Volunteers needed for Carbondale boards

CARBONDALE, Colorado — The town of Carbondale is taking applications for openings on several volunteer citizen boards and commissions, including the Tree Board, Public Arts Commission, Environmental Board, Board of Adjustment & Appeals, Parks & Recreation Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and Planning & Zoning Commission.

In some cases, persons whose terms are ending will reapply. However, all citizens are encouraged to participate, and some boards and commissions allow for representation by persons living outside town limits.

Here's a little about each board or commission and its duties, responsibilities and meeting schedules:

Tree Board

Advises the town on the maintenance and diversity of its trees. Its primary activities include the Arbor Day tree planting every spring, maintenance and pruning workshops, and monitoring the health of trees in Carbondale. It meets on the second Monday evening of the month. For more information, visit the board's website at www.carbondaletree.org.

Public Arts Commission

Works to provide public art of various sorts. The “Art aRound Town” project has brought sculptural art into the community since 2002. The commission receives funding through the town's 1 Percent for the Arts Program to purchase permanent public art in Carbondale. It meets at 8 a.m. the second Friday of every month.

Environmental Board

Provides analysis and recommendations to the Board of Trustees on local environmental issues, and co-sponsors the annual Dandelion Day festival. Up to three members may reside outside of town. It meets at 5:30 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The new appointee may reside inside or outside of town limits. The commission provides advice and recommendations to the Board of Trustees on all matters pertaining to parks and recreation, including review of land use applications in which parkland is required. A fund for parks and recreation was created by Carbondale voters in 1996. The commission meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.

Historic Preservation Commission

Carries out a mission for protection, preservation and perpetuity of the town's historic and cultural heritage, including designation of historic landmarks, and has applied for and received grants to study the history of numerous local historic structures. It meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month.

Planning & Zoning Commission

Regular meetings are at 7 p.m. two Thursday nights per month. The commission: 1. provides advice and guidance to the Board of Trustees regarding development applications; 2. reviews subdivision applications; and 3. can initiate public hearings on amendments to Chapters 17 and 18 of the Town Code.

Board of Adjustment

Meets as needed (approximately three times per year on the last Wednesday of the month) to hear applications for variances or appeals.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. July 31. Submit applications to Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave., or via e-mail to community@ carbondaleco.net.

Applications are available at Town Hall and on the town website: www.carbondalegov.org under “Community Governance.”