HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NEWS

Aug. 9, 2011

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

Commissioners Seek Applications For Citizen Boards

 

Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on County citizen advisory boards. 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 Thursday, Sept. 1.  Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in September or October.

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 website 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 form can be filled out on-line and printed, but cannot be submitted electronically.  Directions for submission are listed on the form.

The Boards that have openings are:

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD–advises and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and Affordable Housing Officer on issues affecting affordable 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.

One position is vacant due to resignation.  Position is for remainder of term which expires Aug. 1, 2012.  Position is specified as a mortgage lending industry representative.  After two full consecutive terms, a member shall not be eligible for reappointment until three calendar years have elapsed from date of termination of the second term. Meeting schedule: Monthly, first Monday, 9 a.m.

 

CHILD CARE FACILITIES ADVISORY BOARD–advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Child Care Facilities Ordinance; proposes additional rules and regulations to the Board of County Commissioners which fulfill the intent and purpose of the Ordinance; and recommends and assists the Hillsborough County Office of Child Care Licensing in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel.  It also advises the Hillsborough County Office of Child Care Licensing on all matters relating to child care facilities.

One position is vacant due to resignation.  Term is for three years.  Position is specified as an operator of a religiously exempt child care facility.  Appointment to this Board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Monthly, first Thursday, 1 p.m.

 

CHILD CARE LICENSING HEARING OFFICERS-conducts hearings when requested by an applicant for a license or a current licensee, whenever an application for a license is denied, or whenever a license has been placed on probation, suspended, revoked or an administrative fine has been imposed by the Office of Child Care Licensing, and makes findings and recommendations with respect to the matters considered at the hearing, pursuant to the Hillsborough County Child Care Home Licensing Ordinance 05-9 and the Hillsborough County Child Care Facilities Ordinance 03-25, as amended by Hillsborough County Ordinance 04-25.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Hearing Officers must be members in good standing of the Florida Bar and may not be employees of the County Attorney’s Office.  Appointment as a Hearing Officer is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: When requested.

 

CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD–hears 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.

One position is vacant due to resignation.  Position is for remainder of term which expires Dec. 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.  Citizens appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure, and must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally 2nd or third Friday, 9 a.m.

 

FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY BOARD–annually reviews and advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Family Child Care Homes Licensing Ordinance or the Rules and Regulations Handbook including 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 licensed family day care home.  Appointment to this Board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check.  Meeting schedule:  Quarterly, third Thursday, 7 p.m.

 

HEALTH CARE ADVISORY BOARD–improves accessibility and efficiency of care for medically poor residents of Hillsborough County through recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for fund allocation, coordination, planning and monitoring of health care delivery systems.

One position is vacant.  Term is for four years.  Position is specified as a mental health care provider. Meeting schedule: Monthly, third Thursday, 3 p.m.

 

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FL, INC.–works in collaboration with community-based organizations to identify, address, and resolve health care issues of local concern.  The Council collects and analyzes health care data, prepares special reports and publications, and educates the community about special health issues.  Two terms are expiring.  Terms are for two years.  Positions are specified as 1) a health care provider, and 2) a health care consumer under the age of 60. Meeting schedule:  Alternating Wednesdays, 8 a.m. in St. Petersburg.

 

HILLSBOROUGH AREA REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY–provide excellent customer service while building solutions to support Hillsborough County’s mass transit needs….now and into the future.  Two positions will be expiring in October and one position is newly created.  Terms are for three years.  Citizens appointed to this Authority must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County, and will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Monthly, first Monday, 9 a.m.

 

HISTORIC RESOURCES REVIEW 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.

Two positions are vacant.  Terms are for three years.  Positions are specified as two architects, licensed to practice in the state of Florida, or one licensed architect and one architectural historian, both licensed to practice in the state of Florida.  Citizens appointed to this Board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, third Tuesday, 3 p.m.

 

MECHANICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS AND EXAMINERS–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 terms are for four years.  Alternate terms are for two years.  Positions are specified as 1) a mechanical trades representative, and 2 & 3) alternates.  Citizens appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule:  Quarterly, third Thursday, 10 a.m.

 

PLANNING COMMISSION–an independent consolidated planning agency, led 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.

Two terms are expiring.  Terms are for four years.  Citizens appointed to this board by the County Commission must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County.  Citizens also will be required to file an annual financial disclosure.  Members appointed to this Board will be required to take an Oath of Office and sign a Standards of Conduct. Meeting schedule:  Monthly, second Monday, 2 p.m

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

If you are interested in helping District 1 and Hillsborough County by serving on a citizen board, please read below to see some that are currently available for application as of 3/2

Let’s get involved in helping our lovely county have good civic involvment. The deadline for applying is Thursday, March 17.

