While residents know the Jefferson City Council normally gives final approval to bills and contracts, many don't see what goes on behind the scenes of city legislation.
With more than 150 volunteer Jefferson City residents and non-residents, more than 25 city boards, commissions and committees play a significant role in moving city legislation and initiatives forward while also overseeing local entities and projects.
These committees cover things like parks maintenance, transportation, public safety, historic preservation, community betterment and zoning issues.
Those interested can fill out a volunteer application at www.jeffersoncitymo.gov/Volunteer%20Profile%20Form.pdf and submit it to City Hall, 320 E. McCarty St.
Even if a commission, committee or board doesn't have an opening, residents can submit volunteer forms for when an opening becomes available, as the city keeps applications on file for a year.
Several committee chairs, presidents and city staff liaisons encourage residents to volunteer so they can have their voice heard and serve the community. Others say it's a way to see how city government operates.
"It's really interesting because you get to be part of your city government, part of your community, and I feel like it's a civic service that if you want to be part of a community you want to live in, you should take the time to try and make your community better," Jefferson City Cultural Arts Commission Chairwoman Katy Lacy said. "You can just play an active role in Jefferson City and to make the change you want to see."
Every committee, commission and board has one-to-five year terms with members serving up to three full terms. The USS Jefferson City Submarine Committee does not have term limits.
911 Advisory Board
The 911 Advisory Board, also known as the Joint Communications Operations Advisory Board, monitors the Communication Center and advises the Jefferson City Police Department on communication procedures for Cole County law enforcement and fire services.
The five-member board contains two members appointed by the city, two members appointed by the Cole County Commission, and one member appointed by the Cole County presiding commissioner and Jefferson City mayor. The board does not meet regularly, only when there are issues to discuss.
Those interested in serving on this board should call Kay Stuefer, administrative assistant to Jefferson City's police chief, at 573-634-6334.
Airport Advisory Committee
When discussing goals for the Jefferson City Memorial Airport, the city's Airport Advisory Committee looks at the facility's resources and assets as tools to the city.
The committee contains seven members - four of them Jefferson City residents - with four-year terms and meets quarterly. None of the committee members' terms expire this year.
The committee helps spearhead renovations to the facility, ensures the airport is meeting federal regulations and looks at ways to expand its resources. This includes looking for future partnerships, chairman Frank Rycyk said, such as partnering with State Technical College of Missouri's aviation mechanics program.
"We're just trying to get the Jefferson City Memorial Airport recognized more for its value to the community (because) people aren't aware of it," he said.
Animal Shelter Advisory Committee
The Jefferson City Animal Shelter Advisory Committee consists of three members who serve three-year terms. The committee discusses the Jefferson City Animal Shelter's needs and development, as well as hears complaints regarding the shelter.
Members must operate a licensed public veterinary office in Jefferson City, according to city code.
All three members' terms expire in September, but they may be reappointed for another full term if they do not term-limit out or resign.
Board of Adjustment
The Jefferson City Board of Adjustment primarily reviews variances and conditional use permits. There are five members who serve five-year terms, with three alternates serving one-year terms, according to the city code.
One board member and three alternates' terms will expire in September, but they may be reappointed for another full term if they do not term-limit out or resign.
Cemetery Resources Board
The main goal of the Jefferson City Cemetery Resources Board, formally called the Maintenance of Sepulcher and Cemetery Board, is to address maintenance for Longview and Woodland/Old City cemeteries, including reviewing and approving maintenance contracts and conducting fundraisers.
Chairwoman Nancy Thompson said maintaining the cemeteries assures the city's history is preserved.
It is made up of seven Jefferson City residents who serve three-year terms and meet monthly. None of the current members have expiring terms this year.
Convention and Visitors Bureau
To support the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, the CVB Board of Directors looks at ways to attract events and visitors to the city, such as working on Missouri State Penitentiary tours, special events like the solar eclipse festivities last August and sporting events.
It is made up of nine members - six residents and three individuals in the hotel, motel or travel industry - who serve three-year terms. A City Council liaison and Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Chair also volunteer on the board.
CVB Executive Director Diane Gillespie said the six general public members should have an interest or background in promotional events and tourism.
Three general public members' terms expire in December, but they may be reappointed for another full term if they do not term-limit out or resign.
Cultural Arts Commission
The Jefferson City Cultural Arts Commission looks for ways to encourage collaboration between businesses, government, educational institutions and the community to promote the arts, chair Katy Lacy said. It does this by initiating projects like interactive murals and sculptures and offering mini reimbursement grants for up to $1,000.
Lacy said the commission averages about one mini-grant application a month and has had leftover money the last couple of years.
"There are certain people who are aware of it and submit mini-grants over and over again, which is great, but I think a lot of people aren't aware of it," she said. "The last two years we've had to get permission from the City Council to carry over money from the previous year, which is great because in the past it would have just been gone."
The commission contains 11 members - eight of them Jefferson City residents -serving three-year terms. There is one vacancy on the commission.
Electrical Examiners and Review Board
The five-member Jefferson City Electrical Examiners and Review Board reviews and approves license applications, considers appeals by electrical inspectors, and discusses the electrical code yearly.
The board must consist of two electrical contractors, two journeyman electricians and one local electric utility company representative, according to city code. They must live in Cole or Callaway counties and own or be employed at a Jefferson City business with an electrical license. They serve three-year terms and meet about six times a year.
There are two vacancies on the board, said Gail Strope, Jefferson City director of the Department of Human Resources. Two other board members' terms will expire in September, but they may be reappointed for another full term if they do not term-limit out or resign.
Environmental Quality Commission
While many may think the Jefferson City Environmental Quality Commission handles only items that benefit the environment, it recently has taken on a broader mission of community betterment by discussing items like farmers markets, bike-share programs, trash and litter campaigns, and fitness initiatives.
Chairwoman Kristi Campbell said even though the city has clean air and water quality, many residents struggle with obesity, sexually transmitted diseases, smoking, drug addiction and overall unhealthy lifestyles.
"There are ways we can get better and things we can do to make the community better and make people healthier," she said.
There are nine members on the commission - seven residents and two non-residents - each serving three-year terms. There is one vacancy on the commission. One commissioner's term expires in November, but he may be reappointed for another full term if he does not term-limit out or resign.
It also has ex-officio members who, while not on the commission, serve as advisories.
Facade Improvement Committee
The Jefferson City Facade Improvement Committee reviews proposals for the commercial and rental facade improvement programs and the adaptive reuse incentive program.
The commercial facade improvement program provides tax reimbursements for commercial buildings in the Old Town boundary that need at least $10,000 worth of exterior improvements. The rental facade improvement program provides incentives to property owners for external aesthetics improvements that cost more than $10,000 for single-family homes or $20,000 for duplexes.
The adaptive reuse incentive program is a tax reimbursement where an owner spends at least $10,000 to reuse a residential home as a business.
There are seven registered Jefferson City voters on the commission who serve two-year terms and must have an interest or expertise in architecture, historic preservation or city beautification, said Jayme Abbott, Jefferson City neighborhood services manager and staff liaison to the committee. The committee is on call and meets as residents submit applications for the programs.
None of the committee members' terms expire this year.
Historic Preservation Commission
The nine-member Jefferson City Historic Preservation Commission works to protect and enhance historic buildings, structures and districts in the city. While the commission has many roles, it primarily reviews demolition permit applications for buildings more than 50 years old, designates local historic landmarks and discusses local historic district applications.
"Our community takes great pride in our historic buildings and the history of our community," city staff liaison to the commission Abbott said. "We're not just the capital, but so many other things have happened in the past that is worth preserving and keeping alive so the future generations are aware of it and can actually see the building and know its history."
