Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several County Citizen Advisory Boards and Councils. Residents interested in seeking appointment must be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions, and members serve without compensation. The deadline for applying is Wednesday, August 4. Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in September.

An application is available in the Commissioners' reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa; by calling the Boards and Councils Coordinator at (813) 272-5826; or on the County's Web site at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org. Click on the "County Commission" link on the left-hand side of the page, then the "Advisory Boards and Committees" sublink.

The electronic form can be filled out online and printed, but cannot be submitted electronically. Directions for submission are listed on the form. Note: when you click the "print form" button at the end of the questionnaire, it will produce a printer-friendly form and all the information entered will be visible.

The Boards that have openings are:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD - This Board advises and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and Affordable Housing Officer on issues affecting housing development, and to assist the County in developing new programs and policies in order to foster the development and preservation of attainable housing for those County residents who desire to live in safe, decent, and affordable housing.

Three terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as 1) a home builder industry representative, 2) an apartment industry representative, and 3) a non-profit affordable housing developer.

Meeting schedule: Monthly

BUILDING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS - This Board confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for building certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Building Code.

One term is expiring. Term is for two years. Position is specified as an alternate. Alternate members must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this board. Citizen appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure.

Meeting schedule: Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 9 a.m.

CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD - This Board has jurisdiction to hear violations of all codes and ordinances of Hillsborough County with most cases arising out of violations of the County’s housing, building, zoning and sign codes and ordinances to maintain minimum health and safety standards.

Three positions are vacant due to resignation. Positions are for remainder of unexpired terms, two ending 12/31/2011 and one ending 12/31/2012. Consideration for membership shall be given to representatives from the following fields: a businessperson, an engineer, an architect, a general contractor, a subcontractor, or a realtor. One position is for an alternate. Citizens appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Citizens appointed to this Board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County.

Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally 2nd or 3rd Friday, 9 a.m.

ENTERPRISE ZONE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY - This Board implements a strategic economic development plan for the 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 to Bearss Avenue/Skipper Road, and between I-275 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for four years. Positions are specified as 1) a business operating within the Zone, and 2) a local financial or insurance entity representative.

Meeting schedule: Every other month; at least annually.

FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY BOARD - This 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.

Two positions are vacant. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as a parent who has a child enrolled in a licensed family day care home. In order to be considered for this position, 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, 3rd Thursday, 7 p.m.

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

Two positions are vacant. Terms are for four years. Positions are specified as 1) a master gas fitter, and 2) a liquid petroleum installer. Citizens appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure.

Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 3rd Thursday, 11 a.m.

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FL, INC. - This Council develops plans for coordinating the delivery and improvement of health care services throughout its district. Consumer publications are prepared to help constituents make more informed choices for their health.

One term is expiring and one position is vacant due to resignation. Expiring term is for two years. Vacant position is for remainder of unexpired term which ends 9/30/2011. Positions are specified as 1) a health care provider, and 2) a health care purchaser.

Meeting schedule: Every other month, 2nd Wednesday, Noon.

HISTORICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL - This 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 Board of County Commissioners with support that complements the goals of historical preservation and education in Hillsborough County.

One position is vacant. Term is for three years. All members shall 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.

HISTORICAL RESOURCES REVIEW BOARD - This 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.

One term has expired and one position is vacant due to resignation. Expiring term is for three years. Vacant position is for remainder of term which expires 2/28/2012. Positions are specified as 1) an historian, and 2) an architect. Members must have a demonstrated interest, competence or knowledge in historic preservation. Citizen appointed to this Board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. After two consecutive terms, a member shall not be eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term.

Meeting schedule: Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 3 p.m.

HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY - This Authority was 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.

One term is expiring. Term is for four years.

Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally 3rd Friday, 9:30 a.m.

MECHANICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS - This Board 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. 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, 3rd Thursday, 10 a.m.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CITY-COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION - This Commission is an independent consolidated planning agency, lead by appointed citizens, which serves all the citizens of Hillsborough County by providing a vision for improving the quality of life. The Planning Commission and its staff serve as agents within the community to promote and coordinate the involvement of all people in comprehensive long-range planning, growth management, transportation, and environmental protection. The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, Tampa City Council, Plant City Commission, and Temple Terrace City Council regarding land use, community planning, capital improvements, urban design, and other comprehensive issues.

One term is expiring. Term is for four years. Citizen appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Citizen appointed to this Board is required to reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Citizen appointed to this Board will be required to take an Oath of Office and sign a Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.

Meeting schedule: Monthly, 2nd Monday, 2 p.m.

For more information, contact Luann Finley, Director of Board Services, at (813) 272-5826.

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