Posted
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 03, 2011
The following boards are currently seeking applications for new members:
Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council (3 vacancies; 3 terms to expire 6/30/11)
Description: Planning for future services and reviewing current programs are two key roles for these 13 volunteers. Their community ties and personal or professional familiarity with issues facing seniors and veterans make them an invaluable resource for Washington County Disability, Aging & Veteran Services and the Board of Commissioners. The Council advises the department on policy, programs, and actions affecting the delivery of services and generally serves as an advocate for veterans and the elderly.
Members: 13
Length of Term: 3 years
Audit Committee (3 terms to expire 6/30/11)
Description : Independent oversight is critical to the effectiveness of financial statement audits. The Audit Committee monitors audits of the County's finances, in the belief that access to knowledgeable individuals helps prevent an excessive reliance on the expertise of the external auditor.
Members: 5
Length of Term: 3 years
Commission on Children and Families (3 vacancies)
Description: The Commission's charge is to help every child reach their full potential and to support families and the community in achieving that goal. Working with many partners, the Commission looks at conditions in the community that affect children and families and recommends planned strategies and funding to improve those conditions.
Members: Fifteen members who represent the geographic and cultural diversity of the county, and bring expertise and knowledge about the developmental stages of childhood and adolescence, and issues facing children and families. At least eight of the members must be lay citizens who do not derive income from children & family services.
Length of Term: 4 years
Park and Recreation Advisory Board (4 vacancies, plus 3 terms to expire 6/30/11)
Description: Provides advice on the maintenance, operations, and capital development needs of County parks, including Scoggins Valley Park/Henry Hagg Lake.
Members: 9
Length of Term: 3 years
Metzger Park Advisory Board (4 vacancies, plus 2 terms to expire 6/30/11)
Description: Maintains a proud tradition of overseeing the only park in the County supported through a Local Improvement District. The Board plans and helps with park maintenance needs, deals with the administrative issues involved in running an active urban park.
Members: Nine who own property within the Metzger Park Local Improvement District.
Length of Term: 3 years
Planning Commission (1 vacancy plus 3 terms to expire 6/30/11 – (1) At-Large, (2) District 3, (1) District 4 positions)
Description: These nine appointed volunteers advise the Board of County Commissioners on land use and transportation planning issues. They conduct public hearings, make final decisions on some changes to land use plans, and convey recommendations to the Board on comprehensive plan and community development ordinances.
Members: 9
Length of Term: 4 years. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms
West Slope Community Library Advisory Board (1 term to expire 6/30/11)
Description: Advises on library policy in matters of hiring, budget, materials selection, hours of service. Assists with fund raising and volunteer program. Recommends representation for library to the WCCLS Executive Board.
Members: Five members who are registered users of the West Slope Library
Length of Term: 3 years
Civil Service Commission (1 vacancy; 3 terms to expire 5/31/11)
Description: Volunteers provide a third-party review of the County's employment practices. The Civil Service Commission is comprised of five county residents. They hear and decide appeals by employees and candidates for employment.
Members: Five members
Length of Term: 2 years
Farm Board of Review (1 term which expired 6/30/11)
Description: The Farm Board of Review is an advisory panel to the County Assessor. The Board meets once each year to inform the Assessor regarding farmland rents and other information pertaining to the valuation of farmland for property taxation as provided by Oregon Law.
Members: Two members appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 2 years
Per Board of Commissioner procedures, nominations will be solicited for these committees for a six-week period or until filled. The County Administrative Office will work with the affiliated departments to solicit applications from qualified individuals. Staff will keep the Commissioners apprised of applications received and of approaching deadlines.
As specified in the revised "Recruitment, Selection & Appointment Process," there will be an opportunity for the Board to discuss appointments at a work session prior to scheduling any formal action.
The application deadline is June 7, 2011, or when all vacancies are filled. Applications may be obtained by visiting the Web site or by calling (503) 846-8685. Descriptions of all the boards can also be found on the Boards and Commissions Web site.
Boards, committees and commissions advise the Board of Commissioners on matters of interest to people who live and work in Washington County. Committees themselves do not pass ordinances or establish policy; their purpose is to study issues and make recommendations. Commission members are volunteers appointed by the County Board of Commissioners. Members must be residents of Washington County. Serving on an appointed board or commission is a great way for Washington County residents to participate in decisions that affect them and to learn more about how local government works.
Media Contact:
Marian Larkin, Sr. Administrative Specialist(503) 846-8685
[email protected]