City of Murphy 206 N. Murphy Road Murphy, Texas 75094 972/468- 4011 972/468-4012 fax anemer@murphytx.org Contact: Aimee Nemer, City Secretary

Press Release

For Immediate Release
May 6, 2008

 City of Murphy Seeking Board & Commission Applicants

The City is now accepting applications for volunteers who are interested in serving on one of the City’s Boards or Commissions. Applications are accepted year-round, but in order to be eligible for the 2008 appointment process, applications must be received by May 31, 2008. Applications are kept on file for one year. The Council has appointed an Interview Committee consisting of three Councilmembers who will conduct applicant interviews during the month of June. The committee will make recommendations to Council and appointments will be made in late June or at the first Council meeting in July.

Applications are available on the City’s website, at City Hall, or via email from the City Secretary. The link to the application is http://www.murphytx.org/cityhall/bandc.asp. Applicants should be qualified voters of the City of Murphy. Additional qualifications may apply depending on the specific board. A description of the City’s Boards and Commissions are listed below.

The City Council will host an Applicant’s Reception on Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. Interested applicants are invited to attend to meet with Councilmembers, Board Liaisons, and find out more information about serving on a board or commission.

4A Economic Development Corporation
Five board members are appointed by the City Council in alternate years for two year terms. The Board plans and initiates projects on the City's behalf that promote new and expanded business development.  The 4A Board meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Additional meetings may be necessary from time to time and will be scheduled in accordance to the Texas Open Meetings Act.

4B Community Development Corporation
Seven board members are appointed by the City Council in alternate years for two year terms. The Board plans and initiates projects on the City's behalf that promote community enhancements such as parks, related open space improvements and economic development.  The 4B Board meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Additional meetings may be necessary from time to time and will be scheduled in accordance to the Texas Open Meetings Act. 

Zoning Board of Adjustments
This board is comprised of seven members and four alternates who are appointed by the City Council in alternate years for two year terms. The Board authorizes requests for variances from the zoning ordinance when it is not contrary to the public interest.  Meetings are held as necessary on the third Thursday of the month with a pre-meeting work session beginning at 6:00 p.m. and the regular meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. All meetings are scheduled in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Building and Fire Codes Appeal Board
The Building and Fire Codes Appeal Board shall consist of five qualified members appointed by the City Council in alternate years for two-year terms. The Board has the power to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Building Official or Fire Official relative to the application and interpretation of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Energy Code, International Gas Code, International Fire Code, International Electrical Code, International Property Maintenance Code and National Electrical Code. This board meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month beginning at 6:00 p.m. as necessary. All meetings are scheduled in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. It is recommended that the Board shall consist of individual’s from the following professions/disciplines and all members shall be a qualified voter of the city:

• Registered design professional with architectural experience or a builder or superintendent of building construction.
• Registered design professional with structural engineering experience or a builder or superintendent of building construction.
• Registered design professional with mechanical and plumbing engineering experience or a mechanical/plumbing contractor.
• Registered design professional with electrical engineering experience or an electrical contractor.
• Registered design professional with fire protection engineering experience or a fire protection contractor or state Fire Commission certified fire personnel.

Capital Projects Advisory Committee
The Capital Projects Advisory Committee shall consist of seven qualified members appointed by the City Council for two year terms. This committee will act as an advisory committee to the City Council for the purpose of reviewing priorities of existing capital projects, reviewing and prioritizing future capital projects, make recommendations to City Council on the priorities of existing and future projects, and make recommendations to City Council on future bond programs and grant applications.  This board meets on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Additional meetings may be necessary from time to time and will be scheduled in accordance to the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Park and Recreation Board                                                                                                 
The Park and Recreation Board shall consist of seven members appointed by the City Council in alternate years for two year terms. The Board acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council, reviewing and making recommendations on maintenance, operation and development of the City's park and recreation services. The Park Board meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Additional meetings may be necessary from time to time and will be scheduled in accordance to the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Planning & Zoning Commission
Seven commissioners and two alternates are appointed by the City Council in alternate years for two year terms. The Commission reviews the Master (Future Land Use Plan) Plan and the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City, and analyzes matters that affect the development of the City. They are responsible to advise prospective developers as to procedures to follow and ensuring that new developments follow the Land Use Plan and the Subdivision Ordinance. Members work closely with the City Planner to guide the direction of City development. The Planning and Zoning Commission meets on the fourth Monday of each month with a pre-meeting work session at 6:00 pm. and the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Additional meetings may be necessary from time to time and will be scheduled in accordance to the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Public Events Advisory Committee
The Public Events Advisory Committee shall consist of seven qualified members appointed by Council for two-year terms. This committee will act as an advisory committee to the City Council for the purpose of making recommendations to the City Council on future City-supported public events, provide such assistance as may be directed by the City Council or City Manager towards City-supported events, and hold at least one meeting every three months and as many meetings as it deems necessary to transact the business of the committee. This board meets on the second Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm. Additional meetings may be necessary from time to time and will be scheduled in accordance to the Texas Open Meetings Act.

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