View Statement of Interest Here

Ebensburg Borough Policy for Boards and Commissions

The Borough of Ebensburg has established a policy governing the appointment, reappointment, and operation of its various boards and commissions. This document outlines the requirements for individuals wishing to serve on these bodies.

Appointments and Eligibility

• Residency Requirement: Interested parties must be residents of Ebensburg Borough, as required by the PA Municipalities Planning Code Act of 1968.
• Application Process: Candidates must complete the "Borough of Ebensburg Appointed Boards/Commissions Statement of Interest" and return it to the Borough Manager.
• Policy Acknowledgment: Applicants must acknowledge that they have reviewed the attached policy governing these boards.

Reappointments

• Timeline: By October 30 each year, members with expiring terms are asked to confirm their interest in continuing.
• Process: Reappointments are not automatic. Borough Council reviews all applications and the intent of current members before making appointments.
• Goal: The Council aims to appoint or reappoint individuals who best complement the board or commission.

Board Openings and Resignations

• Resignation Procedure: Members intending to resign must send a letter to the Council President, who forwards it to the Borough Manager for acceptance by Council.
• Filling Vacancies: The Borough will advertise the opening in local media and seek recommendations from the board chair. Council reviews applications and recommendations before making a new appointment.

Attendance Policy

• Expectations: Members are expected to attend meetings regularly and must inform the Chair if they cannot attend.
• Reporting: By September 30th annually, the chair or secretary must submit attendance records (covering the previous September through August) to the Borough Manager.
• Consequences: Attendance records are used by Council when considering reappointments.

Orientation

• New Members: Staff will provide an orientation for new members covering enabling legislation, historical perspectives, by-laws, and traditional practices.

Statement of Interest Form

The "Statement of Interest" form is the official application for board and commission positions. It requires the following information:

• Personal Details: Name, address, phone numbers, email, occupation, and employment information.
• Residency Confirmation: Applicants must indicate if they are a Borough resident.
• Qualifications: A section to list qualifications, including past participation in civic organizations and relevant expertise.
• Motivation: A section to describe reasons for seeking appointment, such as areas of interest and goals.
• Board Preferences: Applicants can list up to eight boards/commissions in order of preference. The available options include:
  • Planning Commission
  • Police Civil Service Commission
  • Vacancy Board
  • Zoning Board Alternate
  • Code Enforcement Board of Appeals
  • Recreation Board (Note: Non-borough residents may apply)
  • Zoning Hearing Board
  • Municipal Authority (Note: Non-borough residents may apply)
  • Other

Submission: Completed forms should be returned to the Borough Manager at 300 W. High Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931. Applications are held on file for two years.