HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-022-1415 - Establishing the Miami Gardens Citizens Academy
City of Miami Gardens Agenda Cover Memo Council Meeting Date: February 9, 2011 Item Type: (Enter X in box) Resolution Ordinance Other X Fiscal Impact: (Enter X in box) Yes No Ordinance
Reading: (Enter X in box) 1st Reading 2nd Reading X Public Hearing: (Enter X in box) Yes No Yes No X Funding Source: General Fund – Legislative Advertising Requirement: (Enter X in box)
Yes No X Contract/P.O. Required: (Enter X in box) Yes No RFP/RFQ/Bid #: X N/A Strategic Plan Related (Enter X in box) Yes No Strategic Plan Priority Area: Enhance Organizational Bus.
& Economic Dev Public Safety Quality of Education Qual. of Life & City Image Communication Strategic Plan Obj./Strategy: (list the specific objective/strategy this item will address)
N/A X Sponsor Name Councilman Oliver G. Gilbert, III Department: Mayor and Council Short Title: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA ESTABLISHING THE
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS CITIZENS ACADEMY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Staff Summary: In an effort to increase citizen participation and
engagement in the City of Miami Gardens, Councilman Oliver G. Gilbert, III is proposing the creation of a Miami Gardens Citizen’s Academy. The mission of the Miami Gardens Citizen’s
Academy is to familiarize citizens with the function and purpose of City government thereby making the City more transparent and accessible. It has been proven that an educated citizenry
is empowered and motivated to work toward positive change in the community. As such, the ultimate objective of the Citizens’ Academy is to continue to cultivate a positive relationship
with our residents, which will in turn result in beneficial acts of service throughout the community. ITEM K-3) CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTION Miami Gardens Citizens Academy
1515 NW 167 Street, Building 5 Suite 200 Miami Gardens, Florida 33169 Goals of the Citizens Academy: • Attain a better understanding of the role of the Mayor and City Council, City Manager,
Department Directors and other City staff. • Obtain an overview of City of Miami Gardens history and achievements • Learn about the City’s form of government • Gain an understanding
of how each Department supports the City’s Mission • Gain an understanding of the City’s budget and the role of state and federal government in relation to the City. Requirements for
Participation: • Must be a current resident of the City of Miami Gardens • Must be 18 years of age or older • Can commit to attending 10 weekly sessions Resources needed for the Program:
• A “class coordinator” (management level employee) to oversee the entire program • An administrative assistant to help with organization, communication with students and other clerical
tasks associated with the course. • Directors and/or their immediate managers will be asked to to make their department’s presentation • Due to meeting room limitations, classes would
be kept to a maximum of 20 members Funding: • Personnel costs would be absorbed by each participating department • It is estimated that the cost for each 10‐week course would be $3,500,
which includes supplies, operational expenses and a graduation event. • It is proposed that funding be appropriated from the City Council’s Community Support line item in the current
fiscal year budget. Proposed Action: That the City Council approve the attached resolution establishing the City of Miami Gardens Citizens Academy. Attachment: Attachment A: Proposed
CMG Citizen’s Academy Presentation
City of Miami Gardens Citizen’s Academy
Miami Gardens Citizen's Academy Mission Statement The mission of the City of Miami Gardens Citizen’s Academy is to familiarize citizens with the function and purpose of City government
thereby making the City more transparent and accessible.
CMG Citizens Academy Goals Attain a better understanding of the role of the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, Department Directors and other City staff. Obtain an overview of
City of Miami Gardens’ history and achievements Learn about the City’s form of government. Gain an understanding of how each Department supports the City’s Mission. Gain an
understanding of the City’s budget and the role of state and federal government in relation to the City.
Citizen’s Academy Benefits Promotes: Citizen Education Government Operations Community Interest Awareness City Involvement Boards, committees, Homeowners Associations
and Crime Watch
CMG Citizens Academy Timeline February 2011– City Council considers the item for adoption. April 2011– Recruitment of pilot class members begins. The initial class should be limited
to 20 members or less with surveys distributed after every session to obtain feedback on content. May 2011 – First City of Miami Gardens Citizen's Academy Class is launched. July
2011 -First City of Miami Gardens Citizen’s Academy class graduates.
CMG Citizens Academy Timeline Continued September 2011 – Critiques of pilot class are reviewed. Minor changes are made in the course syllabus and public advertising begins for the
recruitment of second class. January 2012 – Second Class begins
Miami Gardens Citizens Academy Candidate Selection Current resident of City of Miami Gardens 18 years of age or older Can commit to attending 10 weekly sessions, held on Tuesday
evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Outreach Tri-fold informational brochure (including application) is printed and made available at various City facilities and Citysponsored neighborhood meetings. City website
displays Citizens Academy information and printable application.
Logistics A “class coordinator” (management level employee) oversees the entire program and attends each session. An administrative assistant helps with organization, reminders
and other clerical tasks associated with the course. Directors and/or their immediate managers make their department’s presentation.
Logistics Continued After each presentation, class members are given an opportunity to ask questions and provide a written critique of the material. Light refreshments (coffee
and cookies) are provided at mid-break of each session. Due to meeting room limitations, classes are kept to a maximum of 20 members.
Logistics Continued -Budget One course held per fiscal year. Personnel costs are absorbed by each participating Department. Funding for supplies, operational expenses and a
graduation event are estimated at approximately $3,500 per course (20 members per course).
Course Supplies At first session, a 3” notebook initially stocked with course syllabus and session dividers, mission statement and contact info is provided. At each subsequent
session, brochures, booklets and handouts are provided by each City department to “build” and ultimately complete the notebook as a keepsake and valuable reference tool.
CMG Citizens Academy Course Sessions Session 1: Orientation Mayor & City Council City Organization Session 2: Human Resources Budget & Finance Session 3: Community and Economic Development,
Planning & Zoning
Sessions Continued Session 4: Code Compliance Building Services Session 5: Police (Tour) Public Safety Communications Session 6: Pubic Works Capital Projects Fleet Management
Sessions Continued Session 7: Parks and Recreation (Tour) Events and Media Session 8: Information Technology Procurement Session 9: Legal
Session 10: Graduation Graduates and their families are honored by the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and City staff with a ceremony and reception. Graduates receive a framed
certificate, class photo and small gift for their service and interest in our City.
Questions & Answers