Committee for citizen involvement

The City of Sisters passed a new ordinance last month that created a Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI). The city is looking for interested residents to be a part of the committee. It is not necessary to live within the city limits to participate.

The committee will consist of nine members with five members who reside inside the city limits and two members who reside outside the city limits but within the boundaries of the Sisters School District. Additionally, two Sisters High School students, one senior and one junior, selected by Sisters School District administrators, will serve on the committee.

The fact that the city is attempting to be more inclusive of the local area that supports the city is a great step in the right direction according to some area residents.

"There are positions for folks who live outside and inside the city limits. This is a wonderful way for folks outside of the city to have a voice and for all committee members to learn more about the inner workings of city government," said Bill Mintiens, chairman of the Sisters Economic Development Council.

The original deadline to submit an application to serve on the committee has passed; however, the deadline has been extended to allow for a better representation from the community.

"We are going to continue to accept applications until all the positions are filled," said Sisters City Manager Eileen Stein.

Mintiens believes that the new committee could prove to be a good launch pad for residents who want to have a greater say in the local government.

"Like the planning commission, serving on the citizens committee would be a good step toward running for a city council position," he said.

The addition of the CCI to the city is partially in response to Oregon's number one statewide planning goal which charges local governing bodies with preparing and adopting a comprehensive program for public involvement. Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR 660-015-0000(1)) also requires local jurisdictions to establish a Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI) to foster public involvement in land use planning. Additionally, there are numerous state and federal laws, as well as local policies, which require public review and feedback at critical points in development of public policy.

Applications to serve on the CCI are to be submitted to the city, and members will then be selected and appointed by Mayor Brad Boyd with the consent of the city council. The mayor may also designate a council liaison to the committee who will serve in an ex-officio capacity.

The CCI is designed to fill the following purposes: to provide for widespread citizen involvement; to assure effective two-way communication with citizens; to provide the opportunity for citizens to be involved in all phases of the planning process; to assure that technical information is available in an understandable form; to assure that citizens get responses from policy makers; and to provide input and feedback about the quality of city services.

Specifically excluded from the committee's responsibilities are those already reserved for the Sisters Urban Area Planning Commission, including taking actions regarding specific land development proposals as required by the Sisters Development Code.