Board and Commission Seats to Come Open

The new year offers opportunities for citizens to serve on board and commissions

Between now and the end of the year, the City Administration should be hard at work recruiting individuals to serve on a number of city boards and commissions since many terms end on December 31st.

For those citizens interested in serving their community on a board or commission, this information is designed to help you understand what positions are open and what these boards and commissions actually do.

The city currently has an online portal where individuals are encouraged to apply to serve on a board or commission. You can access the Board Interest Form here. These appointments are made by the Mayor and it is the Mayor’s perogative on whether to use the online system or not. It should also be noted that there are no term limits for these positions; individuals that are currently serving may be reappointed.

Planning Commission

Most of the work of the planning commission deals with buildings and land use. The Planning Commission makes recommendations to city council on zoning code and zoning map changes and on historical district applications among other things. Members serve for six-year terms and there are seven members on the commission.

There are two seats that are open as of January 1, 2024 that are currently held by Jim McGarry and Ed Westmeyer. Mr. McGarry has served on the Planning Commission since 2012 and Mr. Westmeyer since 2018.

Park Commission

The three member Board of Park Commissioners oversees the operations of the park, including the Miami Shores Golf Course and the Troy Aquatic Park, among other responsibilities. Members serve a three-year term.

Susan Westfall is currently serving on the Board but with her election to City Council, this position will be open after the first of the year.

Recreation Board

The five member Recreation Board oversees the recreational programming offered by the city and members serve for a five year-term.

Ms. Ashley Reed is serving her first term and her term expires on December 31st.

Income Tax Board of Review

This three member board rarely meets and members have a two-year term. They are to hear appeals on any issues brought up in the administration of the city’s income tax.

Mr. Justin Coby and the aforementioned Mr. Ed Westmeyer both have terms that expire on December 31st.

Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Review Committee

This seven member committee has members that serve four four year terms. Individuals on the committee make recommedations to City council on loans and other incentives for economic development projects. The committee meets on an as-needed basis.

The term of Mr. Richard Bender will conclude on December 31st and he has served on the community since 2019.

Community Reinvestment Housing Council

This seven member committee meets once a year and reviews the tax abatements provided by the city’s Community Reinvestment Area program.

Mr. Jordan Romberger has served on the committe since 2013 and Mr. Michael Twiss has served on the committee since 2016; both terms end on December 31st.

Human Relations Commission

This seven member commission meets quarterly and was re-established in 2020. The commission is designed to combat misunderstanding, prejudice, intolerance and bigotry in the community.

Ms. Loretta Phillips, Mr. Todd Severt and Mr. Marvin Majors, Sr., all have terms that expire at the end of the year.