Lowell has numerous boards and commissions which guide various facets of the city. There are currently three seats on the Planning Commission, one seat on the Parks and Recreation Board, and one seat on the Lowell Light & Power Board. Requirements for serving can be found in Section 4.4 of the City Charter.
Boards and Commissions Involvement
Sitting on a board or commission is a great way to get to know what’s going on in the city, volunteer some time, and help make the city better. Both Planning Commission and Lowell Light & Power make a lot of important decisions. Zoning and many ordinances come through Planning Commission to review or create something new. Any time a new or existing business is making major changes, site plans are reviewed by this commission. Those on the Lowell Light & Power Board oversee where renewable energy is obtained, look at the rates customers are paying, and much more. Members of the Parks and Recreation Board oversee events which happen at city parks, make sure signs, designations, etc. are met, and ensure proper maintenance on park grounds is completed.
Boards and commissions look for a variety of people to serve. Different perspectives promote different ideas. Anyone interested brings something to the table. And those behind Lowell’s First Look have firsthand experience serving the city. Maryalene LaPonsie spent nearly a decade on the Planning Commission, including many years as Commission Chair and two years on City Council. Jeff Dickerman, Tina’s husband, was recently appointed to the Lowell Light & Power Board. Amanda Schrauben took part in her first Planning Commission meeting last month after being appointed to the board. Her husband, Andrew, is currently the Vice Chair on the Lowell Light & Power Board and has served on Planning Commission and City Council in the past. So if there are questions about what it’s like being appointed to a board or commission, we can answer them with experience on our side. In an upcoming editorial series, Amanda will share her experience being part of the Planning Commission.
Meetings are typically once a month in the evening and last an hour or two at most. Although Lowell Light & Power meetings can average closer to three hours. Board and commission members receive an agenda and packet of information pertaining to an upcoming meeting a few days before it is scheduled.
Requirements and How to Apply
City residents are appointed to various boards and commissions by the Mayor, with approval from the rest of the Council. Residents must not be in default with the city. Additionally, according to the Charter, “…shall have been a resident of the City for at least one year immediately prior to the day of his appointment and shall be a qualified and registered elector of the City on such day and throughout his tenure of office.” If you’re interested in becoming part of a board or commission with an opening contact Sue Ullery at City Hall (616.897.8457 ) for a form to fill out and return. Your information will be given to City Council to review. The Mayor makes appointments during City Council meetings.
Even if a letter of interest is submitted and an individual is not selected, applicants’ letters are kept on hand. Should another opening become available the Mayor will review them to see if another board is of interest. Once appointed to a board there are certain terms for each member. At the end of a term the member has the option of renewing the term or stepping down.
The following openings currently need to be filled.
Planning Commission
1st – term expires 06/30/2020
2nd – term expires 06/30/2019
3rd – term expires 06/30/2018
Parks and Recreation Commission
1st – term expires 01/01/2018 and would then be reappointed, if desired, for a three-year term
Lowell Light & Power
1st – term expires 06/30/2020
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