THE CITY OF OLIVETTE - GOVERNMENT
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
The City Council appoints citizens to various boards, committees and commissions of the City. These entities take part in the development of programs relating to community affairs, human relations, environment, housing, insurance and pensions, parks, planning and community design, and zoning appeals.
Missouri State law requires each city to have certain boards, such as the Planning and Community Design Commission. Other boards, not required by State law, are established by ordinance. Members are appointed by the Council. They serve without compensation. Advisory boards can take no final action; independent boards act independently of the Council.
More than 70 citizens serve on the various boards, commissions, and committees of the City. Members of these groups are citizens of the City of Olivette who volunteer their time toward the betterment of the City.
Joining a board or commission is a wonderful way to get involved and ensure that the City of Olivette continues to grow and thrive. Openings are available on many of the boards and commissions. If you are interested in joining a board or commission, please contact the City Manager at 314-993-0444.
Community and Cultural Events Commission
The Community and Cultural Events Commission’s mission is to bring community event opportunities to residents of the City of Olivette. In addition, this commission works toward the development and enhancement of artistic and cultural opportunities available to the residents of the City of Olivette. By collaborating with volunteers, City departments and the City Council, this commission works to promote a sense of community togetherness through community activities.
Meeting Times/Dates: This Commission typically meets on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Community Center
Economic Development Commission
The Economic Development Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the City Council and staff regarding policies, regulations, marketing, development strategies and activities to retain and enhance the economic base of the City of Olivette. Working within the clearly-defined goals and objections of the City during a five year period, this commission also makes recommendations in pursuing the City’s Strategic Plan.
Meeting Times/Dates: This Commission meets on an “as needed” basis.
Pension Board of Trustees/Insurance Advisory Board
The Pension Board of Trustees/Insurance Advisory Board is charged with researching and recommending initiatives as related to insurance coverage for all City of Olivette departments, facilities and services. In addition, this Board is responsible for considering, determining, and recommending issues relating to the benefits, content, funding, administration and implementation of the City’s Salaried Employees’ Retirement Plan.
Meeting Times/Dates: This Commission meets on an “as needed” basis.
Parks & Beautification Commission
The City of Olivette’s Parks and Beautification Commission is responsible for the outdoor aesthetics of the City of Olivette, including those issues that relate to the beauty, health, welfare and safety of the City. Currently the Parks and Beautification Commission is leading initiatives on the eradication of evasive plants, park improvements and tree ordinances. In addition, the Parks and Beautification Commission also makes recommendations to the City Manager and City Council with regards to parks, gardens, public green spaces, playgrounds and outdoor recreational areas.
Meeting Times/Dates: This Commission typically meets on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Olivette Community Center.
Olivette Housing/Land Clearance Authority
The Olivette Housing Authority has the responsibility to oversee HUD apartments/homes within the City of Olivette. This Board works closely with the St. Louis County Housing Authority regarding these issues.
Meeting Times/Dates: This Commission meets on an “as needed” basis.
Zoning Board of Adjustment
The function of the Board of Adjustment is to hear appeals regarding administrative decisions made by the Planning and Zoning Administrator and/or Zoning Officer. In addition, the Board has the authority to grant exceptions, or variances, to the zoning ordinance.
Meeting Times/Dates: This Commission meets on an “as needed” basis; however, the Board typically meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of Olivette City Hall, when needed.
Personnel Appeals Board
The City of Olivette Personnel Appeals Board serves as an appeal body making final decisions regarding appeals of City of Olivette employees. Any city employee, who has been disciplined through the appropriate channels, has a right to appeal to this board. At the end of the proceedings, the Personnel Appeals Board then submits a written statement of its findings and its decision to the City Manager.
Meeting Times/Dates: This Commission meets on an “as needed” basis.
Planning and Community Design Commission
The City of Olivette Planning and Community Design Commission is prescribed under Missouri law and performs duties as outlined in various City of Olivette ordinances, regulations and codes. The Planning and Community Design Commission makes recommendations on decisions affecting various planning and zoning matters throughout the City. In addition, the commission has the power to recommend additional studies or research to the City Council.
Meeting Times/Dates: This Commission typically meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Olivette City Hall.
Schedule the Meeting
Meetings should be scheduled to avoid conflicts with other City meetings and to assure maximum attendance. The clerk at City Hall maintains a calendar of all City meetings. Remember that some staff members have responsibility for more than one committee.
The agenda should be developed jointly by the staff and the chairperson of the commission, taking into account suggestions of other committee members. This should be done as far in advance as possible.
Notice of the meeting should be sent out well in advance - at least one week prior to meeting. A copy of the agenda and any materials that are to be discussed should be sent with the notice so that each member can give prior thought to specific items.
On the day before or on the day of the meeting, staff should see that each member is reminded about the meeting and that an attendance list is prepared for the chairperson.
The staff member responsible for the commission should review the agenda with the chairperson before the meeting.
The chairperson should begin and end the meeting on time. If there is a long agenda and it is expected that the meeting will extend beyond the usual time, commission members should be notified in advance.
The chairperson should encourage all members to participate. Each member should have the opportunity to express his or her point of view. The climate should be such that each will feel free to speak but will also be obligated to listen to others. Each member should be willing to modify his or her position as new ideas are presented by other members. When the issues are discussed and alternative solutions are considered then a consensus (or near consensus) may be reached.
The chairperson must be prepared to make the procedural rules known at the outset of the meeting. The chairperson must also enforce the rules in as unbiased a manner as possible. Guidelines include: explaining the purpose of public participation, explaining what type of action can be taken at the meeting, requiring all members of the public who wish to speak to identify himself or herself, addressing members of the public by name, and setting a time limit for each speaker and sticking to it.
After consensus has been reached or a vote taken, the chairperson should summarize the recommendations. These recommendations should be reduced to writing and sent to the Council for action or to the staff for implementation. Minutes should reflect who attended the meeting, what topics were discussed and what decisions were made.
From time to time it is a good idea to review what the committee has been doing, evaluate the methods that have been used, and make changes in the types of meetings that have been held. The committee may want to sponsor larger meetings, sponsor workshops or special problems, or hold a meeting with state legislators or other groups.