Editorial Comment: Every January, the city seeks to fill seats on its Los Altos Commissions and Committees. The below notice from the city does not reflect that the Planning Commission, the Traffic Commission, and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) may be restructured during January. When the notice says that incumbents are eligible for reappointment, that means those slots will be harder to get.
Volunteers should realize that final city business decisions about issues are made by City Council as informed by City Staff. Some committees have been called toothless. However, many committees have had real influence by doing research that ultimately lead to changes in policy, ordinances or suppliers. For example, the new Recology waste contract was researched and shepherded through the council approval process by the Environmental Commission over at least two years’ of effort. In our opinion the most powerful commission is the Planning Commission with its powerful Architectural Review Committee.
A good way to ease gradually into Los Altos or Los Altos Hills committees is to take the LEAD course offered by trainer Claudia Coleman at the Los Altos Community Foundation starting in January. Registration and more info here. Or email mdavis@losaltoscf.org. In January 2013 you can then apply for seats on committees.
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Applications are being accepted for Los Altos
COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The Los Altos City Council invites Los Altos residents to apply for an appointment to the following Commissions and Committee:
PLANNING COMMISSION: Reviews and formulates recommendations to the City Council on all subdivision plans, architectural and site improvements of new non-residential buildings, and amendments and exceptions to the Zoning Code. Meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Los Altos City Hall.
(1 vacancy for a term expiring in February 2016. An incumbent is eligible for reappointment).
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION: advises the City Council on issues that affect the natural and built environment in the City and the region. Meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Los Altos City Hall. (1 vacancy for an unexpired term expiring in February 2015).
TRAFFIC COMMISSION: Advises the City Council on traffic issues, existing and proposed city policies related to traffic calming and traffic enforcement and projects and budget priorities for traffic-related capital improvements. Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Los Altos City Hall. (2 seats for terms expiring in February 2016. Incumbents are eligible for reappointment. 1 seat with a term expiring in February 2016, and 1 vacancy for an unexpired term to February 2014).
PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION: Advises the City Council on public art matters focusing on the Public Outdoor Sculpture Loan Program. Meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Los Altos City Hall. (1 vacancy for an unexpired term to February 2013 and 1 vacancy for an unexpired term to February 2015)
FINANCIAL COMMISSION: Provides citizen input to Council and staff regarding financial policy issues, and promotes citizen participation and understanding regarding the financial condition of the City. Meets the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. (4 seats for terms expiring in February 2016. 2 incumbents are eligible for reappointment).
GRANT WRITING COMMITTEE: Acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters relating to obtaining grants in support of City projects. (5 vacancies for terms expiring in February 2013. 4 incumbents are eligible for reappointment)
You must be a resident of the City of Los Altos to be considered for an appointment to one of these vacancies.
Applications online at http://www.losaltosca.gov/committees commissions/documents/ApplicationForm.pdf or from the City Clerk at City Hall, One North San Antonio Road, Los Altos.
Deadline to submit applications: Friday, January 27, 2012
Interviews with the City Council: Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Submit applications to the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, located at 1 North San Antonio Road, Los Altos.
For additional information you may call the City Clerk’s Office at 650-947-2720 between 8:00 am 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, except on holidays.
