Oct. 15, 2021

City to use speed dating-like mixer to introduce various volunteer options

The City of Johnson City with host a speed dating-like mixer to introduce prospective volunteers to the variety of boards and committees that play a role in city government. Are You Ready to Serve? will take place 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at the outdoor tennis courts at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St.

During the event, board representatives will be stationed at tables around the tennis court. At 15-minute intervals, small groups of participants will rotate around the court, listening to representatives explain the roles and responsibilities of their respective boards. After completing the rotation, participants will have additional time to return to the tables of the boards that interested them most to ask additional questions. By end of the night, participants will have gained some knowledge about each of the volunteer boards that serve the City and, hopefully, found their perfect match.

“The City has numerous opportunities to serve, and we want those interested to find the way that best suits their interests and expertise,” said Communications and Marketing Director Keisha Shoun. “This event will offer a fun way to learn more about each of our volunteer boards and will provide an opportunity for board representatives to court new members.”

The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to make appointments to nine boards with vacancies in January 2022.

• Board of Building Codes: Hears and decides appeals and variances to the Johnson City Building Code, questions of code interpretation, oversees examinations of contractors to perform work in the community, and recommends code changes.
• Three appointments licensed in the following areas of expertise: electrical contractor, engineer, and mechanical/gas contractor. Each term is for three years. City residency required.
• Board of Zoning Appeals: Hears and decides appeals to provisions of the Zoning Code, considers applications for Special Exceptions, and decides questions of interpretation of the code. 
• One appointment for a three-year term. City residency required.
• Civil Service Commission: Addresses Police and Fire employees’ civil service matters and certifies entry level and promotional rosters. For more information, contact Richard Lockner at 423-434-6018.
• One appointment for a two-year term. Must be nominated by and represent the police department. City residency required.
• Golf Advisory Board: Recommends policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in operation of golf courses.
• One appointment for a three-year term. City residency required.
• Historic Zoning Commission: Considers conservation zoning to ensure preservation of historical structures.
• One appointment for a five-year term. City residency required.

• Johnson City Senior Services Advisory Council: Makes recommendations on matters affecting planning, support, and programming for the Center.

• Seven appointments, each for three-year terms. City residency required.
• Johnson City Senior Center Foundation Board: Responsible for supporting and participating in special events and assisting in fundraising efforts to benefit Senior Center operations, services, and/or capital improvements.
• Four appointments for three-year terms. Residency in Washington, Sullivan, Unicoi, or Carter county required.
• Public Art Committee: Considers matters concerning public art, monuments, murals, or other creative efforts of individuals or groups.
• One appointment to fulfill a term expiring July 2024.
• Washington County Board of Equalization: Reviews the tax assessment rolls, hears complaints and appeals of taxpayers within their jurisdiction.
• Two appointments, each for two-year terms beginning and ending in April. Residency in Johnson City and Washington County required.

Any citizen interested in serving may submit an application online at www.johnsoncitytn.org/boards. The deadline for applications is Friday, Nov. 26. Applications are kept on file for one year. Descriptions of each board and committee may be found online at www.johnsoncitytn.org/boards_and_committees.

Appointments to the remaining boards will not be made until next July but, in order to give participants a comprehensive understanding, other boards will be represented at the Are You Ready to Serve? event. Registration is not required to participate. Please call 423-434-6249 for more information.

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