City operates with service from boards, commissions

    Many functions of the city of Imperial could not be completed without the service provided by city residents who serve on boards and commissions.
    That’s according to Imperial Mayor Dwight Coleman and City Clerk/Administrator Jo Leyland, who work closely with the groups.
    At recent council meetings, several appointments to the boards and commissions from Mayor Coleman were approved. Some were reappointed; some were new appointees. All but one seat on the city’s cemetery board remains to be filled.
    Here is the makeup of the boards as of this month, along with their job responsibilities.
Senior Services Board (3 year terms)—Doug Gaswick, David Kahle, Angie Paisley, Charlesa Kline (council rep), John Arterburn. Mayor Coleman is an ex-officio member.
The purpose of the Board of Senior Services is to enable the control of the Imperial Manor Nursing Home and Imperial Parkview/Heights Assisted Living, collectively known as the Senior Services Facilities. The board has the exclusive power and authority to manage and operate the Senior Services Facilities, subject to review and supervision of the city council.  The board shall adopt rules, regulations and bylaws for the operation, management and maintenance of the entities and shall have the authority to direct payment of any and all amounts provided in the annual budget, which is passed by the city council.
Library Board (4 year terms)—Ann Strand, Cindy Roesener, Don Newman, Joan Wenzlick, Jan Graham. Youth member: Kendra Burke.
The Library Board has the authority to appoint a librarian and other employees, and establish rules and regulations for the management, operation and use of the library.
Park and Tree Commissioners (3 year terms)—Carl Zuege, Alex McNair, Miles Colson, Bruce Curtis, Tracy Haarberg, Brad Foote, Jason Speck. Youth member: Taylor Jablonski.
The Board of Park and Tree Commissioners develops policies and management recommendations relating to the swimming pool, athletic fields, parks and playgrounds. It makes recommendations on the hiring of the pool manager and summer recreation director and assistant, as well as setting fees for pool admission and summer recreation participation. It also develops a plan for trees in the parks, along streets and other public areas.
Cemetery Board (3 year terms)—Linda Lakey, Becky Carman, Mary Lou Hegwood, Kim Spady, Janet Ashmore. One seat remains to be filled.
The Cemetery Board develops policies and management recommendations on general care, management and supervision of Mt. Hope Cemetery; sets rules for use of the cemetery and penalties for violations thereof; sets the fee schedule for sale of lots, open and closing fees and permits.
Planning Commission (3 year terms)—Doug Carman, Randy Roesener, John Arterburn, Kelly Hammerlun, Brent Bussell, Galen Meeske, Bruce Curtis.  
The Planning Commission makes plans for physical development of the city, including areas outside its boundaries; and develops a comprehensive plan as defined in state statute. It also deals with matters related to capital improvements, building codes, subdivision development, annexation and zoning.
Variance Board, or Board of Adjustment (3 year terms)—Jim Hanes, Launy Ringleman, Doug Mitchell, Jan Elliott, Doug Carman (Planning Commission representative), alternate Jason Banks.
The Variance Board hears and decides on appeals whether it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by a municipal officials based on any zoning ordinance of the city; hears requests on map interpretation; and can authorize a variance from any zoning ordinance if the board determines there are exceptional difficulties or undue hardship imposed.
Imperial Housing Authority (5 year terms)—Donita Pribbeno, Ray Malleck, Amanda Vlasin, Lori Beard, Donna McNair, Norma Hickman, Matt Musgrove.
The Housing Authority provides oversight of the city-owned housing complexes including Sunrise Apartments, Sunset Housing and the Pine Grove Senior Housing.
Community Center Commission, or Theatre Board (4 year terms)—Janice Haarberg, Sherri Wheeler, Amy Leibbrandt, Jill Moline, Judy Gaswick. Youth members: Gabbi Krutsinger and Courtney Odens.  
The Community Center Commission develops policies and makes management recommendations to the city council relating to supervision, maintenance, care and operation of the Imperial Theatre.
Imperial Community Redevelopment Authority (3 year terms)—Doug Gaswick, Russ Pankonin, Jo Leyland, Matthew Musgrove, Derek Russell.  
The Community Redevelopment Authority reviews requests for Tax Increment Financing, and is the body in charge of projects resulting from that financing.
Loan Review Committee—Lending/Financial Expert Miles Colson, Citizens Advisory Committee Member Josh Fries, Program Administrator Jason Tuller.
The Loan Review Committee reviews and analyzes all requests for economic development funds, including business loans, from city sales tax, and makes recommendations to the Citizens Advisory Committee.
Citizens Advisory Committee—Josh Fries, Joe Weiss, Matt Hanna, Jan Elliott, Michal Swanson.
The Citizens Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the city council on use of economic development sales tax funds.