County Commissioners Seek Applications For Citizen Boards And Councils

This information is provided by Hillsborough County:

Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several County citizen advisory boards and councils. Residents interested in seeking appointment must be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions, and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one board, but may only serve on one board at a time. All members must sign a code of conduct.

The deadline for applying is Feb. 21, 2013. Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in March 2013.

An application is available in the Commissioners’ reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa; by calling the Boards and Councils Coordinator at 813-272-5826; or on the County’s website at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org. Click on the “Government” link on the top of the page, then the “Boards and Committees” sublink. The "Application Questionnaire for County Appointments" is in the middle of the page, along with the “Standards of Conduct” form. The forms can be filled out and printed, and then scanned and emailed, faxed, hand-delivered or mailed. Forms must be signed and dated. Additional directions for submission are listed on the forms.

If you apply to a board that requires a background check, you must also submit a Background Investigation Disclosure and Authorization Form, which also is available on the webpage listed above.

The boards and councils that have openings are:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD--advises and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and Affordable Housing Officer on issues affecting affordable housing development, and assists the County in developing new programs and policies in order to foster the development and preservation of attainable housing for those County residents who desire to live in safe, decent and affordable housing.

One term has expired and three positions are vacant. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: 1) a for-profit housing developer; 2) a mortgage lending industry representative; 3) a citizen representing essential services personnel as defined in the local Housing Assistance Plan; and 4) a citizen representing employers in the jurisdiction. After two full consecutive terms, a member is not eligible for reappointment until three calendar years have elapsed from date of termination of the second term. Meeting schedule: Every other month, first Monday, 9 a.m.

ANTI-BULLYING ADVISORY COMMITTEE--provides advice and recommendations to curb and eliminate all forms of bullying throughout Hillsborough County.

One term is expiring. Term is for three years. Position is specified as a representative from an organization that works directly with troubled youth. Members are subject to F.S. 286.011, also known as the Sunshine Law. Appointment to this Committee is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Every other month, fourth Thursday, 10 a.m.

CHILD CARE FACILITIES ADVISORY BOARD--advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Child Care Facilities Ordinance; proposes additional rules and regulations to the County Commission which fulfill the intent and purpose of the Ordinance; and recommends and assists the Office of Child Care Licensing in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel.  It also advises the Office of Child Care Licensing on all matters pertaining to child care facilities.

One position is vacant. Term is for three years. Position is specified as a parent of a child in a child care facility. Appointment to this Board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Monthly, first Thursday, 1 p.m. 

CHILD CARE LICENSING HEARING OFFICERS--conducts hearings and makes findings and recommendations in situations where an applicant for license or a current licensee requests a hearing because a license has been placed on probation, suspended, or revoked, or an administrative fine has been imposed by a hearing officer, pursuant to the Hillsborough County Child Care Homes Licensing Ordinance 05-9 and the Hillsborough County Child Care Facilities Ordinance 03-25, as amended by Hillsborough County Ordinance 04-25.

One term is expiring and one position is vacant. Hearing Officers must be members in good standing of the Florida Bar and may not be employees of the County Attorney’s Office. Appointment as a Hearing Officer is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: When requested.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD--examines and advises division management on the development and operation of programs that treat children with special needs. The Board also advises on parent training programs, homeless and runaway youth programs, domestic violence programs, child care licensing, clinical outreach, and residential treatment programs for children in Hillsborough County.

One position is vacant. Term is for four years. Nominees should have a demonstrated interest in the welfare of children. Appointment to this Board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: At least nine times annually.

COUNCIL ON AGING--advocates on behalf of older adults for the betterment of their well-being and furnishes input to the Division of Aging Services and the Board of County Commissioners on matters relating to the quality of life of older adults.

One position is vacant. Term is for two years. Position is specified as a faith-based community representative. Appointment to this Board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: To be determined.

ELECTRICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS, APPEALS AND EXAMINERS--confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for electrical certification in the County, and takes a disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Electrical Code.

One position is vacant. Term is for four years. Position is specified as an electrical utility company representative. Citizens appointed to the Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY BOARD--annually reviews and advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Family Child Care Home’s Licensing Ordinance or the Rules and Regulations Handbook, including recommending and assisting the local licensing agency in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel; advises the local licensing agency on matters of licensing policy, procedures and priorities; and proposes additional rules and regulations regarding the intent and purpose of the Ordinance.

Five positions are vacant. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as 1 & 2) a licensed family child care home operator representing all segments of the community; 3 & 4) a parent who has a child enrolled in a licensed family child care home; and 5) a representative from a governmental or non-profit agency serving the needs of young children and their families.  Appointment to this Board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Thursday, 7 p.m.

