All the boards and commissions are described on the city web site. From the home page, click on Downloads and then on Municipal Code. Find Boards and Commissions and then click on one to see the description and current membership. If you see one that interests you, download the application form and submit your information. Keep a copy and follow up in a few weeks.
A resident at the meeting commented on how some boards have the same members for many years. Plaintalker was surprised to see that there is a limit, though perhaps not honored:
Board or committee members will serve a maximum of two consecutive terms when the
length of the term is three years or more. Individuals serving terms less than three years
will be limited to a total of six consecutive years of service.
Besides reading the description of a board or committee, an interested person should ideally attend a few meetings of the desired one to see how it functions. Some require more than just attendance at monthly meetings. For example, Shade Tree Commission members often go out into the field to examine trees or locations due for new plantings. Members of land use boards may visit locations of applications to see how they fit in with the surroundings.
The Civic Responsibility Act of 2005 calls for postings of vacancies on a bulletin board:
The City Clerk shall maintain a current updated listing of all existing vacancies for each appointed municipal position within the municipality. Such list shall be made available in accordance with the City's fee schedule at the City Clerk's office and shall, in addition, be posted by the City Clerk on a bulletin board maintained for public announcements in the Municipal Building.
A list is compiled every Fall for the mayor's information, as most appointments are made by the mayor with advice and consent of the City Council. Plaintalker has not yet seen it posted on a bulletin board.
One person mentioned at Wednesday's meeting that several neighbors had applied for boards and commissions, with mixed results. Talking with like-minded people about getting involved in city activities is a good idea. Not only can they share their experiences in attempting to get appointed, they can encourage each other to keep trying.
Plaintalker has seen a lot of new faces at meetings lately. It is good to have seasoned board members, but new ones may bring a fresh perspective on serving the city. If this is something you have been considering, check out the possibilities and go for it.
--Bernice
Perhaps some (hopefully all) of those vacant seats will be filled by this time next year.
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