INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY SERVICE

Citizen participation in local government is the foundation of the American democratic system. Few other major countries in the world encourage residents to contribute their time and good sense to shaping the policies of local government.

Thanks to the farsighted men and women who first settled our country, the concepts that society's goals are best set by public discussion and that government should be open and accountable to the public in every step of the planning process prevail throughout this country.

Participation is an ongoing process. Citizen advisory Boards, Committees, and Commissions are critically important in maintaining communication with divergent groups, in maintaining local standards, and preserving the intrinsic character of Geneva.

Pressing issues provide continued challenges to those participating in the system of governance. Some of those issues include: the preservation of our historic structures; enrichment of the educational, cultural and recreational environment; improvement of transportation systems; and the protection and improvement of residential neighborhoods and commercial areas.

The Geneva Municipal Code empowers the City Council to form Boards, Committees,  and Commissions to assist the City Council in legislating and managing the affairs of the City. Currently there are ten (10) permanently appointed Boards, Committees, and Commissions (Plan Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Strategic Plan Advisory Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Commercial Sign Committee, Fire and Police Commission, Mental Health Board, Cultural Arts Commission, Economic Development Commission, and Public Building Commission).  In addition, and from time to time, temporary citizen advisory (ad hoc) Boards, Committees, Commissions, or Task Forces are appointed to meet a specific topic and need. Their varied roles provide significant opportunities for formulating City policy and for creating public forums for meaningful community participation.

This section of the City's website is designed to acquaint residents of Geneva with the various Boards, Committees, and Commissions and the way to assist in shaping the future of Geneva.  Board, Committee, and Commission members are a critical part of our local government.

HOW ARE BOARD, COMMITTEE, OR COMMISSION MEMBERS CHOSEN

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

All recruitment for Board, Committee, and Commission members is open and published in the local press and on this website. The City accepts applications from interested persons throughout the year. An application specific to the Economic Development Commission is found here.

Applicants will be sought from all segments of the community, representing various interests and groups.

Appointment is made by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the City Council. Each application is carefully reviewed by the Mayor.  The Mayor presents his recommendation(s) to the City Council. Applicants are formally appointed at a City Council meeting by the Mayor.  

Incumbents are considered for reappointment at the conclusion of their terms.

Terms vary for each different Board, Committee, or Commission and are typically staggered.  

HOW DO I GET AN APPLICATION?

Applications may be obtained from at City Hall, (630) 232-7494, or by clicking on the "Application for Appointment" button at the top of this screen. Information on vacancies and/or specific recruitment periods may also be obtained by calling City Hall, (630) 232-7494, or by clicking on the "Current Vacancies" button at the top of this screen.  An official application form must be completed for each position. Additionally, applicants may include a resume with their completed application form.  Completed application forms and resumes may be submitted to the Mayor, Geneva City Hall, 22 South First Street, Geneva, IL  60134, or electronically by clicking on the "Send a Message" button at the top of the page and attaching the completed form and resume.

ARE THERE ANY TIPS TO IMPROVE MY CHANCES OF BEING APPOINTED?

Fill out a separate form for each Board, Committee, or Commission in which you are interested. It is to your advantage to tailor each application to the specific Board, Committee, or Commission for which you are applying. Emphasize different aspects of your background to match those needed for a particular Board, Committee, or Commission.

Emphasize your talents. Clearly indicate how your particular talents, skills, training, or experience will benefit the Board, Committee, or Commission for which you wish to be considered. This is your opportunity to "toot your own horn".

Become familiar with the appropriate Board, Committee, or Commission. Attend meetings, talk with Board, Committee, or Commission members, or read documents they have developed to acquaint yourself with their work. Talk with the City Staff liaison to the specific Board, Committee, or Commission in which you are interested.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SERVICE

Board, Committee, and Commission members may be required to wear "different hats" at different times. The ability to suitably perform the varied roles requires specialized skills and knowledge. Qualification for service can be divided into four general areas:

1. LONG-RANGE INTEREST IN THE COMMUNITY

The ability to conceive, and be concerned with, the impact of current decisions on future citizens is paramount. Board, Committee, and Commission members may be required to analyze issues, to listen to public comment through formal hearings or informal discussion, to interpret and apply mandates of the adopted public policies of the City, and to analyze all the pertinent data before arriving at objective decisions which will be in the best interests of the community as a whole.

