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| Board of Canvassers | |
| Purpose | To review the count of votes and determine their accuracy after each City election. (If any office or proposal of any other jurisdiction appears on the ballot, that election is canvassed by the Kent County Board of Canvassers.) |
| Powers | The Board of Canvassers certifies the result of each City election, or denies certification if appropriate. |
| Obligations | To ensure and certify that elections are being conducted according to law. This implies that the members become familiar with applicable laws, rules and procedures of the Clerk’s Office as they relate to elections. |
| Meeting Dates | The Board of Canvassers meets within two (2) working days of each City election. |
| Meeting Time | At the convenience of the members. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Four, no more than two of which can be members of the same political party. Members must be registered voters of the City of Wyoming. |
| Appointment | City Council. |
| Term | Four year terms, beginning January 1. |
| Compensation | Members receive $25 for each election. |
| Staff Liaison Department | City Clerk’s Office @ (616) 530-7296 |
| Board of Review | |
| Purpose | To examine and review the property tax assessment roll, to hear assessment appeals, and to correct errors on the assessment roll. |
| Powers | The Board of Review may raise, lower or sustain values on the assessment roll. They may also add omitted property to the roll, exempt Poverty applicants and exempt Principal Residences, if not on the previous roll. |
| Obligations | Members should familiarize themselves with appraisal/audit procedures and assessment administration procedures. They should be knowledgeable of residential, commercial, industrial and personal property values. They should also possess a willingness to continue their education in these areas. |
| Meeting Dates | March, July and December.
The March Board of Review (executive session) is held on the Tuesday immediately following the first Monday in March. The board begins hearing appeals on the second Monday in March. All reviews must be completed by the first Monday in April. The July Board of Review meeting is only to correct clerical errors and mutual mistakes of fact, and is held on the Tuesday following the third Monday in July. The December Board of Review meeting, held for the same purpose, is held on the Tuesday following the second Monday in December. |
| Meeting Time | At the convenience of the members. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | The Board of Review consists of two sets of “electors”, one set of regular members and one set of alternative members. Each set of members consists of one licensed real estate practitioner, one public accountant and one must own property with in the City for at least one year. |
| Appointment | City Council. |
| Term | Three year terms, beginning February 1. |
| Compensation | $100 per ½ day, up to $200 per day. |
| Staff Liaison Department | Assessor @ (616) 530-7231 |
| Citizens’ Task Force Committee | |
| Purpose | To provide a channel for communication with residents and to promote the interest, education and participation of residents in local government. |
| Powers | To further purposes of the organization, the Committee may request information and reports from City Staff, through the City Manager, and make recommendations to the City Council. |
| Obligations | To promote active citizen participation in local government, learn about the operation of the City and share knowledge with others. |
| Meeting Dates | Third Thursday of each month |
| Meeting Time | 7:00 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | 21 members, registered electors of the City of Wyoming |
| Appointment | City Council |
| Term | Three year terms, beginning July 1 |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | City Manager’s Office @ (616) 530-7272 |
| Community Development Committee | |
| Purpose | To develop studies and applications as necessary and appropriate for recommendation to City Council relative to the expenditure of HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds on an annual basis, and to advise the City Council on desired changes in the CDBG program during the fiscal year. |
| Powers | The Community Development Committee is advisory to the City Council on all matters related to the HUD CDBG program. The Committee also advises staff on matters not necessitating City Council review. |
| Obligations | Committee members should be attuned to the primary purpose of the HUD CDBG project: providing benefits to low and moderate income people. Staff-prepared data related to alternate activities for annual budgeting needs to be examined and evaluated in light of HUD and city program objectives, for the benefit of the intended population. |
| Meeting Dates | On call, generally four to six times per year. The bulk of the meetings are between October and April, when the next year’s CDBG application is being prepared. |
| Meeting Time | 6:30 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Nine, at least some of which must reside in low/moderate income areas qualified for HUD CDBG project funds. |
