Want to Have a Say in City Government? Birmingham Needs Volunteers

Have you ever wanted to become involved in Birmingham city government, but don't think you're ready to run for city commissioner?

If so, you're in luck: the city is currently seeking several volunteers to serve on nine of Birmingham's various boards and committees.

All applicants for open positions are subject to the city's Ethics Ordinance. Those interested should submit the form found at either the City Clerk's Office or at www.bhamgov.org/boardopportunities.

Each applicant's name will appear in the public agenda for the Birmingham City Commission's regular meeting pending their final approval by the commission. Applicants are asked to attend the meeting and state why they wish to join the board, as well as answer any questions from the commission.

Volunteers are currently needed for:

Advisory Parking Committee:

• The city is looking for one resident member to complete a term expiring in September 2013.
• The Advisory Parking Committee provides guidance to the city commission in the management of Birmingham's auto parking system.
• The committee is made of up nine members who serve without compensation.
• Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 a.m.

Board of Building Trades Appeals:

• The city is looking for one plumber or architect to complete a term expiring in May 2013.
• Applicants must reside, be employed or do business in Birmingham.
• The Board of Building Trades Appeals deals with matters that pertain to the manner of construction in the city, including building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire prevention codes.
• Meetings are held when applicable.

Board of Review:

• The city is looking to appoint two alternate members, one to complete a term expiring in December 2013, the second to complete a term expiring in December 2014. 
• Applicants must be property owners and electors in Birmingham.
• The Board of Review hears residents who wish to protest their property tax assessment one day in July and one day in December. Two training sessions in February are also required.
• The board is made up of two panels of three residents each. Board members are paid $110 per year.

Cablecasting Board:

• The city is looking to appoint one alternate member to complete a term ending in March 2013.
• Applicants must be electors in Birmingham.
• The Cableasting Board advises the city on matters relating to cable communications and rate adjustments, oversees the operation of the city's education, government and public access channels and more.

Canvassing Board:

• The city is looking to appoint one Republican member to complete a term ending in December 2013.
• Applicants must be electors in Birmingham.

Design Review Board

• The city is looking to appoint one member to complete a term ending in September 2015.
• Applicants must be electors in Birmingham.
• The Design Review Board advises the city commission in regard to proper development practices in the city and is specifically charged with making sure projects carry out the goals of the city's master plans, urban design plans and other development-oriented plans.

Historic District Commission:

• The city is looking to appont one member to complete a term ending in September 2015.
• Applicants must be electors in Birmingham.
• The Historic District Commission advises the city commission with respect to proper development in the city with an emphasis on the city's established historic districts, sites and properties.
• A majority of members should have a clearly demonstrated interest in or knowledge of historic preservation.

Traffic and Safety Board:

• The city is looking to appoint one school board representative to complete a term ending in July 2013, and one regular member to complete a term ending in July 2014.
• Applicants must be electors in Birmingham.
• The Traffic and Safety Board maintains the safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians in Birmingham.

Triangle District Corridor Improvement Study

• The city is looking to appoint one member to serve a term ending in December 2016.
• Applicants must be electors in Birmingham and will be appointed by the mayor, which is then subject to city commission approval.
• The Authority looks at how to improve development in the city's Triangle District.
• A majority of the members of the Authority must own or have a business interest in property located in the Triangle District.