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2008 City Innovations Showcase
Public Events, Information and Outreach
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Building a Supportable Referendum
City of Cape Coral
After two waterfront improvement plans were defeated at referendum, Clearwater realized that a change in approach was needed. Armed with information from a voter poll, Clearwater presented a simple, single-issue referendum to build boat slips on the downtown waterfront. The plan was complemented with detailed financials, engineering studies, market analyses, still and video renderings, and an aggressive public outreach effort that included a mailer, Web site, DVD and 27 community group presentations. Downtown interests and boating advocates were leveraged to help tell the story and build support. The referendum passed in March 2007 and construction will begin at the end of the year.
Contact: Doug Matthews, Director
Public Communications Department
City of Clearwater
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, FL 32758
Phone: (727) 562-4661
E-mail: douglas.matthews@myclearwater.com
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Date Night at the Art House
City of Casselberry
Date Night is held once a month at the Casselberry Art House. Participants begin the evening with a candlelight dinner in a cozy gallery setting. After dinner, they move to the classroom for a two-hour art workshop. Past workshops have included a variety of mediums including pottery, mosaic, acrylic and charcoal drawing.
Contact: Matt Fortini, Director
Parks and Recreation
City of Casselberry
125 E. Melody Lane
Casselberry, FL 32707
Phone: (407) 262-7720
E-mail: mfortini@casselberry.org
“Star Wars” Spectacular
City of Casselberry
The “force” came to Casselberry in 2007 as the city celebrated the “Star Wars” saga with a galactic gala. Fans of the saga came to celebrate the 30th-anniversary release of the original film. The age demographic ranged from 2 to 90. The event featured costume contests, video and trivia games, “Star Wars” characters, photo opportunities, daily film screenings and much more. Countless retailers and stores donated “Star Wars” merchandise for the event. It was a rare event that children could participate with adults who experienced the same event 30 years ago.
Contact: Matt Fortini, Director
Parks and Recreation
City of Casselberry
125 E. Melody Lane
Casselberry, FL 32707
Phone: (407) 262-7720
E-mail: mfortini@casselberry.org
DeLand’s 125th Anniversary Celebration
City of DeLand
In preparation for the City of DeLand’s 125th anniversary of incorporation and its City Hall grand opening on March 10, 2007, the city raised more than $290,000 in private funding. With this funding, the city provided a memorable grand opening celebration for the community, and provided funding for artwork created by local artists. The art around City Hall ranges from a brick mural depicting a family by the St. John’s River (at the south entrance), to artwork showing the past, present and future of DeLand displayed on the three floors of City Hall. The remaining funding has been donated to local charities.
Contact: Mike Grebosz, Special Projects
Administrative Services
City of DeLand
120 S. Florida Avenue
DeLand, FL 32720
Phone: (386) 626-7110
E-mail: greboszm@deland.org
Faith Hope & Charity Community Assistance Program
City of DeLand
The City of DeLand now offers citizens an opportunity to make voluntary donations to assist local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that provide emergency assistance, cultural and historical programs that benefit the community. Citizens can contribute to the Faith Hope & Charity account through monthly donations via their utility bill or by making a one-time donation. The new program has enabled the City of DeLand to comply with state tax-reform mandates by reducing budget appropriations for grants and aid by $47,500 in FY 2006-07 and eliminating the need to use tax revenues for grant funding in 2007-08.
Contact: Michael Abels, City Manager
E-mail: ablesm@deland.org
Kevin Lewis, Finance Director
E-mail: lewisk@deland.org
City of DeLand
120 S. Florida Avenue
DeLand, FL 32720
Phone: (386) 740-5700
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City Manager’s Biweekly Report
City of Gainesville
In an effort to keep members of the City Commission, the public and employees informed of upcoming events and projects, the City of Gainesville developed the City Manager’s Biweekly Report. The report provides information about significant upcoming activities, projects and meetings in the City of Gainesville. Organized by city department and featuring brief announcements, the report gives officials, citizens and employees a “heads up” before significant activities and events occur. The report also helps multiple departments respond to citizen questions, such as: “Why is this road closed today?” Electronic copies are archived on the city Web site and employee Intranet.