| Appointment | City Council |
| Term | Two year terms, beginning July 1. |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | Community Services @ (616) 530-7266 |
| Community Enrichment Commission | |
| Purpose | To provide cultural events and opportunities to residents, and to foster the use of the Library facilities in support of that purpose. |
| Powers | May incorporate as a non-profit corporation to receive and expend donated monies; enter into contracts, within the constraints of an approved budget and available funding, to further the purposes of the organization; request information from City staff and make recommendations to Council. |
| Obligations | A commitment to enhancing the cultural life of community residents. |
| Meeting Dates | Third Tuesday of each month (no meeting in June, July and August). |
| Meeting Time | 7:00 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | The Commission has twelve members, all registered voters of the City. The Director of the Wyoming Branch of the Kent District Library is a member ex officio, and a member of the City Council may attend and act as liaison. WKTV may appoint a member. |
| Appointment | City Council |
| Term | Three year terms, beginning July 1. |
| Compensation | None. |
| Staff Liaison Department | Community Services @ (616) 530-3164 |
| Construction Board of Appeals | |
| Purpose | To hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of the applicable construction codes. |
| Powers | An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of the code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of the code do not fully apply, or an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The board shall have no authority to waive requirements of the construction codes. |
| Obligations | Commitment to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through interpretation, enforcement and application of minimum code standards as indicated within the various codes in effect. |
| Meeting Dates | Second Monday of each month at the call of the Chair. |
| Meeting Time | 3:00 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Five, plus an alternate |
| Appointment | City Manager, confirmed by City Council. |
| Term | Two year terms, beginning July 1. |
| Compensation | $35 per meeting |
| Staff Liaison Department | Building Inspections @ 530-7285 |
| Development Area Citizens Advisory Council | |
| Purpose | The Advisory Council shall act as an advisory body to the Downtown Development Authority and to the City Council. Periodically a representative of the Downtown Development Authority shall consult with and advise the Advisory Council regarding the aspects of a development plan. The consultation shall continue throughout the preparation and implementation of the development or tax increment financing plan. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Nine members all of whom shall reside in the development area. All members must be at least 18 years of age. |
| Term | The term of office shall be determined by the City Council. |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | Planning & Development @ (616) 530-7258 |
| Downtown Development Authority | |
| Purpose | To halt property value deterioration and increase property tax valuation within the District as established by Ordinance No. 26-98, to eliminate the causes of such deterioration, and to promote economic growth. |
| Powers | The Downtown Development Authority is the governing body of the Wyoming Downtown Development District, and as such shall have the power to authorize the levy and collection of taxes, the acquisition and disposal of interest in real and personal property, the creation and implement of development plans in the District, the promotion of economic growth, the issuance of bonds and other evidences of indebtedness, and the use of tax increment financing, and other such powers as provided under Public Act 197. |
| Meeting Dates | First Tuesday of January, April, July and October |
| Meeting Time | 7:30 a.m. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Nine members consisting of the Mayor, five members representing the business interests in the District, one resident of the district and three other members. |
| Appointment | Mayor, confirmed by City Council. |
| Term | Four year terms, beginning January 1. |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | City Manager's Office @ (616) 530-7272 |
Economic Development Corporation & Brownfield Redevelopment Authority |
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| Purpose | The mission of these entities is to optimize the industrial and business tax and employment base of the city, utilizing various economic development techniques, programs and services. |
| Powers | The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is a quasi-public group of industrialists and business people that assists with the retention and expansion of existing industry and business and promotes new industries and businesses through various incentive techniques. The EDC also has the power to acquire and assemble property for resale, build and lease buildings, and enter into development agreements.