2. FAIRNESS, COMMON SENSE, HONESTY AND GOOD CHARACTER

Keeping the public interest in mind, a Board, Committee, or Commission member will be called upon to use everyday good sense in balancing the need of public and private groups. Controversial issues do arise, and the ability to make decisions based on merit rather than personalities is a must. Other traits such as imagination and flexibility are strongly recommended for all appointed members. Board, Committee, or Commission members are residents of the community and because of their interest in civic events often attend public meetings; Board, Committee, or Commission members should be careful to identify when personal opinion is being stated rather than an official City position.

3. KNOWLEDGE OF THE COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE, PROCESS, OBJECTIVES, AND LAWS

A familiararity with economic systems, the general operation of government, the City's comprehensive land use plan, the City's Municipal Code, and a basic understanding of the legal process is helpful in assisting appointed members in their duties. This knowledge will be of tremendous value if and when Board, Committee, and Commission members are required to conduct public hearings, analyze and receive testimony and make meaningful decisions. City staff is available to assist regarding the legal and public policy elements of serving as an appointed official.

4. TIME TO SERVE IN APPOINTED CAPACITY

The amount of time that a Board, Committee, or Commission member devotes to his/her duties varies with each Board, Committee, or Commission.  Before making a personal commitment, a prospective applicant should honestly evaluate whether he/she has adequate free time to attend the meetings, to review and be familiar with meeting materials, and to communicate with the public, other Board, Committee, or Commission members, as well as City Staff.

STATEMENTS OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS

Members of the Plan Commission, Historic Preservation, and Zoning Board and other appointed positions are required to file Statements of Economic Interest within the County. All Board, Committee and Commission members are required to refrain from participation in matters where they have the potential for conflict of interest. (See below for the City's policy on Conflict of Interest)   

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Geneva is a community where trust and confidence in our City government is of paramount importance. This need to maintain community trust is vital to the City's operations. Generally stated, any elected or appointed official has a conflict of interest if he or she has a financial interest in a project before the City and/or when compensation is received from anyone seeking approvals from the City. There are some exceptions but, generally, elected or appointed officials are prohibited from voting on projects where a conflict exists. Even if a legal conflict does not exist, it may be inappropriate to participate in a decision for personal reasons to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

As an example, there could be a conflict if your friend or neighbor has a matter before your Board, Committee or Commission and you voice an opinion or vote in your "City" capacity in favor of your friend or neighbor because s/he is your friend.  While the case may not be defined as a conflict, it could be perceived as a conflict, which reflects poorly on the City government as a whole.

It is the policy of the City, that all elected and appointed officials conduct themselves in a manner that does not raise a reasonable perception or belief that there is a conflict of interest or an abuse of your position. Please be aware that the City believes that avoiding the appearance of conflict is extremely important.

If you refrain from voting on an issue, you are not precluded from speaking as an individual. Your presentation, however, should be made from the floor, at the microphone with the rest of the public. You should state for the record that you are speaking as an individual.  This provides any appointed Board, Committee, or Commission member the opportunity to present his/her views as an individual on any matter before any City body.

The conflict of interest policy is simple. The City believes that if in your business you intend to represent clients or friends before city bodies (whether paid or not), you should not at the same time serve on a city Board, Committee, or Commission. This policy provides the public the assurance of fairness and integrity in the public decision making process.

FURTHER QUESTIONS?

You may contact the City Administrator to assist you in this process. You may call (630) 232-7494 or use the "Send A Message" button at the top of this screen.

VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK

You may contact City Hall at (630) 232-7494 to have a City of Geneva Volunteer Handbook mailed or sent via email to you, or you may stop by City Hall at 22 South First Street, Geneva, IL to pick one up. A digital copy can also be found by clicking here. The Handbook lists the appointed Boards, Committees, Commissions, and volunteer opportunities available through the City of Geneva and gives an overview of their respective responsibilities.

Thank you for your interest in serving the City of Geneva.
Your time is valuable.  
Your time invested in the governance of the City is invaluable.