Boards, Commissions and Committees
Boards, commissions, and committees function as an important part of Iola City Government. Boards play a variety of roles including providing expertise, leadership, advice, and helping to set regulations. Term limits, frequency of meetings, and committee size vary according to the board. Many of the boards require specific criterion to be a board candidate; however, if a citizen is interested in becoming part of a board they can watch the home page of this web site or the Iola Register for board position advertisements, which run for six days. Pick up an application from the City Administrator's office or download a Board Application as a PDF file. Completed applications should be submitted to theHuman Resource Manager. Applications are taken to the City Council for review and appointment.
Board Goals:
The Convention and Tourism Committee consists of at least five but no more than nine members with members representing the City Council or city staff, a representative of the Chamber of Commerce, a representative of the hotel and motel industry and two citizens-at-large. Two members may reside outside the City of Iola. All other members shall be residents of the City. The Committee is appointed by the Mayor with approval of the Council. Money is received quarterly from the State of Kansas based upon the gross rental receipts collected by the motel business. Applications are made available to those desiring to be considered a worthy recipient of the funds. The Committee meets with a representative from each request. They select projects they feel are worthy of the funds. The recommendations of the committee are presented to the Governing Body for approval.
Term:
Two Years
Meeting Dates:
As needed
Staff:
Appointed by Mayor/Commissioner. Takes minutes and assists - Able to vote
Board Goals:
The Electrical Board makes recommendations to the City Council regarding action on electrical practices, code adoption, licensing, fees, and other related electrical concerns. The Board consists of one Iola licensed master electrician, one Iola licensed journeyman electrician, City of Iola's Code Enforcement Officer; Electrical Distribution Superintendent, and two citizens-at-large from within the City limits of Iola. In the event an Iola licensed journeyman is not available, an Iola licensed master shall be appointed to the additional position.
Term:
One Year
Meeting Dates:
As needed
Staff:
City Code Enforcement Officer (Take minutes and assists)
Electrical Distribution Superintendent (Assists)
Board Goals:
The Housing Advisory and Appeals Board was created to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official (Code Enforcement Officer) relative to the applications and interpretation of the City's adopted building codes. The Board shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training to pass judgment upon matters pertaining to building construction, and who are not employees of the City. The Board is appointed by the Mayor with consent of the City Council, and shall hold office at its pleasure. The Board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the building official.
Term:
Three Years
Meeting Dates:
As needed
Staff:
City Code Enforcement Officer (Take minutes and assists)
Board Goals:
The Mayor, with approval of the Board of Commissioners, shall appoint five members to the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Iola. The City Administrator will serve as a non-voting, ex-officio member of the board. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for setting policy, investment of funds, and overall supervision of the Executive Director's management of the properties of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which includes the Townhouse and various scattered duplex sites; and the property of Rural Development, known as Townhouse East, in accordance with regulations as established by local, state, and federal governments.
Term:
Four Years
Meeting Dates:
Second Wednesday of each month at 11 am. Place: Townhouse, 217 N. Washington
Staff:
Board appointed Director and Administrative Assistant
City ex officio position-City Administrator or Proxy
Board Goals:
The Mayor with approval of the Board of Commissioners shall appoint seven members to the board of directors of the Iola Library. The Mayor shall serve as an ex-officio member of the board, with the same powers as appointed members. The board of directors shall make such regulations regarding the library, the use thereof, the use and return of books and other property belonging to the library, or in the charge of, or in the custody of the library, and the conduct of persons therein, and all such rules and regulations shall be obeyed by those using or being in or about the library.
Term:
Four year term (Two term limit)
Meeting Dates:
First Thursday of each month at 5 pm
Staff:
Board appointed Director
City ex officio position-Mayor or City Administrator
Board Goals:
The Planning Commission shall consists of seven members, of which five shall be residents of the City and two shall reside outside the City but within three miles of the corporate limits. Members of the Planning Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Commissioners. The Planning Commission shall hear zoning matters, sub-division regulations, plan for the future growth of our community, and work with the comprehensive plan. They are a recommending board to the City Council.
Term:
Three Years
Meeting Dates:
Third wednesday of each month at 6 pm in the Allen Community College Board Room
Staff:
City Code Enforcement Officer
Board Goals:
The Plumbing Board makes recommendations to the City Council for its action regarding plumbing practices, code adoption, licensing, fees, and other related plumbing concerns. The Board consists of one licensed master plumber, one Iola licensed journeyman plumber, City of Iola's Code Enforcement Officer; Gas, Water and Sewer Superintendent, or in their absence the City Administrator, and two citizens-at-large from the City. In the event an Iola licensed journeyman is not available for appointment, an additional Iola licensing master plumber shall be appointed to the position.
Term:
One Year
Meeting Dates:
Third Thursday of each month at 7 pm
Staff:
City Code Enforcement Officer (Takes minutes and assists)
Board Goals:
Iola Pride Committee encourages all communities, regardless of size, to initiate and carry out a program of total community development.
Meeting Dates:
Fourth Monday 7:00 pm at City Hall, Commission Chambers
Board Goals:
The Recreation Advisory Committee is designed as counsel and have no authority over decisions, policy, or actions that are taken by the recreation department. These advisors are to serve merely as an extension of the Recreation Coordinators eyes and ears to have a broader reach in serving the recreational needs of the city. Such advisors are appointed by the Mayor, with consent of the City Council. The Recreation Advisory Committee shall be limited to nine Iola residents and/or school representatives, and no person holding any official position in the City government shall be appointed while holding such office. Meetings will be called by the Recreation Coordinator as needed.
Term:
One Year
Meeting Dates:
As needed
Board Goals:
The Board of Commissioners believes that: 1. A healthy and appealing community is one which maintains and manages its natural resources; 2. Trees, bushes, and other flora are deemed to add substantially to the quality of life and attractiveness of a community, and the well being of its citizens, 3. Development of a City Board which specifically focuses attention on adding, replacing, and managing such flora is in the public's best interest; and 4. Helping to instill a sense of pride and motivating other citizens and groups to maintain their property.
Term:
Three Years
Meeting Dates:
As needed
Staff:
Parks Superintendent
Board Goals:
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) consists of five members, all of whom shall be taxpayers and residents of the City, to be appointed by the Iola City Council. Duties of the BZA include (1) hearing and deciding appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the Building Official, (2) authorizing in specific cases a variance from the specific terms of these regulations which will not be of these regulations will, in an individual case, result in unnecessary hardship, provided the spirit of these regulations is observed, and (3) granting a special permit as an exception to the provisions of the zoning regulations.
Term:
Three Years
Meeting Dates:
At such time and place as may be fixed by said Board, and special meetings may be called by the chairman
Staff:
City Code Enforcement Officer (Takes minutes and assists)