As Waukee continues to grow, so does the need for dedicated residents to serve on the City’s boards and commissions. These boards and commissions are an established feature of municipal government offering citizens an opportunity to participate in city governmental affairs.

Volunteers are needed to serve on these committees, which reflect the varied interests of Waukee residents. They address subjects like planning, zoning, parks, libraries, building and the arts. Although many boards and commissions are advisory, their influence and value can be significant.

Are you a fit for one of these boards? There are upcoming openings on all of them, but hurry, because the application deadline is drawing near!

BOARD OF APPEALS

The Board of Appeals meets on an as-needed basis to review requests to permit buildings, which vary from approved ordinances, to interpret the intent of building-related ordinances when clarity is needed, and to hear appeals of planning and zoning decisions. This is a great fit for volunteers with experience in architectural design, real estate development or community involvement. Two seats will soon be open.

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (CEDAC)

CEDAC meets nine times a year and acts as an advisory group to the City’s Community and Economic Development Department. The group proposes long-term economic development strategies, recommends policies and programs to the Waukee City Council, works to attract and retain businesses and makes an annual report regarding economic development achievements. This is a great fit for volunteers with experience in commercial real estate development, education and workforce development, and small business entrepreneurship. Four seats will soon be open.

LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Library Board of Trustees meets monthly and sets the overall direction of the Waukee Public Library through goal setting, policy adoption and monitoring of the overall effectiveness of the library. The board authorizes library services, works with the Library Director to plan for future needs through strategic planning, helps plan the annual budget and approves the library’s monthly bills. This a great fit for volunteers with experience in library services, education, community involvement or arts and culture. Three seats will open in July 2017.

PARK BOARD

The Park Board meets monthly to create a sense of community by advising and assisting the Parks & Recreation Department in planning, establishing and improving parks, trails, open spaces and recreation facilities. Board members recommend park policies and programs to the City Council, and they work with City staff to plan, promote and host community events such as WinterFest, the Fourth of July and more. This is a great fit for volunteers interested in parks and trails or for those with experience in fitness, event planning, working with youth, or arts and culture. Three seats will soon be open.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Waukee’s Planning and Zoning Commission meets twice a month and aims to shape the future by encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout Waukee. The commission hears matters related to re-zonings, preliminary and final plats, site plans, ordinance amendments and planned development agreements. This is a great fit for volunteers with experience in land use planning, architectural design, real estate development or environmental work. One seat will soon be open.

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

The Zoning Board of Adjustment meets on an as-needed basis to ensure that planning and zoning decisions are consistent. The board responds when applications are presented to the City for consideration for either potential errors in interpretation, special exceptions or variance requests relating to the City’s zoning ordinance. This is a great fit for volunteers with experience in architectural design, real estate development or community involvement. One seat will soon be open.

Please consider lending your time and talent to one of these important boards! Applications and descriptions can be found at Waukee.org/BoardsandCommissions or at City Hall. Contact City Clerk Becky Schuett at bschuett@waukee.org or call 515-978-7904 with questions.

Applications are due Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. Thank you for your consideration.