The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BFRA) is a quasi-public group of industrialists and business people that assists in enhancing business development potential through promoting the revitalization of environmentally distressed areas. The BFRA prepares and implements plans for treatment of brownfield redevelopment zones. These are areas containing soil or groundwater contamination. Their cleanup encourages industrial and business expansion. |
| Obligations | To actively promote and support business and industry in the community, especially by approving financial incentives to business and industry. |
| Meeting Dates | The third Tuesday of January and then as needed. |
| Meeting Time | 3:30 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Nine members who serve on both the EDC and BFRA boards. |
| Appointment | By the Mayor, confirmed by City Council |
| Term | Six year terms, beginning February 14. |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | City Manager’s Office @ (616) 530-7272 |
| Election Commission | |
| Purpose | To provide for the printing of ballots and furnishing of election supplies to all the precincts which might be required to conduct City elections; to appoint the inspectors of election, and to establish such counting boards and certifying boards as may be necessary; and to review the election processes for compliance with state laws and local ordinances. The Election Commission conducts a public accuracy test of the election equipment and software program to be used for every election. |
| Powers | To authorize the printing of ballots, consolidate precincts as permitted by State election law, and to appoint boards of election inspectors. |
| Obligations | To ensure that elections are being conducted according to law. This implies that the members become familiar with applicable laws, rules and procedures of the Clerk’s Office as they relate to elections. |
| Meeting Dates | As needed prior to each election. |
| Meeting Time | At the convenience of the members. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | The City Clerk, the City Attorney and an appointed citizen member. |
| Appointment | City Council |
| Term | Two year term, beginning July 1. (The Clerk and Attorney serve while in office.) |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | City Clerk’s Office @ (616) 530-7296 |
| Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance | |
| Purpose | To provide for a means to positively improve the fabric of the community through the promotion of social, cultural, environmental, economic and health and wellness programs and services. |
| Powers | The GWCRA is in the process of incorporating as a non-profit corporation to receive and expend donated monies through scholarships, endowments, etc; enter into contracts, within the constraints of its approved budget and available funding; and to further the purposes of the organization. |
| Obligations | To establish endowments to assist community members in improving their quality of life; to provide for the effective administration and management of the alliances programs and projects; to operate as a conduit in support of community wide projects; and to be an active partner in supporting community collaborations in responding to community needs. |
| Meeting Dates | Fourth Tuesday of each month |
| Meeting Time | 9:00 a.m. |
| Meeting Place | Manager’s Conference Room, Wyoming City Hall, 1155 – 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Eleven, maximum |
| Appointment | City Council |
| Term | Three year terms, beginning January 1 |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | Community Services @ (616) 530-3164 |
| Health Insurance Trust Board | |
| Purpose | To administer, manage and operate the city health insurance system; to construe and implement the provisions of the health insurance system, including the making of rules and regulations. |
| Meeting Dates | Fourth Monday of January, April, July and October |
| Meeting Time | 3:00 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | Wyoming City Hall, 1155 – 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Staff Liaison Department | Finance Director/Controller @ (616) 530-7201 |
| Historical Commission | |
| Purpose | To collect, preserve and display materials and artifacts of historic value to the present and future residents of the City of Wyoming |
| Powers | The Historical Commission acts in the City’s best interest in gathering historically significant materials and artifacts. |
| Obligations | To insure preservation of historic materials so that existing and future generations of Wyoming citizens can learn about their heritage. |
| Meeting Dates | Third Wednesday of each month (no meeting in December) |
| Meeting Time | 6:30 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | History Room, Wyoming Public Library, 3350 Michael SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Nine |
| Appointment | City Council |
| Term | Three year terms, beginning July 1. |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | Planning & Development @ (616) 530-7258 |
| Housing Board of Appeals | |
| Purpose | To hear and decide appeals after Public Hearings for variances from minimum requirements of the City of Wyoming Housing Code. The Housing Code relates to interior and exterior conditions of property and buildings, including structural soundness, sanitation, maintenance, interior space requirements, fire safety and rodent/insect/animal infestations. It is applicable to all property - residential, commercial and industrial. |
| Powers | On a per case basis, the Housing Board of Appeals may reverse, modify or affirm wholly or in part the requirements of the City of Wyoming Housing Code as stipulated by the code official enforcing the code provisions. Action taken must be supported by findings of fact based on conditions, such as unreasonable hardship, property values in the near vicinity, public health, safety, welfare and blighting influences. |
| Obligations | Members must read and learn the City of Wyoming Housing Code in order to effectively make decisions. Some field research is necessary related to the requested appeals. |
