Posted 11:07 am Thursday, February 07, 2013
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Applications sought for Citizens Academy
Staff Reports
Applications are being accepted for the new Chandler Citizens Academy organized by Mayor Ann Hall and the city council, which will kick off this spring.
Applications are being accepted for the new Chandler Citizens Academy organized by Mayor Ann Hall and the city council, which will kick off this spring.
The academy is being established as a part of the city of Chandler's ongoing effort to communicate information, provide transparency and promote resident involvement, Ms. Hall said during Tuesday's annual chamber banquet.
“This program will be a fun, hands-on, interactive learning experience about city services, programs and responsibilities,” Ms. Hall said. “The course will consist of informative presentations and interesting tours that focus on city departments and functions.”
The sessions will be led by in-house staff from each city department, the mayor, city administrator and council members.
The academy will be tailored to those interested in learning more about municipal government and how the city operates.
Participants, Ms. Hall said in a statement, will learn about challenges to city government, budget limitations, day-to-day operations and volunteer opportunities in the community.
“Ideal candidates are (people) looking to get involved with the City of Chandler by serving on a board, volunteering with one of the city departments or local non-profit organizations or running for city council or mayor,” Ms. Hall said.
The sessions will be led by in-house staff from each city department, the mayor, city administrator and council members.
The academy will be tailored to those interested in learning more about municipal government and how the city operates.
Participants, Ms. Hall said in a statement, will learn about challenges to city government, budget limitations, day-to-day operations and volunteer opportunities in the community.
“Ideal candidates are (people) looking to get involved with the City of Chandler by serving on a board, volunteering with one of the city departments or local non-profit organizations or running for city council or mayor,” Ms. Hall said.
Applicants for the academy must be at least 18 years old. Priority will be given to people who live within the city limits. Application forms are available at city hall and other places in town. The deadline to submit applications is March 15. Classes are expected to be limited to 10 people.
Classes will start April 16 and meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays for five consecutive weeks at city hall and include a question and answer session. A light dinner will be provided each week.
The April 16 class will consist of a tour of city hall focusing on the city council/
administrator form of government, employees and their job descriptions, taxation, finance/audit/budget issues, purchasing, code enforcement, building inspections, external relations, the city's comprehensive plan and various city boards.
The April 23 class will look at municipal court and consist of a tour of the police department with demonstrations. It will present information about public safety, police patrol, crime investigation, dispatch and communication and the Explorer program for youths. There also will be a tour of the fire department with demonstrations and information about fire/rescue, hazardous material, dispatch and communication, costs of equipment, training and volunteer opportunities.
The April 30 class will present information about traffic, railroads and trash/sanitation solutions. It will include a tour of water wells, storage tanks and sewer plant. Other information presented will be about water production, water utilities, water storage facilities, solid waste and storm water.
The May 7 meeting will consist of a tour of the library, River Park, McCain Park, Winchester Park and maintenance facilities.
The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony during the city council's regular meeting on May 14.
Classes will start April 16 and meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays for five consecutive weeks at city hall and include a question and answer session. A light dinner will be provided each week.
The April 16 class will consist of a tour of city hall focusing on the city council/
administrator form of government, employees and their job descriptions, taxation, finance/audit/budget issues, purchasing, code enforcement, building inspections, external relations, the city's comprehensive plan and various city boards.
The April 23 class will look at municipal court and consist of a tour of the police department with demonstrations. It will present information about public safety, police patrol, crime investigation, dispatch and communication and the Explorer program for youths. There also will be a tour of the fire department with demonstrations and information about fire/rescue, hazardous material, dispatch and communication, costs of equipment, training and volunteer opportunities.
The April 30 class will present information about traffic, railroads and trash/sanitation solutions. It will include a tour of water wells, storage tanks and sewer plant. Other information presented will be about water production, water utilities, water storage facilities, solid waste and storm water.
The May 7 meeting will consist of a tour of the library, River Park, McCain Park, Winchester Park and maintenance facilities.
The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony during the city council's regular meeting on May 14.