Those on the commission must include professional members with backgrounds or interest in things like architecture, historic archaeology, real estate brokerage, cultural geography or historic preservation.
They serve three-year terms and meet monthly. Four commissioners' terms expire in December, but they may be reappointed if they don't term-limit out or resign. Abbott said at two of these four commissioners will term-limit out in December.
Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
The Jefferson City Housing Authority Board of Commissioners helps develop policies for the city's Housing Authority and oversees the staff's actions to ensure they are providing safe affordable housing.
While it is a state and federal requirement to have the board in place, Housing Authority Executive Director Cynthia Quetsch said, it's also a valuable tool to have people from the community aware of housing needs and resources for low-income, elderly and disabled people.
The board consists of six members who serve four-year terms, and meetings are set monthly. One member's term expires in November, but he may be reappointed if he doesn't term-limit out or resign.
Human Relations Commission
After being inactive for about 7 1/2 years, the City Council resurrected the Jefferson City Commission on Human Relations in December. Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin previously told the News Tribune there was an interest spike in the commission following a racially insensitive photo shared involving local students in September.
Its primary focus is educating Jefferson City residents by hosting programs, forums and meetings that "aid in eliminating and preventing prejudice, discrimination, intolerance and bigotry" based on race, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age or disability, according to city code.
Nine commissioners serve three-year terms and meet monthly. Three commissioners' terms expire in December, but they may be reappointed if they do not resign.
Industrial Development Authority
The Jefferson City Industrial Development Authority works toward commercial and industrial development while also issuing revenue bonds for projects.
It consists of seven members who serve three-year terms. None of the members' terms expire this year.
It has been inactive for more than a year, City Counselor Ryan Moehlman said.
Library Board of Directors
The Library Board of Directors has five general public members who are "charged with the operation, management, supervision, control and use of" the Missouri River Regional Library, according to the city's website.
The Missouri River Regional Library Board consists of 11 members - four appointess by the city, five appointees from the Cole County Commission and two appointees from the Board of the Osage County Library District.
Members serve three-year terms, and none of the members' terms expire this year.
Parks and Recreation Commission
The Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Commission oversees management and operation of city parks by voting on parks improvements and contracts, like improvements to Community Park.
"Many people now decide where they want to live first and then they find a job there," commission President Brad Bates said. "One of the top attributes of consideration is a city with a thriving parks system that offers something for everyone."
The commission has nine members who serve three-year terms. Three commissioners' terms expire in May, but they may be reappointed if they do not resign.
The Parks Department also has a few committees - the Oak Hills Golf Course Advisory Committee, Parks Resources and Planning Committee, and Recreation Services Committee.
Planning and Zoning Commission
When debating zoning and land use issues, the Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Commission considers whether they will be a benefit to the city, chair Chris Jordan said.
"There can be things that are controversial, and it's not an easy spot to sit on," Jordan said. "There's times where we're still a small enough community where you know people and it affects their properties, their values, lots of things about them personally, so we just try to look at what the laws (are) that Jefferson City has on the books and the state of Missouri and try to follow those as best we can and do what's right for Jefferson City. Sometimes it's more focused on a specific area, but generally you try to look at what the betterment is for the whole city."
The commission looks at things like zoning plans for future developments and city plans.
The monthly commission consists of nine members, including at least one resident from each ward, who serve four-year terms and three alternates who serve one-year terms. Five commissioners' terms expire in May, but they may be reappointed if they don't term-limit out or resign.
Plumbing Examiners and Review Board
The Jefferson City Plumbing Examiners and Review Board analyzes license applications, reviews grievances from an applicant or holder of a plumbing permit or an owner of a structure with installed plumbing, and discusses the plumbing code yearly.
Of the five voting members, two must be plumbing contractors, two journeyman plumbers and one local water utility company representative, according to city code. They serve three-year terms and meet about five times a year.
There are currently two openings on the commission.
