The City of Sunbury (“City”) is seeking citizen volunteers to fill vacancies on several public boards, commissions, and authorities. Serving on a board, commission, or authority provides valuable service to the community as members are generally asked to review matters of public concern and make recommendations about how the City should proceed. Depending upon the appointment, topics will include planning, zoning, variances, personnel appeals, and administering community charges.
The City currently has vacancies for the following boards, commissions, and authorities:
Planning and Zoning Commission (2 positions). The Commission is responsible for hearing applications for land use, zoning classifications, or districts and submitting recommendations to City Council or rendering final determinations for administrative matters. The Commission may also initiate, review, and recommend legislation, rules, and regulations on all matters of municipal planning, land use, and zoning classification. The Commission generally meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. To serve, an applicant must be an elector of the city (i.e., both a resident and a registered voter). Appointments are for a three-year term.
Board of Zoning Appeals (2 positions). The Board is responsible for hearing and deciding appeals for exceptions to and variances in the application of zoning as may be required to afford justice and avoid unreasonable hardship. The Board may also make advisory recommendations to City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission concerning zoning matters. The Board generally meets on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 pm. To serve, an applicant must be an elector of the city (i.e., both a resident and a registered voter). Appointments are for a three-year term.
Personnel Board of Appeals (1 position). The Board is responsible for hearing appeals from city personnel concerning administrative determinations. The Board meets as needed to hear appeals. To serve, an applicant must be an elector of the city (i.e., both a resident and a registered voter). Appointments are for a three-year term.
Sunbury Meadows New Community Authority and Sunbury New Community Authority (6 positions). Each Authority is responsible for reviewing approved expenditures for public purposes, administering the collection of community charges, and ensuring the adequacy of revenues to cover bond payments. More specifically, the Sunbury Meadows New Community Authority collects a four-mill charge on all new homes within the Sunbury Meadows Subdivision for the benefit of the Big Walnut Local School District. The Sunbury NCA collects specified millage on new construction not to exceed 15 mills for the various public infrastructure improvements in the I-71 interchange corridor. Each Authority generally meets once a year. Council may set additional qualifications to serve on an Authority. Appointments are for a two-year term.
Application Procedures. Persons interested in serving are asked to submit a resume that highlights their skills and experiences and a cover letter that identifies the board, commission, and/or authority of interest. Applicants may be considered for more than one vacancy but are primarily limited to service on one public board. Applications will be accepted until all vacancies are filled. Council will consider initial applications received prior to December 15, 2023 for appointment at its December 20, 2023 meeting.
Applications may be delivered or mailed to the Sunbury Municipal Building at 9 E. Granville Street, POB 508, Sunbury, Ohio 43074 or submitted electronically to Amber Swain, City Council Clerk, at aswain@sunburyohio.org. Any questions regarding the duties of a board, commission, or authority member or the appointment process may be directed to Daryl Hennessy, City Administrator, at 740-965-2684, ext. 224 or dhennessy@sunburyohio.org.