In response to at least seven vacancies on various citizen commissions, The Sierra Madre City Council is encouraging Sierra Madre residents to aid in advising its decision-making by volunteering for one of the city's citizen commissions and committees.
These advisory bodies function in a fashion similar to that of the by discussing, voting on and in turn making recommendations to the council on proposed city policies and policiy revisions.
There are presently six citizen commissions established by the Council to advise and assist them in dealing with specific problems.
Those include the , , , and the .
All of these commissions currently have at least one vacancy, and some have as many as three open spots.
The vacancies currently include the following positions:
- Community Arts Commission – 3 vacancies
- Community Services Commission – 2 vacancies
- Library Board of Trustees - 2 vacancies
- Senior Community Commission – 1 vacancy
- Tree Advisory Commission – 1 vacancy
These advisory bodies are able to study a variety of issues in greater detail than the City Council. After gathering information, hearing arguments, and weighing community values, they recommend to the City Council what they consider the best action to take on these issues.
In addition to making policy recommendations, these bodies are, in certain situations, empowered to make specific decisions on their own. Those decisions are then subject to appeal by the City Council.
Applications for all open positions may be obtained in hard copy at or in a printable, electronic version on the city's website.
A copy of the PDF application form is also attached to this article, at right.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and/or until all positions are filled.
