Boards and Commissions

Airport Commission
This five member commission operates the Mason City Municipal Airport by advising the Airport Manager and approving and controlling operations. Term = 6 years; expires on November 1st. Meetings = second Monday of the month at 4:00 p.m. at the Airport.

Active Living and Transportation Commission:
The purpose of the Active Living and Transportation Commission shall be to improve livability and well-being in Mason City and provide recommendations for land-use, waterways, and transportation systems that best support active living while promoting the aesthetic inspiration of our rural American Culture.

Building Advisory and Appeals Board
This five-member board shall hear and decide appeals on any order, requirement, decision or interpretation made by the Chief Building Official in the enforcement of the Building Code. The board also recommends amendments and/or changes to the Building Code. Term - 5 years; expires April 1st. Meetings are held as needed, at City Hall.

Cemetery Board
This five-member board provides oversight, guidance and support for Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. It hires a manager for day to day administration and approves all policies, regulations, budgets and capital expenditures for the cemetery. Term - 5 years; expires on April 1st. Meetings are held as needed at the cemetery.

Civil Service Commission
This three-member commission hears appeals from Civil Service employees concerning terminations, demotion, or suspension. Members also conduct entrance and promotion exams and certify lists of applicants to City Council.  Term - 4 years; expires on April 1st. The commission meets as needed at City Hall.

North Iowa Corridor
This fifteen-member board solicits and encourages new industry to locate in Mason City, supports and encourages expansion and growth of local industries and businesses, and facilitates negotiations between City of Mason City and new or existing business/industry. This board also maintains a suitable inventory of land for commercial and industrial development for new and existing business and industry in Mason City and Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. The term for serving on this board is 2 years.

Electrical Examiners and Appeals Board:  This  board shall hear and decide appeals on any order, requirement, decision, or interpretation made by the Electrical Inspector in the enforcement of the Electrical Code. The board also recommends amendments and/or changes to the Electrical Code, reviews examination results and determines eligibility for licenses.  Meetings are held as needed at City Hall.

Historic Preservation Commission

This commission is responsible for periodically reviewing the historical district's boundaries, developing an action plan, compiling inventories and coming up with educational programs.  Term = 2 years; expires on May 1st. Meetings are the first Thursday of the month at 4:30 at City Hall.

Housing Advisory and Appeals Board
This seven-member board hears and decides appeals of property owners on any order, requirement, decision, or interpretation made by the Housing Official in the enforcement of the Housing Code. Also recommends amendments and/or changes to the Housing Code. Term - 5 years; expires on April 1st. Meetings are held as needed at City Hall.

Housing Authority Board
This five-member commission serves as an advisory board to the City Council regarding housing assistance needs and the methods by which those needs can be met. A commission member may be called upon to serve as Hearing Officer at informal reviews or hearings regarding housing assistance program applicants or participants. Term - 5 years; expires on April 1st. Meetings=first Tuesday of month at 4:00 p.m., as needed, at City Hall.

Human Rights Commission
The purpose of the Human Rights Commission is to provide outreach information to the public and contact information pertaining to housing and civil rights complaints. The 3 commissioners serve a staggered 2 year term that expires on January 1st. Please click on the following for a list of the Commissioners. The staff contact person for the Commission is Deputy City Clerk Diana Black at (641) 424-7102. Meetings are scheduled as needed.  Agendas will be posted at City Hall and on the home page of this web site under Agendas.

Library Board
This seven-member board is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Mason City Public Library. They promote education and an appreciation for learning in the community. It is in charge of policy-making; hiring the director and assisting the director in business affairs; sets salaries; and communicates with both the public and City Council about affairs and budget of the Mason City Public Library.Term=6 years; expires on July 1st. Meetings=third Tuesday of month at 4:15 p.m. at the Public Library.

MacNider Museum Board
This nine-member board is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the MacNider Art Museum galleries and studios. They promote art education and appreciation of art, accept gifts or purchase works of art for the museum, and participate in fund raising for the museum's growth. It is in charge of policy-making; hiring the director and assisting the director in business affairs; sets salaries; and communicates with both the public and city council about affairs and budget of the MacNider Art Museum.Term - 4 years; expires on July 1st. Meetings=third Tuesday of month at 5:30 p.m. at the Museum.

Parks and Recreation Board
This elected board controls and manages all city Parks and Recreation programs. Term=4 years. Meetings=second Tuesday of month at 6:00 p.m. at Recreation Office.  

Planning and Zoning Commission
This commission studies the municipality in order to project plans for orderly development and maximizing the community's potential for desirable growth and enjoyment by its people. It also recommends zoning classifications for land use that support initial planning and makes recommendations to the City Council in all matters involving uses, establishment, or change of zone categories.  Term=5 years; expires on April 1st.  Meetings=second Tuesday of month at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Plumbing Board of Appeals
This seven-member board shall hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Plumbing/Mechanical Inspector relative to the interpretations of the Plumbing and Mechanical code.  This board also considers applications or persons desiring a plumbing or gas fitters license, to determine the applicants' qualifications and fitness for a license.  The board also recommends amendments and/or changes to the Plumbing and Mechanical codes.  Term - 5 years; expires on January 1st. Meetings are held as needed at City Hall.

River City TREES
This board investigates, studies, reviews and analyzes the urban reforestation needs of the City. Meetings are held as needed at City Hall.

Youth Task Force
Focuses on making a quality environment for youth in Mason City by working with churches, schools, police, parents and social agencies in the community.

Science Technology Advisory Commission
This 5 member commission serves in an advisory capacity on matters involving science and technology.

Zoning Board of Adjustment
The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears appeals of the decisions of the Zoning Administrator, grants variances to the strict interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance and grants Conditional Use permits as allowed by the Zoning Ordinance.  The Board also has the responsibility of interpreting the Zoning Ordinance when requested by the Zoning Administrator.  Term=5 years; expires on April 1st. Meetings=first Tuesday of the month, as needed at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall.