Government

Boards, Committees and Commissions

Council relies on advisory committees and boards to provide recommendations on pertinent issues within the Town and draws on the expertise of citizen volunteer members. Town of Smyrna Council invites you to volunteer your time and experience to participate on such committees and boards dealing with issues ranging from buildings to community facilities and local cultural events. Vacancies and information relating to advisory committees and boards, including their roles and membership qualifications, can be found below.

Board of Adjustments and Appeals – The Board of Adjustments and Appeals has the power to hear appeals of decisions and interpretations of the building official, housing official and fire official and consider variances of the technical code. The board consists of seven members and two alternates, all appointed by majority vote of the Town Council. Members must be citizens of the Town of Smyrna and must have knowledge and experience in the technical codes, such as design professionals, contractors or building industry representatives. Term of service is three (3) years for members and one (1) year for alternates.

Athletic Committee – The Athletic Committee assists the Parks and Recreation Department and provides advice and communication. Membership consists of one person chosen by each non-profit athletic organization that has an existing relationship with the Parks and Recreation Department. Term of service is one (1) year.

Project Assistance Board – The Project Assistance Program was created to provide financial assistance to citizens in the areas of utility services. The board consists of seven members including the Director of Utilities, the Police Department Community Services Coordinator and five members affiliated with benevolent organizations in the Smyrna/LaVergne area. Term of service is three (3) years.

Sister City Committee – The Sister City Committee coordinates the exchange of cultural and educational experiences for students from Smyrna and Zama, Japan. Committee members must have displayed a commitment to the community through their participation in other volunteer capacities. The committee consists of seven members appointed by the Mayor. Term of service is three (3) years.

Board of Zoning Appeals – The Board of Zoning Appeals hears and decides appeals regarding requirements, permits, decisions determinations or refusals by the Building Official or other administrative official, or requests for special exceptions or variances to the Zoning Ordinance and Sign Ordinance based on hardship as defined by the Tennessee Code Annotated. The Board is composted of five (5) members, all appointed by the Town Council. Term of service is three (3) year.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board – The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Parks Director in the formation of public park policy and facility development and management. Board members are selected from individuals who have an interest in park, recreational, social and cultural activities in the various park and recreations facilities. Members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by Town Council. The board consists of nine members and term of service is two (2) years.

Planning Commission – The Planning Commission reviews all development plans, annexation and rezoning requests. The Commission makes reports and recommendations relating to the planning and development of the Town. The Board consists of seven (7) members, all citizens of Smyrna. Six of those members are appointed by the Mayor; the seventh is a member of the Town Council, appointed by the Council. Term of service is two (2) years.

Historic Zoning Commission – The Historic Zoning Commission reviews all requests for reconstruction, alteration, repair, moving or demolition conducted within the H-1 Historic Overlay District and determines appropriateness of those changes. The Commission is composed of seven (7) members, including a representative from a local patriotic or historical organization, and architect (if available), and a member of the Town Planning Commission. Members are appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by Town Council. Term of service is five (5) years.

Beer Board – The Beer Board regulates the selling, storing and distributing for sale, and manufacturing of beer within the Town of Smyrna. The board is composed of five (5) members who are citizens of the Town. Term of service is four (4) years.

Stormwater Advisory Committee – This Stormwater Advisory Committee advises and assists the Town in implementing a program for reducing pollutants discharged into creeks, ditches, streams and rivers. In addition to assisting with public education and outreach, the Committee also assists in the development of ordinances and regulations for Council consideration. The Committee is composed of seven (7) members nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by Town Council. Term of service is two (2) years.

Industrial Development Board – The Industrial Development Board facilitates financial transactions for government and non-profit purposes. The Board consists of seven members, appointed by Town Council. Term of service is six (6) years.

Packaged Liquor Board - The Packaged Liquor Board regulates the selling, storing for sale, distributing for sale and manufacturing of retail sales of packaged liquor within the corporate limits of the Town of Smyrna. This Board makes and establishes reasonable bylaws, rules and regulations as may be necessary for the full execution of their duties and may issue or deny a certificate of compliance for purposes of compliance with the rules and regulations to sell packaged liquor as provided by the laws of the State of Tennessee. Additionally, this Board has the authority to recommend to the town notices of violations of state and local law be forwarded to the TABC for further investigation and action. The Board is composed of five (5) members who are residents of the Town of Smyrna and are appointed by a majority vote of the town council. The term of service is 4 years, except the initial appointments, which are staggered to provide continuity and consistency.
 

NOTE: Board and Committee terms of office usually begin April 1. Most meet once a month, unless otherwise specified, and are open to the public. Members do not receive compensation for service on Town of Smyrna Boards and Committees.

To recognize, promote and strengthen the sense of community, diversity and multiculturalism, all Smyrna residents are invited to get involved.

To apply: Committee Application

Questions:

For more information contact Roseanne Peppers at 459.9742  ext. 2135, or by e-mail roseanne.peppers@townofsmyrna.org.