Boards & Commissions

The City of Hopkins has four volunteer boards or commissions to advise and assist the City Council on City policies, procedures, and operations. These commissions are comprised of volunteer residents and an appointed staff member as a liaison. Terms are two years in duration (one year for youth members and four years for Charter Commission members).

JOB DETAILS:
These are volunteer positions that intend to meet the following City objectives: 

• City Council establishes Boards and Commissions to engage residents in City work.
• City staff supports Boards and Commissions to assist with effective governance.
• Board and Commission members serve the community and can participate in meaningful work.

Each board meets regularly to provide community perspective on values and needs and to advise the City Council through work plan charges.
Youth members are non-voting positions and may not serve on the Charter Commission.This job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary.

• Propose work plan items
• Hold hearings as directed by City Council
• Assist as directed in work plan with engagement efforts

Park Board
Designed to serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters relating to park development and the City’s recreation areas and facilities. The objectives of the Board are:

• To establish objectives and policies related to park development and facility maintenance.
• To advise on future development of parkland, recreation areas, and facilities.
• To increase public understanding and acceptance of practices and policies; and
• To serve as a forum for resident, business, and community involvement on park development and maintenance.

Planning and Zoning Commission
Designed to serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council and administration and is empowered to perform certain quasi-judicial functions. The objectives of the Commission are:

• To guide future development of land, services, and facilities.
• To ensure a safer, more pleasant, and more economical environment for residential, commercial, industrial, and public activities.
• To promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the entire City, including the aesthetic, social, economic, physical and environmental quality in the context of the metropolitan community.

Charter Commission
The Hopkins Charter Commission’s mission is to oversee the City’s charter, which is similar to a local constitution. The charter establishes the City’s organization and legal power, subject to requirements under state law.

• As an independent body, the charter commission represents resident viewpoints and considers, recommends, and proposes appropriate charter revisions and amendments, balancing the best interests of city government and residents.
• The commission is comprised of eleven members, appointed by the Hennepin County District Court’s chief judge.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must live in Hopkins*

*At sole discretion of the City Council, one member of the Planning & Zoning Commission may be a manager, owner, or have a substantial ownership stake in a business located with the corporate City limits of the City of Hopkins.

YOUTH MEMBER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 14-18 years old at time of selection
• Must be a student in the Hopkins School District

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines.
• Ability to provide and receive productive feedback.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to build relationships with a diverse range of community members.

• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and others sufficient to exchange or convey information.

Salary : $600