Citizen Issue Review Commission
Mission Statement
The Citizens Issue Review Commission is part of a process established for Cary residents to petition the Town of Cary to authorize an ad hoc advisory group to study, develop and recommend improvements on a topic that directly pertains to and is under the control of the Town. The purpose of this process is to expand, strengthen and improve citizen engagement and participation in local government, as well as provide a mechanism for greater visibility of citizen-initiated issues to Town Council.
Life Span Statement
The Citizens Issue Review Commission (CIRC) is one of council’s newest boards. They meet only as needed, based on the frequency of citizen requests. CIRC’s lifespan is three years. Board members will reexamine their purpose and progress at the end of this three years period beginning in 2013.
Powers and Duties
The Citizen Issue Review Commission (CIRC) serves as the "gateway" for citizens who wish to form an official citizen issue advisory group and be sanctioned as such by the Town of Cary. Information on the Citizen Issue Review Commission is outlined in policy statement 157.
Members will draw on the collective expertise and experiences of one another and Town of Cary staff. Hands on work will be required to research and assess the past to think creatively about the future.
Membership
The commission is comprised of seven Cary citizens created from randomly selected volunteers who have graduated from the Town of Cary School of Government. Commission members have a broad understanding of Town services and processes, as well as experience with and/or knowledge of Town departments.
How do I Apply?
Applications from Town of Cary School of Government Graduates are accepted each year from May 1 through June 30 for upcoming vacancies. Current Town of Cary employees are not eligible to volunteer. Questions about the application process should be directed to the Town Clerk's Office by e-mailing karen.gray@townofcary.org or by calling (919) 319-4508.
Goals/Work Plan
1. Develop communications plan to raise citizen’s awareness and understanding of the
2. Explore the concepts of advocacy versus advisory roles and how they relate to us,
3. Explore creating a
4. Create and deliver annual report consistent with the related policy and procedures.
Evaluation Criteria: The board will periodically review and evaluate effectiveness of their work plan, modifying as needed to meet goals.
Meetings
The commission meets on an as needed basis. During months where meetings are required, they are approximately two hours in length. All meetings of the commission shall be open to the public and will adhere to the Open Meetings Law and Public Records Law. Public notices will be prepared prior to any meeting of this commission. More information on this commission can be found in its annual report.
Please see the Town of Cary Calendar to confirm meeting dates, times, and locations.
Questions regarding the Citizen Issue Review Commission should be directed to the Public Information Office by e-mailing deanna.boone@townofcary.org or by calling (919) 462-3908.
How do I Apply for an Issue Advisory Group?
Citizens interested in creating an issue advisory group should complete an applications (html or pdf). All applications submitted will be reviewed by the commission (sample completed application (html or pdf).
Current Membership Roster
Agenda
Minutes
Meetings (see the Town's Web calendar for a current list of meetings and notices)
Final Report of the Task Force for Issue Advisory Groups
