Friday February 3, 2012

City Hall News

Looking To Residents For Guidance

Have your say as a volunteer community representative on an advisory committee

Staff/Voice file photo

ommunity-minded residents can apply to join one of three Mayor's Advisory Committees and provide Chilliwack City Hall with some invaluable guidance in their decision-making process. Two slots each are open on the Housing, Public Safety and Transportation committees. Meetings take place once a month from 7:30 am to 9 am.

Mayor Sharon Gaetz told 98.3 Star news that the committee-sitting isn't a venue for people with an "axe to grind", but rather for representatives of the community with a role to play as advisors.

One is transportation where we are revising our transportation plan right now, we're looking for someone who has a keen interest," said Gaetz. "Housing has become a big issue in the city of Chilliwack as well as the Public Safety Advisory Committee, for anyone who has any ideas for prevention, education, enforcement."

There are no special requisites necessary to apply. Non-elected committee volunteers are not involved in the decision-making process. Ultimately, that is done by elected officials in council by the mayor and councillors. The role of these committees are to provide reports and recommendations to council.

Gaetz decided to change it up this year and take applications saying that last year she was "impressed by the number of e-mails" from new residents offering talents.

"I asked the staff to take it away and put together an application process and that's out there and I'm excited," gushed Gatez.

Applicants are asked to provide contact information as well as any relevant information that pertains to the committee they are applying to sit on, any history of volunteerism in the community and some general interests they may have.

Download and print an application form here.

Applications can then be delivered to the front counter at City Hall, by mail to: Mayor's Office, 8550 Young Rd., Chilliwack V2P 8A4 (604)793-2900 or e-mail the mayor here.

Deadline to apply is 4:30 P.M., February 17th, 2012

Do you have some spare time for office work?

he Canadian Cancer Society Fraser Valley Region is looking for Office Volunteers for their Chilliwack location on Mary St.

Overall Purpose: To provide profile and presence for the CCS in Community.

Responsibilities: Answer telephone and assist walk-in inquiries by providing appropriate information and referrals. Receive donations and process according to established CCS procedures. Handle incoming and outgoing mail using established procedures. Distribute brochures and other CCS materials as required. Ensure office is welcoming, tidy and has necessary resources. Keep up to date on all CCS activities and services. Assist Unit leaders with administrative support as required. Assist CCS special events administration and organization as required. Participate in CCS Orientation and any other related training.

If this sounds like a position for you, contact The Fraser Valley Volunteer Engagement Team via e-mail here.

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