I recall meeting my Councilwoman for tea about 7 years ago at Panera Bread. I wanted to introduce my family to her, Charlye Heggins, and express my interest in helping her out and serving the city in any way that I could. That simple meeting led to an appointment on a city committee exploring the issues of term limits, followed quickly by an appointment to serve on the city’s Historic Landmark Commission.
This is the time of year when spots on the 13 city Boards and Commissions are up for re-nominations or new nominations. Any council member can choose to bring in new volunteers for any open spot on a board or commission even if there is someone serving in that spot and eligible for re-nomination. Typically, the practice is to focus on the vacant spots on each board or commission that are left by volunteers who have termed out or resigned for other reasons.
To make it easier for interested citizens to navigate the spots that are clearly open for brand new volunteers, I’ve listed them below along with the name of the council member whose spot it is for a nomination:
| Board | Council Member |
| Airport Advisory Board | Johnson |
| Health and Building Standards Commission | Watts |
| Health and Building Standards Commission | Wazny |
| Human Services Advisory Committee | Gregory |
| Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Board | Watts |
| Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Board | Roden |
| Planning and Zoning Commission | Briggs |
| Planning and Zoning Commission | Hawkins |
| Public Art Committee | Hawkins |
| Public Utiliites Board | Briggs |
| Public Utiliites Board | Gregory |
| Traffic Safety Commission | Hawkins |
| Zoning Board of Adjustment | Wazny |
If you are interested in any of these spots, my suggestion is to apply online and then contact the relevant council member to express your interest.