Democracy is known to work better with an educated populace. It
also works better with an engaged, involved public. The City of
Morgan Hill has put out a call for such residents to serve on a
variety of advisory commissions and committees.
Democracy is known to work better with an educated populace. It also works better with an engaged, involved public. The City of Morgan Hill has put out a call for such residents to serve on a variety of advisory commissions and committees.
The boards cover a wide range of interests. Some require experience or qualifications; others only an interest and desire to serve. All commissions are chosen by and serve under the direction of the City Council; two committees are chosen by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
To be a part of the local government, residents should choose from the positions available, call City Hall for an application and get to work. Commissions meet monthly unless otherwise noted.
Some commissions, such as planning, deal with complicated issues. New commissioners are not expected to start work without an introduction to the commission’s scope of work.
“All the new commissioners will be given an orientation session,” said Irma Torrez, city clerk.
In addition, experienced commissioners themselves frequently offer to help the newcomers and bring them up to speed.
“I’ll be happy to train the new recruits,” said Charles Weston, a planning commissioner. “And I’m sure the other experienced commissioners will help too. Besides, it’s a way to serve my community.”
Weston said the intricacies of planning, which include dealing with Measure P, can be a challenge but that most people who study planning issues find them interesting.
• Architectural Review Board – (five members, four vacancies, two-year terms) This commission is responsible for reviewing site, architectural and landscape plans for major residential, commercial and industrial developments. The ARB is composed of one registered architect or design professional in a related field selected by City Council; one landscape architect or horticulturist; one licensed general contractor or similar qualified individual representing the construction industry; and two other persons with experience in city planning, graphic design or who have a broad knowledge of plant material, building design or of other physical design professions associated with the development process. Meets the first and third Thursdays at 7 p.m. in The Villas behind City Hall. Deadline to apply: Thursday, April 24, or until filled.
• Library Commission – (nine members, four vacancies, two-year terms)
Provides the council with advice and recommendations regarding existing library facilities. Serves as the liaison between the city and the Santa Clara County Library. Meets the second Monday at 7:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. Deadline to apply: Friday, March 21, or until filled.
• Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Commission – (five members, two vacancies, two-year terms)
Commission monitors the performance of the City’s mobile home rent stabilization ordinance. Meetings are held quarterly at 7 p.m. in council chambers. One mobile home park owner representative and one mobile home park tenant representative. Deadline to apply: Friday, May 2, or until filled.
• Planning Commission (seven members, four vacancies, four-year terms)
Advises the council on matters related to city growth and development and as requested by the council. Meets on the second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. in council chambers. Meetings are televised on Morgan Hill’s Channel 17. Deadline to apply: Friday, May 2, or until filled.
• Parks and Recreation Commission (seven members, three vacancies, two-year terms)
Provides advice and recommendations on such matters as fiscally prudent programs, activities, resources, plans and development designed to provide for, regulate and direct the future growth and development of parks facilities and recreation programming for Morgan Hill citizens. Meets the fourth Monday at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. Deadline to apply: Friday, March 21, or until filled.
• Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee (seven members, five vacancies, two-year terms)
The BTAC is a sub-committee appointed by the Parks and Recreation Commission. It reviews policies regarding bicycle and trails as they relate to the city’s adopted Bicycle Master Plan. Meets the second Thursday at 6:15 p.m. in council chambers. Deadline to apply: Friday, March 14, or until filled.
• Senior Advisory Committee (seven members, three vacancies, two-year terms)
A sub-committee appointed by the Parks and Recreation Commission , which advises the Parks and Recreation Commission on matters pertaining to older adult issues within the community, including the Senior Center. Meets the first Tuesday at 2 p.m. in council chambers. Deadline to apply: Friday, June 20, or until filled.
Details: For an application or further information, please visit the city’s Web site at www.morgan-hill.ca.gov or call the City Clerk’s Office at 779-7259.
