Murphy seeks volunteer members for boards, commissions

MURPHY (September 13, 2023) Volunteers on the City’s boards, commissions, corporation, district, and committee provide residents’ perspectives on key municipal decisions. The annual drive to ask citizens to step forward and become part of that decision-making process has begun, according to City Secretary Kandi Jackson. 

At least 32 positions on the various advisory bodies may be coming open. Appointees remain in their respective positions for two-year terms starting on Jan. 1, 2024. The deadline to apply for consideration for an appointment is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22. Appointments will be announced and approved at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 5. 

Applications can be found at https://murphytx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx. A QR code that points to the application appears at the end of this news release. An automated confirmation email will be sent to verify the application has been submitted. Applicants or returning appointees will undergo an interview with a panel of Council members during November. 

A list of the advisory bodies along with a brief summary of their duties follows.

Animal Shelter Advisory Committee

This committee discusses ideas that help ensure that the Animal Shelter remains in compliance with the State Department of Health rules pertaining to animal shelters. It makes recommendations 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 nclude 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 Police Department. Committee members are appointed for two-year staggered terms. The City Council fills all vacancies on the committee excluding the Animal Control Officer. Two seats on this committee are open.

Board of Adjustment

This board 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 the City Council to serve in the absence of the regular board members. Board members cannot serve more than three consecutive full terms, excluding any unexpired terms.

The board meets as needed at City Hall. Eight seats on this board are open, four regular and four alternates.

Building and Fire Code Appeal Board

This board hears appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Building Official or Fire Department officials relative to the application and interpretation of various building and fire codes. The board consists of five members appointed by the City Council to staggered two-year terms.        

Recommendations for board members, all of whom must be qualified City voters, are from the following professions: 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.

The board is required to meet at least once a year and then as needed. Three seats are open.

Ethics Review Commission

This commission seeks to uphold and enforce high ethical standards. The commission serves as an advisory board to the 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 residents of the City and qualified voters.

The commission meets at least once a year and then as needed. Three seats on this commission are open.

 Murphy Community Development Corporation

 The MCDC 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.

 This 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 City's governing body.

 The corporation meets on the third Monday of the month, if necessary. Four seats on this corporation are open.

Murphy Municipal Development District

The MMDD has a wide area of jurisdiction, including Economic Development, Community and Development, Planning and Zoning, and other related departments.

This district is a separate political entity reporting to the City Council. It is through this district’s discretion that projects are planned and funded using a portion of the City's sales tax. The members establish a budget every year that must be approved by the City Council.

The MMDD consists of five residents of the City or the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) appointed by the City Council with no term limits. The district meets as needed in the City Council Chambers. Three seats on this are open. 

Parks and Recreation Board

This board acts in an advisory capacity to City staff and City Council on all parks and recreation services matters. 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. This board also serves as the City’s Tree Preservation Board.

The board generally meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Four seats on this board are open. 

Planning & Zoning Commission

The P&Z 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 making recommendations to the City Council for 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. Planning & Zoning Commission members may not serve more than three consecutive full terms, excluding any unexpired terms.

The commission meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Five seats, three regular and two alternates, on this commission are open.

Individuals interested in being considered for any of these advisory bodies may obtain more information by contacting Kandi Jackson at kjackson@murphytx.org or by calling 972-468-4011. 

Scanning the QR code above will open the boards and commissions application form.