What you can do for your County - Dakota County Minnesota

It’s not too late to get involved in local government by joining one of Dakota County’s Citizen Advisory Committees. Dakota County has extended the deadline for applications until Dec. 17.

Committees make sure that the Dakota County Board of Commissioners gets ideas from residents on everything from parks to community corrections. Committee members often have a special interest or expertise that gives them a unique perspective.

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners invites folks to make a difference by getting involved in one of the County’s advisory committees.

The Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board oversees the activities of the Workforce Centers in Dakota and Scott County. In partnership with the Dakota County Board, the Workforce Investment Board determines methods and delivery systems to assure the best possible mix of programs and services for eligible Dakota and Scott County residents. The Board meets monthly on the third Friday in West St. Paul.

The Community Development Agency (CDA) Board directs and sets policy to provide housing opportunities for low and moderate income families and seniors through programs ranging from rental assistance to home ownership and housing rehabilitation to community development. The Board meets monthly in Eagan.

The Community Corrections Advisory Board discusses and makes formal recommendations to the County Board on the comprehensive plan for corrections programs and services. It meets five times per year in West St. Paul.

The Extension Committee, in partnership with the University of Minnesota, assists in approving programs, establishing the budget, and evaluating staff to enhance Extension programs. The committee meets bi-monthly in Farmington.

The Farmland and Natural Areas Program Advisory Committee makes recommendations to county commissioners regarding farmland and natural areas projects. The committee meets six times per year in Apple Valley.

The Human Services Advisory Committee studies and discusses topics relating to the human service areas that Minnesota counties are responsible for including social services, public health, and income maintenance. The Committee meets monthly in West St. Paul.

The Library Board participates in planning library facilities and services, sets operating policies for the Library System and prepares the annual budget. The board meets monthly at various library locations.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PARAC) makes recommendations to the County Board regarding policies that pertain to the county parks and regional parks and trails in Dakota County, and provides citizen input into park development plans, user fee schedules, recreation, and other issues related to the parks. The committee meets monthly in Apple Valley.

The Personnel Board of Appeals provides the County Board with impartial analysis concerning appeals filed by employees or job applicants. Board members must have 10 or more years of managerial experience or comparable qualifications. Board members may not have a contractual, commercial or professional relationship with Dakota County. The board meets for full-day or half-day hearings as needed in Hastings.

The Planning Commission reviews environmental and natural resource proposals and makes recommendations to the County Board; considers conditional use permit requests for actions which will affect shoreland and floodplain areas in the County; reviews planning and program proposals which relate to the County’s comprehensive plan; and discusses trails and other transportation issues. The committee meets monthly or as necessary in Apple Valley.

The Public Art Citizen Advisory Committee recommends art projects for county buildings to the County Board. The committee meets monthly in Apple Valley.

The Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee aids in the preparation of the Dakota County Solid Waste Master Plan. This committee will meet approximately four times in 2011 in Apple Valley.

The Special Board of Appeal and Equalization hears appeals from property owners regarding property valuation or classification of properties. One member must be a real estate appraiser, or be familiar with county property valuation. The board meets in Apple Valley annually in June.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment evaluates and makes decisions on variance requests and appeals pertaining to the shoreland and floodplain management regulations in township areas; its decisions are the final administrative decision by the County. The Board meets as needed in Apple Valley.

Please see the Dakota County website, for detailed information about these various committees, commissioner district information and specific openings and qualifications.

Incumbents may be eligible for reappointment. Citizen advisory committee applications are retained for one year. Prior applicants need not submit a new application, but should contact the County Administration Department if interested in a specific appointment. Dakota County residents interested in serving on a committee can call County Administration at 651-438-4418 for an application.

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