FAIRMONT – For those looking to get involved, the city has openings for multiple advisory boards and commissions.

The Public Utilities Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and Charter Commission have spots available, with the Charter Commission having three and the others having one spot apiece. City Clerk Betsy Steuber said each board covers different responsibilities.

“Public Utilities Commission covers more of the utility-related things,” she said. “They all have different agendas and provide feedback to the council on different things, as well as approvals with recommendations to the council.”

In addition to these, the city has an Airport Advisory Board, Fairmont Economic Development Authority, Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Park Board, Planning Commission and Police Commission.

The only requirement to be on an advisory board or commission is to be a citizen of Fairmont, and a citizen can only serve on one board or commission at a time. After applying and being interviewed, screened applicants go in front of the city council for approval.

Generally, appointments are for three years, while for the Charter Commission it’s four, Economic Development is six and Housing Redevelopment Authority is five.

Steuber said there are generally openings for at least one of Fairmont’s several boards as members join and leave when they need to, but a majority of positions remain filled. She said a lot of it comes down to timing and what citizens can commit themselves to.

“Everybody is always so busy, there’s not enough time in the day,” Steuber said. “I think our biggest thing is finding and having folks become involved. I’ve been asked to be on some different things, and it gets hard trying to balance work, family and extracurricular activities. I think people want to give their all to things, and that can be hard when you’re spread so thin.”

Board and commission members would attend meetings, the schedule of which depends on which board or commission they are a part of. Steuber said having a general interest in what the board is involved in is a sign of a good fit.

“If they’re on the Park Board, having a general interest or genuine interest in what the park board’s missions and topics are,” she said. “Being passionate about Fairmont, obviously, and wanting to help serve your community and citizens.”

By being on a board or commission, Steuber said that passion can be put to good use.

“Being able to share your ideas with others that have the same passions and interests as you,” she said. “Try to become involved in their community, active and understand processes and procedures.”

For those unsure if it would be for them, Steuber said the city has multiple resources for people to get their feet wet before diving in.

“I definitely would encourage them to speak with fellow members or the staff representative that attends those meetings,” she said. “I would also recommend they come to one of the meetings to see how the meeting is structured and some of the topics they discuss, to see if that’s something of interest to them.”

Applications are accepted for all positions at all times, even if a board or commission is full. For more information, call 507-238-9461. To apply, visit fairmont.org/apply-for-advisory-board/.