Funny How Time Slips Away

Summer's slipping away and I haven't blogged much at all.  Maybe a couple of times. Well, summer is almost gone--it's September next week (aack!) and it's time to get back in the habit of blogging on a regular basis.

I like blogging because it gives me a way of sharing my opinion (everybody's got one), highlighting the good things happening in the city (I see lots of great things), or venting on bad things that are happening in the city (no shortage there either, unfortunately). I know, facebook gives you that outlet too and I admit, FB is part of the reason I haven't blogged. FB is quick and short and mindless. It kind of sucks you in and -poof- the whole night is gone. Blogging takes more thought and maybe even a bit of work--research, developing your narrative, writing complete sentences. You know, thinking.

Another reason to start posting again is because I am running for city council. I hope that my blog posts will help the people of Ward 4 get to know me and my ideas on city issues.

Getting ready for door knocking. My candidate pin.

But my ultimate reason for blogging is to get more local government information out to city residents, try to help make sense of it and encourage civic participation.

For example, did you know that there is a city newsletter posted on the city's webpage every week? Here's the link to archived newsletters.
Did you know that there are city volunteer openings on two commissions? City Charter Commission and Joint Planning Commission (JPC). These volunteer positions have been open for quite a while.

You'd think that citizens would be anxious for opportunities to have a voice in the city's affairs, but the city has had a difficult time keeping their six spots filled on the JPC, even though it's a paid volunteer position ($50 per meeting). Personally, I think the JPC is too large (12 members, 6 township and 6 city reps.). I think that reducing the membership to 8 would encourage better attendance (there is rarely full attendance) and tighten up meetings.  Having 12 members just seems to allow members the ability to be free-riders. I imagine members thinking:

"If the other 11 members prepare, I really don't have to. I don't have to read the whole packet, I can skim  it. Who would notice if I'm not  prepared for the meetings? Everybody can't talk, there are 12 of us, for crying out loud!"

Don't get me wrong. I believe the JPC members take their roles seriously and work hard, but  I watched the JPC tonight. There were only nine in attendance. I think it needs to be smaller.

It's good to be back writing a blog. I hope you'll return again. In the mean time, "gee ain't it funny, how time slips away" (courtesy of Willie Nelson).

Civic Engagement Rewind

Crowds are not beating down the doors of city hall to sign up for the volunteer spots available with the city.  There are still two volunteer commission spots open: one on the Charter Commission, and most recently, a spot on the Joint Planning Commission (JPC) came open. I blogged about volunteer opportunities last month. On Monday, the council will approve an appointment to the HPC. And now a city appointee to the JPC has resigned, leaving a new opening.

 [2009 RDG Downtown Plan]

The JPC is a twelve-member commission that advises the Joint Planning Board on planning and zoning applications.  They meet monthly on the fourth Thursday of the month and occasionally for special meetings. This is the only city commission that is paid--$50 per meeting--and has interesting work to do. The application process is online here.

Real Life Civics Lesson--Take Your Pick

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.