Georgetown City Council approved the creation of three new city advisory boards and updated membership and qualification requirements for several existing boards at its meeting Oct. 28. The second reading to update the remaining boards and commissions was expected to be approved Nov. 11.
City Attorney Bridget Chapman said city staff began identifying needed updates for the boards and commissions after being directed to do so by City Council during its visioning session earlier this year.
We were trying to make sure we [had] everything in place for the application process, which [started] Nov. 1, she said.
The three new boards include the Georgetown Commission on the Aging, the Strategic Partnerships for Community Services advisory board and the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility advisory board.
Other changes to existing boards included clarifying training requirements and allowing dual membership on the citys Planning and Zoning commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Chapman said.
Membership applications are available on the citys website at www.georgetown.org and must be submitted by the second week in January. Appointments begin March 1.
With the newly created boards, the city has 29 boards and commissions.
ADA Accessibility advisory board
The boards duty is to inform City Council about issues that affect individuals with disabilities including transportation, parking, sidewalks, parks and recreation, facility access and public communication.
Number of members: 7
Membership categories: The board will include people with disabilities such as mobility limitations or sight and/or hearing impairments, members with experience in accessibility and other issues for people with disabilities, and individuals affiliated with organizations that work with accessibility and other issues related to people with disabilities.
Residency requirement: No requirement
Georgetown Commission on the Aging
The board will focus on issues including health and nutrition, housing, transportation and safety for seniors age 60 and older.
Number of members: 9
Membership categories: Two senior service providers, one senior caregiver, three senior membersone living in assisted living, one living in an active adult community and a citizen at largeone member of the business community, one medical professional and one professor preferably from Southwestern University or one student. If no qualified applicants are available, preference will be given to seniors.
Residency requirement: Must live in the city limits or ETJ
Strategic Partnerships for Community Services advisory board
The board was established to assist the city with reviewing organizations applications for social services and youth program funding and to provide recommendations on the allocations of social service funding in areas such as public safety, transportation, housing, parks and recreation, veterans services and safety net services.
Number of members: 5
Membership categories: One certified public accountant or accountant preferably with a nonprofit financial background, one member with knowledge of local nonprofits, one member with grant writing or evaluation experience, and two citizens at large with experience in fields such as health care and education.
Residency requirement: Must live in the city limits
