An application is available in the Commissioners' reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa, by calling the Boards and Councils Coordinator at (813) 272-5826, or on the County's web site at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org. Click on the "County Commission" link on the left-hand side of the page, then the "Advisory Boards and Committees" sublink. The electronic form can be filled out on-line and printed, but cannot be submitted electronically. Directions for submission are listed on the form. Note: when you click the "print form" button at the end of the questionnaire, it will produce a printer-friendly form and all the information entered will be visible.

The Boards that have openings for this cycle are:

BUILDING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS, APPEALS & EXAMINERS--confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for building certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Building Code.

Three positions are expiring. Member terms are for four years. Alternate terms are for two years. Positions are specified as 1) a building trade representative, 2) an architect, and 3) an alternate. Nominees for alternate position must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this board. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Monthly, third Tuesday, 9 a.m.

CHILD CARE FACILITIES ADVISORY BOARD--advises the County Commission on recommended amendments to the Child Care Facilities Ordinance; proposes additional rules and regulations to the County Commissioners which fulfill the intent and purpose of the Ordinance; and recommends and assists the Hillsborough County Office of Child Care Licensing in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel. It also advises the Office Child Care Licensing on all matters pertaining to child care facilities.

Five terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as 1) a licensed public/private facility operator for primarily migrant children, 2) a licensed, private for-profit child care facility operator from the African-American community, 3) an operator that serves at risk/special needs children, and 4 & 5) a parent of a child in a child care facility. Appointment to this board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, first Thursday of the month, 1 p.m.

CHILD CARE LICENSING HEARING OFFICERS--conducts hearings, and makes findings and recommendations, when requested by an applicant for a license or a current licensee, whenever an application for a license is denied, or whenever a license has been placed on probation, suspended, revoked, or an administrative fine has been imposed by the Office of Child Care Licensing.

Two positions are vacant. Terms are for three years. Hearing Officers must be members in good standing of the Florida Bar and may not be employees of the County Attorney's Office. Appointment as a Hearing Officer is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: When requested.

CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD--hears violations of all codes and ordinances of Hillsborough County, primarily for the County?s housing, building, zoning and sign codes and ordinances to maintain minimum health and safety standards.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Consideration of membership shall be given to representatives from the following fields: an engineer, an architect, a general contractor, a subcontractor, or a realtor. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure and must reside in unincorporated Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally second or third Friday, 9 a.m.

CODE ENFOREMENT SPECIAL MAGISTRATES?these quasi-judicial Special Magistrates hear and decide alleged violations of all codes and ordinances of Hillsborough County from various departments within the County. They must be residents of unincorporated Hillsborough County and should have experience in land use, construction, code enforcement, or law. Details on the open Special Magistrate positions are as follows: --BURGLAR FALSE ALARMS & NATURAL RESOURCES - One term is expiring. Term is for three years. Citizen appointed to this position will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally first or second Monday, 9 a.m.
--WATER RESOURCES - One term is expiring. Term is for three years. Citizen appointed to this position will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally third or fourth Monday, 9 a.m.
--COMMUNITY CODES - One term is expiring. Term is for three years. Citizen appointed to this position will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally first or second Thursday, 9 a.m.

ELECTRICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS AND EXAMINERS--confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for electrical certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Electrical Code.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for four years. Positions are specified as 1) an electrical engineer and 2) an electrical utility company representative. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY BOARD--annually reviews and advises the County Commission on recommended amendments to the Family Child Care Homes Licensing Ordinance or the Rules and Regulations Handbook, including recommending and assisting the local licensing agency in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel; advising the local licensing agency on matters of licensing policy, procedure, and priorities; and proposes additional rules and regulations regarding the intent and purpose of the ordinance.

Two terms are expiring and two positions are vacant. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as 1 & 2) a licensed family child care home operator and 3 & 4) a parent who has a child enrolled in a licensed family day care home. Appointment to this board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Thursday of the month, 7 p.m.

GAS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS--governs the certification of gas contractors doing work in Hillsborough County and enforces adherence to the standards set by the Gas Code.

Three positions are vacant. Two terms are for four years and one is for the remainder of a term which expires Dec. 31, 2010. Positions are specified as 1 & 2) liquid petroleum installers and 3) a master gas fitter. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Thursday, 11 a.m.

HEALTH CARE ADVISORY BOARD?seeks to improve accessibility and efficiency of care for medically-poor residents of Hillsborough County through recommendations to the County Commission for fund allocation, coordination, planning, and monitoring of health care delivery systems.

Two positions are vacant due to resignation. Positions are for remainder of terms which expire June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2012. Positions are specified as 1) a consumer non-profit organization representative and 2) an at-large representative. Meeting schedule: Monthly, third Thursday, 3 p.m.

HISTORICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL--supports and facilitates a uniform historical marker program throughout the County, including the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace as well as organizations and other agencies who request assistance. It also provides the County Commission with support that complements the goals of historical preservation and education in Hillsborough County.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. No member shall serve for more than two full consecutive terms. More than one half of a term is deemed to be service for a full term. A member who has served two full consecutive terms shall be eligible for reappointment after at least three years of non-membership. All members must possess expertise in significant and relevant historical matters. In making appointments, due consideration shall be given to achieving a demographic balance among the appointed. Meeting schedule: Quarterly.

HUMAN RELATIONS BOARD?seeks to encourage equality among all people by reviewing complaints filed under Hillsborough County's Human Rights Ordinance, which promotes fair treatment and equal opportunity for people regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or marital status.

Five terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Members may not be appointed to serve more than two consecutive terms. Consideration of membership will be given to representatives from the following fields: retail merchandising management, industrial management, real estate sales, property leasing, mortgage financing, law enforcement, and labor councils. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Monthly, second Tuesday, Noon.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY--provides financing of industrial projects that are beneficial to the community with the consent of the County Commission, including manufacturing plants and pollution and waste control facilities. One term is expiring. Term is for four years. Meeting schedule: Monthly, first Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

MECHANICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS AND EXAMINERS--confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for mechanical certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Mechanical Code.

Two terms are expiring and two positions are vacant. Member terms are for four years. Alternate terms are for two years. Positions are specified as 1) a Class A HVAC contractor, 2) a mechanical building trade representative, and 3 & 4) alternates. Nominees for alternate positions must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of the mechanical industry. Citizens appointed to this Board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Thursday of the month, 10 a.m.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE-YOUTH EDUCATION TOWN CENTER OF TAMPA BAY, INC. BOARD--manages the business and affairs of the NFL/YET Initiative, a public/private partnership with the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the NFL. NFL/YET is a legacy program of the Tampa Bay Super Bowl XXXV and XLVIII. The initiative provides education and recreation programs and activities for underserved youth in Tampa Bay. NFL/YET is an official charity of the NFL Players Association and NFL Alumni, Tampa Bay Chapters. There are two local centers, Jackson Heights Center in the City of Tampa and Mort Park in north central Hillsborough County.

One term is expiring. Term is for two years. Members must have significant background in youth programs, fundraising, and previous non-profit Board experience. Meeting schedule: Annually, and THREE regular meetings.

PLUMBING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS AND EXAMINERS--confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for plumbing certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Plumbing Code.

One term is expiring and one position is vacant due to resignation. Expiring term is for four years. Vacant position is for remainder of term which expires Dec. 31, 2011. Positions are specified as 1) a master plumber and 2) a registered engineer. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, third Tuesday, 1 p.m.

PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE--acts in the public interest on all matters relating to the Public Art Ordinance including the selection, placement, and maintenance of works of public art throughout the County. The Committee and its staff are responsible for the administration and planning of the Public Art Program, and the curatorship of the County?s Public Art Collection. Members and staff serve as countywide liaisons to the public art community.

One term is expiring. Term is for four years. Position is specified as an architect, planner, landscape architect or developer in the County. No member shall serve for more than two full four-year terms. Meeting schedule: Monthly, second Thursday, 11:30 a.m.

PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD--works with the County Commission regarding the operation of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, including future planning and policy developments.

One position is vacant due to resignation. Position is for remainder of term which expires June 30, 2010. Position is specified as a resident of District 1. Appointment to this board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Monthly, fourth Thursday, 4 p.m.

TAMPA BAY AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (TBARTA) - CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE--provides region-oriented advice to TBARTA regarding the development and implementation of a multi-modal transportation master plan; promotes public awareness and participation in the master planning process; and helps disseminate information to local citizens groups.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for two years. Positions are specified as a member and an alternate. Members should be leaders of a recognized group or organization, but may not be a transportation agency staff member. Criteria will be considered from the following: membership in business, civic, and environmental organizations; member of senior, low-income, minority and/or disabled populations; demonstrated interest in transportation or other public policy advocacy; experience in working with local jurisdictions on regional issues; and previous community service. Meeting schedule: Monthly.

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL--prepares a tourist development plan for the County Commission, recommends uses for the tourist development tax revenue, and monitors trust fund spending. It also makes recommendations to the Commission for developing tourism in the area.

Three terms are expiring. Terms are for four years. Tourist-related industry members must be involved in tourism-related businesses or venues. Positions are limited to residents specified as 1) a tourist industry representative and 2 & 3) a hotel/motel representative (owner or operator of a motel, hotel, recreational vehicle park or other tourist accommodation in the County and subject to the tourist development tax). Meeting schedule: Quarterly, as called by Chairman.

For more information, contact Luann Finley, Director of Board Services, at (813) 272-5826.