Palos Park Seeks Volunteers For Boards, Commissions And Committees

PALOS PARK, IL — Want to help your community or get some experience to run for a local office? The Village of Palos Park offers numerous opportunities to serve on village boards, commissions and committees. Resident participation enhances and promotes the Palos Park’s character and core values.

Those interested in serving on one of the village boards, commissions or committees, click here to access the online application.

For questions regarding these volunteer positions, please contact the Village at 708- 671-3700 or email info@palospark.org. Interested candidates, please email your resume and a brief description of your qualifications to mayor@palospark.org.

Here’s brief description of each committee and commission, along with available openings:

Newcomers Welcoming Ad Hoc Committee

The Newcomers Welcoming Ad Hoc Committee develops various strategies to welcome newcomers into the community and help them learn all of the various amenities that make this community great. Voting members of the ad hoc committee will consist of five to seven members and may include: three representatives of the residential community of incorporated Palos Park, one to two representatives of the business community of incorporated Palos Park, a realtor whose residence is in Palos Park, a member of the community who has a business background in marketing or promotions, and a member of the community who serves on CHSD 230 school board, or Palos Dist. 118 elementary. This is a newly formed committee; all positions are vacant.

Plan Commission

There are currently two vacancies on the seven-member plan commission. Citizens serve as an advisory group to the village council on issues and policies related to planning, land use regulations and community development. Members are appointed to five-year terms by the Mayor and meet on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals holds public hearings to consider applications for rezoning, conditional use permits, requests for variation, and administrative appeals. The zoning board makes recommendations to the village council based on the outcome of the public hearing. One vacancy is open on the seven-member board. Members are appointed to five-year terms by the village council and meet as needed on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission assists the council with the preservation, protection, enhancement, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or use of historic structures, buildings, sites, and areas within the Village. The commission also educates residents on the significance of the sites and preservation. Seven members serve on the Commission for $-year terms and are appointed by the mayor. There are currently four vacancies on the commission.

Beautification Committee

Three vacancies are available on the Beautification Committee. Members make recommendations to the village council on the improvement of the appearance of public ways, waysides, and places for planting of flowers, shrubs, trees, etc. The Committee consists of nine members appointed by council to serve 3-year terms.

Library Board

The group serves as advocates for the library including establishing the mission and vision for the library and determining the policies that are implemented to govern the library. Board members are appointed to 4-year terms. The library board meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the library. There are currently no vacancies.

Palos Fine Arts Committee

The Palos Fine Arts Committee promotes and stimulates fine arts and encourages greater public awareness of and participation in fine arts including music, the visual arts, drama, literature, and dance. The committee consists of 20 members, who serve under the direction of two co-directors appointed to 4-year terms staggering every two years. The Committee meets as needed at 3 p.m. on the third Thursday. No vacancies currently exist for the position of co-director.

Palos Park Tree Body

There are three openings on the Palos Park Tree Body, which promotes the preservation and reforestation program of the village and encourages public involvement in the program. The body makes recommendations to the village council on planting, maintenance, removal, and funding for inclusion in the municipal forestry program. Members are appointed to 4-year terms and meet as needed.

Recreational Advisory Commission

The Recreational Advisory Commission makes recommendations to the village council relating to the recreational programs provided by the village. The commission is made up of seven members appointed to 3-year terms and meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. There is currently one vacancy on the commission.

Police Pension Fund Board

The Police Pension Fund Board manages, invests, and controls the police pension fund as allowed by Illinois state statutes. The board consists of five members, of these members two are elected from the police force, one is elected by the beneficiaries of the pension, and two are appointed by the mayor. One opening is available on the board.