Committee Vacancies | Boards and Committees | Government

Board and Committee Vacancies

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Current Board, Committee, Commission, and Task Force Opportunities:

(Where applicable, please note specific requirements necessary to apply, i.e. residency in specific Commissioner District, service provider, etc.)

Board of Appeal and Equalization

Emergency Planning Advisory Committee (Community Organizations Rep.)
Extension Committee (District 2)
Human Services Advisory Committee (Districts 3 & 5 Citizen Reps., School Rep., EMS Rep.)
Licensed Family Child Care Work Group (Child Care Provider, Parent)
Mental Health Task Force (Law Enforcement Rep.; Health Services Professional)
Public Health Task Force (Citizen - Any District)
Social Services Task Force (Foster Care Provider, Parent of Child with Phys/Mental Disabilities)
Transitions Task Force (Community Provider, Foster Care Provider)
Sauk River Watershed District

Apply for an appointment

Stearns County recognizes the importance of the input it receives from citizens through its various boards, committees, commissions and task forces. The list below enables you to access information (mission/purpose, meeting dates, times, location, contact information, etc.) relative to these working groups. Click on the following board/committee name to access board/committee descriptions.

If you are interested in being considered for any of these positions, click on “Apply for an appointment” and complete the required application form. A separate application form is required for each position. Applications will be kept on file for two years from the date of submittal, and there is no guarantee a vacancy will occur during this time period. While most vacancies are filled in January, additional opportunities do exist throughout the year. A list of current vacancies appears at the top of this page.

Thank you for your interest in serving the residents of Stearns County!

Board and Committee List:

Board and Committee Descriptions

Board of Adjustment	Apply for an appointment

Meeting Times:	Fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m., except the November and December meetings which are normally combined
Meeting Place:	County Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park
Contact:	Chelle Benson, Environmental Services Director Email Chelle
Description:	The Stearns County Board of Adjustment is a seven-member body that is appointed by the County Board of Commissioners and consists of one member of the Stearns County Planning Commission (which rotates annually from each district), one at large member from any area of the County and one member from each of the five commissioner districts. No elected officer of the County may serve on the Board nor shall any employee of the Stearns County Board of Commissioners serve as a member of the Stearns County Board of Adjustment. At least one member shall be from the unincorporated area of the County. The members shall serve for a term of three years and can serve no more than a total of nine years. The Board is a quasi-judicial body and is the hearing authority for variances from the standards of County ordinances and for appeals from any order, requirement, decision or determination of any administrative official regarding County ordinances.

Meeting Times:	Convenes every June
Meeting Place:	County Administration Center, 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud
Contact:	Gary Grossinger, County Assessor Email Gary or call 320-656-3680
Description:	The Stearns County Board of Appeal and Equalization is a five-member board appointed annually by the County Board of Commissioners. The purpose of the County Board of Appeal and Equalization is to provide a fair and objective forum for property owners to appeal their valuation and classification. Members must be a resident of Stearns County and be knowledgeable in the field of real estate, with at least one member being either a fee appraiser or a realtor. At least one member must also have completed the required Board of Appeal training offered by the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

Meeting Times:	Second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting Place:	Annandale Middle School, 125 Cherry Avenue N, Annandale
Contact:	C Merle Anderson 3147 S 15th Ave St. Cloud MN 56301 320-202-0554
Description:	Each watershed district works to prevent and control water-related problems. Each district monitors the water quality within ditches, rivers, streams, creeks and lakes. Some of the projects the districts handle are the administration of ditch and drainage laws and the approval of culvert size. They also help protect the wetlands and manage drainage systems. A watershed district manager’s job is to preside over the business of the watershed district as it pursues the conservation of the natural resources of the state through regulation and the use of sound scientific principles, for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare, and the provident use of natural resources.