Contact: Russ Blackburn, City Manager
City Manager’s Office
City of Gainesville
M.S. 6, P.O. Box 490
Gainesville, FL 32602
Phone: (352) 334-5000
E-mail: gainesvillepio@cityofgainesville.org
Electronic Newsletter
City of Gainesville
Municipal Minutes, the City of Gainesville’s monthly electronic newsletter, is sent to subscribers and also is available on the city’s Web site. Since its debut in May 2006, Municipal Minutes has become an effective and cost-efficient method to communicate city events, programs and information to residents. Gainesville residents are concerned with sustainability and being “green.” Having an electronic newsletter instead of a printed one is an effective way to save money and the environment. Municipal Minutes also gives citizens an easy way to discover information about the city, including understanding the core values of the organization.
Contact: Russ Blackburn, City Manager
City of Gainesville
M.S. 6, P.O. Box 490
Gainesville, FL 32602
Phone: (352) 334-5000
E-mail: gainesvillepio@cityofgainesville.org
Gainesville 101: The City of Gainesville’s Citizens’ Academy
City of Gainesville
Nearly 50 residents are participating in the City of Gainesville’s Citizens’ Academy, Gainesville 101. At Gainesville 101, citizens go behind the scenes of city government for six biweekly sessions. Through revamping the program, increasing electronic marketing and adding online registration, participation in the most recent session increased by 600 percent. A unique feature of the 2007 academy emphasizes sustainability, fiscal responsibility and interaction through new media. Handouts are provided primarily electronically via the Citizens’ Academy Web pages and participants can review a summary of the session’s activities, provide comments and ask questions on the “Gainesville 101 Blog,” located at http://gainesville101.blogspot.com.
Contact: Russ Blackburn, City Manager
City of Gainesville
M.S. 6, P.O. Box 490
Gainesville, FL 32602-0490
Phone: (352) 334-5000
E-mail: gainesvillepio@cityofgainesville.org
Strategic Branding Campaign
City of Gainesville
When the City of Gainesville implemented a new logo and brand, the Regional Transit System (RTS) developed a bus design to complement the new logo. The various shades of blue represent the RTS colors, while the “waves” tie into the curvy “s” and represent the paths from the city brand-position line, “Every path starts with passion.” RTS began integrating the new look into all marketing collateral, including the employee newsletter, the Web site and a new bus stop sign.
Contact: Theresa Harrison
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Regional Transit System
City of Gainesville
P.O. Box 490 Station 5
Gainesville, FL 32602-0490
Phone: (352) 334-3676
E-mail: harrisontc@cityofgainesville.org
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Murals
City of New Port Richey
In appreciation for the history of Old Florida in New Port Richey, city government has supported the work of local artists in painting murals on sides of large buildings. The art captures the aura of a simpler time in the 1920s through contemporary times and brings to life the rich history and natural beauty of the city.
Contact: Doreen Lewis
Public Information Officer
City of New Port Richey
5919 Main Street
New Port Richey, FL 34652
Phone: (727) 853-1290
E-mail: lewisdm@cityofnewportrichey.org
Adding Free Translate Feature to City Web site
City of Oakland Park
The City of Oakland Park is proud of its rich ethnic and cultural diversity. In an attempt to improve the quality of communications with all of the city’s residents, a link was placed at the top of the city’s homepage that allows the user to view the pages of the Web site in 12 different languages, including Spanish, French and Portuguese.
Contact: David Rafter, Public Information Officer
City of Oakland Park
3650 N.E. 12th Avenue
Oakland Park, FL 33334
Phone: (954) 630-4207
E-mail: davidr@oaklandparkfl.org
Citizen Participation Ordinance
City of Palm Bay
The City of Palm Bay enacted a Citizen Participation Ordinance that requires developers to meet with area residents in advance of entering the formal development-approval process. This allows both the developer and the neighbors to determine, and potentially resolve, issues before the project is introduced in the public forum. A citizen participation plan and report are required for major developments. The plan identifies the method of reaching out to residents and the report details the involvement process and results. This process provides a way to reduce conflict and address concerns as early as possible in the process.
