Volunteer Opportunities
Ebensburg Borough is seeking volunteers to serve on the Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission, the Ebensburg Recreation Board and the Ebensburg Municipal Authority.
The Planning Commission writes and maintains the Borough’s comprehensive plan and prepares and manages the zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance and land development ordinance. The Commission reviews and forwards to Council for final approval all applications for subdivision and land development. The Commission meets on the 1st Thursday of the month at 6:30, as needed. There are usually 6-7 brief meetings during the year.
The Recreation Board is a seven-member advisory board that coordinates all recreation related programs within the borough. It oversees programming at the YPCC and provides recommendations for improvements at all parks, playgrounds and recreation facilities. The Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:30.
The Municipal Authority is a 5-member government agency, appointed by Borough Council, that owns all water, wastewater and stormwater facilities. They are responsible for capital projects incurring debt and setting rates. The Authority meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at 4:00.
Interested individuals should complete the statement of interest form linked below:
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.