City resident Jim Malek wasn’t necessarily looking to make a difference in the Midland community when, after retiring from Dow Corning 20+ years ago, he began taking on volunteer positions for the city and county governments.
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Jim Malek serves on boards for both the City of Midland and Midland County.
But he has, and still is. By the way, he has enjoyed the ride, he says, and he has a bit of advice, too. “Find something you like to do that serves the community and go with it,” he says.
Right now, that’s easy, says Katie Guyer, the City of Midland’s community information officer. The city is inviting residents to apply for positions on nine City boards and commissions, and no experience is necessary – just that desire, as Malek describes, to serve the community, she says.
Malek is a member of the
Midland County’s Parks and Recreation Commission and the
City of Midland’s Downtown Development Authority’s Board of Directors.
Applications can positions on the City’s boards must be submitted by April 28. Residency or other application requirements will be listed under each position if applicable. Some positions listed will fill vacant existing terms, while others are new terms for which the incumbent in the position may also be interviewed.
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In the county, the 23 boards do not have designated times for applying for positions and applications will be accepted at all times, according to the county's website -
County of Midland, Michigan > Boards/Commissions, or by calling (989) 832-6775.
Malek’s interest in recreation, he still can frequently be seen riding his bicycle or walking on the Pere Marquette Rail Trail, led him to serve on the Midland County Parks and Recreation for 10 years, encouraged by Director Bill Gibson and Parks Manager Paul Pounders. After purchasing his property within the Downtown Midland area, he joined the Downtown Development Authority as a citizens’ representative. Malek is also a long-time volunteer at Midland Community Television and has volunteered for many other communit organizations.
Guyer says few of the positions require specialty skills or certifications, and if so will be noted in the description. Many positions are filled when residents learn what is required - such as through the Citizen’s Academy - and want to serve.
Please see below for a description of positions with current or potential vacancies:.
Cable Access Advisory Commission
One MCTV access user position with a term expiring June 30, 2023
- One MCTV access user position to fill a new 3-year term beginning July 1, 2023
- Applicants must be a current MCTV access user
The commission advises the City Council regarding general policy matters related. This commission meets quarterly on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Terms last three years. Find an application at
www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/caac.
Center City Authority Board
- One citizen-at-large position with a term expiring June 30, 2026
- Applicants must own a property or operate a business within the Center City district or reside within 0.5 miles of the district boundary.
The board is responsible for ongoing analysis, short- and long-term planning, marketing, event coordination, promotion and the construction, rehabilitation, preservation and reconstruction of buildings and facilities. This board meets monthly on the third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. Terms last three years.
Find an application at
www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/cca.
Dial-A-Ride Advisory Commission- One senior representative position with a term expiring June 30, 2025
- Applicants must be City residents and must be 65+ years old
The commission assists the City Council in addressing transportation issues of all disable persons and thoes 65 years of age and older. It meets annually in December. Find an application at
www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/dartac.
Library Board
- One citizen-at-large position to fill a new 3-year term beginning July 1, 2023
The board advises City Council on library user policies. Meetings are held every other month beginning in January on the third Wednesday at 7 p.m. for a total of six (6) meetings per year. Terms last three years. Find an application at
www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/libraryboard.
Local Officers Compensation Commission
- One citizen-at-large position with a term expiring June 30, 2027
- One citizen-at-large position with a term expiring June 30, 2029
- Applicants must be registered voters in the City of Midland
The commission helps determine the salaries of Midland’s mayor and Midland City Council members. The term for this commission’s members is seven years, but members only meet every other year. Terms last seven years.
Find an application at
www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/locc.
Parks & Recreation Commission
- One citizen-at-large position with a term expiring June 30, 2023
- One citizen-at-large position to fill a new 3-year term beginning July 1, 2023
The commission advises the City Council on Parks and Recreation issues. The Commission meetings 8 times per year on either the first Tuesday or Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Terms last three years. Find an application at
www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/parkscommission.
Planning Commission
- One citizen-at-large position with a term expiring June 30, 2023
- Two citizen-at-large positions to fill new 3-year terms beginning July 1, 2023
The commission is responsible for overseeing the City's master plan. This commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7 p.m. Terms last three years. Find an application at
www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/planningcommission.
Sewer District Board of Appeals
- Two citizen-at-large positions with terms expiring June 30, 2023
The board hears appeals concerning the City's sewer system. This board meets on an as-needed basis. Find an application at
www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/sba.
West Main Street Historic District Commission
One citizen-at-large position to fill a new 3-year term beginning July 1, 2023
The commission makes recommendations to the City Council on the development and administration of guidelines for all work on structures within the West Main Street Historic District. This commission meets quarterly on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. Terms last three years. Find an application at
www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/westmain.
Guyer notes that other commissions do not have openings at this time but recommends residents checking the website under the “Recent News” heading to see what’s listed as currently available. They are Aviation Advisory Commission, Construction Board of Appeals, Housing Commission, International Fire Code Board of Appeals, MBS International Airport Authority Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
Applicants may submit applications to cityhall@midland-mi.org; by mail to City Hall, Attention: City Manager’s Office, 333 W. Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640; or by placing the application inside an envelope and putting it into the secure drop box located inside the front doors of City Hall.
Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 28.
Applicants must be City of Midland residents unless otherwise noted. Any applicants who have previously applied for a board or commission vacancy are asked to submit a new application. For questions or more information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 989-837-3301.