Have your voice heard: Serve on a government advisory board

Photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

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Posted August 23, 2024 |

As a citizen, taxpayer and voter, it can sometimes feel like government moves along without you. But, in addition to contacting your board and council members, you can also have a voice in local government by helping out on a volunteer board. Maybe you’re an expert in commercial real estate; maybe you know a lot about small business marketing. That expertise can help you, your fellow citizens and local government if you want to volunteer out on a board.

As of Aug. 15, here are the current vacancies for cities in Marion County and the county itself.

City of Belleview:

The city’s general link is here: belleviewfl.org/151/Boards-Committees

The general application document is here: bit.ly/belleview-board-application

Planning & Zoning Board

2 expired terms as of March 2024 for a city resident

Description: The Planning and Zoning Board acts as an advisory Board to the Commission for planning and zoning issues. They also hear and decide variance and special exception requests. The Planning and Zoning Board is subject to the Sunshine Regulations and must file financial disclosure forms upon appointment and annually thereafter.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm.

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City of Dunnellon:

Historic Preservation Board

1 vacancy for a 2^nd alternate member; 2 terms ending in November

Description: The purpose of the Historic Preservation Board is to promote and preserve educational, cultural and economic welfare of the public. The Historic Preservation Board has established uniform procedures to preserve the City’s historic resources by enhancing public participation and involvement in the preservation and protection of such resources, including buildings, structures, monuments, and other historic resources. In keeping with its purpose, the Board has developed the Application for Historic Preservation Grant Facade Renovations. Interested person(s) should complete the application and submit to the Community Development Department for submission to the Board.

For more information, visit dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions/historic-preservation-board

Planning Commission

2 vacancies for members, 1 vacancy for a 2^nd alternate member, terms ended for chair and vice-chair.

Description: The Planning Commission has an administrative review function whereby the Commission reviews all changes to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, by amendment, evaluation, addition and appraisal for consistency with the existing Comprehensive Plan, and reviews all land-related/zoning ordinances to determine consistency to the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission holds quasi-judicial hearings with regards to land planning/zoning cases, site plan reviews, variances, special exceptions, and review/appeal of administrative orders, and forwards its findings/recommendations to the City Council.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm.

dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions/planning-commission

Police Officers & Firefighters Defined Benefit Plan

1 current vacancy for a city resident, 1 city resident term expiring September

Description: The duty of the Board of Trustees is to operate and administer the Fire and Police Pension Plan in accordance with the direction of the City Council. Duties include, but are not limited to, administration of the plan assets.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the second month of each quarter at 8:30 am.

For more information, visit dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions/police-officers-firefighters-pension-board

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City of Ocala:

The City Council appoints individuals to serve on over 20 boards, advisory committees, and commissions. These volunteers are from all over Ocala, and their experience, knowledge and expertise help influence decisions affecting the City by providing advice and feedback to City leaders and Council.

If you have questions, contact clerk@ocalafl.gov or call the Office of the City Clerk at (352) 629-8266. The main page is ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-a-h/city-clerk/boards-and-commissions and each board has its own page and application link.

All are welcome to submit an application for consideration to a board or commission. Many boards have specific requirements, such as living within the city limits, being a qualified city voter, or owning real property within the city limits. These requirements, if any, are detailed for each board on their page.

Board of Adjustment

Description: The Board of Adjustment considers applications for zoning variances and special exception considerations for business and residential construction projects within the Ocala City Limits. Hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the building official in the enforcement of the zoning code (chapter 122), authorize special exceptions as provided in the zoning code authorize variances as provided in the zoning code.

Vacancies: 3 current vacancies, one runs through Mar 1, 2025; two run from Mar 1, 2024 to Mar 1, 2028.

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

Brownfields Advisory Committee

Description: The purpose of the advisory committee is to promote and receive public comment on the identification, rehabilitation and redevelopment of identified Brownfield sites. The purpose of the advisory committee is to promote and receive public comment on the identification, rehabilitation and redevelopment of identified Brownfield sites. The advisory committee shall provide guidance in areas such as land use, employment opportunities, development proposals, community safety and environmental justice. The committee consists of eleven members appointed by the Ocala City Council from boards, committees and organizations primarily representing West Ocala.

Vacancies: 1 vacancy

Size: 9 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

Firefighters’ Retirement System Board of Trustees

Description: The sole and exclusive administration of, and the responsibility for the proper, effective operation of the Retirement Plan is vested in a Board of Trustees. The board of trustees shall consist of five persons; two firefighters elected by the firefighter members of the plan. Two trustees shall be residents of the City appointed by City Council. The fifth member of the board shall be chosen by a majority of the other four members of the Board and appointed by City Council as a ministerial act. Form 1 Financial Disclosures are required to be submitted annually to the Florida State Ethics Commission.

Vacancies: 1 term ending October 2024

Size: 5 Members

Term Length: 2 years

Term Limit: n/a

Historic Preservation Advisory Board

Description: The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board oversees the historic resources of the City and advises City Council and City departments on matters relating to these resources, as well as manages Certificates of Appropriateness for properties located within the Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts. Make recommendations to City council for matters relating to historic resources in the City changes to designated resources; attend pertinent informational or educational meetings, workshops and conferences; advise on development of goals, objectives and policies for historic preservation; advise city departments on matters relating to historic resources in the City; advise individuals on preservation of historic structures; educate public on economic benefits of same; and submit annual report to SHPO covering annual activities. The Board approves Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior alterations to properties located in the local Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts.