Meeting Times:	Second Thursday of the month at 7:30 a.m.
Meeting Place:	County Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park
Contact:	Sandy Durant, Community Corrections Division E-mail Sandy or call 320-656-6425
Description:	The Stearns County Community Corrections Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to the County Board and to the Human Services Department. The Board actively participates in the formulation of the comprehensive plan for the development, implementation, and operation of correctional programs and services for Stearns County. The Stearns County Community Corrections Advisory Board members represent the County Board, law enforcement, prosecution, judiciary, education, corrections, ethnic minorities, social services, lay citizens, and the public defender's office. Committee members are appointed for a term of three years, and a maximum of three terms.

Meeting Times:	Second Wednesday of every other month (January, March, etc.) at 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Place:	Charlie’s Café, Freeport
Contact:	Craig Roerick, Extension Educator Call 320-255-6169 or 1-800-450-6171
Description:	The mission of the Dairy Advisory Committee is to recommend and advise local and state government on policies that will enhance and benefit the agricultural industry, specifically the dairy industry. The Committee supports educational activities for it's members and for dairy producers throughout Stearns County. Efforts include input on land use planning, recommendations to the legislature on cost share for environmental regulation, and dairy tours highlighting low cost facility upgrades. The Committee is comprised of dairy producers and dairy allied industry professionals from throughout Stearns County. Members serve a term of three years and can serve no more than a total of nine years.

Meeting Times:	January, May and September- specific date and time varies
Meeting Place:	County Administration Center, 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud
Contact:	Chelle Benson, Environmental Services Director E-mail Chelle
Description:	The Delinquent Refuse Account Certification Appeals Panel is vested with the responsibility for hearing and deciding appeals relating to delinquent refuse (garbage) account certifications. The panel meets each year in January, May and September. The panel consists of 5 members appointed by the County Board who serve a term of three years each. Members include one representative from the Environmental Services Department, the Tri-County Solid Waste Management Commission, the County Board, and two citizen members- one representing business and one representing the citizens of the County.

Meeting Times:	Third Thursday of the month, no meeting in July or December
Meeting Place:	County Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park
Contact:	Marvin Klug, Emergency Management Director E-mail Marvin or call 320-259-3940
Description:	The Stearns County Emergency Planning Advisory Committee is a 15 member committee made up of community representatives who advise Stearns County Emergency Management on the development and execution of emergency management programs. The committee also serves as the Citizen Corps Council for Stearns County’s Citizen Corps programs. The Advisory Committee additionally oversees the development and execution of a public health program as outlined in a Center for Disease Control Public Health Emergency Preparedness Grant.

Meeting Times:	First Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Meeting Place:	County Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park
Contact:	Rena Wald, Public Health Division E-mail Rena or call 320-656-6251
Description:	The purpose of the EMS Task Force is to develop, implement, and enhance continuing education and training for EMS providers in Stearns County. Additionally, the task force is an integral part in the planning the annual EMS Recognition Conference. Members of the EMS Task Force must be representatives of EMS agencies from all of the five Commissioner Districts in Stearns County. The task force members are appointed by the Human Services Advisory Committee for three (3), three-year terms.

Meeting Times:	Meets as needed
Meeting Place:	County Administration Center, 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud
Contact:	Chelle Benson, Environmental Services Director E-mail Chelle
Description:	The Environmental Service Fee Appeals Panel is vested with the responsibility for hearing and deciding appeals relating to the environmental service fee. The panel consists of 7 members appointed by the County Board and includes one representative from the County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, the Assessor's Office, the Environmental Services Department, the Tri-County Solid Waste Management Commission and two citizen members- one representing business and one representing the citizens of the County.

Meeting Times:	January, March, June, September and November- specific date and time varies
Meeting Place:	Extension Office, Midtown Office Building, 3400 First St N, St. Cloud
Contact:	Sarah Chur, Regional Director E-mail Sarah or call 320-203-6055 or 1-888-241-4591
Description:	The County Extension Committee is made up of two County Commissioners, six county residents (one from each district and one at-large) and the County Auditor- Treasurer. The Committee serves in both an advisory and an advocacy role to the Stearns County Extension staff. The regional extension director, the county extension educators and program coordinators, and the nutrition education assistant attend the meetings and provide updates to the extension committee members.

