City Advisory Boards and Commissions

City of Melrose Public Utilities Commission (CMPUC)

The three Commission members are appointed by the City Council to serve staggered three-year terms expiring January 1 of each year.  The Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary are appointed by the CMPUC from among its members annually. 

The CMPUC meets the second Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m.  At least one member of the Commission must be a current City Council member. The CMPUC is responsible for managing the personnel matters, capital improvements, equipment purchases, and day-to-day operations of the Electric, Water, and Wastewater Departments. 

The CMPUC's purpose is to operate the electric production and distribution systems, water system, wastewater treatment system, and appropriate buildings. 

• Established in 1907 by Council resolution as the Water, Light, Power, and Building Commission.
• Delegated by City Council in 1907, the duties of operating the electric production and distribution systems, water system, and public buildings.
• Delegated by City Council in 1964, the duties of operating the City’s wastewater treatment system.
• City Council changed name to the Melrose Public Utilities Commission in 1991.
• Re-established the City of Melrose Public Utilities Commission (CMPUC) by City Council ordinance in 2006. 
• City Council & CMPUC adopted Resolution No. 07-026, Joint Resolution of the City of Melrose and the City of Melrose Public Utilities Commission Comfirming and Restating the Legal Name of the Public Utilities Commission to "City of Melrose Public Utilities Commission" June 6, 2007.
• CMPUC's goal is to keep utility rates low for all of its customers.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission consists of seven members who are appointed by the City Council and who serve staggered four-year terms expiring January 1 of each year.  The Chair, and Vice Chair are appointed by the Planning & Zoning Commission from among its members annually. 

They meet the second Thursday of the following months: February, April, May, June, July, August, September, and  October at 6:30 p.m.  The Planning & Zoning Commission is established under the provisions of the Minnesota Municipal Planning Act.  As such, the Planning & Zoning Commission is responsible for reviewing requests and applications by petitioners to ensure that such petitions conform with the City's Land Use Regulations and Comprehensive Plan.

The powers and duties of the Planning & Zoning Commission include preparation and submittal of the Comprehensive Plan and periodic amendments to the Council for implementation, including periodic review of the Comprehensive Plan, periodic review and study of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and Land Subdivision Regulations, study of applications for amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, and applications for Conditional Use Permits, amendments to rezone, site plan approval, and preliminary and final plats.  In each of the above capacities, the Planning & Zoning Commission submits recommendations to the Council for final action. The Planning & Zoning Commission also acts as the Board of Adjustments and Appeals on Variance requests.

• Established in 1959 by City Council ordinance.
• Provided powers and duties by Minnesota State Statutes.
• Prepares City’s Comprehensive Plan, which is the guide for the orderly physical development of the City and a basis for the efficient expenditure of funds that the City Council, Commission, and all other boards and commissions should follow.
• Acts as an advisory group to the City Council.
• Responsible for zoning, land subdivision, building code, and housing code regulations.
• Acts as the Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
• Serves as an advisory commission that makes recommendations to the City Council.
• Currently working on updating the City Land Use Comprehensive Plan.

Parks and Recreation Board

The seven Board members are appointed by the Mayor for staggered three-year terms expiring on January 1 of each year.  The Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary are appointed by the Board from among its members annually.  The Parks and Recreation Board meets the fourth Monday of every February, May, August and November at 5:30 p.m.  Two members of the Parks and Recreation Board must be current MADA members. 

The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Board is to reveiw current and future park and recreation needs, programs, and facilities and recommend actions, which will promote the implementation of the City's park and recreation plans. An important element of the Parks and Recreation Board is the Tree City USA program, which is a National Arbor Day Foundation program that was implemented by the City in 2006.  One project is required annually in order to keep the Tree City USA recognition.

The Board is responsible for holding meetings to consider matters pertaining to parks and public recreation programs in the City, preparing and submitting to the City Council a plan and periodic amendments for the future development of the City parks and recreation system, and to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council on all matters relating to park and recreation programs and issues in the City.

• Established in 1976 by City Council ordinance with three members and re-established in 1999 by ordinance with seven members. Provided powers and duties by Minnesota State Statutes.
• Formulates rules and regulations for use of parks, coordinates the use of properties with school and community needs, makes recommendation to the City Council on developing, undertaking, and overseeing construction projects.
• Makes budget recommendations to the City Council.
• Pursues goal of improving the quality of life.
• Serves as an advisory board to the City Council.
• Started Tree City USA in 2006 as part of the National Arbor Day Foundation.
• Responsible for Sauk River Park, Lions Park, Jaycee Park, City trails improvements.

Melrose Area Development Authority (MADA)

Community Opportunities Committee (COC)*

MADA/COC Mission Statement

Melrose - a progressive community for everyone

• Create an environment providing employment and housing opportunities
• Incorporate all segments of the community
• Anticipate change, the impact, the potential
• Facilitate a process leading to successful ventures
• Evaluate all options utilizing available resources
• Communicate our goals, our plans, the results

MADA consists of seven members including the Mayor and City Administrator who serve as Ex-Officio Members and five other members who are appointed by the Mayor with Council approval. One of the other five members must be a City Council Member. Appointments are staggered six-year terms expiring January 1 of each year.  The President and Vice President are appointed by MADA from among its members annually. Since MADA as a development authority is statutorily limited to seven members, for improved community representation it appoints four individuals to serve with it for indefinite terms as the Community Opportunities Committee (COC). The 11 member COC, composed of the seven MADA members and the four additional area representatives, always meets together to address development authority business.

