Vacancies: Authorities, Boards and Commissions

Many different Authorities, Boards and Commissions (ABCs) have been formed to support Bellefonte Borough’s elected officials and staff. This overview covers the various ABCs and their functions and includes an application form for anyone interested in serving on one of these bodies. Your completed application (please attach a resume to the application) will aid Borough officials in filling vacancies on the ABCs. Those individuals who devote their time, energy, and know-how to the ABCs are a vital part of Bellefonte Borough. We could not function without their expertise and dedication. Some appointments require Borough residency while others do not. Think about how you can help your local officials make your community even better. For more information, call the Bellefonte Borough office at (814) 355-1501 or email at [email protected].

 

Historical and Architectural Review Board (HARB):

The purpose of the HARB is to offer advice and counsel to Bellefonte Borough Council concerning the erection, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, demolition or razing of all or any part of a building or structure located within the boundaries of the Historical and Architectural Review Board District and visible from a public right-of-way. For this purpose, the Historical and Architectural Review Board may make and alter rules and regulations for its own organization and procedure.

The HARB shall be composed of seven members and at least one alternate member, recommended by the HARB, and approved by Council. Of the seven members, one shall be a registered architect, one a licensed real estate broker, one the Borough building official, one a business person whose principal place of business is located within the HARB-regulated historic district, and three additional persons with a knowledge of and interest in historic preservation.

The HARB’s regularly scheduled meetings shall be held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month unless circumstances warrant a postponement.

For more information, a copy of the HARB’s By-Laws can be found here

There is currently one vacancy on this Board, with the term expiring on 12/31/2018.

 

Zoning Hearing Board

The Board hears requests for variances and appeals of the determination made by the Zoning Officer, where it is alleged that the provisions of the zoning ordinance inflict unnecessary hardship upon the applicant.  The Board is made up of five members and meets on an as-needed basis.

For more information regarding the Zoning Hearing Board, please click here.

There is currently one full-time vacancy and one alternate vacancy on this Board.

 

Bellefonte Borough Housing Appeals Board

This Board considers appeals regarding the requirements, determinations, and decisions made by the Borough’s inspectors in their enforcement of Chapter 425 of the Property Maintenance and Safety Code ordinance. Also, the Board grants variances to elements of the Property Maintenance and Safety Code ordinance in instances where literal application of the code would result in exceptional practical difficulty.

There is currently one vacancy on this Board.

 

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission is a three member Commission with each member serving a six-year term.  The Commission is designed to oversee the hiring and promotional process related to full-time police officers.  Residency is required.  Candidates for these positions must go through a civil service process where written and oral exams are given and scored.  The Commission presents a list of eligible candidates to Council for their consideration.  The Commission must meet the first Monday of the new year to re-organize.  Other meeting times are on an as-needed basis.

There are currently three alternate vacancies on this Commission.