Brief Description: Changing the authority of a metropolitan park district to dispose of surplus property.

Sponsors: Representatives Conway and Kirby.

Hearing Date: 1/26/05

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

Subject to certain specified conditions, metropolitan park districts may sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any property acquired for park or recreational purposes when such property is no longer needed for such purposes and is therefore determined to be "surplus". The manner of disposition of such surplus property requires the unanimous decision of the district's Board of Park Commissioners (board).

Summary of Bill:

The board of a metropolitan park district may determine by "simple majority vote", rather than by "unanimous decision", whether or not to dispose of property that the board determines is surplus for park or recreational purposes. This change in the voting rules regarding surplus property becomes effective immediately.

Effective January 1, 2007, the board of a metropolitan park district may determine by "unanimous decision", rather than by "simple majority vote", whether or not to dispose of property that the board determines is surplus for park or recreational purposes.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: This bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately, except for section 2, relating to the voting rules applicable to the board of a metropolitan park district regarding the disposition of surplus property, which takes effect January 1, 2007.