Parks and Open Space Commission

Purpose

The purpose of the Park and Open Space Commission is to bring resident perspective to the operation of Washington County Parks. 

Responsibilities

The commission will:

• Review current operation policies and capital improvement programs.
• Evaluate parkland preservation, park development projects, and long-range planning efforts for parkland and facilities for county parks. 
• Recommends plans and policy changes to the Washington County Board of Commissioners.

The commission is also used to provide citizens' perspectives on the administration of the Land and Water Legacy Program. The commission provides input on programming priorities and policies. The commission evaluates land protection proposals using the prioritization criteria adopted by the Washington County Board of Commissioners.

Composition

The Park and Open Space Commission members are appointed by the County Board. It consists of 14 members:

• One county commissioner
• The Parks director.
• Ten resident members (two appointed from each commissioner district).
• Two resident members appointed at large who have a strong knowledge of and interest in the county's Land and Water Legacy Program.

Qualifications

Applicants seeking appointment should have an interest in park issues, especially outdoor recreation and the preservation of open space.

Procedure for appointment

Members are recruited through the open appointment process. Applicants must complete the required application for appointment to this committee. Submit any background information requested.

The County Board, at its discretion, may interview any applicant seeking appointment to the Parks and Open Space Commission. The County Board reserves the right to conduct background screening of any applicant to determine suitability for appointment to this commission due to the nature and content of the work involved.

Member terms

The commissioner district representatives and the at-large members are appointed for terms of three years and remain on the committee until a successor is appointed. Members are eligible for a total of three three-year terms, or a total of nine years. Terms begin in January.

An appointment created by a vacancy is for the unexpired term of the former member. An appointment to finish out an unexpired term of a committee member does not count toward the three three-year term limit.

The County Board, at its discretion, may replace an appointed member at any time when, in the opinion of the County Board or the County Commissioner appointing the member, it is in the best interest of the county to do so.

Meeting requirements

The commission meets on the third Thursday of each month. However, this schedule may be amended to suit the convenience of the members.

Task force and subcommittees

The Parks and Open Space Commission may at times establish additional task forces or subcommittees to study a special issue or conduct specials projects and programs. The members of a task force or subcommittee serve only as long as needed to study and report on the special issue, project, or program. Additional community involvement may be sought for task forces and subcommittees if needed for additional expertise or resources. Any additional representatives are considered ad hoc and do not have voting privileges in the task force or subcommittee.

Remuneration

Members are eligible to receive meeting per diem and mileage reimbursement at the rate established by the County Board.

Operating procedures

This advisory committee operates in accordance with the operating procedures established by the county.