Special Edition: Boards & Commissions Appreciation

Dear Cedar Park Community, Each year, our City Council makes it a special point to come together and recognize our Board and Commission Members with a special reception to honor them for the important work they do as volunteers. This year, due to group gathering restrictions and health concerns related to the pandemic, we are taking this opportunity to publicly shine the light on our Board and Commission volunteers with this special edition of the Cedar Park Pulse. You may not be aware, but the City of Cedar Park has seven Boards and Commissions, including the Economic Development (Type 4A) Board, Community Development (Type 4B) Board, Building Standards Commission and Board of Adjustment, Civil Service Commission, Parks Arts and Community Enrichment (PACE) Board, Planning and Zoning Commission and Tourism Board. With most of these Boards and Commissions, each member is appointed by a City Council Member. Each Board and Commission plays a vital and significant role in our city government and helps keep Cedar Park responsive and responsible. Their work is reflected in the service these volunteers provide, serving on our Boards and Commissions. We are so very appreciative of the many volunteer hours they spend, helping to improve the quality of life for their friends and neighbors here in Cedar Park.  Many, but not all, of these Boards and Commissions meet monthly to discuss various projects, events, programs and other pertinent issues. Often, recommendations as Boards and Commissions are presented to City Council for final approval or adoption.  This year has been especially challenging, with the need to conduct meetings virtually rather than in-person. We especially appreciate the volunteers’ willingness to adapt to the changes while still focused on getting their work done. These Board and Commission Members are our friends and neighbors, so please join us in congratulating them and thanking them for the selfless volunteer hours they spend helping to make Cedar Park the best place to raise a family, have fun, visit and do business.  For Cedar Park,

Corbin Van Arsdale, Mayor

Cedar Park City Council pictured from left to right: Tim Kelly, Rodney T. Robinson, Mayor Corbin Van Arsdale, Dorian Chavez, Michael Guevara (former Member, effective October 8, 2020), Anne Duffy and Mayor Pro Tem Mel Kirkland

About: Makes recommendations to City Council in promotion, assistance and enhancement of economic development activities within Cedar Park In 1999 Cedar Park voters approved adoption of Type A sales and use tax at the rate of half cent for promotion and development of new and expanded business enterprise In 2018, Cedar Park voters elected to redirect one-eighth cent to fund Stormwater Drainage; funding for Economic Development now three-eighths cent of sales tax

Members: Sudip Giri, Place 1 Petri Darby, Place 2 Vacant, Place 3 Eric Boyce, Place 4, Vice President Hulyne Christopher, Place 5 Christine Blair, Place 6 Kelly Brent, Place 7, President

Highlights from this year: Partnered with Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce on creation of Small Business Assistance Program to award $200,000 in small business grants to assist 63 Cedar Park businesses impacted by COVID-19 Entered into economic development agreement with Rose City Management for creation of 400,000 of spec class-A office space on 13.4-acre tract in Cedar Park Town Center Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Company announced plans to open second Cedar Park location in Scottsdale Crossing, where they’ll increase production and distribution of craft beers and specialty coffee; Red Horn plans to employ 15 full-time employees with capital investment of $1 million WEXCO international, LLC announced plans to establish 4,850 square foot regional headquarters in Cedar Park at 13010 West Parmer Ln., where they plan to create 25 full-time jobs with annual salary of $65,000; project capital expenditure of $2 million

About: Oversees and makes recommendations to City Council regarding programming and expenditure of funds related to community development projects as provided under the authority of the Community Development Act of 1979, as amended Funded by half cent of sales tax approved by Cedar Park voters in 1999 Developed and follow a strategic plan with goals linked to the City’s strategic goals Primary areas of focus: transformational, community enhancement, economic development projects and reserving fund balance to take advantage of unplanned opportunities that bring benefit to the City and residents Vision: Positon Cedar Park as an economically viable and sustainable community with home town qualities where people of different ages and diverse interests will find an exciting, interesting, entertaining place to live, learn, work, play or visit Mission: Utilize resources to assist Cedar Park in reaching its economic and community goals to serve the best interests of its citizens and guests

Members: Tom Moody, Place 1 Barbara Shaffer, Place 2 Ginger Goodin, Place 3, Vice President Kevin Harris, Place 4 Mark Ayotte, Place 5 Ryan Wood, Place 6, President Lance Gunn, Place 7

Highlights from this year: Ongoing commitment and investment in Destination Bell Boulevard, now the Bell District Bell Park master planning Lakeline Park Phase 1 contribution Cedar Bark Park improvements at Veterans Memorial Park North Brushy Trail matching funds Pedestrian Bridge matching funds Right turn lanes at Bell Boulevard and Cypress Creek Road in process Pole-mounted signage citywide project Trail extension at new James Avery second headquarters location

About: Meets on as-needed basis if issues arise with our zoning regulations that need modification or special interpretation.

