By Lauren Rabin
The Town of Greenwich runs in large part due to the work of hundreds of volunteers that commit their time and talent to our 20+ appointed Boards, Commissions and Committees. Think about it for a moment… if the average board is comprised of 9 members that is close to 200 residents!
On June 8, 2023, the Board of Selectmen was able to express our gratitude and recognize all the members who have retired from their service to the Town for the first time since 2019! We recognized members whose terms ended from 2019-June 2023. It was wonderful seeing the members who were able to attend and have refreshments, conversation, and certificates of service. If you were not able to attend, rest assured we have your certificates. Fresh off our event, it’s a perfect time to ask the question: have you ever thought of volunteering your time and talent as a member of a Town Board, Commission or Committee?
Opportunities abound, and here is how you go about it:
The process starts with the Selectmen’s Nominations Advisory Committee (SNAC), a bipartisan group of eleven members who help the Selectmen in finding and recruiting talented people who are willing to serve the Town. Any interested resident should begin by going to the SNAC page of the Town website at https://www.greenwichct.gov/719/Nominations-Advisory-Committee.
Once there, you will be directed to several useful links. Board, Commission, and Committee Information provides a description of each board and commission with a statement of purpose, committee size, frequency and length of meetings, and terms of office.
For most boards and commissions, this involves nomination by the Board of Selectmen and appointment by the Representative Town Meeting. The Nomination Form is the first step in volunteering and could be filled out online and submitted electronically together with a resume. Current Membership lists the email for potential candidates to contact SNAC with any questions.
What follows is just a glimpse of the areas to volunteer.
The Commission on Aging works on issues affecting the elderly. It identifies and documents the needs of the elderly; plans and coordinates services to meet those needs; provides education, information, and referral about elder issues; advocates for elder issues at local, state, and national levels; and provides materials on aging issues and eldercare.
The Citizens Police Advisory Committee reviews Greenwich Police Department performance reports, the annual report and operations plans to provide recommendations to the First Selectman. The goal of the committee is to increase accountability and transparency between the Greenwich Police Department and the community.
The Conservation Commission is an advisory board set up under State Statute and local ordinance to assist the Town with planning and management of its natural and cultural resources.
The Energy Management Advisory Committee advises the Board of Selectmen on matters of energy use and energy conservation.
The Board of Ethics purpose is to safeguard the ethical operation of Town government and ensure compliance with the Town’s Code of Ethics
The Harbor Management Commission is responsible for maintaining and implementing the Harbor Management plan which includes overseeing the town’s municipal moorings (in conjunction with the Town Harbor Master), reviewing applications for docks, piers, and wharfs, and initiating and overseeing dredging of town harbors.
The Board of Health works with the Department of Health to provide essential public health services and guidance to local health providers to prevent disease, premature death, illness, and disability in the Greenwich population.
The Historic District Commission reviews proposed changes to structures and landscapes within the Historic Districts, provides the Planning & Zoning Commission with comments on applications and promotes the concept of preserving historic structures and landscapes in the Town.
The Board of Human Services guides the Department of Human Services, whose mission is to protect and promote the welfare of the most vulnerable individuals in the community through support and services of the highest quality that maximize competency, independence, and quality of life.
Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency directs the work of that body to make provisions for the protection, preservation, maintenance and use of our inland wetlands and watercourses.
The Planning and Zoning Commission’s duties are defined in Special Act #469 of 1951 and Chapter 124 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The commission works under the aegis of the Department of Planning and Zoning and works with the Town Planner to establish zoning standards throughout the Town and prepare a zoning map reflecting these standards.
The Town always needs talented and skilled volunteers to serve the Community and the Government. The members of SNAC can help you find an area where your skills and expertise will be most effective. The process is transparent, efficient, and welcoming to all Greenwich residents.
Lauren Rabin is serving her 2nd year of her 2nd term as Selectwoman. Lauren proudly serves as the Board of Selectmen liaison to the Selectmen’s Nomination Advisory Committee.
