City looks to boards, commissions for help in its facility operations

    Many city of Imperial services and facilities could not operate as they do without the service provided by residents serving on boards and commissions.
    That’s according to Imperial Mayor Dwight Coleman and City Clerk/Administrator Jo Leyland, who work closely with the groups. City council members are also involved as council liaisons for several of the boards/commissions.
    At city council meetings in December and January, a number of mayoral appointments to the boards and commissions were approved. Some citizens were reappointed, while some boards have new members seated as the new year starts.
    Board positions on the Planning Commission, Senior Services Board and Housing Authority remain open for appointments. There are also some youth member spots still to be filled.
    With the city of Imperial taking over the county’s solid waste program, the long-standing Southwest Nebraska Solid Waste Agency Boards is no longer in existence.
    Here is the makeup of the boards as of this month, along with their job responsibilities.

Senior Services Board (3 year terms)—Doug Gaswick, Angie Paisley, Charlesa Kline, John Arterburn. One seat yet to be filled. Mayor Coleman is an ex-officio member.
The purpose of the Board of Senior Services is to enable the control of the Imperial Manor Nursing Home and Imperial Parkview/Heights Assisted Living, collectively known as the Senior Services Facilities. The board has the exclusive power and authority to manage and operate the Senior Services Facilities, subject to review and supervision of the city council.  The board adopts rules, regulations and bylaws for the operation, management and maintenance of the entities and shall have the authority to direct payment of any and all amounts provided in the annual budget, which is passed by the city council.
Library Board (4 year terms)—Ann Strand, Cindy Roesener, Don Newman, Joann Wenzlick, Jan Graham. Youth member: Kendra Burke.
The Library Board has the authority to appoint a librarian and other employees, and establish rules and regulations for the management, operation and use of the library.
Park and Tree Commissioners (3 year terms)—Carl Zuege, Alex McNair, Miles Colson, Bruce Curtis, Brad Foote, Jason Speck. Jordyn Arterburn. Youth members: To be named.
The Board of Park and Tree Commissioners develops policies and management recommendations relating to the swimming pool, athletic fields, parks and playgrounds. It makes recommendations on the hiring of the pool manager and summer recreation director and assistant, as well as setting fees for pool admission and summer recreation participation. It also develops a plan for trees in the parks, along streets and other public areas.
Cemetery Board (3 year terms)—Cathy Belau, Janet Ashmore, Linda Lakey, Kim Spady, Becky Carman, Mary Lou Hegwood.
The Cemetery Board develops policies and management recommendations on general care, management and supervision of Mt. Hope Cemetery; sets rules for use of the cemetery and penalties for violations thereof; sets the fee schedule for sale of lots, open and closing fees and permits.
Planning Commission (3 year terms)—Bruce Curtis, John Arterburn, Brent Bussell, Doug Carman, Galen Meeske, Emily Pease. One seat yet to be filled.
The Planning Commission makes plans for physical development of the city, including areas outside its boundaries; and develops a comprehensive plan as defined in state statute. It also deals with matters related to capital improvements, building codes, subdivision development, annexation and zoning.
Variance Board, or Board of Adjustment (3 year terms)—Jim Hanes, Launy Ringleman, Doug Mitchell, Jan Elliott, Doug Carman (Planning Commission representative), alternate Jason Banks.
The Variance Board hears and decides on appeals whether it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by a municipal officials based on any zoning ordinance of the city; hears requests on map interpretation; and can authorize a variance from any zoning ordinance if the board determines there are exceptional difficulties or undue hardship imposed.
Imperial Housing Authority (5 year terms)—Lori Beard, Norma Hickman, Donita Pribbeno, Ray Malleck, Amanda Vlasin, Matt Musgrove. One seat to be filled.
The Housing Authority provides oversight of the city-owned housing complexes including Sunrise Apartments, Sunset Housing and the Pine Grove Senior Housing.
Community Center Commission, or Theatre Board (4 year terms)—Janice Haarberg, Sherri Wheeler, Amy Leibbrandt, Jill Moline, Judy Gaswick. Youth members: To be named.  
The Community Center Commission develops policies and makes management recommendations to the city council relating to supervision, maintenance, care and operation of the Imperial Theatre.
Imperial Community Redevelopment Authority (3 year terms)—Doug Gaswick, Russ Pankonin, Jo Leyland, Matthew Musgrove, Derek Russell.  
The Community Redevelopment Authority reviews requests for Tax Increment Financing, and is the body in charge of projects resulting from that financing.
Loan Review Committee—Lending/Financial Expert Miles Colson, Citizens Advisory Committee Member Josh Fries, Program Administrator Tyler Pribbeno.
The Loan Review Committee reviews and analyzes all requests for economic development funds, including business loans, from city sales tax  and makes recommendations to the Citizens Advisory Committee.
Citizens Advisory Committee—Josh Fries, Chris Lee, Matt Hanna, Jan Elliott, Derek Russell.
The Citizens Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the city council on use of economic development city sales tax funds.