Narrative:

Countywide delegation of responsibilities for policy-making functions are set by the Westchester County Executive and/or Board of Legislators as outlined in the Charter of Westchester County, New York. Policy-making functions pertaining specifically to PRC are determined by the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board. Policy changes can also be recommended by the Commissioner or the Parks Board, which is empowered to act in Section 134.51 of the Charter, Powers and Duties of the Board.

The Commissioner additionally has the power to adopt rules, regulations and ordinances governing the use of parks and to provide penalties for any violations through Section 249.171 of the Charter, Rules, Regulations and Ordinances. The Commissioner can also adopt ordinances regulating parking on and traffic in and through county parks in accordance with the provisions of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. These regulations are set forth in Chapter 765 of the Charter, also known as Ordinance #5.

Operational procedures are developed by senior management at meetings with divisional staff where new procedures and operational guidelines are discussed and recommended. The Commissioner can enact these new procedures which are communicated by email and subsequently updated or added to the PRC Administration Manual.