Board of Adjustment and Appeals - Building Code

5 members - 4 Year Terms

Meets on call - Organized December 12, 1962.  

An individual or contractor appeals to this board concerning a decision of the Building Official with regard to the Building Code.

Florence-Lauderdale County Agri-Business Center & Farmers' Market Board

City/County Joint Board - 5 members (2 City appointed, 2 County appointed, 1 City/County appointed) - 3 year terms.

Responsible for the setting of policies.  The purpose of this board is to manage, control and operate the facilities (the Agri-Business Center) for the benefit of farmers and consumers in Lauderdale County and surrounding areas.

Florence - Lauderdale County Animal Control Advisory Board

City/County Joint Board - 5 members (City Councilman, County Commissioner,  veterinarian, President of Humane Society, general public) -  4 year terms.

Serves in an advisory role to the Mayor and Council in matters concerning animal control.

Board of Examinations for Construction Industries

15 members - 1, 2, and 3 year terms.

This board was organized in 1968. 

The board as a whole meets on call, but examinations are given every 3 months.

These examinations are for residential and commercial contractors, electrical contractors, plumbing contractors, heating and air contractors and gas contractors to become licensed to do business in the City.  Considered inactive at this time.

City/County Joint Board - 6 members (3 City appointed, 3 County appointed, the Mayor, Chairman of the County Commission) - 6 year terms. 

Serves as Board of Directors for ECM Hospital.  Sets and administers policies.

Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals

5 members - 4 year terms - meets on call by application ( has been inactive for several years). 

An individual or contractor appeals to this board concerning a decision of the Building Official with regard to the Standard Housing Code.  Considered inactive at this time.

Florence Housing Authority

5 members - Mayor appointed - 5 year terms. 

The Florence Housing Authority Board was established by Legislative Act in 1935.  It is responsible for the management and maintenance of housing for low income tenants through various federal programs.

Industrial Development Board

7 members (6 City appointed, 1 County appointed) - 6 year terms. 

This board receives applications, conducts investigations and executes necessary documentation of bond issues to industries for construction and/or plant additions.

Library Board (Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Board)

5 members - 5 year terms. 

This is an advisory board to the Director of the local library and to the Mayor and City Council.  Gives advice on the needs and programs of the local library.

Library Board (Lauderdale County Regional Library System Board)

7 members - 3 year terms (2 City appointed, 1 County appointed, 1 City/County appointed, 1 Killen appointed, 1 Lexington appointed, 1 Rogersville appointed.

Established January 10, 1992. 

The purpose of this board is to administer the established regional library system by upholding the by-laws and policies set forth for the Board of Trustees.

Medical Clinic Board

3 members - 6 year terms.  

This board must approve and see that the proper documentation is completed if an individual or contractor is planning on using municipal bonds in order to build a medical facility.  Inactive at this time.

Park and Recreation Board

7 members - 5 year terms. 

This is an advisory board to the Mayor and city Council concerning the parks and recreation facilities and programs.  Works closely with the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Planning Commission

9 members - Mayor appointed (1 City official, 1 City Council representative) - 6 year terms.  Meets 4th Tuesday of each month. 

The Planning Commission was established by ordinance on May 27, 1940.  The Zoning Ordinance section of the City Code stipulates the Planning Commission's authority.  In general, this includes any zoning decisions; street and alley vacations; technical considerations such as traffic, street improvements and storm water detention for housing developments and shopping centers; and approval of the subdivision of property.  The Planning Commission is a recommending body in all zoning and street and alley vacations.  The City Council has the final authority.

Florence-Lauderdale County Port Authority - Board of Directors

City/County Joint Board - 5 members (2 City appointed, 2 County appointed and 1 City/County appointed) - 5 year terms. 

This board is responsible for the development of the port and advises the two governing bodies of the City and County.  Has authority to set policies.

Public Park and Recreation Board of the City of Florence

3 members - 6 year terms. 

