A Slow Summer Week in Your Government
Our local elected and appointed public policy boards tend to take the month of August as a respite from the demands of office. The Davis City Council is required to meet at least once a month, so this morning they met for a very quick “consent calendar” meeting before taking the month off. Their next meeting will be September 7th. So, if you’re hankering for a public meeting this week, I’m sorry to say that I don’t have much to offer you.
May I suggest an alternative way to spend your time? How about giving some serious consideration to joining the ranks of public servants? The City of Davis is currently accepting applications for appointments to many of our City Commissions that advise the City Council on various public policy subjects. Having served as a member of two commissions, I can tell you first hand that this service can be very rewarding. Most of the commitments are four years and you should be willing to dedicate at least one night a month and some “homework” time for each meeting.
Check out several previous posts on our form of city government, an overview of commissions and a thought piece on the creation of a new commission.
So, take a few days to mull it over, think about balancing your current commitments and talk with your friends and family about serving our community. And remember, democracy doesn’t just happen, we have to work for it. Ready to take the plunge? Click HERE for the application form.
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
6:30 pm – COUNTY – Board of Supervisors – CommuniCare Health Center annual contract renewals; Use Permit for new radio tower at County Landfill; Judicial benefits
Thursday, 5 August 2010
6:00 pm – CITY – Joint Bicycle Advisory and Safety & Parking Commissions Meeting (pdf Agenda) – 5th Street redesign evaluation measures
Well, maybe most of the rest of government is taking the month off from public meetings, but you forgot to mention that today principals and administrators come back to the various school sites to gear up for the start of school at the end of the month.
And in the spirit of preparation and planning, the Davis Joint Unified School District School Board is scheduled to meet this Thursday, Aug. 5, in the City Council Chambers for public meeting starting at 7 p.m. No agenda is yet posted.
Nevermind. I just found out that the Aug. 5 meeting was cancelled, as well as the Aug. 19 meeting. Instead there will be a meeting on Aug. 26.
In addition to the August 26 Board of Education meeting, held at the regularly scheduled time ( 7 pm), there will be a brief meeting on Tuesday, August 10 at 8 am in order to approve hirings for the new school year.