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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo SRSecond Reading Ordinance CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor Manuel A. Diaz DATE: May 1, 2009 FILE: And City Commissioners SUBJECT: Education Advisory Board FROM: Pedro G. City Mangy REFERENCES: ENCLOSURES: At the April 23rd, 2009, City Commission meeting, the City Commission took the first step in the creation of the Education Advisory Board (EAB) by adoption of an ordinance on first reading. Chapter 2, Article XI, Division 2, Section 2-883 of the City Code requires that the Commission be provided with a response to the following questions prior to second reading of the ordinance: (1) For boards other than advisory boards, whether the establishment of the board will create sufficient betterment to the community to justify the city commission's delegation of a portion of its authority. Response: No. This board will act as an advisory board. (2) Whether another board or agency, either public or private, which is already in existence, could serve the same purpose. Response: No. The Education Advisory Board was specifically created to provide oversight for all matters related to the City of Miami Education Compact. There are currently no other City boards who address matters directly linked to the Education Compact. (3) The costs, both direct and indirect, of establishing and maintaining the board. Response: There are no direct costs of the EAB to the City. The Board consists of volunteers in their respected disciplines. Indirect costs arise from staff assigned to the Board. These staff members are not assigned exclusively to the Board but also have other responsibilities to the City of Miami. (4) Whether the board is necessary to enable the City to obtain state or federal grants or other financing. Response: No. However, the EAB's duties include identifying and advising the City on ways to attract state and federal programs and grants in direct support of schools within the City. (5) For boards other than advisory boards, whether the board should have bonding authority. Response: No. This board will act as an advisory board. (6) For boards other than advisory boards, whether the board should have the final authority to enter into contracts and spend city funds, or whether its contracts and expenditures must be ratified by the city commission. Response: No. This board will act as an advisory board. (7) Whether the creation of a new board is the best method of achieving the benefit desired. Response: Yes. Providing oversight of the City of Miami Education Compact by members of our community ensures sustainability of the initiatives and programs that have derived out of the Compact. Furthermore, this board allows the City to secure additional funding to maintain and expand these initiatives. In conclusion, I support the establishment of the Education Advisory Board. The Board represents a true opportunity for the City to collaborate with the education community ensuring a better quality of life for the children in our City. C: Agenda Office