Calling all Sonoma city-commission hopefuls

City seeks applicants for planning commission, other boards.|

If you’ve seen local residents sitting on influential city commissions and ever wondered how you, too, could serve in such a capacity, here’s your chance.

The City of Sonoma is seeking applicants for service on several city commissions. According to an announcement from city officials about the openings: “These commissions and committees are charged with focusing on key issues within Sonoma and to then provide feedback, recommendations and support to the Council on those issues.”

Here’s a list of needs provided by to the Index-Tribune by the folks at City Hall:

The Planning Commission is seeking three directly appointed members, two at-large, and one alternate member.

The Planning Commission’s responsibilities include but are not limited to: development of the General Plan and development code, review and action on environmental impact reports, subdivision and parcel maps, use permit and variance applications, and special studies and reports. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. with additional meetings scheduled as needed.

Community Services & Environment Commission: Three directly appointed members, two at-large, and one alternate member.

The Community Services & Environment Commission advises the City Council on matters related to the preservation and enhancement of parks, recreational facilities, open space and the natural environment under the jurisdiction of the city. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. with additional meetings scheduled as needed.

Cultural & Fine Arts Commission: Three directly appointed members, two at-large and one alternate member.

The role of the Cultural & Fine Arts Commission is to develop and establish a balanced arts and cultural program for the city. Each year they select and honor the “Treasure Artist of the Year” and sponsor the “Student Creative Arts.”

Design Review & Historic Preservation Commission: Three directly appointed member and one alternate member.

The goal of the Design Review Commission is to protect the architectural heritage of Sonoma and promote excellence in town design through its review of proposed projects and developments.

At least two DRHPC candidates shall be appointed from among professionals in the disciplines of history, architecture, architectural history, planning, pre-historic and historic archeology, folklore, cultural anthropology, curation, conservation, and landscape architecture or related disciplines, such as urban planning, American studies, American civilization, or cultural geography.

Traffic Safety Committee: Three directly appointed members and one alternate member.

The Traffic Safety Committee reviews complaints and suggestions submitted by residents regarding traffic safety issues. It advises the City Council on all physical measures proposed as solutions to those issues. The Traffic Safety Committee meets as needed.

City Historian

The City Council created the position of City Historian to “assist the City of Sonoma with coordinating the preservation of historical records and resources and maintaining a link between the City’s past, present, and future.” The City Historian is an honorary, volunteer position that is appointed based on demonstrated knowledge of, and interest in, the history of the City of Sonoma. The position serves at the pleasure of the City Council for a two-year term and the role and responsibilities are currently under review.

Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees: One representative.

The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District protects the health and welfare of Marin and Sonoma counties from mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases by utilizing cost-effective, environmentally responsible integrated vector management practices. It is governed by a Board of Trustees. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. with additional meetings scheduled as needed. The city’s representative must be a qualified elector of the City of Sonoma and it is desired that they have experience, training and education in fields that will assist in the governance of the district. Representative serves a four-year term.

Applications can be submitted online at sonomacity.civicweb.net. Access the application by clicking on the Commission Application link. Paper applications are also accepted and are available in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, No. 1 the Plaza. No formal interviews will be held, and city officials encourage attaching an updated resume.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27.

For questions, contact the City Clerk at 933.2216, or by email at cityhall@sonomacity.org.

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