Boards and Commissions Summary

Boards Governed by Charter, Ordinance or Resolution:

Audit Finance Board

The Audit Finance Board ("AFB") is responsible for recommending to the City Council an auditor as needed, reviewing the audit of the City prior to its submission to the City Council, and assisting the auditor and city staff with the presentation of the audit to the City Council. The AFB is composed of three (3) members of the City Council, a citizen appointee with financial and/or audit experience, as well as the City Manager and the Chief Financial Officer of the City. The Council Members are appointed by the Mayor and the citizen member is appointed by the entire City Council to a one-year term commencing February 1 each year through January 31 of the following year, with a maximum of three consecutive terms. The AFB reports to the City Council at the time the audit is presented and at any other time as the AFB deems appropriate. Meetings are as needed, but at least annually.

The Board shall be responsible for the following:

1. Recommending an auditor to City Council during those years in which an auditor must be appointed by the City.
2. Reviewing the audit of the city prior to submission to City Council.
3. Assisting the auditor and City staff with the presentation of the audit to City Council.
4. Providing a communication link between the auditor and City Council concerning various accounting, financial, fiscal, purchasing, and business services policies.
5. Assist City Council in carrying out its oversight and improvement responsibilities as they relate to the City’s financial and performance reporting practices, internal controls, compliance with laws and regulations, and initiatives to improve the performance of city services.

Culture and Arts Board 

The Culture and Arts Board ("CAB") enhances the quality of life in Bellaire through visual and performing arts that transform the places our citizens live, work, and play. It attempts to create more welcoming and beautiful environments through the integration of artistic styles. Such created environments attempt to reflect a vibrant image of Bellaire as a contemporary and progressive city. The CAB submits to the City Council recommendations for public art projects and improvements for public spaces within the City.

Seven Bellaire residents are appointed to this Board by City Council and serve a two-year term with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Terms are staggered and begin July 1. A training session for all members of all Bellaire Boards and Commissions is held annually in August. The Board meets on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room 103, first floor of City Hall, 7008 South Rice Avenue. The Chair and Vice Chair are selected by members of the Board. The city staff liaison is Cheryl Bright, and the City Council liaison is Brian Witt.

The Board shall have the following objectives:

1. To enhance the quality of life in the City with visual and performing arts by transforming the places our citizens live, work, and play into more welcoming and beautiful environments through the integration of artistic styles that reflect the vibrant image of the City as a contemporary and progressive city.
2. Provide the City and its citizens with an art program for future public art and acquisition, performing and visual art exhibition and demonstration.
3. To serve as a vehicle to approach other governmental agencies and the private sector for financial assistance to develop public art in the City.
4. To investigate and recommend to the City Council possible funding mechanisms for an ongoing public arts program.
5. To participate in cooperative projects with city departments and boards, and nonprofit entities.
6. Policies and Procedures Updated June 2020

Culture and Arts Board Events and Activities

L.I.F.E. Advisory Board 

The L.I.F.E. (Living, Information, Fun and Enrichment) Advisory Board provides input to the Parks and Recreation Department from the community regarding services and programs that have been or could be implemented by the City for the benefit and assistance of mature adults (age 50 and older).

Seven Bellaire residents are appointed to this Board by City Council and serve a two-year term with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Terms are staggered and begin July 1. A training session for all members of all Bellaire Boards and Commissions is held annually in August. The Board meets on the 4^th Thursday of each month at 12:00 noon in the BLIFE Activity Room, first floor of City Hall on 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire, TX 77401. The city staff liaisons are Victoria Arevalo and Karl Miller, and the City Council liaison is Mayor Andrew Friedberg.

In accepting a position to serve on the L.I.F.E Advisory Board an appointed member shall agree:

1. To make every effort to attend scheduled L.I.F.E. Advisory Board hosted events and to continually promote and stimulate interest in all such events.
2. To contribute ideas for new activities, events and trips for the L.I.F.E program.
3. To help during L.I.F.E. activities in various areas such as set-up, putting up decorations, sign-in, assisting with logistics on trips, etc.

Evelyn’s Park Conservancy Board

Evelyn’s Park Conservancy is a Texas nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation located at Evelyn’s Park, at the gateway to Bellaire (4400 Bellaire Boulevard) and previously home to one of the city’s oldest businesses, Teas Nursery. Evelyn’s Park is a dynamic green and gathering space. The park acts as a highly visible hub for engaging the entire community, from families and old friends to small groups and large parties. Evelyn’s Park core values are embracing nature, engaging families and enhancing the community through enriching their every day.

