Walnut Creek Seeks To Fill Commission Vacancies

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Will this be the year you serve your community? With several seats currently open on city commissions, that is the question posed by the city of Walnut Creek.

• Arts Commission (2 seats vacant)
• Design Review (one vacancy, must be a City resident)
• Park, Recreation and Open Space (one vacancy, must be a City resident)
• Planning Commission (2 seats vacant, must be a City resident)
• Transportation Commission (2 seats vacant, must be a City resident)
• Board of Appeals (4 seats vacant)

Apply online here. The deadline to turn in applications is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31.

On Tuesday, Feb. 6, the City Council will select applicants to invite for interviews that will take place on Tuesday, Feb.20. Appointments are expected to be made at the end of the interviews.

"Advisory commissions serve an important role in the city and give residents a first-hand perspective and involvement in shaping the city’s future," Walnut Creek City Clerk Suzie Martinez said. "To all of our residents who currently serve on city advisory bodies, we thank you!"

Here are the main duties of city commissions with current vacancies:

• Arts Commission: advises the City Council on facilities, programs and policies that enhance the artistic, aesthetic, and cultural quality of life in the City and contribute to the economic vitality of the City. The Arts Commission guides the implementation of the public art program and Public Art Master Plan.

• Design Review Commission: develops and enforces design standards, policies, and practices that promote aesthetics, encourage economic vitality, and enhance the design of the City’s built environment.

• Park, Recreation and Open Space (PROS): advises the City Council on the general direction and emphasis of park, recreation, creek, trail and open space needs, facilities and programs.

• Planning Commission: reviews projects for compliance with the City’s land use and zoning regulations, and has approval authority for subdivision maps, use permits and variances. Another key role for Commissioners involves the City’s General Plan and various Specific Plans; the Planning Commission prepares and recommends adoption of those plans to the City Council. The innovative projects and developments taking shape around Walnut Creek first go through the public hearing process at the Planning Commission.

• Transportation Commission: advises on all issues affecting parking and transportation in Walnut Creek.

• Board of Appeals: established to hear and decide appeals of notices, orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Building Official regarding the application and interpretation of the California Building Standards Code and the Municipal Code.

A complete listing of the commission duties can be found in Sections 2-1.101 through 2-1.604 of the Walnut Creek Municipal Code. Further information is posted on the city's website.

Walnut Creek Representatives Needed On Countywide Commissions

There is also an opening for a Walnut Creek representative on the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging, which facilitates countywide planning, cooperation and coordination for individuals and groups interested in improving and developing services and opportunities for older residents. The Council provides leadership and advocacy on behalf of older persons and serves as a channel of communication and information on aging issues. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will make the final approval decision for the chosen candidate.

Additionally, there is an opening for a Walnut Creek resident on the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control Board. The Board of Trustees governs the Mosquito and Vector Control District which is dedicated to the health and welfare of the county’s residents.