City officials said 41 pending vacancies on various boards and commissions in Ames city government are not unusual and are often filled quickly.

Mayor Ted Tedesco said the number of openings is typically the same every year, and this year is not any different.

“There is no reason for concern,” Tedesco said.

All board and commission openings are staggered, so the vacancies would not have as much of an effect as if all the seats on all the boards were open at the same time, he said.

Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred said ISU students are welcome to apply for the positions.

“Students bring new and great perspectives and a great deal of enthusiasm,” he said.

Kindred said he believes students are not involved as much with the boards because they spend a great deal of their time with university-related groups and don’t know how they can become involved with the city government.

Jennie LeGates, chairwoman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, said any person who meets the qualifications may apply for a seat.

Deputy City Clerk Jill Ripperger, said there are currently 39 new applications for openings on various boards and commissions. Of the 16 members who are eligible for reappointment, seven have reapplied, she said.

“We hope that many more people will apply as the deadline approaches,” she said.

Ripperger said the number of applications currently filed is typical with three weeks left until the Feb. 13 application deadline.

Kindred said the number of openings is “pretty typical” and said a consistent amount of openings occur each year.

Kindred said in most cases, when an incumbent is eligible for reappointment, the mayor will make a reappointment. Appointments typically last for three to six years, he said.

Ripperger said differing term limits exist for each board or commission.

LeGates said some of the boards require “particular expertise” and the city is recruiting people for those boards.

LeGates said she sees the number of openings as a great opportunity for the citizens of Ames to get involved with the city government. She said the large amount of openings allows new people who have not previously been involved with city government to bring a fresh perspective to the city boards.

Applications for openings is available online at the city’s Web site at www.city.ames.ia.us. The deadline for application for all boards and commissions is Feb. 13, and new terms begin April 1.