The Town of Buena Vista announced on Friday afternoon that Trustee Norm Nyberg has resigned from the Town of Buena Vista Board of Trustees as of Friday, March 11, leaving a vacancy that the town wishes to fill.
Based on this development, the Town of Buena Vista Board of Trustees is accepting Letters of Interest from Town residents seeking to serve as a Trustee to fill the vacancy.
Requirements of Candidates
For those considering submitting a Letter of Interest for the position, the Town provides the following information to inform your decision:
Buena Vista Town Hall. Photo by Henry DeKam
People choose to serve their cities and towns as elected officials for various reasons. Regardless of the motive, if you’re contemplating serving your community as a member of the Board of Trustees, you should be prepared for the demands, expectations, and rewards that come with the role.
Although there are several legal requirements which include that you reside in the Town of Buena Vista, attend the scheduled meetings of the Board, and participate as you desire in policymaking, the Town of Buena Vista has a proud tradition of active and involved elected officials who exceed the minimum requirements.
If selected as a trustee, you will have a say in important matters such as how the Town grows, what the street system will be like in the future, where and how development takes place, what Town services will be provided, and how the Town’s annual budget will be allocated. It is a responsibility best met with energy, enthusiasm, and conscientiousness.
The Board of Trustees sets public policy, and sound policy decisions are made due to hard work and dedication. For this reason, elected officials are encouraged, but not legally required, to do outside-the-meeting work. Town staff reminds potential candidates that dedicated Mayor and Trustees volunteer their time reviewing meeting materials, educating themselves about public policy issues, interacting with constituents and other elected officials, educating constituents, attending meetings with other agencies and governmental bodies, serving on appointed committees, and acting as liaisons with staff and other agencies.
Knowing what the legal and traditional time commitments are, the Town points out that a prospective trustee should evaluate their professional and personal situation and ask:
- Will your job/schedule allow you the flexibility to be at the Community Center by 6:45 p.m. the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month (an occasional Work or Executive Session may be scheduled prior to the regular meeting, generally at 5:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.)?
- Will your professional and personal life allow you to attend occasional weekend or evening workshops?
- Will you be able to commit to the occasional working group or focus group meetings, which may be scheduled during business or evening hours?
- Are you organized in a manner that will allow you to interact with your constituents while still providing you with uninterrupted personal and/or professional time? (These constituent interactions can include emails, phone calls, meeting residents for coffee, and attending special meetings called by residents.)
- Are you willing and able to occasionally serve on Town-formed ad hoc committees?
- Do you have an interest in attending various community events?
- Do you have time late in the week and over the weekend to review the packets?
The actual requirements to be a Buena Vista Trustee are as follows:
- You must be a registered voter
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You must be a primary resident of the Town of Buena Vista for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the appointment
- You must maintain residency throughout the term in office
The Mayor and Board of Trustees receive monthly compensation in an amount set by town ordinance. This Trustee position receives $350 a month.
If appointed to fill this vacancy, your term expires at the next regular election, April 3, 2024. Therefore, three Trustee positions will be open for election at that time, serving a four-year term.
Submitting Letters of Interest
Letters of Interest must be submitted to Paula Barnett, Town Clerk, by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2022. You may submit your letter in person at Town Hall, 210 East Main Street, by email to bvclerk@buenavistaco.gov or by U.S. mail to PO Box 2002, Buena Vista, CO 81211.
The Board of Trustees will make the appointment to fill the vacancy at their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, after receiving presentations from the candidates that evening.
Those with questions or who need additional information may contact Buena Vista Town Clerk Paula Barnett, at 719-581-1017.
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