COLUMBIA, MO (January 19, 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, Feb. 4. 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 Board of Mechanical Examiners has one vacancy with the term to expire June 17, 2011. The member must be a general contractor not in the HVACR business and be a resident 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 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 two vacancies with terms to expire March 1, 2014. One member must be an employer who had previously employed C.A.R.E. trained employees and both must be 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 Downtown Columbia Leadership Council has one vacancy with the term to expire May 1, 2012. One member must be a representative of a recognized neighborhood association and must submit a letter from an officer of the neighborhood association certifying he/she has been designated by the association as its representative. Members shall review the boundaries of an expanded downtown development area and work with others in creating a comprehensive downtown strategic plan. Members may also work on other projects as requested by Council. Monthly meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday at 4 p.m.   
• The Finance Advisory and Audit Committee has one vacancy with the term to expire Dec. 31, 2013. Consideration will be given to a business owner. The member must be a qualified voter and resident of the city for at least one year prior to appointment. The committee makes recommendations on financial matters to the Council as needed. Meetings are held on call. 
• 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 Human Rights Commission has three vacancies with terms to expire March 1, 2014. Members must have demonstrated a strong commitment to human rights and a belief in the principles of equal opportunity and must be residents of the city. The commission advises the Council on human rights issues and reviews and makes decisions regarding complaints of discrimination filed with the city. Monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.                     
• The Public Transportation Advisory Commission has three vacancies with terms to expire March 1, 2013. The commission advises staff with regard to transit policy and safety matters concerning all forms of transit issues affecting the city, studies issues arising under the Columbia Transit Master Plan as they relate to transportation and makes recommendations to the City Council. Meetings are held the last Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
• The Source Water Protection Plan Task Force has one vacancy. Consideration will be given to prior service on a city board or commission, professional credentials or participation in a civic, business or professional organization. The task force will assist in the preparation of a source water protection plan as outlined by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ “Guidelines for Developing a Source Water Protection Plan.” Meetings are held on call.      
• The University of Missouri Extension Council has one vacancy with the term to expire March 1, 2013. The member must be a resident of the city. The Council makes recommendations to the university in regard to the extension program and administers Boone County’s share of the cost of the extension services in the area. Monthly meetings are held on the fourth Thursday at 7 p.m.