Are you looking for a way to get involved and make a difference in the community? The city is recruiting citizens to serve on its volunteer Boards and Commissions to help organize events, inform and advise the City Council, and get involved in the community. Volunteers will serve a 3 year term, except for the the Planning Commission which is a 4 year term. In that time they will use their time and talents to promote Mountlake Terrace and its events like National Night Out and Arts of the Terrace. Applications are due by 5pm on Friday, April 29, 2011.

The city has five Boards and Commissions:

• Arts Advisory Commission – activities include coordinating and promoting monthly art exhibits at the Mountlake Terrace Library and maintaining the inventory and documentation of the city’s public art collection. The commission meets on the 3rd Tuesday at 7:00pm at the Recreation Pavilion.
• Community Policing Advisory Board – helps promote public awareness of police services and programs including crime prevention, the Citizens Academy and National Night Out. The board meet on the last Tuesday at 6:30pm in the Police Station Conference Room.
• Library Board – advises the City Council as to the general supervision of the library facilities of the city. The board meets the 3rd Wednesday at 5:45 pm, (except July — August) at the Library.
• Planning Commission – makes recommendations to the City Council about community development issues, especially those affecting future land use and growth. Responsibilities include making recommendations on the City’s Comprehensive Plan and development code updates. The Planning Commission meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays at Mountlake Terrace Interim City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
• Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission – promotes the use of recreation facilities and programs and participates in citywide special events. They encourage and contribute to volunteer park projects including playground installations and park clean-up activities. They communicate with subcommittees, and other volunteer organizations providing recreation services within the community. Major projects include updating the Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan as part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and making recommendations on these projects to the City Council. RPAC meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Recreation Pavilion Jungle Room.

In most cases, board and commission members do not need specialized training or experience. They need dedication to attend regularly scheduled monthly meetings and a willingness to work in a team environment. Members find the experience fun and rewarding by meeting other residents with similar interests, learning about the city, and helping shape the future of Mountlake Terrace.

New terms will begin on July 1 or as vacancies occur. The City Council is expected to conduct interviews in May and make appointments at their June 6 Council meeting.