MADA/COC meets the fourth Monday of every month (except December) at 6:30 p.m.  MADA was established under the Minnesota Statutes 469.090 through 469.123.  As such, MADA is responsible for economic and industrial development and redevelopment within the City.

MADA/COC is responsible for maintaining and enhancing an environment conducive to job retention and creation and business recruitment and to assist when necessary and where possible the fulfillment of these activities. In cooperation with the Mayor and Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, Parks and Recreation Board, Melrose Area Chamber of Commerce and other organizations, it works to address other community matters including the adequacy and availability of housing opportunities and the quality of life.

• Established by City Council ordinance in 1983 as the Industrial/Commercial Development Commission; in 1989, the Economic Development Authority was established by City Council ordinance.
• Re-established in 1999 by City Council ordinance and COC was established by MADA.
• Carries out economic and industrial development and redevelopment.
• Promotes development through use of tax increment financing, tax abatement, and revolving loan funds.
• Pursues goals of job retention, job creation, and housing.

Public Safety Commission

The Public Safety Commission consists of five members who are appointed by the City Council for staggered four-year terms.  They meet the fourth Thursday of every other month as needed starting with January at 5:30 p.m.  The Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary are appointed by the Public Safety Commission from among the members annually. One Council Member must serve as a member of the Public Safety Commission. 

The purpose of the Public Safety Commission is to evaluate and recommend mechanisms involving the Police, Ambulance, and Fire Departments in the community by holding public meetings, promoting community policing activities and events, and serving as a forum for citizens. The Public Safety Commission is responsible for evaluating public safety needs (Police, Fire and Ambulance) of the community assuring cooperation and coordination. They act in an advisory capacity to the Council on all matters relating to the Departments.

• Established in 2004 by City Council ordinance.
• Replaced the former Ambulance Commission and Police Commission.
• Advises the City Council on public safety matters, including police, fire, and ambulance services.
• Recommends to the City Council proposed policies, rules, and regulations regarding public safety.
• Serves as an advisory commission to the City Council.

Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)

		Term Expires
Joe Finken		01/01/13
Marlene Klasen		01/01/09
Melvin Roehrl	Vice Chair	01/01/10
Nancy Roering	(Council Rep.)	01/01/11
Donald J Meyer	Chair	01/01/12

The five HRA Board Members are appointed by the Mayor for staggered five-year terms. They meet on the Tuesday that falls between the 23rd and 29th of each month at 4:00 p.m. at Rose View Manor.

The Melrose HRA is established under the provisions of the Minnesota Housing and Redevelopment Authority Act. The Board operates Rose View Manor, a 30- unit housing facility for the elderly. Its bylaws restrict its role and responsibility to this activity. 

• Established in 1969 by City Council ordinance.
• Operates under powers and duties provided by Minnesota Statute, but limited by City Council approval.
• Owns and manages Rose View Manor, a 30-unit apartment complex originally designed for exclusive use by low income elderly or disasbled people.
• Funding is provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Operates according to regulations established by HUD.

Committees

Area Citizens Developing Community (ACDC)

ACDC consists of at least seven members of the community who are focused on obtaining information from their fellow residents to help plan for the future of Melrose and to ensure prosperity and quality of life.  The team consists of established and experienced community leaders as well as potential future leaders. 

The ACDC meets irregulary as time permits.  ACDC was originally called Partners in Action (PIA) and it was formed as a result of the Initiative Foundation's Healthy Community Partnership grant program. 

ACDC is responsible for guiding the activities of all projects that are identified in the Non-City Task Force of the City Wide Strategic Plan. Currently, ACDC has merged with the City of Melrose Strategic Plan Steering Committee. Projects for ACDC change annually. The group reports to the Strategic Plan Steering Committee and/or the City Council. 

• Formed in 2001 as a result of the Initiative Foundation’s Healthy Community Partnership grant in the amount of $10,000.
• Consists of local residents who are focused on obtaining information from their fellow residents to help plan for the future of Melrose and to ensure prosperity and quality of life.
• Consists of established and experienced community leaders as well as potential future leaders.
• In 2006, the group reorganized with new members and a new mission to focus on economic development and marketing for the City.
• In 2006, received another $10,000 grant through the Initiative Foundation for five years in order to help with community visioning, City Strategic Plan, City Comprehensive Plan, economic development, and specific community projects.
• Committee reports, advises, and recommends community projects to the City Council.
• 2006 Completed a community visioning project.
• 2007 Currently coodinating with the Strategic Planning Steering Committee to assist in developing a City-Wide Strategic Plan.

Melrose CentraCare Board

Board Members: Jim Davis (Chair), Kurt Schwieters, Lori Seawell, Mary Linnemann (former Council Member rep.) Vacancy.

• There are 5 members on the Melrose CentraCare Board of Directors.
• The City Council elects 2 community members to the CentraCare Board of Directors. 
• Each member serves a 3 year term.
• Traditionally, at least one of the community members has been a current Council Member. 

All candidates wishing to become members to Boards, Commissions, and Committees need to fill out an Application Form and return it to the City Clerk by the appropriate deadline.  The City Council will review the applications and make their recommendation for nominatinos, appointments, and elections.  (Officials & Terms Expiring)