The City of Austin is accepting applications for open positions on several boards and commissions.

The Planning Commission consists of nine members who should be qualified by knowledge or experience to act in matters pertaining to the development of a city zoning plan. A term on the Planning Commission is four years. The commission normally meets in regular session once each month and for special meetings as called.

The Human Rights Commission consists of nine members whose purpose is to act informally to eliminate unfair discriminatory practices that are contrary to the public policies of the State of Minnesota.

A term on the Human Rights Commission is three years. The commission normally meets once each month and for special meetings as called.

The Library Board consists of nine members whose purpose is to oversee the functions of the public library of the City of Austin. A term on the board is three years.

All members must be qualified voters of the city. The board normally meets in regular session once each month and for special meetings as called.

The Parks and Recreation Board consists of seven members. The board’s purpose is to oversee the public parks and recreation activities of the City of Austin. A term on the board is four years. The board normally meets once each month and for special meetings as called.

The Fire Civil Service Commission consists of three members. The commission has supervision over the employment, promotion, discharge, and suspension of all officers and employees of the Fire Department. A term on the commission is three years. The board normally meets for special meetings as called.

The Police Civil Service Commission consists of three members. The commission has supervision over the employment, promotion, discharge, and suspension of all officers and employees of the Police Department. A term on the commission is three years. The board meets for special meetings as called.

The Building Code Board of Appeals consists of five members who are not employees of the City of Austin. Members must be qualified by experience and training pertaining to building construction. Terms on the board are three years. The board does not meet on a regular basis.

Cable TV Committee oversees franchise agreements for cable TV as well as the government access channel. A term on the board is three years. The board does not meet on a regular basis.

Board and commission vacancies are filled by mayoral appointment and confirmed by a majority of the entire city council. Members must be residents of the city. Members serve without remuneration.

The appointments will be made by the Mayor at the first meeting in January, 2009.

Please call the City Administration office at 437-9940 for additional information. Applications are available on the city’s Web site at www.ci.austin.mn.us or by calling the City Administration office. Interested citizens should complete an application by no later than Dec. 31 and mail it to:

City Administration

City of Austin

500 Fourth Ave. N.E.

Austin MN 55912

Applications can be faxed to 434-7197.