The City of West Covina encourages and promotes participation by citizens in the decision making process through a variety of activities.  Most notable is the appointment of citizens to a number of standing commissions to advise the City Council on specific issues and problems.  The City of West Covina is fortunate to have many concerned citizens give their time by serving on City commissions.  These formal citizen bodies have helped define and formulate the City’s goals and objectives that have guided its growth and development since its incorporation in 1923. 

There are five commissions serving the City: Planning, Community Services, Public Arts, Human Resources and Senior Citizens’.  Two of these commissions fall under the scope of the Community Services Department.  Commissions perform the following functions:

• Advise the City Council and the City Manager on matters within their area of responsibility and interest as prescribed by the City Council and their ordinances.
• Help focus attention on specific issues and problems within their scope of responsibilities and recommend actions and alternatives for their resolution.
• Act as channels of communication and information between city government and the general public and special interest groups.
• Reconcile contradictory viewpoints and provide direction toward achieving citywide goals and objectives.  
• Encourage broad citizen participation in the definition and formulation of City goals and actions for achieving these goals.  
• Balance community needs with municipal responsibilities and resources.

COMMISSIONER SELECTION
Any West Covina resident over the age of 18 is eligible to apply to serve as a City Commissioner.  Applications are available in the City Clerk’s Office.  Selection for appointment to commissions and boards is generally based on the following:

• A broad perspective and concern for the welfare and progress of the City. 
• A familiarity with the City’s history, issues, and goals.
• An interest in the functions and area of responsibility of the particular commission.
• A readiness to devote time and effort to carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the particular office.
• A willingness to be aware of and understand the policies of the City Council.
• A willingness to serve as Chairperson of the particular board or commission.

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMISSION RESPONSIBILITIES

The Community Services Commission resulted from the consolidation of the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Human Resources Commission that was established by Ordinance No. 1866 on January 14, 1991.  The composition of the Commission was amended by Ordinance No. 1908 on August 4, 1992 to ten members.  The Commission meets on the second Tuesday of every odd-numbered month at 6:30 p.m. in Room 314 of City Hall.

 The Community Services Commission may (Section 2-72 of Municipal Code):

1.  Aid and advise the city council on matters pertaining to the community service needs of the citizens of West Covina relating to: Public recreational services, cultural activities and special events, youth services, public transportation, neighborhood and human relations, human rights.
2. Review matters pertaining to the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of the city’s Community Development Block Grant program.
3. Seek the assistance of citizen committees to investigate and research specific issues concerned with community services with the concurrence of the city council.
4. Provide input to the planning commission and the city council on matters pertaining to the design and features of parks and community centers that affect the provision of recreation and related services.
5. Recommend programs and activities directed toward enhancing the recreation opportunities available to all persons in our community.
6. Recommend to the city council programs and activities directed toward enhancing communication and relationships between residents, agencies, institutions, and businesses in our community.
7. Recommend to the city measures to ameliorate physical, social and economic conditions adversely affecting the residents of our community.
8. Seek involvement of residents, agencies, organizations, institutions, and the business community to further mutual regard and understanding between all persons of our city, and work toward constructive resolution of tensions whenever they occur.
9. Recommend to the city council delinquency prevention programs that foster respect, positive self-esteem, and personal and social responsibility.

SENIOR COMMISSION RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Citizens Commission was established by Ordinance No. 1846 on May 29, 1990.  The Commission is composed of five members and meets on the fourth Thursday of every even-numbered month at 10:00 a.m. at the Senior Center. 

The Senior Citizens Commission may:

1. Aid and advise the City Council in the identification of the needs of the senior population of West Covina, and recommend policies and programs to meet those needs.
2.  Encourage activities necessary to increase resident awareness of existing programs and services.
3. Foster and enhance within the community the recognition of the contributions of senior citizens to the community. 
4. Establish and coordinate an ongoing citywide senior volunteer program of service to the community. 
5. Serve as a medium through which organizations may exchange information, coordinate programs, and engage in joint endeavors to benefit the senior population of West Covina.  
6. Prepare and annual program of work proposing activities to be addressed by the commission for consideration by the city council.  
7. Provide information to senior citizens on the status of issues, proposals, projects, and programs, which have been brought before the commission in order to inform and generate communication from senior citizens.  
8. Review matters pertaining to the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of the city’s Community Development Block Grant program.