City Council

Member of the Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners

The Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners is created by Charter §§ 120, 203, and 213.  The Commission is an advisory board that:

  • Takes on any park-related duties that are delegated to it by resolution of the City Council;
  • Acts as an advocate for the department;
  • Provides feedback and advice on department plans and policies;
  • Can request the mayor and City Council call for the issuance of bonds to purchase or improve park and recreational property;
  • Approves special use and entertainment allocations and permits for city parks;
  • Acts as a hearing board for violations of park rules, regulations, ordinances, and permit conditions with the authority to suspend or revoke said permits;
  • Approves rates for permits, parking and mooring/docking.
  • Approves the  commercial park use intended to generate a profit;
  • Approves department co-sponsorship of events and park special use not in compliance with the park special use policy;
  • Approves the conversion of use of any tree belt area;
  • Authorizes the superintendent of parks to allow vehicles in prohibited areas for special events;

Members of this board must meet the following criteria: Be a legal voter of the City of Burlington

Members of this board will be appointed for: Two (2) year terms and until their successors are appointed and qualified

Historically, this board meets monthly except in July at various times and at various parks and recreation or other city sites.  Commissioners typically spend 2-3 hours per month on board work.

In addition, members of this board will be expected to:

  • Attend all scheduled meetings, or if a meeting must be missed, let the chairperson know ahead of the meeting if they will not be able to attend;
  • Review any materials provided to the board ahead of time;
  • Notify the chairperson and/or the city staff person assigned to the board of any accommodation for a disability that may be required in order for the person to serve;
  • Act from a spirit of cooperation and with respect towards other board members, staff members, and members of the public appearing before the board;
  • Avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest or bias;
  • When deciding a controversy or responding to a request, conduct themselves in a fair and impartial manner;
  • Comply with all aspects of the Vermont Open Meeting and Access to Public Records laws;
  • Consider fairly the interests of all individuals and organizations whose interests may be affected by their actions as a city official.