The goal for the Conservancy is to finish out the Master Plan of Evelyn’s Park and to operate and maintain the park at high standards to reflect positively on the City as a whole. With a culture steeped in entrepreneurship, the Evelyn’s Park Conservancy Board of Directors seeks Board members to help build and shape the organization with purpose and clarity. For more information about Evelyn’s Park visit the Evelyn’s Park website

The Evelyn’s Park Conservancy Board was formed by the February 21, 2011 agreement between the Jerry and Maury Rubenstein Foundation ("Foundation") and the City of Bellaire. Per the Development and Operating Agreement dated July 7, 2014 between the Conservancy and the City, the Conservancy has the following obligations:

1. Provide maintenance services in excess of what is performed by the City,
2. Provide programming for Evelyn’s Park, and
3. Fundraising to cover expenses and for the development of future phases of the Park.

The Board of Directors of the Evelyn’s Park Conservancy consists of eight members, four of whom are appointed by City Council and four by the Foundation. The City Board members serve a two-year term with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Terms are staggered and begin July 1. A training session for all members of all Bellaire Boards and Commissions is held annually in August.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board 

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board ("PRAB") advises the City Council and the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department regarding policy matters pertaining to City Parks and Recreation. It may undertake studies of the park facilities and public recreation programs for their improvement then make recommendations to the City Council.

Seven Bellaire residents are appointed to this Board by City Council and serve a two-year term with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Terms are staggered and begin July 1. A training session for all members of all Bellaire Boards and Commissions is held annually in August. The Board meets on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the CenterPoint Energy Center meeting room above the Bellaire Aquatic Center, located at 7008 Fifth Street. The Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary are selected by members of the Board. The city staff liaison is Karl Miller, and the City Council liaison is Winfred C. Frazier.

The Board shall have the following specific purposes:

1. Make recommendations to the City Council regarding sources of funding for parks and recreation programs, additions, and improvements;
2. Review and make advisory recommendations to the department and the City Council on proposed parks and recreation programs, additions, and improvements;
3. Promote and stimulate public interest in parks and recreational programs and assist the Director of the Department in seeking the cooperation of public and private agencies that may have direct or indirect involvement in parks and recreation; and
4. Review and make advisory recommendations to the Department and the City Council on changes, modifications, and amendments to parks and recreation policies of the city.

Environmental Sustainability Board 

The Environmental Sustainability Board ("ESB") reviews and makes advisory recommendations to the City Council in the initiation, prioritization, and development of public education programs, policies, and actions relating to environmental sustainability, including but not limited to energy and natural resource conservation and recycling. The ESB regularly publishes a newsletter covering these topics.

Seven Bellaire residents are appointed to this Board by City Council and serve a two-year term with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Terms are staggered and begin July 1. A training session for all members of all Bellaire Boards and Commissions is held annually in August. The Board meets on the 1^st Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room 201, Second Floor of City Hall, 7008 South Rice Avenue. The Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary are selected by members of the Board. The city staff liaison is Correy Woods, and the City Council liaison is Catherine Lewis.

The Board shall have the following specific purposes:

1. Review and make advisory recommendations to City Council in the initiation, prioritization, and development of programs, policies, and activities relating to environmental sustainability, including, but not limited to, energy and natural resource conservation and recycling;
2. Research and recommend financial resources to offset costs of programs and initiatives relating to sustainability, including without limitation grants, sponsorships, and cost-savings programs; and
3. Develop programs to educate the public and increase city residents’ participation in and knowledge of environmental sustainability practices.

ESB Learning Academy

State Law Governed Boards and Commissions:

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment ("BOA") considers applications for variances or special exceptions to the Zoning Code (Chapter 24 of the Bellaire Code of Ordinances). Landowners or their agents may submit applications to the City Building Official. Formal dockets, which must be legally advertised, are scheduled for the BOA. Meetings are held and testimony is taken on the applications. The BOA determines the outcomes of all applications. Pursuant to state law, decisions denying an application may be appealed only to a Harris County District Court; thus the BOA is considered to be a quasi-judicial body. State law requires that action may be taken only by a super-majority of 75% (six of the seven members).

