Published: October 27, 2009 02:06 pm      

Avon looking for more town leaders

AVON — Town officials here are seeking applicants for various boards and commissions to serve terms beginning in 2010.

“We are looking for residents who have an interest in their community, have an open mind, and are willing to take the information,” Town Manager Tom Klein said. “They need to take public comment, have dialogue with their fellow commission members, and reach a decision. People who work in a team environment are probably the people who would be good for being on boards and commissions.”

The positions that the town is trying to fill are:

n Board of Zoning Appeals — hears and rules on variance requests from the zoning ordinance and on administrative appeals of code enforcement citations;

n Economic Development Commission — promotes economic development in Avon;

n Plan Commission — hears and votes on development proposals;

n Public Works Committee — advises town council on public works matters;

n Redevelopment Commission — facilitates economic development and redevelopment programs;

n Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Council — responsible for identifying and recommending parks and recreation programs and initiatives to the town council; and

n Sanitary Board — regulates water and sewer provision for the town. Currently the water is provided by Indianapolis Water Company and wastewater treatment is provided by West Central Conservatory District. One member must be a registered professional engineer.

Though it is not a lengthy commitment, there is more time that should be committed for certain positions.

“You’re looking at a couple of hours each month for most of them,” Klein said. “They don’t have to come to the town council meetings or anything like that. They will have special meetings occasionally. The Planning Commission and Redevelop Commission have special meetings. They do occasionally have a work session with the town council once a year usually. It’s not a long commitment, but there is some time involved.”

Klein said public input it very important.

“I think that we need to get as many people involved as we can,” he said. “It’s always good to get new people involved in the process. Sometimes you get the same folks and they want to get off the boards and commissions, but you can’t find anyone to replace them. We are always looking for new people getting on board.”

To assist this, the town is currently holding its Government Academy.

“That’s why we do the Government Academy,” Klein said. “We want to get new leaders and new interest in the community. There are a couple of members from this year’s class who are involved and a couple of members from last year’s class are on the Planning Commission, the BZA, and the Redevelopment Commission. We try to get as many people involved as we can because it’s really important to be involved in your community. That’s how you make it better.”

The deadline to apply is Dec. 14. Applications are available online at www.avongov.org and should be mailed to the Town of Avon, 6570 E. U.S. 36, Avon, IN 46123.



ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com