FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 20, 2011

The Collier County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications for positions on several advisory committees.

The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee currently has 1 vacancy for a term to expire on October 1, 2013 and is seeking a member as an alternate. This member must be a resident of Immokalee. This is a 11 member committee created by Ordinance 91 65 as amended to monitor the implementation of the Affordable Housing Task Force's recommendations, and the goals, objectives, and policies of the Housing Elements of the County's Growth Management Plan and the City's Comprehensive Plan; investigate the feasibility of tax increment financing for infrastructure for site development of affordable housing for low income households; develop means or mechanisms to encourage a voluntary program in which Realtors, and other holding deposits such as escrow accounts of earnest money deposits or security for rentals would deposit these in a selected bank where such bank would contribute to the Housing Trust Fund a gift calculated on the average collected balance for the month; investigate a plan for any linkage and inclusionary zoning recommendations; review and determine the effect of proposed ordinances of affordable housing and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and the Naples City Council; and investigate any other relevant areas so directed by the Board of County Commissioners. The Board of County Commissioners will appoint 9 members, including the alternate member, and one of those must be a resident of Immokalee. The City of Naples will appoint 2 members. The committee shall be comprised of members from the county-at-large, the City of Naples-at-large, and shall be comprised as follows: resides within jurisdiction of the local governing body making the appointments, residential home building industry, Real Estate, employer within jurisdiction, advocate for low income persons, banking and mortgage, essential services personnel, labor actively engaged in home building, Collier County Planning Commission, not-for-profit Affordable Housing, for-profit provider of affordable housing and an alternate. Terms are 3 years.

The Animal Services Advisory Board has 1 vacancy for a term to expire on April 13, 2015 in the category Animal Activist Group. This 7-member board was created on January 27, 2004 by Ordinance No. 2004-06 to make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on programs, services, classes and special events that will further assist Collier County Domestic Animal Services in providing the best possible service to the community. They will also analyze and review construction and improvements to Domestic animal Services facilities and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding such facilities. After initial appointments, terms will be 4 years. Membership shall represent the following categories: 1 - Humane Society of Collier County, 1 – County Law Enforcement, 1 - Veterinarian or Vet Tech, 1 - Animal Activist Group, 1 – Citizen in the Pet Retail, Boarding or Grooming Industry,
2 – Citizens at Large.

The Black Affairs Advisory Board has 4 vacancies for terms to expire on June 25, 2014. This 9 member board identifies and evaluates concerns unique to the Black community. The board reviews and recommends ways to ensure open communication between minorities and Collier County Government to help promote and foster better understanding by Collier County Government of the challenges facing the minority community. The board provides periodic reports to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners for review, and may have joint meetings with the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, to evaluate common issues that affect both the Hispanic and Black communities. The board meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Board of County Commissioners board room, Collier County Government Center, 3299 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, 34112.

The Collier County Code Enforcement Board has 1 vacancy with a term expiring on February 14, 2011 for an alternate member. This 7 member board, plus 2 alternate members, is composed of, but not limited to, individuals representing the occupations of architect, businessman, engineer, general contractor, subcontractor and Realtor and are considered, in part, on the basis of experience or interest in the areas of the codes and ordinances to be enforced. Members are required to file a Form 1 Statement of Financial Interest each year with the Supervisor of Elections. Terms are 3 years.

The County Government Productivity Committee has 1 vacancy for a term to expire on February 4, 2013. This committee is composed of 11 members, with the vice chair of the Board of County Commissioners serving in a liaison capacity. The members are appointed by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners for a two-year term and must be permanent residents and electors of Collier County. Committee members are required to possess special expertise and experience related to managing large organizations, and must be balanced in representing the views of the community. The committee reviews the efficiency of departments of County Government under the jurisdiction of the Board of County Commissioners. The committee may analyze and review existing structure, organization, staffing, management, functions, business practices, and procedures of any or all parts of county government and make recommendations for increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The committee may also assist in the implementation of those recommendations.