| Meeting Dates | First Thursday of each month, at the call of the Chair. |
| Meeting Time | 7:00 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Five. Members shall be experienced in the building and housing fields with backgrounds or experience in engineering, architecture, construction trades, industry, banking, finance, home mortgages, real estate, or other traits or skills the City Council may deem beneficial in serving the City. |
| Appointment | City Council |
| Term | Five years, beginning July 1. |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | Building Inspections @ (616) 530-7285 |
| Housing Commission | |
| Purpose | To provide decent, safe and sanitary subsidized housing for low income families. |
| Powers | The Housing Commission administers HUD-subsidized programs related to Housing, such as Public Housing, Section 8 Rental Vouchers, Family Self-Sufficiency and Homeownership. It must comply with all HUD regulations pertaining to these programs. It also assists families in becoming self-sufficient. |
| Meeting Dates | Third Tuesday of the following months: January, March, May, August, October and December. |
| Meeting Time | 1:00 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | Community Room, Westwood Apartments, 2450 - 36th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49519 |
| Members | Five. One of the five members must be a resident. No member of the Commission shall have any interest directly or indirectly in any contract for property, materials or services to be acquired by the Housing Commission. |
| Appointment | City Manager, with concurrence of City Council |
| Term | Five years, beginning July 1. |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | Housing Commission @ (616) 534-5471 |
| Officers’ Compensation Commission | |
| Purpose | To determine the salaries of the Wyoming City Councilmembers and Mayor. |
| Powers | The Commission shall determine the salaries; the City Council may reject the determination by a two-thirds vote. In the case of rejection, the existing salary shall prevail. |
| Obligations | The Commission shall conduct research to determine appropriate salaries. |
| Meeting Dates | In every odd numbered year at the call of the Chair. |
| Meeting Time | At the convenience of the members. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Seven. No members or employees of any level of government or members of the immediate family of such member or employee shall be eligible to be a member. |
| Appointment | Mayor, with concurrence of City Council. |
| Term | Seven year term, beginning July 1. |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | City Clerk’s Office @ (616) 530-7296 |
| Parks and Recreation Commission | |
| Purpose | To review recreational program and park needs of the community and advise the City Manager and City Council on recommended changes; to plan and coordinate recreation activities and park development with various school, civic, social, religious, and fraternal organizations for the development of a comprehensive and harmonious public and private recreational program for the city. |
| Powers | Advisory to the City Council. |
| Obligations | Members should develop a knowledge and understanding of existing City recreation facilities and programs, and keep abreast of changing facility and program needs and potentials. |
| Meeting Dates | Second Wednesday of each month (no meeting in July and August) |
| Meeting Time | 7:00 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Eleven. One member is nominated by each of the following school boards: Godwin, Godfrey-Lee, Kelloggsville, Wyoming and Grandville. The City Council may also appoint one of its members to the commission. |
| Appointment | City Council. |
| Term | Three year terms, beginning July 1. |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | Community Services @ (616) 530-3164 |
| Planning Commission | |
| Purpose | To make and adopt a master plan for the physical development of the City, considering such factors as land use, transportation, public facilities and utilities, and recreation and open space; to plan for the redevelopment of blighted areas; to prepare and update as needed a zoning plan; to review development proposals, including rezoning, special uses, subdivision plats and site plans. |
| Powers | Whenever the Planning Commission has adopted a master plan for the city or any part thereof, no street, square, park or other public way, playground or open space, or public building or streets, shall be constructed or authorized in the City until the location, character and extent thereof shall have been submitted to and approved by the Commission; provided that, in the case of disapproval, the City Council may overrule such disapproval by recorded vote of not less than two-thirds of its entire membership. The Planning Commission also functions as the City Zoning Commission to originate, review and make recommendations to the City Council relative to proposed zoning text and map changes. The Commission approves site plans and special uses. The Commission, along the City Council, approves subdivision plants. |
| Obligations | The Commission members should reflect a sincere interest in the planned and orderly development of the City. Knowledge of city planning and zoning is not mandatory, as city staff expertise is available. However, continued growth in such knowledge is expected, to ensure adequate understanding of the development proposals. Commissioners should review the display materials and staff recommendations on agenda items, plus conduct individual field surveys prior to the related Commission meeting. |
| Meeting Dates | Third Tuesday of each month; occasional special meetings. |
| Meeting Time | 7:00 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Nine, representative in so far as possible of different professions or occupations. They shall hold no other City office. |
| Appointment | Mayor, with concurrence of City Council |
| Term | Three year terms, beginning July 1. |
| Compensation | $35 per meeting, maximum $910 per year. |