Established June 30, 1981. 

The purposes of this board are acquisition, enlargement, improvements, expansion, ownership, operation, leasing, and disposition of properties to the end that the Board may be able to promote public interest and participation in sports, athletics and recreation activities.  Inactive at this time.

Public Park and Recreation Board of the City of Florence--Racquetball

3 members - 1 year term. 

This committee must approve and see that the proper documentation is completed if an individual or contractor is planning on using municipal bonds in order to build a racquetball facility.  Inactive at this time.

Alabama-Tennessee Railroad Authority - Board of Directors

City/County Joint Board - 5 members (2 City appointed, 2 County appointed, and 1 City/County appointed) - 5 year terms. 

Established August 1, 1984. 

Responsible for the maintenance and operation of railway facilities along the railroad line from Florence, Alabama, to Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.

Riverbend Center for Mental Health - Board of Directors

City/County Joint Board - 6 members (3 City appointed, 3 County appointed) - 6 year terms.  

Responsible for the proper administration of the Mental Health Center.  Sets policies and advises the administration.

Scope 310 Board

9 to 36 members from 3 counties - 6 year terms . 

The purpose of the Board is to plan action leading to the combating of all forms of mental retardation and other disabilities.  This action includes conducting pertinent information studies, providing appropriate services to the area through local agencies, and contracting with the State Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation for a coordinator of the Shoals Cope for MR.

Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA) - Board of Directors

24 members (6 City appointed, 6 County appointed, 3 Colbert County appointed, 3 Muscle Shoals appointed, 3 Sheffield appointed, 3 Tuscumbia appointed) - 3 year terms. 

Established by Legislative Act #86244 on April 11, 1986.  

The purpose of the Board of Directors is to govern the operations of the SEDA office which recruits industry into Northwest Alabama and assists existing industry with expansions or additions.

Stadium Committee

3 members

This is not a City board as such, but is comprised of a representative from the City (a City employee), a representative from UNA and a representative from the City School System.  This committee sets and administers policies for Braly Stadium.  Inactive at this time.

Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Board

5 members (2 City appointed, 2 County appointed, 1 City/County appointed) - four year terms. 

Originated in and passed by the House on June 13, 1995, Act 95-306, H. 665.

This board is responsible for marketing and promoting the natural resources and attractions of the Florence and Lauderdale County area as a tourist destination and administration of the lodging tax collected by lodging facilities.

Florence Tree Commission

7 members - 3 year terms. 

Established October 6, 1987.

Responsibilities are to study, investigate, counsel, develop and/or update annually, and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and shrubs in parks, along streets and in other public areas.  Co-sponsors a Tree Workshop each year in February.

Youth Advisory Board

15 members (6 adult members and 9 youth members who are under the age of 19 at the time of appointment) - 3 year terms (after first term of one, two, or three years) - Appointments made as follows:  Board of Education - 3 youth, 1 adult; Big Brothers/Big Sisters -1 youth; Police Department -1 youth, 1 adult; Boys/Girls Club  -1 youth, 1 adult; YMCA -1 youth, 1 adult; Parks and Recreation Department -1 adult, 1 youth; Chamber of Commerce -1 adult; Lauderdale County Juvenile Probation Office -1 youth. 

Established May 11, 1993.  

Appointment resolution does not specify recommending body. Responsibilities include maintaining an effective relationship with the local media to market special events and inform the public about youth related events.   The board will also work with local agencies to deliver appropriate services to youth and coordinate with the Parks and Recreation Department for the planning and supervising of special entertainment events.  Inactive at this time.

Board of Zoning Adjustments

5 members, 2 supernumerary members - 3 year terms. 

Meets the 1st Thursday of each month.  

This board works closely with the Planning Commission.  Appeals are made to this board concerning the Building Official's interpretation of the zoning regulations.  Considers variances and special exceptions to the Zoning Ordinance.