September 27, 2018
City’s Boards and Commissions seeking 26 volunteers
MURPHY (September 27, 2018) Volunteers who serve on the one committee, and the seven boards and commissions appointed by City Council have an important advisory role in City government, providing the residents’ perspective on critical decisions.
“We have begun the annual process of asking citizens to step forward and become part of that decision-making process,” says Susie Quinn, City Secretary. “Only through an active and involved citizenry can the process work the way it was intended. Those currently serving whose terms are ending are urged to reapply for reappointment if they so choose.”
Presently, there are 26 openings on the committee, boards and commissions that require people in the community to step forward and become involved. Appointments are staggered on the various boards, and the new appointments are scheduled for two-year terms starting on Jan. 1, 2019 and ending on Dec. 31, 2020.
Deadline to apply for appointment is Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. Please use the new online application form.
Animal Shelter Advisory Committee
The Animal Shelter Advisory Committee discusses ideas that help ensure that the animal shelter is in compliance with the state Department of Health rules pertaining to animal shelters, and make recommendations for the betterment of the community, concerning operations, policies, procedures, new programs, and the improvement of existing programs.
The committee is composed of six persons including one licensed veterinarian, one municipal official, one person whose duties include the daily operation of the animal shelter and is employed by the City as an Animal Control Officer, one representative from an animal welfare organization, and two citizens of Murphy.
It meets at least three times a year as needed at Murphy City Hall. Committee members are appointed for two-year staggered terms. The City Councils fills all vacancies on the committee excluding the Animal Control Officer. Three seats on this committee are open.
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment meets to consider applications for variances to zoning ordinance regulations, and makes decisions on appeals, special exceptions and requests for variances that are in the best interest of the general public.
The Board consists of seven regular members who are qualified City voters appointed to staggered two-year terms. Up to four additional alternate members may be appointed by City Council to serve in the absence of the regular board members. Board members can’t serve more than three consecutive full terms, excluding any unexpired terms.
The Board meets as needed at Murphy City Hall. Six seats on this Board are open, three regular and three alternates.
Building and Fire Code Appeal Board
The Building and Fire Code Appeal Board hears appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Building Official or Fire Official relative to the application and interpretation of various building and fire codes.
This Board consists of five members appointed by the City Council to staggered two-year terms. Recommendations for Board membership are from the following professions and all members will be qualified City voters: a) Registered design professional with architectural experience or a builder or superintendent of building construction; b) registered design professional with structural engineering experience or a builder or superintendent of building construction; c) registered design professional with mechanical and plumbing engineering experience or a mechanical/plumbing contractor; d) registered design professional with electrical engineering experience or an electrical contractor; and e) registered design professional with fire protection engineering experience or a fire protection contractor or state Fire Commission certified fire personnel.
Currently, the Board is revising the number of times it will be required to meet. Two seats on this Board are open.
Ethics Review Commission
The Ethics Review Commission seeks to uphold and enforce high ethical standards. The Commission serves as an advisory board to City Council, making appropriate recommendations concerning standard operating procedures and guidelines as described in the Code of Ethics involving City officials and City employees.
The Commission is composed of five members, appointed by the City Council to staggered two-year terms. Commissioners must be qualified voters who are residents of the City.
The Commission meets at least once a year and then as needed. Two seats on this Commission are open.
Murphy Community Development Corporation
The Murphy Community Development Corporation makes recommendations and approves the allocation of funding for specific types of projects that promote community enhancements such as parks, related open space improvements, and community development that benefit and enhance the City.
The Corporation consists of seven residents of Collin County appointed by the City Council for a staggered two-year term. At least three members may not be employees, officers or members of the governing body of the City.
The Corporation meets on the third Monday of the month, if necessary. Three seats are open.
Murphy Municipal Development District Corporation
The Murphy Municipal Development District Corporation has a wide area of jurisdiction, including Economic Development, Community and Development, Planning and Zoning and other related departments.
The Corporation acts as a separate political entity that reports to the City Council. It is through the Corporation's discretion that projects are planned and funded using a portion of the City's sales tax. This Board establishes a budget every year that must be approved by City council.
The Corporation consists of five residents of the City or the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) appointed by the City Council with no term limits.
The Corporation meets as needed in the City Council Chambers, Murphy City Hall. Two seats on this Corporation are open.
Parks and Recreation Board
The Parks and Recreation Board acts in an advisory capacity to City staff and City Council on all matters pertaining to parks and recreation services. The members advise the staff and City Council on present and future maintenance, operation, planning, acquisition, development, and use policies for City parks and recreation services.
The Board generally meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Murphy City Hall. Three seats on this Board are open. This Board is also the Tree Preservation Board for the City.
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission acts as an advisory commission to the City Council, making recommendations pertaining to planning and zoning as well as the Comprehensive Plan. The Commission is responsible for reviewing plats, site plans, landscape plans, and zoning requests, and for making recommendations to City Council for their final approval.
The Commission consists of seven qualified taxpaying, resident voters of the City, plus two alternates with the same qualifications, appointed by the City Council for staggered two-year terms.
The Commission meets the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Murphy City Hall. Four seats and one alternate on this Commission are open.
Individuals may obtain more information by contacting Susie Quinn at squinn@murphytx.org or by calling 972-468-4011. Applications, will be accepted until 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 28. Applicants will receive an automated confirmation email to verify the application has been submitted.
Applicants or returning appointees will undergo an interview with a panel of Council members during November. Appointments and reappointments will take effect on Jan. 1, 2019.
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