The Forest Lakes Roadway and Drainage Advisory Committee has 2 vacancies for terms to expire on April 21, 2015. This 5 member committee was created on March 10, 1992 by Ord. 92-16 to aid and assist the Board of County Commissioners in carrying out the purposes of providing and maintaining improved roadway related drainage and roadway restoration within the area of the Unit as set forth in Ord. 91-107. They also prepare and recommend an itemized budget, work programs and priorities. Members must reside within the Forest Lakes Roadway and Drainage MSTU.

The Immokalee Enterprise Zone Development Agency has 7 vacancies for terms to expire April 4, 2015. This 13 member committee was created on March 28, 1995, by Ordinance 95-22 to induce private investment into distressed areas to create economic opportunities and sustainable economic development for designated areas. To permit Collier County to participate in this program, the Board of County Commissioners nominated the Immokalee Community to be considered by the Florida Department of Commerce for Enterprise Zone designation in Resolution No. 95-248, approved March 28, 1995. As part of the formal application for an Enterprise Zone, the State required that a committee consisting of a broad base of citizens be established. The committee has representation from the Immokalee Chamber of Commerce, financial or insurance entities, businesses operating within the nominated area, residents living within the nominated area, nonprofit community-based organizations operating within the nominated area, local Workforce Development Board, local code enforcement agency, and local law enforcement agency. This committee also serves as the Immokalee Redevelopment Board.

The Ochopee Fire Control District Advisory Committee has 2 vacancies 1 for a term to expire on December 31, 2012, representing the Copeland area and 1 for a term representing Plantation Island to expire on December 31, 2011. This 5 member committee advises the Board on the budget and operation of the Ochopee Fire Control District. Members must reside within the taxing district. Terms are 2 years.

The Radio Road Beautification MSTU Advisory Committee has 1 vacancy for a term to expire on March 3, 2013. This 5-member committee was established on October 21, 1997 to aid and assist the Board of County Commissioners in carrying out the purposes of providing curbing, watering facilities, plantings and maintenance of the median areas as set forth in Ordinance No. 96-84. This 5 member committee shall recommend work programs and priorities to the County Administrator or his designee. Members shall be permanent residents within the MSTU. After initial staggered terms, terms will be 4 years.

The Tourist Development Council has 1 vacancy for a term to expire on April 21, 2015, in the category owner/ operator. This 9 member council was established by Ordinance No. 92 18 as an advisory committee to make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding a proposed plan of uses for tourist development tax revenues, for the effective operation of the special projects or uses of the tourist development tax revenues, and to review all expenditures of revenues from the tourist development trust fund. This council consists of the Chairman or designated representative of the Board of County Commissioners, 3 elected municipal officials, 3 owners or operators of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations in the county and subject to the tourist tax, 2 individuals involved in the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development, but who are not owners or operators of motels, hotels or other tourist accommodations. The council shall meet at least once each quarter.

The Collier County Industrial Development Authority has 1 vacancy for a term to expire on April 13, 2015. This 5-member authority was established by the Board of County Commissioners on February 27, 1979 by Resolution No. 79-34 pursuant to State Statues 159, Part III. This authority has the power to issue Industrial Development Bonds to qualifying projects. Money generated from the bonds would be used to construct industrial plants, equipment and other facilities which would be leased or sold to private industry. The Authority meets several times a year at irregular intervals. Terms for are 4 years.
 

How to apply for an advisory committee on-line:
Go to www.colliergov.net
Across the top of the screen you will see tabs:
Click on “I want to”
Click on “apply for”
Click on “advisory boards & committees”
After you complete the application, at the bottom,
Click on “E-mail Ian Mitchell”
You will receive a confirmation that your application was sent. Note: You must put your e-mail address in the application to receive a copy of your application.

Residents interested in applying for advisory committee positions can also obtain an application by calling 252-8097 or from www.colliergov.net. Please forward to the attention of Ian Mitchell, Executive Manager, Board of County Commissioners, 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 303, Naples, Florida 34112-5746, and FAX to 252-6406. The deadline for acceptance of applications is February 10, 2011.