereafter at the regular May meeting of the Board each year to serve for one year or until their respective successors are appointed.

(Ord. 1001; Ord. 2140; Ord. 2378; Ord. 2459)

The Board shall adopt by-laws to govern the conduct of its business.  The Board shall fix the time and place of its annual and regular meetings.  A quorum consisting of four of the voting members must be present at all meetings for the official conduct of business.

(Ord. 1001; Ord. 2140; Ord. 2378; Ord. 2459)

The Board serves in the role of an adviser to the De Soto governing body and the De Soto Parks and Recreation Department to enhance the long-term vision and value of parks and recreation opportunities, planning, programming, and facilities for the residents of the city. The Board is not intended to take an active role in the day-to-day operations of the Parks and Recreation Department but, rather, its purpose is to be a representative body of city residents that makes recommendations relating to policies, facilities, capital needs, budgets, programs, proposals and/or decisions for the long-term benefit of the city and its Parks and Recreation Department. The Board shall have such other duties relative to parks and recreation within the city as may be assigned from time-to-time by the governing body.

(Ord. 1001; Ord. 2140; Ord. 2378; Ord. 2459)