Members: Vacant, Place 1 John Galella, Place 2 Jana Bintz, Place 3 Vacant, Place 4 Vacant, Place 5 Vacant, Place 6 James Freeman, Place 7

About: Cedar Park voters elected to adopt Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code, otherwise known as Civil Service, in 2003 Chapter 143’s purpose: to secure efficient fire and police departments composed of capable personnel who are free from political influence and who have permanent employment tenure as public servants Chapter 143 calls for appointment of three-member commission to help administer Civil Service. Duties include: appointment of Civil Service Director; approval of Local Civil Service Rules and Regulations; providing for Classification system for both the Fire and Police Departments; conducting investigations and/or hearings relating to administration of Civil Service

Members: Barbara Boulware-Wells, Place 1 Nelson Ramirez, Place 2 Paul Deere, Place 3, Chair

Highlights from this year: Approved new study materials for Fire Department promotional processes and presided over an appeal hearing

About: Assists with development and promotion of comprehensive cultural and recreational enrichment program Helps enhance high quality of life in Cedar Park for residents and creates unique and positive experiences for visitors Advises City Council on development, maintenance, protection and enhancement of parks and public art Promotes beautification, economic vitality and attractiveness of Cedar Park through parks, arts, culture and recreation Program funded through revenues generated by Hotel Occupancy Tax and donations to Public Art Fund on customer water bills

Members: Virginia Hernandez, Place 1 Andy deBruyn, Place 2, Chairman Cliff Anderson, Place 3 Deborah Childress, Place 4 Mary McCarthy, Place 5 Vacant, Place 6 Vacant, Place 7

Highlights from this year: Launched Utility Box Art Project on AT&T utility box near City Hall, with second location planned later this year Finalized Interactive Monarch Butterfly Mural at Milburn Park, with second mural at Rosemary Denny Park planned later this year Selected new sculptures for Cedar Park Community Sculpture Garden, using new scoring matrix to evaluate submissions and make final selections; most new pieces installed in mid-October Finalizing installation of newest statue dedicated to our military heroes, with the planned unveiling of statue commemorating the U.S. Armed Forces' Nurse Corps for Veterans Day Sponsored new Youth Art Display at the Cedar Park Public Library, displaying talent from local young artists Purchased new statue, The Family by Warren Cullar, for City's permanent sculpture collection Added new art displays at the Cedar Park Public Library, highlighting works of Shelly Wiedel and Anthony Sotillo

About: Serves as review body to make recommendations to City Council regarding land use issues, including zoning requests, subdivision plats, changes to the Zoning Ordinance, amendments to and updates of Comprehensive Master Plan and other items included in the physical development of the City of Cedar Park.

Members: Vacant, Place 1 Bob Ingraham, Place 2, Secretary Sara Groff, Place 3, Chair Audrey Wernecke, Place 4 Jeff Baker, Place 5 Bobbi Hutchinson, Place 6 Randy Strader, Place 7, Vice Chair

Highlights from this year: Recommended rezoning of approximately 43 acres to Planned Development (PD) to facilitate development of Bell Boulevard District Recommended rezoning 200 acres to Open Space Recreation (OR) to facilitate development of Lakeline Park Recommended Future Land Use amendment and rezoning for expansion of Toyota Cedar Park Recommended minor amendments to Zoning, Subdivision and Site Development Chapters within City Code of Ordinances

About: Makes recommendations to City Staff related to promotion of Cedar Park tourism and expenditures of hotel and motel tax revenues in accordance with Section 351 of the State of Texas Tax Code Supports positioning of Cedar Park as a destination city by defining and recommending appropriate use of funding mechanisms to promote community’s events, attractions, resources and lodging opportunities to appropriate segments of traveling public

Members: Robert Schoen, Place 1 Anne Miller, Place 2 David Jacobson, Place 3 Malin Daniels, Place 4, Vice Chair Sean Christopher, Place 5 Linda Ayotte, Place 6, Chair Matthew Olguin, Place 7, Secretary

Highlights from this year: Revised city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant process to provide for more accountability, while creating more opportunities for applicants Funded six and helped recruit seven events to help promote and grow tourism in Cedar Park Developed recommendations for marketing and attraction strategies for Tourism Department

Most boards and commissions require that applicants meet specific qualifications, and positions are appointed by the City Council. You learn more about their functions and how to apply here.

The City of Cedar Park | CedarParkTexas.gov

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