The City of Hot Springs will accept applications until noon on Friday, April 2, 2021, for a total of 32 volunteer positions on various City advisory boards and committees.
Applicants must be registered voters of the City of Hot Springs, unless otherwise specified. Board and committee members are appointed by the Board of Directors and meet in the Board Chambers at City Hall, 133 Convention Boulevard, unless otherwise published.
The openings include the following:
- Five openings on the Planning Commission. This group, which has nine members and three alternates, reviews all land development proposals within the city, including all subdivisions and adopted planning area, to ensure compliance with the Zoning and Subdivision Codes. Members serve a term of three years. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. Openings include:
- One position for a resident from District 3 (City Director Marcia Dobbs-Smith’s district)
- One position for a resident from District 5 (City Director Karen Garcia’s district)
- One position for a resident from District 6 (City Director Steve Trusty’s district)
- One position for a resident of Garland County (must reside within the planning jurisdiction)
- One alternate position for resident inside the city limits
- One opening for a city resident on the Civil Service Commission. The five-member commission performs various personnel-related functions pertaining to the City's uniformed departments (fire and police), including administration of hiring and promotional testing. The commission was established by H.S.C. 10-3 pursuant to state law. Members serve a term of six years. Meetings are held at 4 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month.
- Three openings for city residents on the Community Development Advisory Committee. One position is for a city resident from District 1 (Director Erin Holliday’s district); one position is for a city resident from District 3 (Director Dobbs-Smith’s district); and one position is for a city resident from District 5 (Director Garcia’s district). The committee evaluates and establishes operating policies and procedures for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Members serve a term of four years. The committee meets at 1 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.
- Three openings for city residents on the Parks and Trails Advisory Committee. This seven-member group provides guidance and oversight for the City's parks and trails, including planning and policy development. Members serve a term of four years. Meetings are held at 5 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at the Parks and Trails Office, 111 Opera Street.
- Two openings on the Historic District Commission (HDC), which oversees historic district rules and regulations. Terms are three years. The Position 4 Commissioner would generally be required to be an owner of real property (or officer or stockholder of owners of real property) or a business owner (or officer or stockholder of businesses) within the Pleasant Street Historic District. However, it can be filled at large as it has been vacant for more than six months. The Position 5 Commissioner must be an architect who may be, but is not required to be, an owner of real property (or officer or stockholder of owners of real property) or be a business owner (or officer or stockholder of businesses) within either the Central Avenue or Pleasant Street historic districts. Members serve a term of three years.
- Three openings for city residents on the Board of Adjustments & Appeals/Board of Zoning Adjustment. This five-member board hears appeals from decisions of the administrative officers in respect to the enforcement and application of various development codes, along with appeals and variance requests concerning the administration and application of the Zoning Code. Members serve a term of three years. Meetings are held at 4 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
- Three openings for city residents on the Transportation Advisory Committee. This seven-member committee assists the Board of Directors and City staff in the establishment of policies for the City's public transit system, as well as public transportation issues of a general nature. Members serve a term of four years. Meetings are held as needed at the Transportation Depot, 100 Broadway Terrace.
- Three openings for city residents on the Urban Forestry Committee. The purpose of this five-member committee is to promote, protect and enhance the beauty, environmental benefits and general welfare of the Hot Springs urban forest in an advisory role for the Board of Directors. Members serve a term of four years. Meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. on a quarterly basis in the Parks and Trails Office, 111 Opera Street.
- Five openings for city residents on the Animal Control Advisory Committee. This seven-member committee assists the Animal Services Department in evaluating policies and procedures, including public education efforts concerning responsible pet ownership. Members serve a term of four years. Meetings are held as needed.
- Three openings for city residents on the Airport Advisory Committee. This five-person committee assists in reviewing, recommending and evaluating policies and procedures for the airport. It also makes recommendations concerning the development and use of airport properties and facilities. Members serve a term of four years. Meetings are held at noon on the third Tuesday of the month at the Airport Terminal Building, 525 Airport Road.
- One opening for a city resident on the Arts Advisory Committee. This seven-person group reviews and recommends placement of permanent art and temporary exhibits, as well as secures funding for such displays. Members serve a term of two years. Meetings are held at noon on the second Tuesday of the month at the Parks and Trails Office, 111 Opera Street.
Applications are available online at www.cityhs.net/boards-commissions, or in the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, 133 Convention Boulevard. For information, contact Leigh Leaverton at 501-321-6805 or lleaverton@cityhs.net.