Soldotna is taking applications for a new student seat on its Planning and Zoning Commission

Soldotna is accepting applications for a new student representative seat on its Planning and Zoning Commission, according to a city notice. High school juniors and seniors, post-secondary students and students in vocational, career, technical, trade or apprenticeship programs may apply.

The City Council approved the policy creating the seat Sept. 9. Under it, the mayor nominates and the council confirms, by majority vote, a student representative and an alternate. Appointments last one year, and a representative may reapply for one more consecutive term.

The seat is advisory. The student may cast votes that are recorded in the official minutes but do not affect whether an item passes, and may not make or second motions.

Applicants must live in Soldotna or in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District attendance area for schools inside city limits. Post-secondary students must be enrolled at least half time. Applicants must submit proof of enrollment and one reference letter to the City Clerk's Office.

Economic development and planning director Linda Mitchell told the commission Sept. 2 that the policy differs from the one for the City Council's student representative, which is open to high school students. She said college students had contacted her since she came to Alaska, interested in sitting in to see how local government works without making decisions. "So I made it very broad," Mitchell said.

The city's notice lists no application deadline. Details are at www.soldotna.org/vacancy.