Contact: David Watkins, Director
Growth Management Department
City of Palm Bay
120 Malabar Road
Palm Bay, FL 32907
Phone: (321) 733-3041
E-mail: watkid@palmbayflorida.org
Doing Business with the City of Palm Bay
City of Palm Bay
The City of Palm Bay’s Purchasing and Contracts Division has created an informative and fun flyer on “How to Do Business with the City.” It provides an easy-to-read process flow from the beginning of vendor registration through the final payment process. In addition to the flyers, the city now is utilizing its business tax receipts database as a source for distribution of its competitive solicitations to the local business community. The city has also created a business opportunity list-serve program with its new Web site redesign for vendors and interested citizens, and will be conducting vendor training sessions by partnering with the local Chamber of Commerce.
Contact: Bobbye Marsala, Purchasing Manager
Purchasing and Contracts Division
City of Palm Bay
120 Malabar Road, S.E.
Palm Bay, FL 32907
Phone: (321) 952-3400
E-mail: marsab@pbfl.org
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Emphasis on Quality Customer Service
City of Palm Bay
The City of Palm Bay Customer Service Division is placing a high emphasis on service quality. This has been done in various ways including establishing a mission statement dedicated to servicing customers with friendly and personalized services, and having monthly training sessions about ways to effectively service the public. The Customer Service Division has implemented various policies that are geared toward assisting customers’ needs such as its “Pay Plus Program.” This program provides a deferred payment due date for senior and disabled customers. A credit screening deposit policy was adopted that waived or reduced customer-required deposits. The city has received numerous letters and e-mails from customers commending the increased customer service.
Contact: Dawn Reid, Customer Service Manager
Customer Service Division
City of Palm Bay
120 Malabar Road S.E.
Palm Bay, FL 32909
Phone: (321) 409-7133
E-mail: reidd@pbfl.org
Swale Awareness
City of Palm Coast
To create awareness of the City of Palm Coast’s swale infrastructure and how it keeps stormwater from flooding the homes in Palm Coast, the city’s Engineering and Stormwater Department teamed with the Community Relations Department to introduce “Splash the Frog” to the community. Splash came to life as a living, colorful cartoon character that makes frequent appearances at schools, extended-care and library programs. Splash also took a starring role in a newly designed coloring/puzzle book that explains swales in a fun, readable manner. Transforming the explanation of an unfamiliar, complex drainage system into a simple, cheerful lesson told by a frog assures Palm Coast residents pay more attention to their city’s swale system and better understand its function.
Contact: Marsha Lidskin
Community Relations Coordinator
City of Palm Coast
2 Commerce Boulevard
Palm Coast, FL 32164
Phone: (386) 986-3708
E-mail: mlidskin@ci.palm-coast.fl.us
Citizens Home Firearms Safety Course
City of South Daytona
Beginning in 1991, the City of South Daytona Police Department responded to citizens’ requests to conduct a firearms training program for the general public by offering classes in firearms safety. The day-long program is designed to teach the basic rules of firearms safety with the emphasis on firearms in the home. A safe, common-sense approach to firearms handling, care and cleaning procedures, along with firearms security, is a large part of the classroom instruction. The three-hour classroom session is followed by two hours of live fire at the pistol range. The program is offered four to six times each year. There have been more than 1,200 participants in 65 classes since inception, and each participant that meets all state requirements in gun safety receives a certificate.
