[Ord. 452, 9/21/2011]
This Board known as the Richland Park and Recreation Board was originally established by the Board of Supervisors in 1972. An amendment revising the number of members and their terms of office was adopted in 1987. This amendment, which is adopted in accordance with the authorities granted in the Home Rule Charter and the Administrative Code, Section 123, establishes the Board, expands its membership and states its purposes and functions. The Richland Township Parks and Recreation Board exists by the authority of the Richland Township Board of Supervisors and may be modified or abolished by action of the Richland Township Board of Supervisors.
[Ord. 452, 9/21/2011]
1. 
The Park and Recreation Board shall serve as advisor to the Richland Board of Supervisors, Richland Township Manager and the Richland Recreation Department in the field of public parks and recreation. The Board's primary function will be to assist with the fulfillment of the mission statement contained within the December 2010 Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan. The Mission Statement represents the core values of stewardship, service and growth. It serves as the foundation stone upon which the Township's recreation system is founded.
Mission Statement
To provide and maintain high quality recreation facilities and services which are available to all residents of Richland Township. To make recreation decisions which are sustainable, economical and environmentally sound. To provide recreational opportunities within the financial means of the community and to protect and preserve unique, natural areas of the Township.
2. 
The Board's advisory powers shall include but not be limited to making recommendations and providing advice and assistance on the following:
A. 
The general nature of parks and recreation programs to be provided.
B. 
Implementation of the most recent version of the Richland Township Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
C. 
Identifying and planning for needed park and recreation facilities and developing strategies for achieving their realization.
D. 
The conduct of recreation programs, including publicity, encouraging citizen participation and fostering cooperation with other public and nonpublic recreation providers.
E. 
Implementing safety and maintenance improvement at public parks and recreation facilities.
[Ord. 452, 9/21/2011]
1. 
The Park and Recreation Board shall be comprised of seven voting members appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The number of voting members comprising the Board may be changed by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. In order to be eligible to serve on the Board, members must be residents of Richland Township. Recreation Board members shall be volunteers who serve without monetary compensation. Members may be reimbursed for expenses incurred due to participation in conferences, seminars and workshops which are approved in advance by the Township Manager in accordance with Township policies.
2. 
Members shall be appointed to four-year terms which conclude on December 31 or until their successors are appointed, except that existing members shall complete their current terms and new members shall be appointed so that the terms of no more than two members shall expire annually thereafter, provided that the foregoing notwithstanding, all members hold their positions at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors and may be removed by the Board of Supervisors with or without cause at any time.
3. 
Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments, except the term of membership shall be restricted to the unexpired portion of the term of the member being replaced.
[Ord. 452, 9/21/2011]
1. 
Officers. The Board shall annually elect from its members a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson. Persons elected as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson can serve no more two consecutive one-year terms in each position. The officers shall perform parliamentary duties and execute all forms and correspondence authorized by the Board. The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings, appoint committees, call special meetings, and represent The Recreation Board at special functions. The Vice Chairperson performs all duties of the Chairperson in his or her absence and shall assist with the functioning of any subcommittees.
2. 
Quorum. The majority of the number of members appointed to the Park and Recreation Board shall constitute a quorum to hold a meeting or take any action.
3. 
Meetings.
A. 
All meetings shall be open to the public and shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. Residents shall be provided with an opportunity to address the Board at all public meetings.
B. 
Order of Business.
(1) 
Roll call.
(2) 
Minutes.
(3) 
Public comments; non-agenda items.
(4) 
Action items.
(5) 
Regular agenda.
(6) 
Correspondence.
(7) 
Reports.
(8) 
Announcements.
(9) 
Adjournment.
[Ord. 452, 9/21/2011]
1. 
Planning. The Park and Recreation Board shall assist the Recreation Department to develop strategies and objectives to fulfill the Department's mission and goals. The Board shall also assist with a variety of short- and long-term planning activities, including programs, updating the Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan and grant acquisitions.
2. 
Advice. The Park and Recreation Board shall provide a forum for the discussion of new ideas, programs, policies and procedures pertaining to the recreation services provided by Richland Township.
3. 
Conduct Activities. The Park and Recreation Board members may assist the Department in conducting activities ranging from running entire programs to providing support for special programs and events.
4. 
Liaison. Member of the Park and Recreation Board shall serve as a conduit for information regarding recreation to the public officials of the community and to the residents and groups which utilize park services.
5. 
Evaluation. The Park and Recreation Board members shall provide feedback concerning how Township recreation programs meet established objectives both from their personal observation and from interaction with participants.
[Ord. 452, 9/21/2011]
1. 
The Park and Recreation Board shall be advisory in nature and have no administrative or legislative authority. Its duties shall include but not be limited to:
A. 
Promoting the health, welfare and safety of all recreational participants.
B. 
Monitoring recreational facilities and programs.
C. 
Studying and identifying needed recreational facilities and services.
D. 
Supporting the Parks and Recreation Department in serving all residents.
E. 
Protecting and conserving natural resources.
F. 
Promoting an awareness of public recreational facilities in Richland Township.
G. 
Promoting and developing greenways as recreational resources.
H. 
Functioning as a recreational advocate on behalf of the population of Richland Township.
I. 
Expanding recreational and leisure activities.
J. 
Promoting the conservation and preservation of natural areas and open space within the Township.
2. 
In its capacity as advisor to the Board of Supervisors, the Township Manager and Recreation Department, the Board shall also perform the following functions:
A. 
Develop and review policy matters with respect to recreation.
B. 
Cooperate with other government agencies and civic groups in the advancement of parks and recreation in the Township.
C. 
Recommend policies relating to municipal park and recreation matters.
D. 
Review and make recommendations to address problems, correct deficiencies and make improvements on matters pertaining to recreation service, facilities and programs.
E. 
Make recommendations concerning the comprehensive system of recreation, park areas, facilities and programming to meet the needs of Township residents.
F. 
Develop strategies to implement the vision identified in the most recent version of the Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
G. 
Promote sustainability and continuity of the park and recreation services.
H. 
Submit an annual report to the Township Supervisors as deemed necessary.
3. 
The Park and Recreation Board shall at all times comply with all laws, ordinances, rules, policies and regulations as may be adopted by the Township Board of Supervisors.
4. 
The Board shall not discriminate in any manner against any person, for reason of race, color and national origin, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, handicap or political affiliation.
5. 
The Park and Recreation Board does not possess the authority to incur expenses or to financially obligate the Richland Township Board of Supervisors.
[Ord. 452, 9/21/2011]
The Park and Recreation Board members may create committees to assist in special events throughout the year when necessary. The Board Chairperson can appoint a Chairperson for these committees and may recruit interested individuals to help serve on the Committees. For example, such committees may include Community Day, the annual Easter egg hunt, Halloween party and Movies in the Park.
[Ord. 452, 9/21/2011]
The Richland Township Board of Supervisors may amend, revise or replace these provisions at any time as deemed necessary following consideration of advice or recommendation of the Park and Recreation Board. Notice of any change will be provided to all members at the next regular meeting following the change.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 1-409, Organizational Chart, adopted 9-21-2011 by Ord. 452, was repealed at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. AO).