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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Ashland $97K from turf goal ... C.W. Smith will run for Senate ... Death at U.S. Cellular not considered suspicious ... Ashland $97K from turf goal ... C.W. Smith will run for Senate ... Death at U.S. Cellular not considered suspicious ... FROM THE COUNCIL From the Council: Volunteer service opportunities abound in city government By Gary H. Wheeler MailTribune.com By Gary H. Wheeler Posted Mar. 19, 2016 @ 2:00 am Updated Mar 19, 2016 at 11:24 AM By Gary H. Wheeler Posted Mar. 19, 2016 @ 2:00 am Updated Mar 19, 2016 at 11:24 AM » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> The city of Medford has a long history of volunteerism. Our boards, commissions and committees provide invaluable services in the form of advice, counsel and recommendations to our city. Volunteerism is defined as doing or undertaking a task of one’s own free will. President Theodore Roosevelt said that “the first response of a good citizen is that he shall be able and willing to pull his weight.” Our citizen volunteers work for the betterment of our city with no compensation other than the gratitude and thanks they receive. In addition, we honor them with a luncheon once a year to recognize the many hours they put in on behalf of our city. Our Community Vision Statement (adopted in 1999 by the City Council) is as follows: “We, the citizens, envision Medford as an outstanding livable community — the financial, medical, tourist and business hub of Southern Oregon and Northern California, blending families, lifestyles, diverse education, artistic and cultural resources and a strong sense of environmental stewardship with robust economic activity to create a vibrant place for people to live, work, learn, invest, grow, play and visit.” Without our citizen volunteers, none of the above could be accomplished. I include the City Council and the mayor in the list of citizen volunteers as they also serve with no compensation. The hundreds of hours they put in cannot be measured in dollars and cents and we can never thank all of our volunteers enough. How does a volunteer get started? The Medford City Council recognizes the importance of citizen participation in municipal government and welcomes anyone’s interest in serving on a city board, commission or committee. Our Community Vision Statement identifies the following: “Leadership to develop and carry out the city’s vision is characterized by the commitment of its elected and appointed leaders and involvement by citizens to produce meaningful, measurable outcomes.” City leadership should reflect the diversity of our community and all members of our community are encouraged to apply for openings. The application process is (we hope) straightforward. Applications are accepted in the fall of each year or as openings become available. There is an interview process, with recommendations forwarded to the council in January. Terms of office expire on Jan. 31 of each year. Residency with the Urban Growth Boundary is required for most boards, commissions and committees. Applications may be submitted online at the city’s website, www.ci.medford.or.us . In addition, applications can be obtained at the city manager’s office on the third floor of City Hall, 411 W. Eighth St., or by calling 541-774-2000. We have 19 boards, commissions and committees on which people can serve. There are also ad hoc committees formed as needed for specific projects or activities. The following is a list of the boards, commissions and committees. They are all interesting and challenging to serve on. The Arts Commission selects, acquires and preserves public art. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee makes recommendations regarding bicycle and pedestrian improvements. The Budget Committee reviews, may revise, and approves the budget document. The Cemetery Commission makes recommendations regarding funding and operations of the Eastwood Cemetery. The Hospital Facilities Authority Board of Directors operates under ORS 441.550 to provide hospital facilities. The Housing and Community Development Commission makes housing and development recommendations for all income levels. The Joint Transportation Subcommittee advises regarding transportation policies. The Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission supports programs and projects that further the historic policy of the city. The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission advises on matters concerning youth. The Multicultural Commission advises on issues affecting the multicultural community. The Parking Commission advises on public parking in downtown Medford. The Parks and Recreation Commission makes recommendations on acquisition and development of public parks, greenways and recreation facilities' The Planning Commission reviews land-use applications. The Police Advisory Committee explores solutions to community issues. The Site Plan and Architectural Commission reviews development projects and& improvements to existing structures. The Traffic Coordinating Committee makes recommendations concerning traffic management. The Unified Appeal Board performs functions of boards created by Uniform Building Code, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code and Mechanical Code. The Urban Renewal Budget Committee reviews the agency’s budget. The Medford Water Commission has the full power and authority to maintain, operate, repair, extend, fully manage and operate the water system. It is my hope that this article may help to attract our citizens to look closely at their public involvement in the running of our city. To become part of the civic process would be a great experience for anyone willing to step forward and volunteer. Gary H. Wheeler is the mayor of Medford. The views expressed in this piece are the individual's and do not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of the City Council. By Gary H. Wheeler MailTribune.com By Gary H. Wheeler Posted Mar. 19, 2016 @ 2:00 am Updated Mar 19, 2016 at 11:24 AM » Comment or view comments Terms of Service /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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