Meeting Times:	Fourth Wednesday of the month
Meeting Place:	County Administration Center, 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud
Contact:	Chelle Benson, Environmental Services Director E-mail Chelle
Description:	The Feedlot Review Committee acts in an advisory and review capacity for the Planning Commission on all proposed feedlot conditional use permits and other feedlot-related issues. The nine member Committee is established by ordinance, is appointed by the Stearns County Board of Commissioners, and meets when feedlot conditional use permit applications are received or other feedlot issues need to be addressed. Members represent government agencies, residents, producers, lending, townships and cities. Non-agency members are appointed for three-year terms by the Commissioners.

Meeting Times:	Second Tuesday of January, March, May, June, July, September and November
Meeting Place:	St. Cloud Public Library, 1300 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud
Contact:	GRRL Director at (320) 650-2512
Description:	The purpose of the Great River Regional Library (GRRL) Board of Trustees is to represent the library to the people and to the governing officials. It is the trustee’s obligation to see that adequate funds are obtained for good library service, to promote the best possible use of all library resources in the area, to improve existing services, and extend library service to those not previously served. The Board is comprised of 15 members as appointed by their respective County Boards of Commissioners according to the provisions of the regional service agreement and representing the counties of Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright. The trustee’s terms are three years and end with the calendar year. A trustee may serve a total of three three-year terms for a total of no more than nine years of service. A trustee who has served nine years or a total of three full terms may be reappointed after a one-year lapse of membership.

Meeting Times:	Second Thursday of the month at 3:30 p.m.
Meeting Place:	County Administration Center, 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud
Contact:	Sheryl Augustson E-mail Sheryl or call 320-656-6058
Description:	The Human Services Advisory Committee advises the Stearns County Human Services Board in the development, implementation, and operation of programs and services provided by the Human Services Department. The Human Services Advisory Committee is comprised of seventeen members representing citizens from each commissioner district in Stearns County; persons receiving services; community service providers; schools; Emergency Medical Services; youth, and a representative from the Community Corrections Advisory Board. Committee members are appointed for a term of three-years and a maximum of three terms.

Meeting Times:	Quarterly
Meeting Place:	County Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park
Contact:	Sandy Kostreba, Administrative Services Division Email Sandy or call 320-656-6205
Description:	The purpose of the Licensed Family Child Care Work Group is to provide a means of communication regarding the licensure of Family Child Care and input to the Human Services Advisory Committee regarding issues relating to licensure of family child care facilities in Stearns County. The Work Group will meet quarterly. Work Group members are appointed by the Stearns County Human Services Advisory Committee.

Meeting Times:	Second Thursday of the month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Meeting Place:	County Administration Center, 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud
Contact:	Cindy Wills E-mail Cindy or call 320-656-6131
Description:	The purpose of the Mental Health Task Force is to address service areas related to mental health services for adults and children, and chemical dependency services. Members of the Mental Health Task Force include consumers, providers of mental health services, health services, law enforcement, schools and the general citizenry of Stearns County. The task force members are appointed by the Human Services Advisory Committee for three (3), three-year terms.

Meeting Times:	Third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting Place:	District Office, 118 Lake Avenue N, Spicer
Contact:	Chad Anderson 174 Lake Ave N Po Box 8 Spicer MN 56288 320-796-0888
Description:	Each watershed district works to prevent and control water-related problems. Each district monitors the water quality within ditches, rivers, streams, creeks and lakes. Some of the projects the districts handle are the administration of ditch and drainage laws and the approval of culvert size. They also help protect the wetlands and manage drainage systems. A watershed district manager’s job is to preside over the business of the watershed district as it pursues the conservation of the natural resources of the state through regulation and the use of sound scientific principles, for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare, and the provident use of natural resources.

