Volunteers Sought for City Boards, Commissions

Shakopee residents are invited to apply for openings due to expiring terms on the following City boards and commissions:

• Planning Commission/BOAA (1 opening)
• Park and Recreation Advisory Board (2 openings)
• Shakopee Public Utilities Commission (2 openings)
• Police Civil Service Commission (1 opening)
• Environmental Advisory Committee (2 openings)
• Telecommunications Advisory Commission (2 openings)
• Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (1 opening)
• Transit Commission (2 openings)
• Economic Development Advisory Committee (3 openings)

Applications are available online and at City Hall.

Interested individuals are encouraged to return their application to City Hall by Jan. 30. The Shakopee City Council will be making nominations at its Feb. 5 meeting. Following that meeting, an Interview Panel will meet with each applicant. The City Council will make its appointments at the Feb. 19 council meeting. Successful applicants will be seated at their board or commission’s first meeting in March.

For more information on the openings or to download an application visit www.ci.shakopee.mn.us/board_commissions.cfm or call 952-233-9300.

About the boards/commissions

Here is a brief rundown of the areas addressed by each of the nine boards or commissions with openings:

Planning Commission
The Planning Commission, consisting of 7 members serving 4-year staggered terms, assists the City Council in reviewing and analyzing development proposals and in enforcing the City's zoning and subdivision ordinances. Commission members also act as the Board of Adjustment and Appeals (BOAA). The Planning Commission reviews rezoning, platting, the relocation of dwellings; and, when acting as the BOAA, reviews zoning, conditional use permits and sign variances. The City Council makes final decisions concerning rezoning and platting applications, and considers appeals of Planning Commission decisions. The Planning Commission meets the first Thursday following the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Park & Recreation Advisory Board
The Park & Recreation Advisory Board makes recommendations to the City Council on policies, programs and development actions related to park and recreation services. The Board is composed of seven members who serve staggered three-year terms and meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC)
The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) assists the City Council in reviewing land use and development proposals and recommends policies, ordinances, and procedures to enhance water conveyances, water quality, wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, soils, wildlife habitat and a healthy urban forest. The EAC provides direction for the creation of greenways and protection of cultural and ecological assets within the community and provides guidance concerning community-wide education programs. The five-member board meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Telecommunications Advisory Commission
The Telecommunications Advisory Commission oversees the cable franchise and public and government access television, develops new citywide telecommunication policies, advises the City Council on new emerging telecommunications technologies, provides research and development funding to City departments for innovative technology projects, and provides recommendation for the Telecom general operating budget along with supervision of the public, educational and government access fund.  The commission consists of five (5) members, representing Shakopee residents, Shakopee businesses and township businesses or residents that are currently in the cable franchise area. The Telecommunications Advisory Commission will meet the fourth Wednesday in January, March, May, July, September and November at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Economic Development Advisory Committee
The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) identifies issues and develops strategies to strengthen commercial-industrial activity within the city, reviews requests for tax increment financing, tax abatement and other financial assistance programs, and advises the EDA and City Council on proactive approaches to development and redevelopment. EDAC has five members, serving staggered three-year terms, and meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m.

Historic Preservation Advisory Commission
The Historic Preservation Advisory Commission investigates and recommends actions intended to safeguard Shakopee's heritage by preserving properties which reflect the City's cultural, social, economic, political, visual and architectural history. The Commission works to protect and enhance Shakopee’s appeal and attraction to residents, visitors, and tourists; enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity, and interest of the City; foster civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past; and promote the preservation and continued use of historic properties for the education and general welfare of the residents of Shakopee. The Historic Preservation Advisory Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

Police Civil Service Commission
The Police Civil Service Commission administers the civil service personnel policies of the Shakopee Police Department, conducts civil service examinations for the department, makes recommendations to the City Council concerning appointments and promotions, and handles disciplinary matters within the police force. The commission is composed of three members, serving staggered three-year terms. It meets quarterly with special sessions scheduled when necessary.

Transit Commission
The Transit Commission makes recommendations to the City Council regarding types of transit services, funding and rules and regulations governing the operation of City transit services. The Commission is composed of five members, serving staggered, three-year terms. The Transit Commission meets the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Shakopee Public Utilities Commission
The Shakopee Public Utilities Commission oversees the operation of the publicly owned water and electric utilities. It is composed of five members who serve three-year terms.