The City of Turlock is seeking local residents interested in serving on either of its two public commissions, for which a total of five seats are currently vacant.
Following former Parks, Arts & Recreation Commissioner Randy Icelow’s announcement that Wednesday’s meeting would be his last, there are now three open seats on the commission which is typically comprised of seven Mayor-appointed individuals. The seven-member Planning Commission is also in need of applications with two vacancies of its own.
According to City Clerk Kellie Weaver, the deadline to apply for these vacant seats was Dec. 10 — but not enough applications were received to fill the vacancies. Weaver said the City will continue to accept applications until enough to fill the open seats are submitted, and appointments could be made by the City Council at the Jan. 11 or Jan. 25 meeting.
Each Planning Commission member serves four-year terms with term limits established at 12 years. Commissioners Anokeen Varani and Matthew Davis will see their current terms expire on Dec. 31.
The Planning Commission holds regularly-scheduled meetings on the first Thursday of each month. Meetings are held at Turlock City Hall, 156 S. Broadway, in the Yosemite Community Room and begin at 7 p.m.
In 2020, members of the Planning Commission were the first to hear Conditional Use Permit application proposals from the four cannabis dispensaries opening in town, and helped determine their locations and set of rules the businesses have to abide by in order to operate within City limits. The Planning Commission is also the first to approve rezoning proposals and development agreements for commercial projects in town prior to the City Council.
PARC members most recently considered naming a new park after former Mayor John Lazar and are working on establishing a feasible model for community gardens in town. Its overall goal is to help encourage and foster City enrichment programs and generate awareness in the community about the importance of leisure time in Turlock.
The commission holds regularly scheduled meetings on the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at Turlock City Hall, 156 S. Broadway, in the Yosemite Community Room and begin at 6 p.m.
Citizens interested in serving on the Planning Commission or PARC turn in their applications as soon as possible. Applications titled “Citizens Desiring to Serve their City” can be obtained by visiting www.cityofturlock.org or by contacting Administrative Services at 156 S. Broadway, Suite 230, or by calling 209-668-5540.
For any questions regarding the application process or serving on any City board, commissions and committees, contact the Office of the City Clerk at kweaver@turlock.ca.us.