Meeting Times:	Second Monday of the month (7:00 p.m. April-November, 1:00 p.m. December-March)
Meeting Place:	District Office Meeting Room, 100 Prairie Avenue N, Brooten
Contact:	Josh Reed Po Box 100 Prairie Ave N Brooten, MN 56316 320-346-2869 320-346-2410(fax)
Description:	Each watershed district works to prevent and control water-related problems. Each district monitors the water quality within ditches, rivers, streams, creeks and lakes. Some of the projects the districts handle are the administration of ditch and drainage laws and the approval of culvert size. They also help protect the wetlands and manage drainage systems. A watershed district manager’s job is to preside over the business of the watershed district as it pursues the conservation of the natural resources of the state through regulation and the use of sound scientific principles, for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare, and the provident use of natural resources.

Meeting Times:	Second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Consult the Park Department to ensure no changes have been made to a particular meeting's schedule.
Meeting Place:	County Park Headquarters, Quarry Park & Nature Preserve, 1802 County Road 137, Waite Park
Contact:	Park Director E-mail the Park Director or call 320-255-6172
Description:	The Park Commission was established in 1970, pursuant to State Statute 398.32 to 398.36, to advise the Stearns County Board on matters relating to park, recreation and open space needs, in conjunction with Stearns County's Comprehensive Plan. The Commission has 7 members. One member is a County Commissioner, another is a Planning Commission, and the other five are appointed to represent each of the five commissioner districts. The Park Commission meetings are open to the public. Proposed agenda items may be submitted to the Park Director for inclusion in upcoming meetings.

Meeting Times:	Third Monday of the month from 6:15 to 8:00 p.m.
Meeting Place:	County Administration Center, 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud
Contact:	Rena Wald E-mail Rena or call 320-656-6251
Description:	The purpose of the Public Health Task Force is to advise, consult, and make recommendations on matters relating to disease prevention services and health promotion programs, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, maternal and child health, and correctional health. Members of the Public Health Task Force are representatives of health service providers, schools/education, community organizations and the general citizenry of Stearns County. The task force members are appointed by the Human Services Advisory Committee for three (3), three-year terms.

Meeting Times:	First and Third Tuesdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. (on Wednesday if holiday or caucus)
Meeting Place:	District Office, 524 S 4th St, Sauk Centre
Contact:	Holly Kovarik 524 S 4th Street Sauk Centre MN 56378 320-352-2231
Description:	Each watershed district works to prevent and control water-related problems. Each district monitors the water quality within ditches, rivers, streams, creeks and lakes. Some of the projects the districts handle are the administration of ditch and drainage laws and the approval of culvert size. They also help protect the wetlands and manage drainage systems. A watershed district manager’s job is to preside over the business of the watershed district as it pursues the conservation of the natural resources of the state through regulation and the use of sound scientific principles, for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare, and the provident use of natural resources.

Meeting Times:	First Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. during the months that weather conditions are conducive for viewing properties (generally May through December)
Meeting Place:	County Administration Center, 705 Courthosue Square, St. Cloud
Contact:	Chelle Benson, Environmental Services Director E-mail Chelle
Description:	The Shoreland Review Panel is a five member Panel established by County Ordinance for the purpose of reviewing, authorizing or denying shoreland alteration applications of a larger scale via a Major Shoreland Alteration permit. These permits regulate the alteration of natural topography in shoreland areas of the County. The Panel consists of representatives from the following: a Township Officer nominated by the Stearns County Township Officers Association, a representative of the Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District, a representative of the Stearns County Planning Commission, a Watershed District technical staff person and an at-large citizen member.

