Appointed boards in municipalities across Michigan have various responsibilities and play a crucial role in the functioning of local government. Members of these boards are appointed by the City Commission and work in an advisory capacity to provide information about special topics to the City Commission. 

Some appointed boards serve entirely within the City of Fennville. Other boards serve the needs of several communities, and the City of Fennville only appoints one or more board members, rather than the entire board. This is the case with the Fire Board, Emergency Services Committee, and Interurban Transit Authority Board. 

We Want You to join one of our great appointed boards here in Fennville, as we are always looking for members! Please do the following when applying to join a board!

Individuals interested in serving on a City board, commission, or committee must complete the “Board Member Application”, indicating which board or commission they are applying for. This application can be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, or at www.fennville.com under the “Boards & Commissions” page and returned to the City Clerk upon completion. The application will be held and reviewed as open positions come available. 

 

Eligibility to apply and serve on a board or commission varies based on bylaws and authorizing legislation. Several boards and commissions require residency within the City of Fennville while other positions are specifically reserved for township residents or property owners within the City.

 

When terms expire and/or upon notification of a board or board resignation, openings for the position will be advertised by the City Clerk in the local newspaper, through the City website, and/or via social media. The City Clerk will gather new applications and contacts all applicants on file to confirm whether they are still interested in serving on that board. After gathering and verifying applications, the City Clerk will forward them to the Mayor or City Council (depending on the appointing authority). For appointments made by the Mayor with the consent of Council, the Mayor or City Administrator shall notify Council of his or her desired appointees in writing at least three calendar days in advance of the City Council meeting at which he or she desires to make the appointments.

 

Most boards and commissions have the same term length based upon the standardization of bylaws within the City.  Typically, boards and commissions will have a term of three years.

 

All members of commissions or boards whose terms are set to expire must complete an “Application for Volunteer Board and Committees” and resubmit to the City Clerk. The application will confirm the board or commission member’s interest to continue or discontinue service. Reappointments are not automatic.

 

 

Any board member that intends to resign must forward a letter to their board or commission chair, who will then forward that letter to the City Clerk. The resignation letter will then be forwarded to the City Council for their acceptance. If a board or commission member resigns before their term expires, a replacement member will be appointed via the process listed above to serve the remainder of the term.