By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

When seeking volunteers, it always starts with someone wanting you; from Uncle Sam, the Corps, the State, or in this case – the City of Orange.

During the Tuesday morning meeting, the council discussed and approved the allowance of persons to serve on more than one board expect for Planning and Zoning or Board of Adjustments.

Council member Annette Pernell voted against the change in the ordinance allowing a person to only serve on one Board or Commission at a time.

“It is the same people over and over,” Pernell said. “I heard there are 19,000 people in Orange now. Get on a Board so the city can move forward. Every Board is important.”

Pernell also expressed her concerns for those already volunteering.

“These people could get burnt out and we will be back in the same position again,” Pernell said.

Interim City Manager Kelvin Knauf said only one Board was unable to meet at this time.

“The Historic Preservation Board can’t meet because it cannot form a quorum,” Knauf said.

During the same meeting, JDavid Derosier was named as an Alternate Member to the Board of Adjustment. His term will expire December 31, 2020.

To serve on a Board or Commission is one way to discover more about how the city operates and offers an opportunity to voice one’s opinion on changes under suggestions.

Why not consider starting the New Year off by serving the community by serving on a board?

These committees act as advisors and were created by state or local legislative authority depending on their functions.

Board and Commission members are appointed by the City Council for two-year terms and may serve a total of four two-year terms. The individuals who serve on the City’s Boards and Commissions serve in a volunteer capacity.

Historic Preservation Commission was created by Resolution 1996-131, the Historic Preservation Commission consists of five members. The Commission promotes the historic features of Orange to residents of Orange County; disseminates information to the public, owners of historic landmarks and owners of property within historic districts about the preservation and enhancement of historic landmarks; and reviews building plans with applicants anticipating new construction in designated historic districts. The Commission also conducts research on the historic features of the city; makes recommendations on potential historic landmarks; considers landmark improvement plans, and other duties as set forth in the City of Orange Code of Ordinances. Meetings are held on as needed basis in the Community Room at the Neighborhood Facility 303 N. 8th Street Orange, Texas 77630.

If you are interested in applying for a position on a Board or Commission, please contact the Office of the City Secretary at 409-883-1042 or visit http://www.orangetexas.net/city-government/city-boards/ to download an application.

Another option is to attend council meetings. Orange City Council meetings are at 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday and 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Orange Public Library Auditorium located at 220 North 5^th Street in Orange.

 

Dawn Burleigh is editor of The Orange Leader. She can be reached at dawn.burleigh@orangeleader.com