Recruits sought for panel in Glen
Carbon
Village Board seeks residents' advice
News-Democrat December 28, 2005
GLEN CARBON - Residents are encouraged to try their hands at village government by volunteering to serve on the village's Residents' Advisory Board.
While campaigning for last April's election, Mayor Rob Jackstadt and three trustee nominees talked about the creation of a board of residents to keep village officials aware of issues in the community.
"We will get a feeling of the people," said Trustee Larry Kacer, who was also elected in April with Jackstadt and Trustees Hugh Paterson Jr. and Bob Buehler.
"We're supposed to work for the people and listen to the people. I think that's why we got elected, because people think we are going to listen them."
The Village Board is expected to vote on the establishment of the board in January.
According to Jackstadt's proposal, the board will meet at least four times a year. If more meetings are necessary, that will be up to the board's discretion. All meetings will be open to the public.
"Give them the freedom to meet as often as their members want and as they think is appropriate," Jackstadt said. "We say a minimum four times a year. It really is intended to be as open as it sounds."
Duties of the board members will be:
• To review issues assigned to it by the village board and the mayor and other issues deemed appropriate for consideration.
• To make independent, objective advisory recommendations to the village board and mayor on issues that impact residents and businesses in Glen Carbon.
• To schedule forums on topics of interest to the residents and businesses in Glen Carbon.
The board will have seven members, five of whom will be from five different geographic areas in the village. Members must be 21 and will serve voluntarily.
"It's a unique way of getting more community involvement," village attorney Terry Bruckert said.