Contact my office if you have any questions;

The Boards that have openings are:

COUNCIL ON AGING–advocates on behalf of older adults for the betterment of their well-being and to furnish input to the Department of Family and Aging Services-Division of Aging Services, including the Board of County Commissioners, on matters relating to the quality of life of older adults.

One position is new. Term is for two years.  Position is specified as a representative of the faith-based community. Appointment to the Council is contingent upon passing a criminal background check.  Meeting schedule:  To be determined.

COUNTY INTERNAL AUDIT COMMITTEE–serves in an advisory capacity to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and to the County Internal Audit Department, on issues presented to the Committee related to the oversight of County audit activities and the performance of the County Internal Auditor. The Committee will also serve as an intermediary between the County Commission and the County Internal Auditor. The Committee shall be subject at all times to Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, codified in Florida Statutes section 286.011, and is subject to policies codified in BOCC Resolution R11-011.

At least one Committee member must be a Certified Public Accountant, licensed to practice public accountancy in the State of Florida in good standing; and at least two members must possess five to ten years experience with auditing functions. Each member should have an understanding of good management and business practices.

Consideration for membership shall be given to nominees who possess the following attributes:

•           The ability to encourage openness and transparency;

•           The ability to ask relevant questions, evaluate the answer, and continue to probe for information until completely satisfied with the answers provided;

•           The ability to work with County management to achieve improvements in County operations; and

•           The ability to act independently and be proactive in advising on issues that require further management attention.

Five positions have been created.  Terms are for two years.  Members may not serve more than two full consecutive terms.  Members shall not have a direct financial interest in County business.  Meeting schedule: To be determined.

ENTERPRISE ZONE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD–implements a strategic economic development plan for the University Area 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 of Bearss Avenue/Skipper Road, and between I-275 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

One position is vacant due to resignation. Position is for remainder of term which expires June 30, 2014.  Position is specified as a non-profit community based organization operating within the Zone. Meeting schedule: Every other month; at least annually.

FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY 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.

One term has expired and two positions are vacant.  Terms are for three years.  Positions are specified as 1) a child care providers association representative, 2 & 3) a parent who has a child enrolled in a licensed family day care home. In order to be considered for positions 2 and 3, 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, third Thursday, 7 p.m.

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

Three positions are vacant.  Member term is for four years and alternate terms are for two years.  Positions are specified as: 1) a liquid petroleum installer, 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, third Thursday, 11 a.m.

HEALTH CARE ADVISORY BOARD–improves accessibility and efficiency of care for medically-poor residents of Hillsborough County through recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for fund allocation, coordination, planning, and monitoring of health care delivery systems.

Two positions are vacant due to resignation.  One term is for four years and one is for the remainder of a term which expires June 30, 2012.  Positions are specified as 1) a participant in the Hillsborough County Indigent Health Care Plan and 2) a non-healthcare business community representative. Meeting schedule:  Monthly, third Thursday, 3 p.m.

HISTORICAL ADVISORY 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 County Commission with support that complements the goals of historical preservation and education in Hillsborough County.

One position is vacant. Position is for remainder of term which expires Dec. 31, 2012. No members shall serve for more than two full consecutive terms.  More than one half of a term is deemed to be service for a full term.  A member who has served two full consecutive terms will be eligible for reappointment after at least three years of non-membership.  All members must 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.

HISTORIC RESOURCES REVIEW 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.

Four positions are vacant.  Two positions are for three years and two positions are for the remainder of terms which expire Dec. 31, 2011, and Feb. 28, 2012.  After two consecutive terms, a member will not be eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term.

Positions are specified as 1) an architectural historian, 2) a layperson with demonstrated interest, competence or knowledge in historic preservation, 3) an alternate who is an architect or architectural historian, a historian, an anthropologist or archaeologist, a planner or landscape architect or real estate developer/broker, or an owner of a historic property listed on the Florida Master Site File, and 4) an architect or architectural historian.  Members must have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation.  Citizens appointed to this Board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally third Tuesday, 3 p.m.

HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY–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.

Two terms are expiring.  Terms are for four years.  Not less than three of the members shall be knowledgeable in one of the following fields: labor, finance or commerce. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally second Friday, 9:30 a.m.

MECHANICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–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 and 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, 10 a.m.

PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD–works with the Board of County Commissioners regarding the operation of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, including future planning and policy developments.

One position is vacant due to resignation.  Term is for three years.  Position is specified as a resident from Hillsborough County District 3.  Appointment to this Board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Monthly, fourth Thursday, 4 p.m.