Article IV. Park Board

Section 2-12. Director of Parks and Recreation


The Mayor may appoint, subject to approval by the Town Council, a duly qualified person to serve as Director of Parks and Recreation of the Town, who shall be compensated as provided in the annual Town budgets. The Director of Parks and Recreation shall perform such duties as the Mayor may direct. (Ordinance 496 effective 3/12/2006, historical reference 296, 300)

Section 2-13. Establishment of Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.


There shall be a municipal Parks and Recreation Advisory Board which shall have the powers and duties as set forth in this Article. (Ordinance 496 effective 3/12/2006, historical reference 296, 297, 300)

Section 2-14. Appointment and term of members; vacancies.


The members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board shall consist of five adult residents of the Town who shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to the approval of the Council for the term of three years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. In the event of a vacancy on the Board, the Mayor, subject to the approval of the Council, shall appoint a qualified replacement to serve the remainder of the term. The Mayor, subject to the approval of the Council,, may appoint one (1) alternate member for the Easton Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, who shall be empowered to sit with the Board in the absence of any member of the Board. (Ordinance 773 effective 1/9/2022, historical reference 496, 296)

Section 2-15. Compensation


Member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board shall serve without compensation. (Ordinance 496 effective 3/12/2006, historical reference 296, 300, 328)

Section 2-15A. Duties and Functions.


The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board shall have the following duties and functions:

(A) The Board shall assess the recreation needs and resources of the Town and may coordinate with community organizations to promote recreational opportunities for the public. It shall make recommendations to the Director and the Mayor and Town Council regarding the staffing, finance, maintenance, and operation of recreational facilities and programs in or near the Town. The Board shall make recommendations to the Mayor and Town Council relating to plans and policies for public recreation, the establishment of recreational programs and plans for the acquisition of land for public recreation and open space prepared by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Board shall meet as needed, but not less than quarterly. All meetings shall be open to the public unless applicable Maryland law permits an executive or closed session. The Board shall report on its activities annually and at such other times as requested by the Mayor or Town Council.

(B) The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board shall adopt rules and regulations of the use of Town parks and recreation facilities, which rules and regulations shall be subject to review and approval by the Mayor and Town Council.

(C) The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board shall select one its members to serve as the Town’s representative on the Talbot County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, which selection shall be approved by the Mayor and Council.

(D) The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board shall exercise such other duties as the Mayor and Town Council may direct from time to time.

(Ordinance 496 effective 3/12/2006, historical reference 296, 300, 328)

Section 2-15B. Annual Plan; Approval


In addition to the Board’s other duties, the Board shall submit to the Mayor and Town Council on or before November 1 of each year, a written plan regarding proposed acquisitions of park land or major items of equipment or other improvements, including recommendations for projects suitable for grant or loan applications from federal, state or local agencies. The plan shall be subject to the review, amendment and approval of the Town Council. Unless and until approved by the Town Council;

(A) no applications or pre-applications process with any government agency for any park project shall be commenced by the Town, or its officers, agents or employees; and

(B) no report or recommendation regarding anticipated projects shall be submitted to the Talbot County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board or similar agency.

(Ordinance 328, effective 11/15/1995)