[Vision-l] Vision Actions and Updates

[Imagine Columbia’s Future]

Good morning, Vision Partners -

Columbia's Vision Plan and actions to create a connected, informed and
engaged community continue to move forward. Here are a few important
updates.

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*Nominations and applications sought for Columbia Vision Commission   

The Columbia Vision Commission was established by Columbia City
Council, October 6, 2008 to track, monitor and assist with the
implementation of the community visioning process.  The Columbia Vision
Commission will be responsible for conducting periodic reviews and
issuing an annual report to the community on the progress of visioning
implementation. In addition, in the future, this commission will
recommend implementation tasks and offer public education and outreach
programs.  The City ordinance creating the Vision Commission may be
viewed online at:
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Commissions/vision.php. 

Citizens and organizations are invited to nominate candidates for the
commission by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at
cityclerk at GoColumbiaMo.com or (573) 874-7207.  Those nominated will
be contacted and asked to submit an application. Nominations must be
received by noon on Friday, Oct. 31, 2008 to allow time for that person
to complete and submit the application by its corresponding deadline
date.  

Self-nominations will be acceptable as well. An application form can be
completed and submitted directly to the City Clerk’s Office for
self-nominations.  Applications can be obtained at the City Clerk’s
Office or can be found on the city’s Web site:
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Commissions/vacancies.php.
Applications are due noon, Friday, November 7, 2008.

The Columbia Vision Commission will consist of:

● Seven coordinating committee members, including two who are
residents of Boone County
not residing within the city limits of Columbia, all of whom will be
appointed by the Council; and 

● Up to five resource members, all of whom will be appointed by the
Council.  

Candidates for coordinating committee positions must have demonstrated
a commitment to the visioning process. Candidates for coordinating
committee positions and for resource member positions will be evaluated
on their ability to work with data and understand systematic
relationships; their ability to work collaboratively; their management
skills; their independence; existing memberships or positions; and
contributions to the diversity of the commission.  

Resource members would help in the work of the commission and share
their expertise in one or more substantive areas, such as (but not
limited to) data collection, fund raising, intergovernmental
cooperation, management and process design. 

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Be sure to attend the Keys to the City: A Civic Awareness Fair 
Saturday, October 18, 9 a.m. - noon at the ARC.  

The purpose of the event is to provide the public convenient access to
elected officials and city staff and to update the community on city
government.
   
The event will include office hours with Mayor Darwin Hindman and City
Council representatives Paul Sturtz, Ward 1; Karl Skala, Ward 3; and
Laura Nauser, Ward 5.  Fourteen city departments will have staff on hand
to answer questions and provide information on city programs and
services.  

The event will include a “Fun Facts Scavenger Hunt” featuring data
on city activities, snacks and door prizes. The Columbia/Boone County
Health Department will have a nurse available for blood pressure
screening. The event is free and open to the public.

This event supports the Governance and Decision Making citizen topic
group's goal
“Columbia’s governance is a model of transparency, efficiency and
citizen participation that enjoys the strong confidence of its
residents.

For more information, visit the city’s Web site,
www.GoColumbiaMo.com; call the Office of Volunteer Services at
874-7504; or email volunteer at GoColumbiaMo.com 

A flyer is posted at
http://gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Visioning/documents/Oct18ConnectingEvent.pdf.