Mayor Announces Appointments To Urbandale Boards And Commissions

URBANDALE, IA — A number of residents have been tapped to serve on boards and commissions in Urbandale, officials at City Hall announced. The appointments were made by Mayor Bob Andeweg and the positions began Jan. 1.

Michael Sadler and Jerry Tormey were chosen for the five-member Civil Rights Commission. As civil rights commissioners, the board handles discrimination complaints filed against the city and works to prohibit discriminatory practices that deny opportunities to anyone based on age, race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, ancestry, sexual identity and orientation, or disability. Commissioners serve three-year appointments.

Aaron Bewyer was appointed to a five-year term on the seven-member Parks and Recreation Commission, which develops and updates master plans related to parks and recreation facilities, open spaces, parks, playgrounds and other recreational activities. It also establishes the rules for the use of parks, recreational facilities and programs. The commission oversees the use of parkland, off-street bike trails, ball diamonds, tennis courts, playgrounds and the Urbandale Swimming Pool.

Linda Tibbs was appointed to a three-year term on the five-member Tree Board, which encourages the protection and enhancement of the Iowa tree population, recommends the annual tree planting program, and recommends guidelines to the Parks and Recreation Commission that govern the planting of tree species in public parkland and rights-of-way. One position on the board remains vacant.

Doug Adamson and Paul Burkett were appointed to three-year terms on the nine-member Public Art Committee, created in 2008 to enhance the city's appearance through the integration of art in the public environment.

Dennis Forinash and Kenneth Tiffin were appointed to three-year terms on the seven-member Board of Appeals, which reviews the model building, fire and housing codes and recommends adoption by the City Council, and reviews building code, fire code and housing code appeals.

Julie Roethler was reappointed and Lesa Quinn was appointed to a five-year term on the nine-member Planning and Zoning Commission, which adopts and reviews the City's Comprehensive Plan that outlines the long-range development of the community. It also reviews and recommends rezoning, variances, site plans and preliminary and final plats.

Patch file photo, Melissa Myers