Deadline Approaching for Town Boards and Committees
Cary, NC – Many of the decisions concerning Cary’s direction, whether in its development and zoning or cultural and historical preservation, comes from ordinary citizens volunteering to serve the town. This week, it’s the deadline for more Cary residents to sign up to possibly join these boards and committees.
Thursday, June 30 Deadline
Cary’s eight volunteer boards and commissions, including the Economic Development Committee, have openings this year and need residents to sit in and help the town. The deadline to apply is this Thursday, June 30, 2016 and applying is as simple as filling out an online form.
The three-year terms are filled by applicants selected by the Cary Town Council, following the board appointment policy. The positions are open to all Cary residents, as long as they are at least 18 years old, are not employees of the town and live within Cary’s corporate limits (some boards require at least one member live inside the town’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction or ETJ). Board and committee members should also familiarize themselves with the General Rules of Order.
Some boards and committees have other requirements and preferences for applicants, according to Karen Gray, deputy town clerk.
- Environmental Advisory Board – four of its members are either technical experts on environmental, transportation or utility issues or be “partners” who are a part of groups related to environmental issues, such as governments, non-profits, utilities companies or others.
- Historic Preservation Committee – all members must have qualifications in history, architecture, archeology or other such fields.
- Information Services Advisory Board – the board is looking for those with expertise or training in internet services, marketing and/or mass media.
- Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board – all members will be expected to give their time to volunteer at town events, as well as visit parks and greenways and serve on other committees and subcommittees.
- Public Art Advisory Board – all members are asked to participate in events outside of board meetings, such as artist panels and community outreach events.
- Planning and Zoning Board – all members are asked to attend work sessions and numerous community and Town Council meetings; one member must also live inside Cary’s ETJ.
- Zoning Board of Adjustment – one member must also live inside Cary’s ETJ.
As of 2012, the Town of Cary redid its Economic Development Commission to create the Economic Development Committee, which includes three Cary citizens alongside the mayor, town manager, members of the Town Council and leadership from the Cary Chamber of Commerce.
The requirements for the Economic Development Committee applicants are the same as the general requirements for any of Cary’s other committees and boards, though Intergovernmental Relations Manager Lana Hygh said the Town Council looks at participation in Cary’s School of Government.
“Council has placed value on this program, although it’s certainly not required to be considered,” Hygh said.
All committees and boards have their own calendars and schedules, so anyone interested in applying to one should consult their individual pages on the Town of Cary website.
Story by Michael Papich. Photo by Jessica Patrick.