Seven Bellaire residents are appointed to this Board by City Council and serve a two-year term with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Terms are staggered and begin July 1. A training session for all members of all Bellaire Boards and Commissions is held annually in August. The Board meets as needed (there are generally three to five meetings a year) on the 3^rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, first floor of City Hall, 7008 South Rice Avenue. This Board is governed by State of Texas law so all meetings are videotaped. The Chair and Vice Chair are selected by members of the Board. The city staff liaison is Christian Somers, and the City Council liaison is Ross Gordon. To reach the Board of Adjustment with questions or comments, please e-mail:  boa@bellairetx.gov.

The Board shall have the following duties and powers:

1. To hear and decide an appeal that alleges error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of V.T.C.A., Local Government Code Ch. 211, or of Chapter 24 of this Code;
2. To hear and decide special exceptions to the terms of Chapter 24;
3. To authorize, upon appeal in specific cases, such variances from the terms of Chapter 24 as will not be contrary to the public interest where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of Chapter 24 will result in unnecessary hardship, and so that the spirit of Chapter 24 shall be observed and substantial justice done.

Building and Standards Commission 

Building and Standards Commission ("BSC") is responsible for making recommendations to the City Council regarding the review of administrative actions of the City Building Official, quasi-judicial enforcement of state statutes and city ordinances concerning health and safety, implementation of federal floodplain management regulations, variances from certain regulations that are within its purview, and the issuance of advisory opinions pertaining to building codes and City policies.

Seven Bellaire residents are appointed to this Commission by City Council and serve a two-year term with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Terms are staggered and begin July 1^st. A training session for all members of all Bellaire Boards and Commissions is held annually in August. The Board meets on the 4^th Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, first floor of City Hall, 7008 South Rice Avenue. This Board is governed by the State of Texas law so all meetings are videotaped. The Chair and Vice Chair are selected by members of the Board. The city staff liaison is Christian Somers, and the City Council liaison is Jim Hotze.

The Commission shall have the following duties and powers:

1. All powers, duties, and responsibilities provided for under V.T.C.A., Local Government Code Chapters 54 and 214, including, but not limited to, those pertaining to substandard structures;
2. To hold hearings and grant variances as provided for by city ordinances and by Title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 60.A. "Requirements for Floodplain Management Regulations" and 60.6 "Variances and Exceptions";
3. To identify community needs and to advise City Council of the implications of such needs for the health and safety ordinances of the City;
4. To make recommendations to City Council regarding the building code and the ordinances under the Commission’s purview;
5. To provide public education on issues pertaining to building codes.

Planning and Zoning Commission 

The Planning and Zoning Commission ("P&Z") makes recommendations to the City Council regarding the physical development of the City, including the Comprehensive (Land Use) Plan that serves as the basis for the City’s zoning regulations. It also reviews and approves applications for subdivision plats and replats. P&Z’s advisory recommendations to the City Council must conform to the Comprehensive Plan and, for zoning ordinances, follow a legally advertised public hearing. Only City Council may approve applications for zoning changes, following receipt of a recommendation from P&Z and a second legally advertising public hearing before the City Council.

Seven Bellaire residents are appointed to this Commission by City Council and serve a two-year term with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Terms are staggered and begin July 1. A training session for all members of all Bellaire Boards and Commissions is held annually in August. The Board meets on the 2^nd Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, first floor of City Hall, 7008 South Rice Avenue. This Board is governed by State of Texas law so all meetings are videotaped. The Chair and Vice Chair are selected by members of the Board. The city staff liaison is Christian Somers, and the City Council liaison is Nathan Wesely. To reach the Planning and Zoning Commission with questions or comments, please e-mail: zoning@bellairetx.gov.

The Commission is charged with the responsibility and vested with the authority to:

1. Formulate and recommend to the City Council, for its adoption, such plans, programs and policies related to the future growth and development of the City as the Commission deems appropriate and necessary;
2. Exercise all of the powers and responsibilities of a planning commission relating to the approval or disapproval of land subdivision plans, plats or replats and to the vacation of such plans, plats or replats granted by the laws of the State of Texas, and by the ordinances of the City;
3. Exercise all of the powers and responsibilities of a zoning commission relating to the formulation of a zoning plan, hold public hearings, and make recommendations to the City Council relating to the creation, amendment, and implementation of zoning regulations, classifications, and districts, all as provided for in the laws of the State of Texas, and the ordinances of the City.