Citizen's Guide to the Parks and Recreation Board

What is the Parks and Recreation Board?

The Parks and Recreation Board consists of seven (7) members, all residents of the City, appointed by the City Council, whose main task is to make a plan for recreation and the recreation facilities and to update and revise these plans as required, the Board has authority over the properties devoted to parks and recreation, subject to the limitation of expenditures for supplies, contracts, and capital outlays outlined in the fiscal year budget provided by the City Council for parks and recreation operations. The Board bases its reviews on the goals and policies of the City, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, Parks, Trails, and Greenway Master Plan, Arts, Culture, and Wayfinding Plan, and park-specific schematic design plans. The facilities and properties devoted to parks and recreation include regional trails, regional parks, community parks, special parks, neighborhood parks, rentable park shelters, and the Rec-N-Roll trailer. Beyond the park's programming, the Board supports workshops, special events, youth camps, and wellness classes hosted each year.

Upon completion of its review, the Board makes a recommendation for approval, conditional approval, or denial of parks, trails, and programming proposals to the City Council, which has final decision-making authority.

What types of projects are reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Board?

The Board reviews park, trails, and greenspace enhancements, maintenance, and additions, arts, culture, and wayfinding requests, workshops, special events, youth camps, and wellness efforts in the community. The Board’s mission is to connect Bondurant residents to recreational activities, excellent facilities, and promote healthy living – to achieve this mission they seek to support all agencies and organizations that foster the same mission.

How are Parks and Recreation meetings conducted?

First, the applicant is asked to explain the proposed project and identify any conditions of approval with which they disagree or need more information on. Second, City staff discusses the project explaining any issues or conditions and answers questions from the Parks and Recreation Board. Next, the Board will invite any member of the audience wishing to speak on the proposal to come forward. Upon hearing all comments applicable to the proposed project, the Board will discuss the project, ask any additional questions of the applicant and/or staff, and vote on a recommendation to the City Council.  The Board’s options are: recommend approval, recommend approval with conditions, or recommend denial. In some situations, the Board may decide to continue its review to a subsequent meeting to allow additional time for research or problem-solving.

What happens after Parks and Recreation makes its decision?

The Board does not have the authority to approve or deny a project. They are a recommending body only and therefore make a recommendation for approval, approval with conditions, or denial to the City Council who has final authority to approve or deny a proposal. An applicant can proceed to the City Council with a recommendation of denial from the Parks and Recreation Board. The City Council takes into consideration the Parks and Recreation Board’s recommendation when making their decision and may concur, modify, or reject the Parks and Recreation Board’s recommendations.

When and where does the Parks and Recreation Board conduct meetings?

Unless otherwise posted, the Board meets every third Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, Bondurant City Hall, 200 Second Street NE. At times a meeting date may be changed to avoid conflict with some other activity, holiday, special event, etc. On rare occasions, a special meeting may be scheduled; therefore, you are advised to verify the time and date of proposed meetings. The agenda for the upcoming meeting is typically available on the City’s website prior to the meeting. Visitors to the City’s website can view a specific agenda (i.e. City Council Agenda, Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning Commission, Parks and Recreation Board, etc.) by going here: https://www.cityofbondurant.com/minutes-and-agendas and clicking on the corresponding agenda.

How are the Board Members selected to serve on the Parks and Recreation Board?

As specified in Chapter 24 of the Bondurant City Code, Board Members are appointed by the City Council to serve a three (3) year term. The terms for the members are staggered to ensure there are always experienced members serving on the Board. Residents of Bondurant interested in becoming a member of the Parks and Recreation Board may contact the City Clerk’s office at (515) 967-2418 to request an application.

How do I obtain additional information regarding the Parks and Recreation Board?

For additional information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (515) 967-2418 or at parks@cityofbondurant.com; visit the office located at 200 Second Street NE, Bondurant, IA; or find information on the City’s website at: https://www.cityofbondurant.com/parks-and-recreation.

How do I participate in a Parks and Recreation meeting or provide input to the Parks and Recreation Board?

There are several ways for a resident to provide input. First, on each Parks and Recreation agenda, there is a section in which anyone who wishes can present to the Board an item that is not on the agenda. (See highlighted section below.) If the item is on the agenda, a participant should wait until that item is being discussed by the Board and present their comments at that time.

What can I expect at a Parks and Recreation meeting?

If you attend a Parks and Recreation Board meeting, you can expect the Board to embrace your comments at the appropriate intervals throughout the meeting. The Board must address the agenda items in chronological order, addressing business items ahead of guest presentations.

The Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board will call the meeting to order. Roll call is taken and the agenda is approved. When the time is appropriate and you wish to address the Board, the Chair will ask you to step to the microphone and provide your name and address for the record. In preparation for the meeting, please outline your comments so that you can provide relevant information in an organized manner. In certain circumstances, the Chair may need to limit the amount of time each guest has.

Persons attending a meeting are expected to conduct themselves with decorum to ensure a smooth meeting. It is helpful for participants to know that they will be expected to:

• Turn off mobile phone ringers or other audible devices that could produce noise;
• Step to the microphone and provide name and address;
• Address all comments, testimony, or questions to the Board (The Board will answer those questions or request additional information from the guest or City staff.);
• Be courteous to others in attendance, allowing them to present their comments without disruption.

Where can I find additional information?

The Parks and Recreation agenda is posted in advance of the meeting. Additionally, the entire packet is available. (See highlighted information below.) You can choose to download the entire packet or pull up an individual agenda statement or resolution.

Whom do I contact with questions about the information in this guide?

If you have questions about the information in this guide or the Parks and Recreation Board, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (515) 967-2418 or parks@cityofbondurant.com or info@cityofbondurant.com.