Citizens needed for Hayden commissions

By JUDD WILSON

Staff writer

HAYDEN — Want to make Hayden a better place to live? City commissions have open seats that need filling, said city clerk Abbi Landis. Most are open to interested applicants who live outside Hayden city limits.

The city’s planning and zoning commission has one vacancy that must be filled by a city resident. Landis said five of the commission’s seven total seats must be filled by city residents, while the other two members shall be county residents who live within Hayden’s area of city impact, and who also own real property in the city. All seven commission members must have resided within Kootenai County consecutively for the past two years. The commission is best known for its role in making recommendations to the City Council on ordinances related to land use, and on long-range community development issues, Landis said. She added that the planning and zoning commission needs creative, community-minded people committed to its vision and mission, and willing to work on projects between meetings.

Two vacancies exist on the city’s parks, recreation, and community forestry commission. They don’t have to be city residents, Landis said. Commission members “participate in surveying, assessing, and making recommendations regarding the use of parks, and recreation needs, and recreation program operations within the city.” The body needs team players with a “willingness to spearhead and complete projects.” Some of the commission’s projects include the Pawfoot dog park, Arbor Day celebrations, and new playground equipment including an ADA-compliant swing set at Stoddard Park to be installed this summer.

The city’s historic preservation commission has no residency requirement and awaits four motivated volunteers, Landis said. Members of this commission make recommendations regarding the restoration, preservation, operation and acquisition of local historical properties. The commission also conducts educational and interpretive programs on historic preservation and historic properties such as storytelling nights and a yet-unpublished book on local history, Landis said.

Artistic members of the community are invited to join the arts commission, which needs four more members and has no residency requirement. The bike rack at Hayden City Hall, banners along Government Way, and art events such as community rock painting are some of the commission’s accomplishments, Landis said. Members will work on “developing, coordinating, and promoting the performing and visual arts for the enjoyment, cultural enrichment and benefit of Hayden’s citizens,” she explained.

The veterans commission needs three volunteers, and they don’t have to be city residents or veterans, Landis said. The city’s annual ceremonies on Memorial Day, Patriot Day, and Veterans Day exist courtesy of the veterans commission, as does the PFC Robert J. Gordon Veterans Memorial Plaza and the city’s commemorative brick program.

Landis said, “City Council really appreciates these commissions.” They do a lot of the background work needed for City Council members to make decisions, she noted. Those interested in volunteering on one of Hayden’s citizen commissions should fill out the Volunteer Interest Form available online at bit.ly/HaydenVols and at City Hall located at 8930 N. Government Way in Hayden. Completed forms can be delivered to Landis via email at clerk@cityofhaydenid.us, fax at 208-772-6522, or in person at City Hall.