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Council creates Parks & Forestry Advisory Board, repeals city tree‑board code section
Summary
Council adopted an ordinance establishing a five‑member Parks & Forestry Advisory Board with two nonvoting ex‑officio seats (Friends of the Zoo and the Art Design Council) and repealed the existing Tree Board code. Council discussed district representation and ex‑officio choices before approving the ordinance unanimously.
The Hutchinson City Council on Oct. 21 approved an ordinance establishing a Parks & Forestry Advisory Board and repealed Article 2 of Chapter 11 of the Hutchinson City Code, which had created the city’s Tree Board. The new advisory board will have five voting members with three‑year staggered terms and two nonvoting ex‑officio seats for Friends of the Zoo and the Art Design Council.
Purpose and duties
Parks staff said the board will advise the parks director and city council on parks, trails, urban forestry, CIP priorities, land usage, rules and community engagement. Board members are expected to prepare an annual report and may form subcommittees for focused tasks. The ordinance allows park staff to prepare agendas and minutes; the board will elect a chair and vice chair annually.
Discussion points
Council discussed whether board membership should be geographically balanced by council districts. Staff and some council members said that while district representation is desirable, restricting appointments by district could discourage applicants; members recommended the council encourage diverse geographic applications and consider district representation in selections. Council also discussed why Friends of the Zoo and the Art Design Council were selected as ex‑officio organizations (both created by existing city functions), and agreed the board should remain open to input from other partner organizations.
Action and next steps
Council approved the ordinance unanimously. Staff will publish the vacancy notice and begin recruiting board applicants. The ordinance requires members to be city residents with an interest in parks and forestry and to serve 3‑year terms.
