City of Allen now accepting applications for board, commission appointments

Allen residents interested in serving on a city board or commission have an opportunity to share their interest with the city.

Applications to serve on a city commission or board are now open.

“Serving on a board or commission is a great way to learn more about city government, share expertise and help guide decisions that shape the community,” a city news release states.

What you need to know

Each year, Allen City Council appoints members to serve on city boards and commissions. Most board and commission members serve two-year terms with no term limits, and appointments are staggered to have half of each board appointed annually, the city’s website states. Select positions have three-year terms.

To serve on most boards or commissions, applicants are required to be registered voters and have lived in Allen for one year. Some appointments allow non-residents if they meet specific requirements for career experience. Appointees must meet the city’s requirements for board meeting attendance as well as attend a mandatory training session, the city’s website states. Appointees may also be subject to adherence to a code of conduct.

Applications are available online and are due by July 15. Appointments will be made in September, and appointee terms will begin Oct. 1.

“Interested residents are encouraged to attend a meeting of the board or commission they wish to join before applying,” the release states.

The details

The city of Allen has 14 boards and commissions, its website states, including:

Allen Community Development Corp.Makes recommendations to City Council on which community projects should receive ACDC fundingSeven members serve two-year termsMeets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of every monthAllen Economic Development Corp.Oversees the operations of the Allen Economic Development Corp.Five members serve three-year termsMeets at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every monthAnimal Shelter Advisory CommitteeAssists the city in an advisory capacity in regards to the animal control unit and compliance with state regulations for the operation of animal sheltersSeven members serve two-year termsMeets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of select monthsBoard of AdjustmentA quasi-judicial board that makes decisions on appeals, special exceptions and requests for variances to city ordinances. Board members also serve on the Buildings and Standards Commission and the Sign Control Board.Five members serve two-year terms, at least two alternatesMeets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month as neededBuilding and Standards CommissionA quasi-judicial board that decides on cases regarding alleged violations of city ordinances in regards to preserving public safety. Board members also serve on the Buildings and Standards Commission and the Sign Control Board.Five members serve two-year terms, at least two alternatesMeets as neededCommunity Engagement Advisory BoardAdvises City Council in regards to community engagement, outreach, special events and related issuesSeven members serve two-year termsMeets at 6 p.m. on the first Monday of select monthsConvention and Visitors Bureau Advisory BoardAdvises City Council in regards to tourism sales and marketing using funding generated through local hotel occupancy taxesSeven members serve two-year termsMeets at 8 a.m. on the third Tuesday of select monthsDowntown Design Review BoardReviews and recommends on matters related to the Downtown DistrictSeven members serve three-year termsMeets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of every monthKeep Allen Beautiful BoardAssists in the city’s policymaking for decreasing loose refuse, developing beautification programs as well as evaluating relevant policies and recommending enforcement and alternatives for programmingSeven members serve two-year termsMeets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of select monthsLibrary BoardAdvises and recommends on matters related to the city’s public librarySeven members serve two-year termsMeets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of select monthsParks and Recreation BoardReviews and makes recommendations on the maintenance and operations of the city’s Parks and Recreation DepartmentSeven members serve two-year termsMeets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of select monthsPlanning and Zoning CommissionMakes recommendations to City Council on changes or amendments to the city’s land code, site plan approval requests, specific use permit requests, plat approval requests and other city planning and zoning-related mattersSeven members serve three-year termsMeets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every monthPublic Art CommitteeRecommends the annual public art plan, serves on artist selection panels and engages citizens in public art projectsSeven members serve two-year termsMeets at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of select monthsSign Control BoardAn advisory board that takes action on sign permits and requests for variations to the city’s sign regulationsBoard members include the members of the Buildings and Standards Commission and the Sign Control Board.Meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month as neededGet involved

To learn more about Allen’s boards and commissions, or to submit an application, visit www.cityofallen.org/government/boards_and_commissions.php.