Four Openings on Ferndale Boards and Commissions

Ferndale city government, including the City Council and administration, receives support from resident volunteers who serve on 19 advisory boards and commissions.

For as little as a few hours per month, everyday Ferndale residents can receive experience in what it's like to serve in local government. Time can be fit into almost any schedule, from retiree to "working stiff" to college student.

Examples of some of the more appealing and activist boards involve beautification, housing, parks and recreation and disability advisory. Among the more mundane are panels that oversee such matters as construction codes or municipal elections (Board of Canvassers).

Any resident can apply for any Ferndale commission at any time and wait for an opening (or simply attend meetings and take part as a resident). But at the present time, immediate vacancies are available on four of the groups:

'" Arts and Cultural Commission. The City Council created this panel a to help promote and encourage Ferndale's comeback as a more vibrant community. Members get involved in promoting arts and cultural events, event planning, and advertising and public relations.

'" Beautification Commission. This group sets the so-called infrastructure to make Ferndale a more attractive venue, both for everyday life and for special events. Members should come to the table with ideas to encourage the beautification of the city. The group presents annual awards to residents and businesses. Helpful skills for members are in advertising and public relations, forestry, horticulture, landscape architecture, property maintenance and real estate.

'" Environmental Sustainability Commission. Few cities have advisory panels devoted to the "green issues" trend, but Ferndale is among them. Members advise the City Council and administration on such concerns as solid waste and recycling, alternative energy, conservation, carbon emissions, pollution and water quality.

'" Civil Service Board. Members oversee, maintain and establish policies regarding employees and their unions. A Ferndale municipal worker with a grievance or a complaint may appeal to the Civil Service Board.

Anyone who wants to get involved in Ferndale's city government and community through service on a board or commission may call the city clerk's office at 248-546-2525.

SOURCE

http://www.ferndale-mi.com/Government/BoardOpenings.htm#Arts