HEALTH CARE ADVISORY BOARD--improves accessibility and efficiency of care for medically-poor residents of Hillsborough County through recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for fund allocation, coordination, planning, and monitoring of health care delivery systems.

One position is vacant. Term is for four years. Position is specified as a participant in the Hillsborough County Indigent Health Care Plan. Meeting schedule: Monthly, third Thursday, 3 p.m.

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC.--works in collaboration with community-based organizations to identify, address and resolve health care issues of local concern. The Council collects and analyzes health care data, prepares special reports and publications, and educates the community about special health issues.

One position is vacant due to resignation. Term is for two years. Position is specified as a health care purchaser. Meeting schedule: second Wednesday, every other month, 8 a.m., in St. Petersburg.

HISTORIC RESOURCES REVIEW BOARD--serves as an architectural review board for the protection of historic resources in unincorporated Hillsborough County. It recommends archaeological and historical sites to the Board of County Commissioners for landmark designation and reviews alterations and new construction on landmark sites or districts.

Three positions are vacant. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: 1) an architectural historian; 2) an architect; and 3) a property owner of a site listed on the Florida Master Site File. After two consecutive terms, a member is not eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term.  Citizens appointed to this Board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, third Tuesday, 3 p.m.

HISTORICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL--supports and facilitates a uniform historical marker program throughout the County, including the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace, as well as organizations and other agencies who request assistance.  It also provides the County Commission with support that complements the goals of historical preservation and education in Hillsborough County.

One term has expired. Term is for three years. All members are expected to possess expertise in significant and relevant historical matters. In making appointments, due consideration will be given to achieving a demographic balance among the appointed. No member can serve for more than two full consecutive terms. More than-one half of a term is deemed to be service for a full term. A member who has served two full consecutive terms will be eligible for reappointment after at least three years of non-membership. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 4:30 p.m.

HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY--provides incentives to the private sector to relieve the shortage of affordable housing in Hillsborough County. Through partnership with lenders, builders and developers, the Authority has assisted thousands of first-time home-buyers through mortgage rates and innovative down payment assistance programs. The Authority has also assisted renters through its Multi-Family Bond programs which feature below-market rental rates to lower income individuals and families.

One term is expiring. Term is for four years. Applicants are expected to be knowledgeable in one of the following fields: labor, finance or commerce. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally second Friday, 9:30 a.m.

LAND USE APPEALS BOARD--hears appeals of decisions of the Land Use Hearing Officer on special use permits and variances from zoning regulations.

Seven terms are expiring and one position is vacant. Term is for three years. Consideration for membership will be given to representatives from the following fields: an attorney practicing in Hillsborough County with at least five years of experience and who has been admitted to the Florida Bar for not less than five years; a landscape architect or architect registered to practice in the State of Florida; a business owner or operator in unincorporated Hillsborough County; a professional planner with not less than three years of experience in land use planning or zoning; a civil or environmental engineer registered to practice in Florida; a member of a civic or neighborhood organization in unincorporated Hillsborough County; or a developer active in development in Hillsborough County or a duly licensed general contractor (Class A) active in business in Hillsborough County. 

Two positions are specified as alternates. Citizens appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure and must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. After two consecutive terms, a member will not be eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term. Meeting schedule: Monthly, first Friday, 1 p.m., and as needed.

MECHANICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS, APPEALS AND EXAMINERS--confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for mechanical certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Mechanical Code.

Three positions are vacant. Member term is for four years, alternate term is for two years.  Positions are specified as: 1) a mechanical trade representative, and 2 & 3) alternates. Alternate members must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this Board. Citizens appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Thursday, 10 a.m.

PLUMBING AND GAS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS, APPEALS AND EXAMINERS--governs the certification and/or compliance standards for plumbing and gas contractors doing work in Hillsborough County and enforces adherence to the standards set by the Plumbing and Gas Code.  The Board members will be appointed by the governing bodies of the jurisdiction that choose to use the County’s Boards and enter into an interlocal agreement with Hillsborough County.

Two terms have expired. Terms are for four years. Positions are specified as: 1) a journeyman plumber or natural gas installer, and 2) a master plumber. Citizens appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Tuesday, 1 p.m.

WATER CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE--makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding water conservation issues.

Five positions are vacant. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: 1) a landscape plant grower; 2) an environmental organization representative; 3) a commercial real estate representative; 4) an agriculture (not public water supply) representative; and 5) a major water user representative. Meeting schedule: Quarterly.