“Civic responsibility means taking a healthy role in the life of one’s community.”
Former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn
By Lacey Lively, Marketing Manager
If you’re a typical, civic-minded resident of College Station, you vote on Election Day, write an occasional letter to the editor, and may even attend a city council meeting or two.
You may also wonder how to become more directly involved in local government decisions that determine the kind of community in which we live.
Here’s your chance.
You can make a genuine and meaningful difference by volunteering to serve on a city board, committee or commission. The primary qualifications are that you live in College Station and are a registered voter.
The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1. The city council will make appointments at its Jan. 11 meeting.
For complete details and an application, visit cstx.gov/committees. Here’s a quick look at the committees that need your help:
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The Architectural Advisory Committee provides recommendations on the scope and design of new municipal facilities. The committee bases its recommendations on architectural themes, community compatibilities, aesthetics and site use.
B/CS LIBRARY COMMITTEE: The library committee encourages development, recommends policies and programs, and coordinates with other public and private groups for the advancement of the Bryan/College Station Library System.
BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN & GREENWAYS ADVISORY BOARD: The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Board advises the city council, planning and zoning commission, and other appointed boards and commissions on matters concerning biking, walking, and greenways.
CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS: The Construction Board of Adjustments hears appeals of decisions, considers interpretations of the building official, and considers variances to the terms of technical codes.
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD: The Design Review Board hears and takes action on design district site plans and concept plans for Planned Development Districts and Planned Mixed-Use Districts, as well as other duties. Some specialized skills are necessary.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE: The Historic Preservation Committee helps collect and preserve College Station’s history, provides educational opportunities, and designates historical areas. The board carries out other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the city council.
JOINT RELIEF FUNDING COMMITTEE: The Joint Relief Funding Committee reviews funding requests from charitable or other public or private assistance-type agencies and makes appropriate recommendations.
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD: The Parks & Recreation Board advises the council on the establishment, maintenance, and operations of city parks and recreation programs. The board carries out other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION: The Planning & Zoning Commission is a review body that recommends changes in development codes and zoning ordinances and has final authority over submitted plats. The commission also studies and makes recommendations about proposed annexations.
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS: The Zoning Board of Adjustments hears and decides appeals of zoning interpretations, special exceptions, and variances, as well as use permits and other duties.
We have abundant opportunities for you to make a difference in our community’s quality of life by serving on a board, committee or commission. With your help, we can continue to make College Station one of the nation’s best places to live, work and play.
About the Blogger
Lacey Lively has been with the City of College Station’s Public Communications Office since 2011. She previously worked as an internet marketing consultant for the Bryan-College Station Eagle and as a web designer. A native of Beaumont, Lacey earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism and communications from Texas A&M in 2009.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