| Staff Liaison Department | Planning @ (616) 530-7258 |
| Retirement System Board | |
| Purpose | To administer, manage and operate the city retirement system; to construe and implement the provisions of the retirement system, including the making of rules and regulations. |
| Powers | The Retirement System Board designates an actuary who acts as technical advisor regarding the operation of the retirement system on an actuarial basis. The Board is authorized to employ such professional and other services as are required for the proper administration of the retirement system. The Board has the full power and authority to invest and reinvest such monies and assets subject to all terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions imposed by the State of Michigan on the investments of public employee retirement system. The Board reviews all applications for retirement from the City to determine if all required conditions are met by the applicant, and subsequently approves such applications if valid. The Board adopts is own rules of procedure. |
| Obligations | To provide effective administration and management of the retirement system and to act in a fiduciary capacity regarding the safekeeping of the assets of the system. |
| Meeting Dates | Fourth Monday of each month |
| Meeting Time | 3:00 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Six, including a member of the City Council; the City Manager; a resident who is not an officer or employee of the City and who is not a retiree or beneficiary of the retirement system; three members of the retirement system (generally, full-time employees of the City) as follows: one representative of the Administrative Association/Contract Employees, one representative of Public Safety (Police and Fire), and one representative of the General Union. |
| Appointment | City Council appoints the resident and City Council representative. |
| Term | The resident and elected members serve three year terms, beginning July 1. The City Council representative serves at the pleasure of the City Council. The City Manager serves during the term of employment. |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | Finance Director/Controller @ (616) 530-7201 |
| Sign Ordinance Review Committee | |
| Purpose | To act as an ad-hoc advisory committee responsible for reviewing the existing sign ordinance in regards to banners, pennants, streamers, balloons and pedestrian signs. |
| Powers | To make recommendations to the City Council regarding banners, pennants, streamers, balloons and pedestrian signs. |
| Obligations | To promote active citizen and business participation in local government, learn about the operation of the City and share knowledge with others. |
| Meeting Dates | As called by the Mayor; meetings are currently scheduled for July 15 and 29, August 12 and 26. |
| Meeting Time | 8:00 a.m. |
| Meeting Place | West Conference Room, City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509. |
| Members | Eleven members, registered electors or business owners or representatives of business associations of the City of Wyoming. The Mayor serves as ex-officio and is the Committee Chairperson. |
| Appointment | City Council |
| Term | The length of time that the ad-hoc committee is activated. |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | Planning and Development Department |
| WKTV Commission | |
| Purpose | To promote the utilization of public service access channels broadcast over the cable television system of the City of Wyoming by assisting and promoting the development of local programming; to assist various ethnic, religious, educational, governmental, professional, cultural and other groups in programming by coordinating the usage of equipment and personnel owned by or employed by the WKTV Commission. |
| Powers | WKTV Commission oversees the operation of all the access channels in the City of Wyoming |
| Obligations | To promote and develop cable television in the City of Wyoming to its maximum use and benefit. |
| Meeting Dates | First Tuesday of each month |
| Meeting Time | 7:00 p.m. |
| Meeting Place | WKTV, 5261 Clyde Park Avenue SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Nine – Four appointed by Wyoming, four appointed by Kentwood and one appointed by the commission. |
| Appointment | Four appointed by the City of Wyoming, four appointed by the City of Kentwood, and one appointed by the Board. |
| Term | Three year terms, beginning July 1. |
| Compensation | None |
| Staff Liaison Department | The WKTV Commission employs its own staff. |
| Zoning Board of Appeals | |
| Purpose | To hear and decide appeals after Public Hearings for variances from minimum Zoning Code requirements or to hear and decide appeals to a City official’s interpretation of a Zoning Code requirement. The Board of Zoning Appeals must interpret the provisions of the Zoning Code in a manner as to carry out the interests and purposes of the Code. The Board also may be asked to settle questions of the location of boundary lines between different zone districts. |
| Powers | The Board of Zoning Appeals may grant, deny or modify requested variance(s). Action taken must be supported by findings of fact based on conditions, including practical difficulties, unnecessary hardships, exceptional circumstances, affected value of adjacent properties and public street congestion. Most variances require four concurring votes to approve, but a Use Variance requires five concurring votes. |
| Obligations | Commit to orderly city development; pursue an understanding of Zoning Code Chapter 90 regulations; field inspect new business items prior to the public hearing dates; and become familiar with the requested variances. |
| Meeting Dates | First and third Monday each month |
| Meeting Time | 1:30 p.m., usually 1.5 to 3 hours |
| Meeting Place | City Hall, 1155 - 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 |
| Members | Seven members and two alternates. |
| Appointment | City Council |
| Term | Three year terms, beginning July 1. |
| Compensation | $35 per meeting, maximum of $910 annually |
| Staff Liaison Department | Building Inspections @ (616) 530-7285 |