COLUMBIA, MO (April 20, 2011) -

The Columbia city clerk is accepting applications for boards and commissions. Applications must be received by the clerk’s office, 701 E. Broadway, 2nd floor, by noon on Friday, May 6. Applications are available at the clerk’s office or on the city’s website at www.GoColumbiaMo.com on the City Council page. The following are current boards and commissions openings:  

• The Airport Advisory Board has two vacancies with terms to expire May 16, 2015. The members must be registered voters of the city and be familiar with the subject of aviation. The board makes recommendations to council for the development and use of the airport. Monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday at 12 p.m. at the airport.
• The Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission has two vacancies with terms to expire July 31, 2012. Both shall have knowledge of bicycling, bicycle safety and/or bikeways, and must be qualified voters of the city. The commission advises the council on issues relating to sidewalks, walkways and trails. Monthly meetings are held the third Wednesday at 7 p.m.
• The Board of Mechanical Examiners has two vacancies with terms to expire June 17, 2014. One member must be a general contractor not in the HVACR business and one must be a HVACR journeyman mechanic. Both must be residents of the city of Columbia. The board is empowered to give examinations for mechanical heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration licenses and certificates. Monthly meetings are held the second Tuesday at 5 p.m. 
• The Board of Plumbing Examiners has two vacancies with terms to expire May 31, 2013. One member must be a master plumber with six years experience in the plumbing business and one must be a person not engaged in, working at, employed by or connected with plumbing, a plumbing firm, contractor or the plumbing industry. Both must be residents of the city of Columbia. The board establishes standards and procedures for the qualification, examination, and licensing of master, journeyman, residential and apprentice plumbers and issues certificates of competency as appropriate. Monthly meetings are generally held the fourth Tuesday at 5 p.m.
• The Building Construction Codes Commission has four vacancies with terms to expire Aug. 1, 2011, Aug. 1, 2012 and Aug. 1, 2013. One alternate is needed from each of the following categories: professional engineer (experience in electrical/mechanical), master plumber, fire expert and electrician. The commission periodically reviews and makes recommendations relating to building construction codes. Monthly meetings are held the fourth Monday at 4:30 p.m.
  
• The C.A.R.E Advisory Board has one vacancy with the term to expire March 1, 2014. The member must be an employer who has previously employed C.A.R.E. trained employees and is interested in promoting the C.A.R.E. program to current and prospective employers in Columbia and Boone County. The board advises the council on matters pertaining to the C.A.R.E. program. Meetings are held at least quarterly.
• The Columbia Vision Commission has one vacancy with the term to expire Dec. 15, 2011, for the coordinating committee. The member must have demonstrated a commitment to the visioning process. Candidates will be evaluated on the ability to work with data and understand systematic relationships, the ability to work collaboratively, management skills, independence, existing memberships or positions and contributions to the diversity of the commission. The commission tracks, monitors and assists with the implementation of the visioning process. Meetings are held the last Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
• The Disabilities Commission has four vacancies with terms to expire June 15, 2014. Three members must have a significant disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and one must own or operate businesses within the Columbia area. All shall be residents of the city. The commission considers concerns relating to residents with disabilities. Monthly meetings are held the second Thursday at 3 p.m. 
• The Environment and Energy Commission has two vacancies with terms to expire June 1, 2014. Both must be qualified voters of the city and should have knowledge in matters pertaining to the environment. The commission serves in an advisory capacity for all matters pertaining to environmental protection and conservation. Monthly meetings are held the fourth Tuesday  at 7 p.m. 
• The Health Insurance Appeals Board has one vacancy with the term to expire Feb. 16, 2014. The member must have substantive professional experience in benefits administration for a large organization. The board hears appeals from the decisions of the administrator. Monthly meetings are held on call. 
• The Housing Authority Board has one vacancy to be appointed by the mayor with the term to expire May 31, 2015. The member must be a taxpayer who has resided in the city of Columbia for one year prior to appointment, and must not be an officer of the city of Columbia. Duties include overseeing housing projects. Monthly meetings are held the third Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
• The Parks and Recreation Commission has two vacancies with terms to expire May 31, 2014. One member must be from Ward 4 and one member may be from any Ward. Both must be registered qualified voters of the City. The commission acts in an advisory capacity in all matters pertaining to public recreation. Monthly meetings are held the third Thursday at 7 p.m. 
• The Planning and Zoning Commission has one vacancy with the term to expire May 31, 2012. The member must be a qualified voter and resident of the city for at least one year immediately prior to appointment, and shall hold no other office or position in city government. The commission makes recommendations pertaining to planning and zoning related issues. Meetings are held on the Thursdays following council meeting Mondays at 7 p.m.