Police Personnel Board
The Jefferson City Police Personnel Board reviews matters regarding the Jefferson City Police Department's personnel guidelines, policies, salaries and improvements. It's composed of seven Jefferson City residents, each with three-year terms, according to city code.
None of the board members' terms expire this year.
Public Transit Advisory Committee
With seven people serving four-year terms, the Jefferson City Public Transit Advisory Committee looks at opportunities to financially support the JeffTran bus service, increase ridership and review JeffTran routes.
The committee, which meets about six times a year, serves as a "sounding board" for the council and Public Works and Planning Committee in regards to the transit system, Transit Division Director Mark Mehmert said.
While anyone can fill out a volunteer application, Mehmert said, the committee must have four members of the general public, one member of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, one member who regularly uses public transit, and one member who works at a public or private school or a nonprofit organization.
None of the committee's terms expire this year.
Stormwater Quality Advisory Committee
Currently inactive, the city's Stormwater Quality Advisory Committee met until mid-2014 and focused on studying the city's stormwater management plan and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit documents.
The committee consisted of five volunteers with three-year terms. All of the members' terms expired in April 2017.
Tax Increment Finance Commission
The Jefferson City Tax Increment Finance Commission looks at the designation or proposal of a specific redevelopment area, along with amendments to existing or proposed redevelopment areas, plans or projects, according to city code.
It consists of six city-appointees, two Cole County appointees, two appointees of the school boards whose districts are within the redevelopment area plan, and one appointee by the other affected districts to create an 11-member commission. The six city-appointed commissioners serve four-year terms, and none of their terms will expire this year.
Transportation and Traffic Commission
When residents submit requests that could impact traffic flow like changes to speed limits, addition of stop signs and parking limitations, the Jefferson City Transportation and Traffic Commission is the first to look over the request.
"The council set the commission up as a listening post, so if someone wants a stop sign in their neighborhood, it doesn't just automatically go to the council," said chairman Roger Schwartze, who has served on the commission since 2012. "It comes here first to be looked at and to think, 'Does this make sense? Is it reasonable that it's not going to interfere with the traffic flow?' Some places people want stop signs just to slow traffic down, but that's not necessarily a good use for a stop sign, so this group kind of weighs all of those things and decides whether or not to move it forward to the council."
Several commissioners have backgrounds in traffic or engineering, but Schwartze said that is not necessary - an interest in traffic and transportation is a must, though. He added commissioners should be knowledgeable of the city.
The commission includes nine members who serve three-year terms, and meetings are set monthly. Two commissioners' terms expire in June, but they may be reappointed if they do not term-limit out or resign.
University Extension Council
The University Extension Council is an outside board to which the city appoints one person who serves two-year terms. Its goal is to partner with the University of Missouri System to "provide educational opportunities and technical advice to the citizens of Cole County," according to the city's website.
The city appointee's term does not expire this year.
USS Jefferson City Submarine Committee
The USS Jefferson City Submarine Committee serves as the city's liaison to the USS Jefferson City by coordinating activities and visits with the submarine.
The committee contains nine members, one a City Council member and six residents of the Jefferson City Metropolitan Statistical Area. Members serve three years, while the designated council member is appointed yearly by the mayor, according to city code.
Two members' terms expired in April, but they could be reappointed if they don't resign.
Temporary committees
The City Council has the power to create ad hoc committees or temporary volunteer committees working toward specific goals.
Earlier this year, the council established the Jefferson City Charter Review Advisory Committee to analyze the charter and propose possible changes that, if approved by the council, would go to the November or April 2019 ballot for voter approval. If the committee reports no changes or the council gives final approval to send the recommendations to the ballot, the committee will be terminated.
In 2015, the council created the city's Ad Hoc Steering Committee on Building Construction Codes to review and recommend updates to the 2015 version of the International Building Code, a group of building codes used around the country. The committee became inactive earlier this year, said Randy Allen, committee vice chairman and Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce president.