COLUMBIA, MO (March 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, April 8. 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 Adjustment has one vacancy with the term to expire May 1, 2016. The member must be a resident of the city of Columbia. The board is responsible for hearing and deciding appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by administrative official in the enforcement of the zoning, planning and subdividing ordinances. Monthly meetings are held the second Tuesday at 7 p.m.
• The Board of Mechanical Examiners has one vacancy with 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 Downtown Columbia Leadership Council has two vacancies with terms to expire May 1, 2014. One member must reside in the expanded downtown development concept plan and study area as defined in the “Downtown Columbia Leadership Council Interim Report” dated May 2009. 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 the fourth Tuesday at 4 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 Planning and Zoning Commission has two vacancies with terms to expire May 31, 2016. Members must be qualified voters and residents 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 Thursdays following council meeting Mondays at 7 p.m.                           
• 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.