It’s one thing to read about things, or even complain about them, but it’s another entirely to actually get involved. But decisions are made by the people who actually show up.
The city is inviting people to do just that week with its call for volunteers for various boards. There are opening on several decision making bodies in the city, and you have until Monday, November 13 to apply for them. Fill out the form right here.
Which boards have positions available? Here’s the list provided by the city, complete with a little about what each committee does. Skip to the things that catch your interest.
- Budget Committee: Mandated by state law, approves the city’s budget. Members include seven citizen members alongside the Mayor and City Council. Meets twice a year; citizen terms last three years.
- Audit Committee: Ensures governments are providing accurate financial information, and chooses an external auditor. Members include three city council members from the finance committee and three citizen members with a background in finance. Meets twice a year; citizen term lasts four years.
- Arts and Culture Council: Supports and oversees community arts and culture programs. Made up of 11 to 17 members who are associated with specific arts, culture, heritage, business, education, social services and government groups. Meets monthly; terms last three years.
- Historic Landmarks Advisory Committee: Advises City Council and the Planning Commission on matters relating to historic preservation activities, administers grants, and maintains cultural resources pertaining to historic sites. Seven citizen members, five of which must live within city lines. Meets monthly; terms last four years.
- Parks & Recreation Commission: Established in the city’s charter. Sets policy for all parks and recreation facilities, including settings things like fees. Meets twice a month; terms last three years.
- Planning Commission: and advises the city council on land use issues. Made up of 7 citizen member, no more than two of which can have the same occupation. Meetings twice a month; four year terms.
- Planning & Zoning Hearings Board Conducts quasi-judicial hearing on applications that deal with land use and land use policy. At least three members, including the chair, must be law school graduates. Meetings held as needed; terms last three years.
- Transportation Committee: Oversees and administers policies related to transportation. Made up of three city councillors and a single citizen member. Meets once a month; citizen terms last one year.
Citizen members are chosen by City Council; fill out this PDF form if you’d like to apply to one of the boards listed above. You’ll find information about where to sent it at the bottom of the form. Again, applications are due by November 13.