City chief makes plea for vols to fill city boards, commissions

Rochester City Manager Blaine Cox ... vacancies need to be filled, he says (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The city is reaching out to the citizens of Rochester to help fill vacancies on many of its boards and commissions, including the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

The ZBA meets once a month to evaluate requests by property owners for variances and special exceptions from the zoning ordinance, as well as appeals from administrative decisions.

Members of the board are tasked with making informed decisions and casting their votes in accordance with zoning and land use rules, as well as the laws governing zoning board decisions. Fair, open minded people with good listening skills, and an understanding of the community and its ordinances, or willingness to learn them are typically well-suited to serve on the ZBA.

"These positions are crucial for the city to fill because the ZBA plays an essential role in overseeing land use and ensuring that zoning laws are applied fairly and equitably across Rochester," said City Manager Blaine Cox said.

There is currently one regular opening and two alternate openings on the ZBA.

The ZBA openings are in addition to openings on the following boards and commissions:

Arts and Culture Commission: Three regular positions and one education representative position

Conservation Commission: One regular member and one alternate

Rochester Economic Development Commission: One regular member

Rochester Government Channel: Two regular positions

Historic District Commission: One alternate position

Planning Board: Two alternate positions

Recreation and Arena Commission: One regular position

Strafford Regional Planning Commission

Trustees of the Trust Fund: Two regular positions

Anyone interested in learning more about any of the openings is encouraged to contact the City Clerk online here or call 603-332-2130.