Bedford Posts Open Seats For Non-Elected Boards And Committees

BEDFORD, NY — Residents looking to make a difference in the local community have plenty of opportunities to choose as Bedford-Katonah announces open seats on five town commissions and advisory committees.

The Town of Bedford posted vacant seats on boards that will help to make designs about everything from police relations to environmental issues, but candidates for these boards won't be getting rich from their public service work — the positions are all unpaid.

The following panels have open seats to be filled by Bedford Town Supervisor MaryAnn Carr:

Katonah Historic District Advisory Commission

There is a vacant position for a 5-year term on the Katonah Historic District Advisory Commission. The KHDAC meets infrequently, on an “as needed” basis, to review major changes to the exterior appearance of buildings and features within the Katonah Historic District. It has been a tradition, though not a requirement, to have a member of the downtown Katonah Business District as a member of the commission. If a Katonah Business District owner applicant is not available, priority will be given to applicants that reside in the Katonah Historic District.

Board of Ethics

There is also a vacant position for a 5-year term on the Town of Bedford Board of Ethics. All applicants must be residents of the Town of Bedford. By rule, the ethics board must not have more than two members of the same political party serving at the same time. Because there are already two registered Republicans currently on the board, only applicants who are not registered as Republicans can be considered for this appointment. The Ethics Board meets “as needed” and renders, in writing to the Town Board, advisory opinions with respect to the interpretation and application of the Code of Ethics and may make recommendations to the Town Board with respect to amendments to or administration of the Town Code of Ethics.

Open Space Acquisition Committee

Vacant position for a 4-year term on the Open Space Acquisition Committee. This committee was formed as part of the Town’s commitment to preserve open space and is comprised of seven members appointed by the Town Board. The OSAC meets infrequently and on an “as needed” basis to help the Town identify and review potential sites to be acquired by the Town of Bedford for open space preservation. Committee members must have time to attend site walks of potential properties. The committee seeks a member who has knowledge of land for sale in the community and contacts with property owners and other residents who may be interested in making property available for land preservation. Knowledge of land preservation tools and science-based familiarity with ecological features of land is also preferred.

Seniors Committee

4 vacant positions for a 3-year term each. The Seniors Committee focuses on the welfare of senior citizens by promoting policy and programs geared toward transportation, nutrition, recreation and housing needs. The committee meets on an “as needed” basis.

Police-Community Group

The Police-Community Group (PCG) has been formed to institute a partnership between the Bedford Police Department (BPD) and the public in order to advance the measures recommended in the Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Committee’s Final Report. The PCG will meet quarterly to support the reforms and evaluate effectiveness of the measures which aim to enhance trust between stakeholder groups and the police and to prevent discrimination or bias in policing over time. The Town Board is seeking members for the PCG who will help make connections to the underrepresented populations, have experience in outreach, surveys, or evaluation of programs. At least two members of the PCG will be non-white, according to the posting.

Bedford-Katonah residents interested in filling one of the open seats should submit their resume and a letter of interest to supervisor@bedfordny.gov. Members from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.