City boards and commissions seeking applicants
Mayor Denny Magruder is encouraging citizens to apply for the many vacancies to city boards and commissions; but, what is a board or commission, and which ones have open spots?
WHEELING, W.Va. – Mayor Denny Magruder at a recent City Council meeting encouraged citizens in Wheeling to apply to fill vacancies on the city’s board and commissions, saying he would be working to fill vacancies in the coming weeks.
Often, a person currently serving on a board or commission is the only applicant to the position. Magruder wants to change that. At a mayoral debate in April, Magruder said as much when he lamented the idea that appointments were made to “friends.”
What is a board or commission?
A board or commission is made up of citizens in the city. Wheeling currently has seventeen boards and commissions. Some boards and commissions are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council, while others see the City Manager appoint their members.
Most board members or commissioners serve set terms, typically between two and six years. All serve on a volunteer basis, without compensation, and are required to attend meetings—typically occurring once a month. Some committees advise and recommend actions to City Council, while others exist to offer events or services to Wheeling’s residents.
For example, the Arts and Cultural Commission approves murals throughout the city, hosts their annual Arts Fest, and coordinates other events that support arts and culture in the city, while the Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing and recommending to City Council matters pertaining to land use and development in the city.
What vacancies are there and how do I apply?
City Clerk Jessica Zalenski maintains a list of boards and commissions with vacancies on the city’s website. There, you will find a form to submit your contact information, a resume, and a letter of recommendation for a board or commission of your choice. Alternatively, you can submit this information directly to her at jessica.zalenski@wheelingwv.gov or (304) 234-6401.
Currently, the Arts & Cultural Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic Landmarks Commission, Human Rights Commission, Planning Commission, Recreation Commission, and Traffic Commission have vacancies. If you wish to serve on a board or commission without an active vacancy, you can still submit an application for future consideration.
Arts & Cultural Commission – Vacancies: 5
Appointed by the Mayor. Approved by the City Council.
Term: Six years, subject to reappointment.
Role: Promote and develop artistic and cultural activities and initiatives in Wheeling.
Experience: Art, music, design, planning, history, etc.
Board of Zoning Appeals – Vacancies: 1
Appointed by the Mayor. Approved by the City Council.
Term: Three years, subject to reappointment.
Role: Hear and determine appeals from and review any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the zoning office of the Planning Commission.
Experience: Development, zoning, public safety, etc.
Historic Landmarks Commission – Vacancies: 1
Appointed by the City Manager.
Term: Four years, subject to reappointment.
Role: To oversee the preservation and protection of historically and architecturally significant buildings and neighborhoods in the City of Wheeling.
Experience: Historic preservation, architecture, development, building and construction, public safety, real estate, law, etc.
Human Rights Commission – Vacancies: 1
Appoint by the Mayor. Approved by the City Council.
Term: Three years, subject to reappointment.
Role: Hear complaints of discrimination against race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, blindness or handicap, in the city’s housing, employment or public accommodations.
Planning Commission – Vacancies: 1
Appointed by the City Manager.
Term: Three years, subject to reappointment.
Role: Review and recommend land use requests and development projects in the city.
Experience: Development, business, industry, labor, etc.
Recreation Commission – Vacancies: 3
Appointed by the Mayor. Approved by the City Council.
Term: Three years, subject to reappointment.
Role: Recommend improvement of the City’s Recreation Department and advice Council on recreation matters.
Experience: Recreational activities, athletics, events, planning, community engagement, etc.
Traffic Commission – Vacancies: 1
Appointed by the Mayor. Approved by the City Council.
Term: At the pleasure of the City Council.
Role: Recommend rules and regulations related to vehicles and parking.
Experience: Planning, engineering, public safety, traffic laws, etc.
Citizens wanting to make a difference in their community should consider applying for a board or commission. It’s a free, often thankless, job, but your participation at these meetings can ultimately have a large impact on the city at large.
For more information about boards and commission, check out the city’s website. To apply, email City Clerk Jessica Zalenski at jessica.zalenski@wheelingwv.gov or visit the city’s application page.