If you are interested in helping District 1 and Hillsborough County by serving on a citizen board, please read below to see some that are currently available for application as of 3/2

Let’s get involved in helping our lovely county have good civic involvment. The deadline for applying is Thursday, March 17.

Contact my office if you have any questions;

The Boards that have openings are:

COUNCIL ON AGING–advocates on behalf of older adults for the betterment of their well-being and to furnish input to the Department of Family and Aging Services-Division of Aging Services, including the Board of County Commissioners, on matters relating to the quality of life of older adults.

One position is new. Term is for two years.  Position is specified as a representative of the faith-based community. Appointment to the Council is contingent upon passing a criminal background check.  Meeting schedule:  To be determined.

COUNTY INTERNAL AUDIT COMMITTEE–serves in an advisory capacity to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and to the County Internal Audit Department, on issues presented to the Committee related to the oversight of County audit activities and the performance of the County Internal Auditor. The Committee will also serve as an intermediary between the County Commission and the County Internal Auditor. The Committee shall be subject at all times to Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, codified in Florida Statutes section 286.011, and is subject to policies codified in BOCC Resolution R11-011.

At least one Committee member must be a Certified Public Accountant, licensed to practice public accountancy in the State of Florida in good standing; and at least two members must possess five to ten years experience with auditing functions. Each member should have an understanding of good management and business practices.

Consideration for membership shall be given to nominees who possess the following attributes:

•           The ability to encourage openness and transparency;

•           The ability to ask relevant questions, evaluate the answer, and continue to probe for information until completely satisfied with the answers provided;

•           The ability to work with County management to achieve improvements in County operations; and

•           The ability to act independently and be proactive in advising on issues that require further management attention.

Five positions have been created.  Terms are for two years.  Members may not serve more than two full consecutive terms.  Members shall not have a direct financial interest in County business.  Meeting schedule: To be determined.

ENTERPRISE ZONE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD–implements a strategic economic development plan for the University Area Enterprise Zone.  The State-approved University Area Enterprise Zone is generally described as located north of the City of Tampa boundary along Fowler Avenue, south of Bearss Avenue/Skipper Road, and between I-275 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

One position is vacant due to resignation. Position is for remainder of term which expires June 30, 2014.  Position is specified as a non-profit community based organization operating within the Zone. Meeting schedule: Every other month; at least annually.

FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY BOARD–annually reviews and advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Family Child Care Home Licensing Ordinance and the Rules and Regulations Handbook.  This includes recommending and assisting the local licensing agency in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel; advising the local licensing agency on matters of licensing policy, procedure and priorities; and proposes additional rules and regulations regarding the intent and purpose of the ordinance.

One term has expired and two positions are vacant.  Terms are for three years.  Positions are specified as 1) a child care providers association representative, 2 & 3) a parent who has a child enrolled in a licensed family day care home. In order to be considered for positions 2 and 3, please notate on your application that you meet this requirement.  Appointment to this Board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Thursday, 7 p.m.

GAS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–governs the certification of gas contractors doing work in Hillsborough County and enforces adherence to the standards set by the Gas Code.

Three positions are vacant.  Member term is for four years and alternate terms are for two years.  Positions are specified as: 1) a liquid petroleum installer, and 2 & 3) alternates.  Alternate members must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this Board.  Citizens appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure.  Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Thursday, 11 a.m.

HEALTH CARE ADVISORY BOARD–improves accessibility and efficiency of care for medically-poor residents of Hillsborough County through recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for fund allocation, coordination, planning, and monitoring of health care delivery systems.

Two positions are vacant due to resignation.  One term is for four years and one is for the remainder of a term which expires June 30, 2012.  Positions are specified as 1) a participant in the Hillsborough County Indigent Health Care Plan and 2) a non-healthcare business community representative. Meeting schedule:  Monthly, third Thursday, 3 p.m.

HISTORICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL–supports and facilitates a uniform historical marker program throughout the County, including the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace as well as organizations and other agencies who request assistance.  It also provides the County Commission with support that complements the goals of historical preservation and education in Hillsborough County.

One position is vacant. Position is for remainder of term which expires Dec. 31, 2012. No members shall serve for more than two full consecutive terms.  More than one half of a term is deemed to be service for a full term.  A member who has served two full consecutive terms will be eligible for reappointment after at least three years of non-membership.  All members must possess expertise in significant and relevant historical matters.  In making appointments, due consideration shall be given to achieving a demographic balance among the appointed. Meeting schedule:  Quarterly.

HISTORIC RESOURCES REVIEW BOARD–serves as an architectural review board for the protection of historic resources in unincorporated Hillsborough County.  It recommends archaeological and historical sites to the Board of County Commissioners for landmark designation and reviews alterations and new construction on landmark sites or districts.

Four positions are vacant.  Two positions are for three years and two positions are for the remainder of terms which expire Dec. 31, 2011, and Feb. 28, 2012.  After two consecutive terms, a member will not be eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term.

Positions are specified as 1) an architectural historian, 2) a layperson with demonstrated interest, competence or knowledge in historic preservation, 3) an alternate who is an architect or architectural historian, a historian, an anthropologist or archaeologist, a planner or landscape architect or real estate developer/broker, or an owner of a historic property listed on the Florida Master Site File, and 4) an architect or architectural historian.  Members must have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation.  Citizens appointed to this Board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally third Tuesday, 3 p.m.

HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY–created in 1985 to provide incentives to the private sector to relieve the shortage of affordable housing in Hillsborough County.  Through partnership with lenders, builders, and developers, the Authority has assisted thousands of first-time home-buyers through mortgage loan programs, which offer below-market mortgage rates and innovative down payment assistance programs.  The Authority has also assisted renters through its Multi-Family Bond programs, which feature below-market rental rates to lower-income individuals and families.

Two terms are expiring.  Terms are for four years.  Not less than three of the members shall be knowledgeable in one of the following fields: labor, finance or commerce. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally second Friday, 9:30 a.m.

MECHANICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for mechanical certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Mechanical Code.

Three positions are vacant.  Member term is for four years and alternate terms are for two years.  Positions are specified as: 1) a mechanical trade representative, and 2 & 3) alternates.  Alternate members must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this Board.  Citizens appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure.  Meeting schedule:  Quarterly, 10 a.m.

PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD–works with the Board of County Commissioners regarding the operation of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, including future planning and policy developments.

One position is vacant due to resignation.  Term is for three years.  Position is specified as a resident from Hillsborough County District 3.  Appointment to this Board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Monthly, fourth Thursday, 4 p.m.