Government

Board and Committee Vacancies

Current Board, Committee, Commission, and Task Force Opportunities:

Board and Committee List:

County Government:

Inter-Governmental:

Property and Roads:

Law and Public Safety:

Human Services:

Environment:

Recreation:

Board and Committee Descriptions

Board of Adjustment

Board of Appeal and Equalization

Clearwater River Watershed District

Community Corrections Advisory Board

Dairy Advisory Committee

Delinquent Refuse Account Appeals Panel

Emergency Planning Advisory Committee

EMS Task Force

Environmental Services Fee Appeals Panel

Extension Committee

Feedlot Review Committee

Great River Regional Library Board

Human Services Advisory Committee

Licensed Family Child Care Work Group

Mental Health Task Force

Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District

North Fork Crow River Watershed

Noxious Weeds Appeal Panel

Park Commission

Planning Commission

Public Health Task Force

Sauk River Watershed District

Shoreland Review Panel

Social Services Task Force

Stearns County HRA

Transitions Task Force

Water Management Advisory Committee

Wetland Appeals Panel

Youth Services Task Force

Meeting Times:	First Monday of the month from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Meeting Place:	County Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park
Contact:	Lisa Thull E-mail Lisa or call 320-656-6208
Description:	The purpose of the Social Services Task Force is to assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating the Family Home Visitor Program, Child Welfare Services, Child Protection Services, Adolescent Services, Truancy, School Absenteeism, Developmental Disabilities Services, and Long-Term Care Services. Members of the Social Services Task Force represent health service providers, schools, community organizations, foster care providers, parents of children receiving services, adult and adolescent consumers, and the general citizenry of Stearns County. The task force members are appointed by the Human Services Advisory Committee for three (3), three-year terms.

Meeting Times:	Third Thursday of the month at 8:30 a.m.
Meeting Place:	Stearns County HRA Office, 401 W Wind Court, Cold Spring
Contact:	Robert Swanberg, Executive Director E-mail Robert or call 320-685-7771
Description:	The Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) has two broad areas of activity—housing and community economic development. The HRA has five representatives, one from each Commissioner District. Per State Statute, members serve five year terms, which commence January 1. Appointments are made by the County Board.

Meeting Times:	Fourth Tuesday of the month from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Meeting Place:	County Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park
Contact:	Gay Sikkink E-mail Gay or call 320-656-6290
Description:	The purpose of the Transitions Task Force is to address programs and services that help low-income persons and families in transition. The focus includes such areas as: outreach for persons experiencing homelessness; cash assistance programs like food support, child care subsidy services, and the Minnesota Family Investment Program. The scope of this task force also includes the child support system and day care/foster care licensing services. The task force members are appointed by the Human Services Advisory Committee for three (3), three-year terms.

Meeting Times:	Second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting Place:	County Administration Center, 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud
Contact:	Chelle Benson, Environmental Services Director E-mail Chelle
Description:	The Stearns County Water Management Advisory Committee is a twelve-member body that oversees the development and implementation of the Local Water Management Plan. The Committee is appointed by the County Board and is comprised of twelve citizens representing various sectors of the County community. There is a representative from township government, the Municipal League, agriculture, lake associations, education, local legislation/higher education, the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board, County Board of Commissioners, County Planning Commission, a watershed district, the City of St. Cloud, and a concerned citizen. Technical staff from the SWCD, the Environmental Services Department, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Watershed Districts, Minnesota Rural Water Association, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Nature Conservancy also regularly attend and participate in the meetings.

Meeting Times:	Scheduled as needed
Meeting Place:	County Administration Center, 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud
Contact:	Chelle Benson, Environmental Services Director E-mail Chelle
Description:	The Wetland Appeals Panel is a three member panel consisting of two members of the County Board of Commissioners and one member appointed by the County Board. The Wetland Appeals Panel hears and decides on appeals of decisions made by the Wetland Rules Committee.

Meeting Times:	Five meetings per calendar year held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., specific date varies
Meeting Place:	County Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park
Contact:	Sandy Durant and Rena Wald E-mail Sandy or call 320-656-6425; E-mail Rena or call 320-656-6251
Description:	The Youth Services Task Force is comprised of students representing schools in Stearns County; their ages range from 13-19 years old. The members provide recommendations and input for the implementation of human service programs directed at youth. The task force members are appointed by the Human Services Advisory Committee for a 1-year term and may be appointed for up to 4 terms.