Volunteer Opportunities, Appointment and Re-Appointment Process and Applications

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Volunteer Opportunities

The City Commission relies on the approximately 70 volunteer community members who serve on the City's 19 boards, commissions, and committees (BCC).  Each BCC has a different purpose, and some require special skills or interests.  However, all help shape the community's future and, in some cases, implement portions of adopted plans. 

In some cases, the different BCCs act on citizen requests associated with private property or make recommendations to the City Commission.  Depending on the BCC, terms of service range between one and five years. The roster lists the names of existing members and the dates their terms expire. Most volunteers live within the City of St. Joseph; however, a few boards have criteria that allow non-residents with specific qualifications to serve as members.

In many cases, the BCC meets monthly at a set date and time; however, some BCCs meet less frequently, and in some cases additional meetings are necessary to consider the business before the BCC.  

New Appointment Process

Requesting an appointment to a BCC requires completion of the Appoint to a Board, Commission, or Committee Application.  Once completed, the application needs to be returned to the City Clerk’s Office for processing.  In most cases, two City Commissioners, assisted by a representative of the BCC and staff, will conduct interviews to identify the best-suited individual for a vacancy.  Once interviews are completed, the two City Commissioners make a recommendation to the full City Commission for possible appointment.

Once appointed, the staff liaison will contact the new member to provide background information and any applicable rules and regulations to prepare for the first meeting.

It is not necessary to wait until a vacancy becomes available to file an application.  If there are no vacancies or more applicants than positions available, we will hold the applications on file for two years and will reach out to applicants if a new opportunity arises during that period.

Re-Appointment Process

The City Clerk’s Office reaches out to appointed members before their terms expire to see if they are interested in being reappointed.  The Re-Appointment Questionnaire for Boards, Commissions, and Committees Application must be completed and returned to the City Clerk’s Office for review by the City Commission.