COLUMBIA, MO (February 23, 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, March 11. 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 one vacancy with the term to expire March 1, 2014. The member must be an employer who had previously employed C.A.R.E. trained employees and 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 Environment and Energy Commission has one vacancy with the term to expire June 1, 2013. The member must be a qualified voter 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 Human Rights Commission has one vacancy with the term to expire March 1, 2012. The member must have demonstrated a strong commitment to human rights and a belief in the principles of equal opportunity and must be a resident 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 the first Tuesday at 5:30 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 of Boone County 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 the fourth Thursday at 7 p.m.