Political intrigue, old buildings, and architectural features--I'm not talking about the latest Dan Brown novel. It's what you might encounter by volunteering with the City of Bemidji. There are several openings on City of Bemidji committees and Commissions. In all cases interested citizens should submit a letter of interest to the city clerk by email cityclerk@ci.bemidji.mn.us. Current opportunities if you're feeling civic-minded:
South Shore Design Review Committee (SSDRC):
According to the City's advertisement, this committee will "administer the Lake Bemidji South Shore General Planned Unit Development(PUD) and the Design Guidelines for the PUD."(Open to non-residents too.)
City Charter Commission
There has been a resignation from the Charter Commission. This group of seven are the people's watchdogs. The City Charter is basically the City's Constitution. It spells out the authority that is vested in the citizens, the City Manager and the City Council. The Commission provides oversight on the activities of the Council and Manager and, for example, "sound the alarm" when the Charter is violated. The question of authority and whether the Charter was violated was raised in 2009 when the Council bypassed the authority of the City Manager and eliminated city staff. The Charter Commission did not meet to discuss the issue--a mistake, I believe and a lapse in their role as representatives of the citizens.
Heritage Preservation Commission
The HPC is vested with the role of protecting the City's historical resources. Activities by the Commission include inventorying historic properties and listing five historic properties on the Bemidji Historic Register. Recently, they have been focused on grant seeking to renovate the Carnegie Library building.
These citizen volunteer opportunities are open to any citizen resident and could be a way for you to make an impact on your community.
Volunteer.
The City needs you.
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