Lexington officials urge residents to apply for city boards and commissions; monthly vacancy emails available

Council member Shayla Lynch and city staff on May 20 detailed how Lexington residents can learn about and apply to serve on municipal boards and commissions, and encouraged broader neighborhood participation.

Lynch, who introduced the segment, said the presentation would "continue the deep dive to do to talk about the city's boards and commissions." She invited Melissa McCart Smith of the mayor's office to explain application steps and resources.

Melissa McCart Smith, administrative specialist senior in the mayor's office, told viewers she recommends starting at the city's website, which "has a page for each board and commission" and lists a contact person for each seat. "Another thing that I think has come, kind of helpful sometimes is if you reach out to the council member who may or may not be on that board or commission," McCart Smith said. She advised prospective applicants to include more information on forms when they have not met council members.

McCart Smith said the city sends a monthly vacancy notification listing seats that are open or with terms expiring in the next 90 days and that residents may sign up by emailing boards@lexingtonky.gov. "If someone is interested in serving on a boards and commission, what should they do? Where should they go? Who should they talk to?" Lynch asked; McCart Smith replied, "go to our website and to kind of tool around in there."

The discussion also highlighted the planning commission as one of the more popular bodies. McCart Smith said that when a vacancy opens on the planning commission the office typically receives at least 10 applicants and sometimes up to 30.

Retired engineer Martin Rivers described his route into city service after serving on the Senior Services Commission. Rivers, who said he was introduced to the commission by his district council member, called the experience "eye opening" and said it encouraged him to attend more city meetings. ‘‘I've learned a ton of stuff about what's available,’’ Rivers said of the commission's outreach efforts, describing initiatives such as short informational interviews with organizations to inform seniors.

The presenters repeatedly encouraged direct participation: McCart Smith recommended showing up at board and commission meetings because "all of the boards and commissions meetings are open to the public," and Lynch closed by urging viewers to apply and sign up for the vacancy list.

What happens next: residents who want to be notified of openings can email boards@lexingtonky.gov or use the application links on the city's website; staff will continue monthly vacancy notices and respond to application questions.

Ending: The presentation ended as Lynch moved on to the meeting's other agenda items; city staff can be reached at the mayor's office for application assistance.