WLHS: City Commission Applications Due Date - This Thurs. Dec. 12th
The world is run by those who show up
Many volunteers, property owners, and 478 voters decided to repeal the new zoning. They elected a new Mayor and City Council.
The city is run by citizens who volunteer their time on boards and commissions. Other citizens who wanted the new zoning worked hard for the Planning Commission to create the zoning according to their vision. However, they fell short because many of the people who seek to keep Harbor Springs as it is and those who voted yes on the referendum are not on the Planning Commission or other committees. Thus, they are not helping shape the City’s direction.
If we want robust and better answers in our City, you must volunteer for these committees. It is hard but necessary.
The Mayor will slate the new Boards and Commissions for a City Council Vote on Monday, Dec 16th. If you do not apply by the close of business on Thursday, December 12th, he will have to select from those who have applied.
The bulk of applications so far are from people who have been serving on boards in the past. Without your action, we will repeat the past.
More information: City Boards and Commissions
Fill out this form below and submit to the City by end of day on December 12th. If you are confused about the exact committee details, we can help answer questions after the 12th if need be.
Some details on serving…
You can apply for more than one or as many positions as like
Serving on more than one Board/Commission is possible
There are gaps in the yearly schedule…. example first part of January, April, July and September
Two absences in a row are possible
The ZBA rarely meets and as needed
Review Board mainly meets early in the year
Harbor Commission meets late Spring - Early Fall.
Zoom attendance is possible but may not always count as an attendance but none the less your voice is still heard even if you may be excluded from voting.
I've been attending by Zoom from Ohio for the past couple of years, and it's impossible to tell 1) who on council is speaking and 2) which member of the audience has been allowed to address council. To make matters worse the audio and video quality both leave a lot to be desired. With the technology available today I'd like to think that, with a little thought and effort, the city can, and should, do everything possible from their end to improve the status quo. Especially now when non full-time residents are to be allowed a voice. Thank you for your consideration.