On Saturday, Jan. 24 from 2 to 5 p.m., the public is invited to join elected officials and city staff for an open house at the new Government Center, 11911 Dorsett Road. The event will include a dedication ceremony and remarks by the Mayor and invited dignitaries, and the building will be open for public tours throughout the afternoon. The Maryland Heights Community Chorus will give a brief performance, and refreshments will also be served.

“We’re very excited to be able to share our new home with the Maryland Heights community,” Mayor Mike Moeller said. “We hope everyone will take some time that day to stop by, take a look around and chat with us.”

Though city operations were transitioned into the building in October, contractors have continued to fine-tune systems and install furniture. The open house will be the public’s first opportunity to tour the entire building.

Construction began on the approximately 70,000 square-foot Government Center in February 2007. The building is roughly triple the size of the city’s former City Hall at 212 Millwell Drive, a converted warehouse that served as the center for city operations for more than two decades. As city services expanded, the City Hall no longer provided adequate space for employees and equipment.

The new Government Center alleviated overcrowding problems with efficiently-designed work spaces, new meeting rooms and ample storage space. A separate Municipal Courtroom was included to allow the city to hold additional court sessions, and an additional six holding cells and three interview rooms were added in the Police Department.

If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to get more involved in city government, your moment has arrived. Several city boards and commissions have vacancies, and Mayor Mike Moeller is looking for interested residents to fill the slots.

“Serving on boards and commissions is a great way for residents to help make our city a better place to live,” Mayor Moeller said.

Two residents are needed to serve one-year terms on the Traffic Commission, which meets as needed to advise the City Council in matters of traffic regulations, parking restrictions and road signs.

One person is needed to serve a three-year term on the Human Rights Commission, which ensures equality and eliminates discriminatory policies in housing practices. Though it meets infrequently, the commission helps fulfill the city’s core value of equity: “We treat all those receiving city services fairly and equitably.”

The Cultural Arts Commission, which meets monthly, has one opening for a three-year term. Members work to promote the fine arts through sponsorship and support of activities like the annual International Festival and free summer concert series at Creve Coeur Park.

The Board of Code Appeals needs two new members to serve five-year terms. It hears the cases of residential and commercial parties who want to contradict the city’s Building Code. Board members must be architects, engineers or involved in the construction industry.

Two openings for alternates are available on the Board of Adjustment. Board members, who serve five-year terms, hear zoning appeals and decide if variances from the city Zoning Code are warranted.

Residents with an eye for aesthetics might enjoy serving on the Beautification Commission, which has three vacancies. Members are appointed to three-year terms, and the commission meets once a month. Its mission is to make Maryland Heights’ streets, buildings and parks more attractive and sponsors the annual Beautification Awards to recognize exemplary residential and commercial properties.

To apply for one of the vacancies mentioned, click on the link below or contact the City Clerk’s office at (314) 738-2410. [Apply here...]

The Maryland Heights Police Department is now recruiting for its annual Citizens’ Police Academy, which will be held on Wednesday evenings from Feb. 4 through April 18, 2009. Classes run from 7 to 10 p.m., and most sessions will be held in the courtroom at the new Government Center, 11911 Dorsett Road.

The Citizens’ Academy was developed to help educate the community about the complex work that Maryland Heights officers perform. Topics to be covered in the 10-week curriculum include an overview of criminal law, crime scene investigation, patrol procedures and defensive tactics. Many of the classes feature hands-on experience, and students will also participate in a field trip to the St. Louis County Fire and Police Academy to practice on electronic firearms training equipment. Participants may also schedule a two- to four-hour ride-along with a Maryland Heights officer during a regular shift.

“The Citizens’ Academy allows residents to get an inside look at the broad spectrum of law enforcement duties,” Chief of Police Tom O’Connor said. “Our goal is that once citizens complete the Academy, they will have a better understanding of why we do what we do.”

Residents age 18 and older may apply for the Academy’s Class of 2009. For security purposes, the department will run a background check on all applicants. [Fill out an application here]