July 19, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Yvonne Lopez

954.973.6722

ylopez@coconutcreek.net

Coconut Creek Citizen’s Academy Class VI Begins September 15th

Only 25 Seats Available

Coconut Creek, FL- The City of Coconut Creek will hold its sixth weekly, interactive nine-week Citizen’s Academy from September 15, 2010, through November 17, 2010, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Academy teaches residents how city government and individual departments operate. Classes will take place on Wednesdays, with most classes being held in the Coconut Creek Commission Chambers (4800 West Copans Road) and two being bus tours. The Academy is open to twenty-five Coconut Creek residents, aged 18 and above. There is no charge to join the Academy.

“There is a lot more to this city than I could have ever imagined. After participating, it’s like I am plugged in. I can use this information to help my neighbors and my neighborhood,” Michel Chamberlain, academy participant.

Personnel who manage or perform city services will teach each class. Other goals of the Academy include: developing civic “ambassadors” within Coconut Creek neighborhoods who can become trusted and reliable sources of information for their neighbors; developing a diverse group of citizens who can offer “ex-officio” advice and feedback on current project, initiatives, or events; building a civic leadership network that increases participation in local affairs; providing city officials with an idea of public sentiment early in the decision-making process; and creating a sense of exclusivity that inspires others to want to participate in the program.

If you would like to join Coconut Creek’s Citizen’s Academy, please contact Yvonne Lopez at 954.973.6722. Space is only available for twenty-five residents, so call early to reserve your spot.

Class Schedule:

Dates/Times:
Wednesdays, September 15 – November 10, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

~With exceptions of bus tour - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Session I: INTRODUCTION/ WELCOME/ CITY FINANCES
Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Commission Chambers

Session II: POLICE & SAFETY
Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Police Department Training Room

Session III: PARKS & RECREATION
Wednesday, September 29, 2010, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
City Hall for Bus Tour

Session IV: Communications
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Commission Chambers

~ City Clerk/Public Records
~ City Attorney’s Office
~ Human Resources
~ Information Technology
~ Community Relations

Session V: FIRE/RESCUE SERVICES
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Commission Chambers

Session VI: CODE & PERMITS
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Commission Chambers

Session VII: CURRENT AND PROPOSED CITY PROJECTS
Saturday, October 30, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Bus Tour

Session VIII: PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES/ENGINEERING
Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Commission Chambers

No class on November 10, 2010

Session IX: MOCK COMMISSION MEETING
Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Commission Chambers

• Led by Mayor: residents choose 5 commissioners from the group, others break up into 2 groups, each group proposes issues to be voted on by the “commission”

Graduates receive Certificates of Completion on November 18, 2010 at the City Commission meeting, 7:00 p.m.

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