Vacancies: 3 current vacancies with varying terms ending 2025-2027

Size: 9 Members

Term Length: 3 years

Term Limit: n/a

Municipal Code Enforcement Board

Description: The Code Enforcement Division enforces codes that pertain to zoning laws, nuisance abatement, contracting, and permitting requirements of the City of Ocala and the State of Florida, occupational licenses, sign codes, alcohol location permits, and many other local ordinances and State Statutes. The Municipal Code Enforcement Board hears cases relating to code violations. Examine code violation cases presented by City Code Enforcement Officers. Empowered to levy fines and place liens on property if, violation is not corrected.

Vacancies: 3 current vacancies

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 3 years

Term Limit: n/a

North Magnolia Redevelopment Advisory Committee

Description: The committee shall advise the Community Redevelopment Agency on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes.

Vacancies: 1 current vacancy

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

Planning & Zoning Commission

Description: Make recommendations to City Council relating to zoning and land use and ensures that changes proposed are consistent with City’s Comprehensive Plan. Members must be qualified voters of the city. Form 1 Financial Disclosures are required to be submitted annually to the Florida State Ethics Commission.

Vacancies: 3 current vacancies

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

Police Officers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees

Description: The Police Officers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees is responsible the administration and operation of the Retirement Plan for the City of Ocala Police Officers.

Vacancies: 1 citizen term expired/ending August 6, 2024

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 2 years

Term Limit: n/a

Recreation Commission

Description: The Recreation Commission advises City Council on matters relating to parks, recreation, and volunteer programs within the City of Ocala. The Commission shall advise and recommend to the City Council on the use of public facilities for recreational programs and shall act as liaison with the board of county commissioners and the county school board regarding availability and use of county and school facilities. The commission shall advise and recommend to the City Council on the use of public facilities for recreational programs. A majority of the members of the Recreation Commission shall be citizens of the City. Holders of other public or City office of employment shall be eligible for membership on the Recreation Commission.

Vacancies: 1 vacancy

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 3 years

Term Limit: n/a

Utility Advisory Board

Description: The Ocala Utility Advisory Board advises and makes recommendations to City Council on matters relating to management of City-owned utilities, including Ocala Electric Utility and Ocala Water Resources. The Utility Advisory Board shall act in an advisory capacity to the city government in connection with the management of the City utilities. The City officials and officers and the staff of the city departments may consult with the board from time to time on matters coming within the scope of this division, and the board shall advise and consult with such officials, officers and staff of city departments in connection with the operation and management of city utilities.

Vacancies: 1 current vacancy, 4 terms ending November 2024

Size: 12 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit n/a

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Marion County:

Marion County shows vacancies on the following: Board of Adjustment, Hills of Ocala MSTU, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, and the Marion Oaks MSTU Recreation Committee. These are volunteer positions and have specific qualifications and criteria depending on the board’s focus. The county commission appoints members in regular BOCC meetings.

An online application can be downloaded here: marionfl.org/my-commissioners/advisory-boards and can be printed or saved as a PDF. Please email completed forms to commissionadmin@marionfl.org upon completion. Applications can also be obtained at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ Office located at 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, Florida or by calling 352-438-2323.

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (10 full members – Full Term Expires 09/2027)

Qualifications/restrictions: The committee shall include one of each member categories: a citizen who is actively engaged in the residential home building industry; banking or mortgage industry; home building in connection with affordable housing; an advocate for low income persons; for profit provider of affordable housing; not for profit provider of affordable housing; real estate professional; citizen residing within the jurisdiction of the local governing body; employer within jurisdiction; and a citizen who represents the essential services provided.

Responsibilities: Review the established policies and procedures, ordinances, land development regulations, and the county comprehensive plan. The committee recommends specific initiatives to encourage or facilitate affordable housing while protecting the ability of property to appreciate in value. Recommendations may include the modification or repeal of existing policies, procedures, ordinances, regulations, or comprehensive plan provisions; the creation of exceptions applicable to affordable housing; or the adoption of new policies, procedures, regulations, ordinances, or comprehensive plan provisions.

Board of Adjustment (1 full member – Full Term Expires 06/2026)

Qualifications/restrictions: No member of the Board of Adjustment shall hold any other public position or office in any municipality or county government in Marion County. Members of the Board of Adjustment shall be residents of the County and registered voters.

Responsibilities: Review and make decisions under the Marion County Land Development Code regarding citizen requests for variances or special exceptions. Hear and decide appeals concerning interpretations of the Land Development Code by the Zoning Department Manager. Alternate members may act in the temporary absence or disability of any regular member or may act when a regular member is otherwise disqualified in a particular case that may be presented to the Board of Adjustment.

Hills of Ocala MSTU (1 full member – Full Term 10/2028)

Qualifications/restrictions: Members shall reside within the boundaries of the district.

Responsibilities: Members shall participate in the preparation of the annual budget, review and comment on programs, activities, operations, goals and objectives of the district. As requested by the BCC, review all expenditures of district funds and provide comments thereon.

Marion Oaks MSTU for Recreation (1 full member – Full Term 07/2027)

Qualifications/restrictions: Members shall be residents of Marion Oaks MSTU.

Responsibilities: Members shall participate in the preparation of the annual budget, review and comment on programs, activities, operations, goals and objectives of the district and make recommendations on these and other issues to the BOCC.