For Immediate Release
Date: September 26, 2014
The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah will be accepting applications beginning Sunday, September 28, 2014 through Friday, October 24, 2014 for appointment(s) and reappointment(s) to the Boards, Commissions and Authorities listed below. Applications can be found on the City’s website at www.savannahga.gov/boards. No applications will be accepted after noon on October 24.
Upon completion of the appointment process by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, all applicants and appointees will be notified. For further information, contact the Office of the Clerk of Council at (912) 651-6441 or clerkofcouncil@savannahga.gov.
CURRENT OPENINGS
CHATHAM-SAVANNAH AUTHORITY FOR THE HOMELESS: Nineteen (19) members appointed to overlapping four-year (4) terms. Four (4) appointed by City Council to develop and oversee implementation of comprehensive plan for public and private agencies to deal effectively with problems of the homeless in our community. One (1) term is available for appointment.
CHATHAM-SAVANNAH YOUTH FUTURES AUTHORITY: Twenty-Three (23) members appointed to overlapping four-year (4) terms. Four (4) appointed by Savannah City Council. Develops and administers a comprehensive plan for public and private agencies to deal effectively with the problem of youth in order to achieve YFA’s goals in our community. Two (2) terms are available for appointment.
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD. Three (3) members appointed to overlapping six-year (6) terms by City Council. Basic function is to hear appeals from disciplinary action against an employee when it is alleged the action is taken for political or religious reasons. The labor Seat should be filled by someone who is not a management-level employee: this person does not have to be member of a labor union. Chatham County resident for at least five (5) years. No term limits. One (1) unexpired term is available for appointment.
COASTAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD: The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 created Workforce Investment Boards, charter is to improve workforce quality development, enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the workforce and to reduce welfare dependency. The composition of the WIB is made up of individuals serving in both private and public sectors, which have a genuine interest in improving the quality of the region’s workforce. Appointments to the WIB are made by the Consortium of Chief Local Elected Officials within Region 20 which includes Bryan, Glynn, Chatham, Long, Bulloch, Camden, Effingham, Liberty and McIntosh counties. Fifteen (15) members appointed to three (3) year terms. Appointed can live in the City/County. Three (3) terms are available for appointment.
CODE ENFORCEMENT APPEALS BOARD: Nine (9) members appointed to fill overlapping three-year terms by City Council. Three appointees must be qualified in the fields of architecture and/or structural engineering. Hear appeals when errors are alleged and other matters affecting property subject to procedures set forth in the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance. Four (4) terms are available for appointment.
CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION: Eighteen (18) members appointed to staggered three (3) year terms by City Council. Advisory body charged with the responsibility of recommending a comprehensive plan and program for a community cultural arts services program. No more than 2 consecutive, three-year terms. Nine appointments are available. Seven (7) full terms and Two (2) unexpired terms.
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AUTHORITY: Twenty-five (25) members, with eight (8) seat public sector participation, four (4) members appointed by City Council for five (5) year terms and four appointed by the County. Seeks to reduce conditions that cause poverty by working directly with poverty-level individuals throughout Chatham County. Three (3) terms are available for appointment.
ELECTRICAL APPEALS AND ADVISORY BOARD: On recommendation from the Mayor, seven (7) members are appointed to four-year (4) terms by City Council: four licensed electrical contractors; two registered consulting electrical engineers (one from power company, one from private firm), and one administrative person from the power company. All members shall have no less than 6 years’ experience in professional field. No term limits. Determines appeals to decisions of electrical inspectors of the City. Two (2) terms are available for appointment for Electrical Contractors.
HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD OF REVIEW: Eleven (11) members appointed to three (3) year terms by Savannah City Council including one small business owner with an architectural background. Makes decisions on new construction and any changes to historic structures in the City’s Historic District. Four (4) terms are available for appointment.
KEEP SAVANNAH BEAUTIFUL: Twenty-five (25) members appointed to three (3) year terms by City Council. Shall include representatives from the news media, businesses, City government, civic associations, and neighborhood groups. No term limits. An advisory board that works with the City in developing a program to control litter and assist beautification efforts on streets, sidewalks, parks, and private property. Thirteen (13) terms are available for appointment.
METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION (MPC). Twelve (12) members appointed to overlapping three (3) year terms with six (6) appointments made by City Council and the City Manager serving. No term limits. Aided by professional staff, this commission makes studies of present and future development; assists local government in translating study results into plans, policies and programs; recommends zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations. Four (4) terms are available for appointment.
PARK AND TREE COMMISSION: Nine (9) members appointed to overlapping three (3) year terms by City Council. Must be a City resident. Term Limit: No member may serve more than three, consecutive three year terms. Charged with directing the activities related to the planting and caring for parks, squares, grass plats, trees, and flowers of the city. One (1) term is available for appointment.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ENFORCEMENT BOARD OF APPEALS: The board of appeals shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members, serving four (4) year terms, which are qualified by experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to property maintenance and who are not employees of the jurisdiction. The code official shall be an ex-officio member, but shall have no vote on any matter before the board. One (1) term & two (2) alternates are available for appointment.
SAVANNAH/CHATHAM COUNCIL OF DISABILITY ISSUES: The Savannah/Chatham Council on Disability Issues shall facilitate and coordinate community efforts to improve the quality of life for citizens with disabilities of the City of Savannah and Chatham County through advising and advocating local leaders. The Council shall be composed of ten (10) members with representation balanced among the business community, human service providers and consumers (i.e., citizens with disabilities). At least one-half of members shall be persons with physical or mental disabilities. Members shall serve a two (2) year term, with eligibility for reappointment to a second consecutive two (2) year term. One (1) term is available for appointment.
SAVANNAH/CHATHAM COUNTY HISTORIC SITES AND MONUMENTS COMMISSIONS (HS&M): Five (5) members appointed to overlapping five (5) year terms by City Council. No term limits. Citizen of Chatham County. Recommends plan and cost estimates for the erection of any monuments or substantial restoration of same in the City or County. One (1) term is available for appointment.
SAVANNAH DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL AUTHORITY (SDRA). Twenty –five (25) members appointed to four-year (4) terms. City residents; no term limits. Develops recommendations to City Council for revitalization of Savannah’s downtown including comprehensive planning, beautification, marketing, etc. Eight (8) terms are available for appointment.
SAVANNAH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (SEDA). Nineteen (19) members, six (6) appointed by City Council, serving overlapping five-year (5) terms. No term limits; eligible for re-appointment. Conducts a program of industrial and port development for the City of Savannah and Chatham County and is self-funded. No one holding public office or receiving compensation from either public entity can serve. One (1) unexpired term is available for appointment.
SAVANNAH RECREATION COMMISSION: Twelve (12) members are appointed to three (3) year terms by City Council and are eligible for reappointment. Serves as an advisory body on recreational programs and facilities. Five (5) terms are available. Four (4) full terms and 1 unexpired term.
SAVANNAH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS: Five (5) members appointed to staggered three-year (3) terms by City Council. No term limits. Must be a resident of the City of Savannah. Members cannot hold public office, except for one appointee who must be a current member of the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Board hears and rules on appeals from decisions of the zoning administrator and hears and rules on requests for permits which require the board’s approval. Four (4) terms are available for appointment.
TOURISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Creation and composition. There is hereby created a tourism advisory committee, which shall consist of 13 members appointed by the mayor and aldermen. One shall be a representative of the lodging industry; one shall be a representative of a tour company; one shall be a member of the Savannah Visitors Bureau; one shall be a representative from a Historic District museum or attraction; two shall be members of the Downtown Neighborhood Association; two shall be members of Historic Savannah Foundation; one shall be a representative of the food, beverage and/or retail industries; one shall be at large with demonstrated knowledge of the history and/or architecture of the Historic District; two shall be residents at-large and one shall be a member at-large. The following Six (6) terms are available for appointment: Tour Company (1); Historic Savannah Foundation (2) – 1 full term and 1 unexpired term; Downtown Neighborhood Association (1); Historic District Museum/Attraction (1); and Hotelier (1) – unexpired term.