Contact: Joseph Yarbrough, City Manager
City of South Daytona
1672 S. Ridgewood Avenue
South Daytona, FL 32119
Phone: (386) 322-3011
E-mail: jyarbrough@southdaytona.org
Digital Harmony
City of Tallahassee
Digital Harmony is an innovative initiative to expand technology access to underserved communities in Tallahassee and the surrounding region. It involves providing free computers to all sixth graders at a middle school in the city, and provides curriculum-free Internet access, training, mentoring and support to the students and their families. A key goal is to change the outcome of the educational experience of children in failing schools. Digital Harmony is a collaborative partnership among the City of Tallahassee, Leon County Schools and area business and community partners.
Contact: Don DeLoach, Information Systems Services
City of Tallahassee
300 S. Adams Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 891-8104
E-mail: don.deloach@talgov.com
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Landlord/Tenant Mediation Program
City of Tallahassee
The City of Tallahassee approved a Landlord/Tenant Mediation Program on March 28, 2007. The program was requested by citizens. The city’s mediation program provides an informal and non-adversarial forum for the disputing parties to reach a mutually acceptable, voluntary agreement. Florida Supreme Court certified mediators volunteer their services. The landlord or the tenant submitting a referral form to the City Attorney’s Office begins the mediation process. Since inception, 66 percent of the mediations have been successful, but the program has been most beneficial in telephonically bringing parties together so that they can resolve differences.
Contact: Jim English, City Attorney
City of Tallahassee
300 S. Adams Street, A-5
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 891-8554
E-mail: englishj@talgov.com
Tallahassee Police Department Breakfast Forum
City of Tallahassee
Designed for citizens, the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) and You Breakfast is a sharing of ideas, concerns and the birthing ground for new programs. The Crime Prevention Unit hosts a breakfast three times per year. Members of neighborhood associations and watch groups, business owners and concerned citizens are invited to attend. After formal introductions and a recap of the previous meeting, citizens are provided the opportunity to express neighborhood concerns. They also give accolades to officers who’ve worked with them to identify and resolve neighborhood problems. The TPD and You Breakfast forum not only provides citizens with the opportunity to share how TPD meets their needs, but also provides the agency with a barometer to measure overall effectiveness and efficiency.
Contact: Sergeant Audrey Smith, Crime Prevention Unit
Tallahassee Police Department
234 E. Seventh Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: (850) 891-1868
E-mail: audrey.smith@talgov.com
City Video To Go
City of West Palm Beach
The West Palm Beach television market covers a fairly large area – from Boca Raton in southern Palm Beach County to Sebastian in northern Indian River County, and out to the towns on the eastern edge of Lake Okeechobee. Because of the distances involved, and with staffing budgets for TV stations being reduced, local news operations can’t always cover stories they would like to air. The City of West Palm Beach’s government-access TV channel, WPB-TV, along with the city’s MIS division, has worked with the local stations to establish a means of making video available to local media via an file transfer protocol site. Stations have the log-in and password to the city-owned site, and can download video that WPB-TV uploads for air to the general public. Since local news operations are server-based, WPB-TV also produces video “files” instead of from physical tapes. Stations are able to air stories/video they normally may not be able to cover, and the city has the opportunity to get positive stories out to the public – and to a larger audience than would normally see it.
Contact: Jim Clark, Station Manager
WPB-TV
City of West Palm Beach
600 Banyan Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33414
Phone: (561) 822-1867
E-mail: jclark@wpb.org
Virtual Newsroom
City of West Palm Beach
The City of West Palm Beach has made great strides in its ability to reach out to its residents, businesses and visitors quickly and efficiently. The city’s Virtual Newsroom utilizes many of the latest Web 2.0 technologies to facilitate collaboration and sharing between the city and its constituents. The Virtual Newsroom, launched at http://wpb.org/newsroom, provides residents, business owners and visitors the ability to discuss timely topics and interact with the city online. They can now stay informed by viewing the Virtual Newsroom blog, subscribing to the Virtual Newsroom’s City Connect eNews service, and/or subscribing to the Virtual Newsroom RSS Feed.
Contact: Steve Kelly, WebMaster
MIS Systems Development
City of West Palm Beach
200 2nd Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 868-7752
E-mail: skelly@wpb.org
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