Boards and commissions applications are available

The Columbia city clerk is accepting applications for boards and commissions. Applications must be received by the clerk's office, 701 E. Broadway, 2nd floor, by noon on Friday, May 4. Applications are available at the clerk's office or on the city's website at www.GoColumbiaMo.com on the City Council page. The following are current boards and commissions openings:

*The Airport Advisory Commission has one vacancy with the term to expire May 16, 2013. The member must be a registered voter of the city and be familiar with the subject of aviation. The board makes recommendations to the Council for the development and use of the airport. Monthly meetings are held the first Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at the airport.

*The Board of Mechanical Examiners has four vacancies with terms to expire June 17, 2014, and June 17, 2015. One member must be a registered professional engineer; one must be a mechanical heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) contractor or master mechanic; one must be a HVACR journeyman mechanic; and one must be a general contractor not in the HVACR business. All must be residents of the city of Columbia. The board is empowered to give examinations for mechanical heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration licenses and certificates. Monthly meetings are held the second Tuesday at 5 p.m.

*The Board of Plumbing Examiners has two vacancies with terms to expire May 31, 2014. One must be a journeyman plumber with six years experience in the plumbing business and one must be a person not engaged in, working at, employed by or connected with plumbing, a plumbing firm, contractor or the plumbing industry. Both must be residents of the city of Columbia. The board establishes standards and procedures for the qualification, examination, and licensing of master, journeyman, residential and apprentice plumbers, and issues certificates of competency as appropriate. Monthly meetings are generally held the fourth Tuesday at 5 p.m.

*The Boone County Community Services Advisory Commission has two vacancies with terms to expire Dec. 31, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2014. Members must be qualified voters and residents of the city of Columbia and shall not serve on the board of directors or be employed by any agency which applies for funding through the commission or which receives funding upon recommendation of the commission. (Each academic and administrative unit of the University of Missouri shall be considered a separate agency and each school of the Columbia Public School District shall be considered a separate agency.) The commission advises the city and county in all matters regarding the planning and contracting for human service programs to adequately meet the needs of the citizens. Monthly meetings are held the third Tuesday at 7 p.m.

*The Building Construction Codes Commission has four vacancies with terms to expire Aug. 1, 2012, Aug. 1, 2013, and Aug. 1, 2014. One alternate is needed from each of the following categories: professional engineer (experience in electrical/mechanical), master plumber, electrician and fire expert. The commission periodically reviews and makes recommendations relating to building construction codes. Monthly meetings are held the fourth Monday at 4:30 p.m.

*The Columbia Community Development Commission has one vacancy with the term to expire Nov. 1, 2014. The member must be a qualified voter and resident of Ward 5, and shall not serve on the board of directors or be employed by any agency which applies for funding through the commission or which receives funding upon recommendation of the commission. The commission acts in an advisory capacity in all matters pertaining to community development. Monthly meetings are held on call.

*The Columbia Housing Authority Board has two vacancies to be appointed by the mayor with terms to expire May 31, 2016. One member must be a tenant of Housing Authority property, and both must be taxpayers who have resided in the city of Columbia for one year prior to appointment. Neither shall be an officer of the city of Columbia. Duties include overseeing housing projects. Monthly meetings are held the third Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

*The Commission on Human Rights has one vacancy with the term to expire March 1, 2014. The member shall have demonstrated a strong commitment to human rights and a belief in the principles of equal opportunity, and shall be a resident of the city. The commission advises the Council on human rights issues and reviews and makes decisions regarding complaints of discrimination filed with the city. Monthly meetings are held the first Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

*The Disabilities Commission has five vacancies with terms to expire June 15, 2013, and June 15, 2015. Three members shall have a significant disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act; one shall have knowledge or experience in providing services to individuals with disabilities or an interest in the welfare of City residents with disabilities; and one shall own or operate a business within the Columbia area. All shall be residents of the city. The commission considers concerns relating to residents with disabilities. Monthly meetings are held the second Thursday at 3 p.m.

*The Environment and Energy Commission has two vacancies with terms to expire June 1, 2015. Both members must be qualified voters of the city and should have knowledge in matters pertaining to the environment. The commission serves in an advisory capacity for all matters pertaining to environmental protection and conservation. Monthly meetings are held the fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m.

*The Finance Advisory and Audit Committee has one vacancy with the term to expire Dec. 31, 2014. One member must be a qualified voter and resident of the city for at least one year prior to appointment, and consideration will be given to a business owner. The committee makes recommendations on financial matters to the Council as needed. Meetings are held on call.

*The Parks and Recreation Commission has three vacancies with terms to expire May 31, 2015. One member each is needed from Ward 1, Ward 5 and Ward 6. All must be registered qualified voters of the city. The commission acts in an advisory capacity in all matters pertaining to public recreation. Monthly meetings are held the third Thursday at 7 p.m.

*The Public Communications Resource Advisory Committee has two vacancies with terms to expire Dec. 31, 2013. At least one member is needed from Ward 1 or Ward 3, and the other member may be from any ward. Both must be qualified voters and residents of the city of Columbia and be experienced in the field of communications, citizenship or management of not-for-profit organizations. Members shall not be paid officers or employees of the city, nor shall they serve on the board of directors or be employed by any entity that applies for funding through the committee or which receives funding upon recommendation of the committee. The committee advises the City Council in allocating designated revenue to entities that provide public communication services to Columbia citizens. Meetings are held on call.

*The Substance Abuse Advisory Commission has one vacancy with the term to expire Oct. 31, 2014. The member must be a student under age 25 and shall have demonstrated interest in and concern for substance and alcohol abuse programs in the community. The commission promotes coordination of programs intended to prevent and eliminate alcohol and substance abuse. Monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday at 12 p.m.

*The Sustainable Farms and Communities Inc. Board has one vacancy with the term to expire Dec. 31, 2013. The member must be a resident of the city.  Members are responsible for overseeing the future construction, maintenance and operations of a farmers market community center. The Sustainable Farms and Communities Inc. is a Missouri not-for-profit corporation. Meetings are held the second Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Contact: City Clerk s Office
(573) 874-7208