Quality Cities | Third Quarter 2021

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

▸ 2021 FLC Annual Conference p. 34 ▸ How to Make Your Voice Matter p. 42

QUALITY CITIES

▸ When a Hurricane Hits p. 54

A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES THIRD QUARTER 2021

ARPA Funds Ready to Go State and Local Recovery Fund is critical piece – What you need to know

See page 24

CITY SPOTLIGHTS: ▸ BONIFAY ▸ DEBARY ▸ SEWALL’S POINT

GRANTS PROGRAM LAUNCHED p. 40

Providing local governments with

HIGH-QUALITY FINANCIAL SERVICES. INVESTMENTS:

Investing Together for Local Benefit Are your investments properly diversified in today’s current environment?

RETIREMENT:

Protecting the Retirement of Those Serving the Public Could hidden fees be derailing your retirement plans?

LOANS:

Making Your Dollars Do More for Local Communities Debating a new construction project or refinancing an existing loan?

Contact Jeremy Langley Account Executive jlangley@flcities.com 859.552.5224

FLCITIES.COM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Tony Ortiz, Commissioner, Orlando Quality Cities Magazine Volume 95 | Number 3 PUBLISHER Jeannie Garner EDITOR AND CREATIVE PROJECT MANAGER Joy Dickinson ASSISTANT EDITOR Kelli Gemmer GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Sydney Fraser Bonnie Gaupp Jena Glantz CIRCULATION Eryn Russell Stay informed: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Visit our website at flcities.com.

Quality Cities (formerly Quality Cities ’90) (ISSN 0892-4171) (USPS Number: 201-780) serves as a medium of exchange of ideas and information on municipal affairs for the public officials of Florida. The views expressed and the data presented by contributors and advertisers are not to be construed as having the endorsement of the Florida League of Cities unless so specifically stated. No material from this publication may be reprinted without the express permission of the editor.

The mailing address for the publishers of Quality Cities is Post Office Box 1757, 301 South Bronough St., Suite 300, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1757. The telephone number is 850.222.9684, and the email address is jdickinson@ flcities.com. Offices are located at 301 South Bronough St., Suite 300, Tallahassee, FL. Quality Cities is published quarterly by the Florida League of Cities. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tallahassee, Fla., No. 201780.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Quality Cities, Post Office Box 1757, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1757.

The yearly MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION rate for members is $10.00, other governmental agencies – $15.00 and non-members – $20.00 for four issues.

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Phillip E. Walker, Commissioner, Lakeland SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Jolien Caraballo, Councilwoman, Port St. Lucie DISTRICT DIRECTORS (1) Shannon D. Hayes, Mayor Pro Tem, Crestview (1) William Schaetzle, Councilman, Niceville (2) Jake Hill, Councilmember, Lake City (3) Robert F. Apgar, Mayor, DeLand (3) William Partington, Mayor, Ormond Beach (4) Carol McCormack, Mayor, Palm Shores (4) Dominick Montanaro, Vice Mayor, Satellite Beach (5) Louie Davis, Mayor, Waldo (5) Cal Rolfson, Councilmember, Mount Dora (6) Rosemary Wilsen, Commissioner, Ocoee (6) Joseph McMullen, Commissioner, Oakland (7) Sam Fite, Commissioner, Bowling Green (7) Marlene Wagner, Vice Mayor, Lake Hamilton (8) Jamie Robinson, Commissioner, Largo (8) Dan Saracki, Councilmember, Oldsmar (9) Susan Gibbs Thomas, Council Member, Indiantown (10) Brian Williams, Commissioner, Palmetto (11) Fred Forbes, Councilman, Bonita Springs (12) Anne Gerwig, Mayor, Wellington (12) Kimberly Glas-Castro, Vice Mayor, Lake Park (12) Jeff Hmara, Councilman, Royal Palm Beach (13) Traci L. Callari, Commissioner, Hollywood (13) Bob Mayersohn, Vice Mayor, Parkland (13) Gary Resnick, Commissioner, Wilton Manors (13) Greg Ross, Mayor, Cooper City

QC

(13) Iris Siple, Commissioner, Pembroke Pines (13) Susan Starkey, Councilmember, Davie (13) Beverly Williams, Vice Mayor, Lauderdale Lakes (14) Juan Carlos “JC” Bermudez, Mayor, Doral (14) Joseph Corradino, Mayor, Pinecrest (14) Rodney Harris, Mayor, Miami Gardens (14) Crystal Wagar, Councilmember, Miami Shores 10 MOST POPULOUS CITIES Samuel Newby, Council Vice President, Jacksonville Ken Russell, Commissioner, Miami Joseph Citro, Councilmember, Tampa Rick Kriseman, Mayor, St. Petersburg Robert Stuart, Commissioner, Orlando Carlos Hernandez, Mayor, Hialeah John Dailey, Mayor, Tallahassee Dean J. Trantalis, Mayor, Fort Lauderdale Vacancy, Port St. Lucie Rick Williams, Council Member, Cape Coral PAST PRESIDENTS Scott Black, Commissioner, Dade City Frank C. Ortis, Mayor, Pembroke Pines Joy Cooper, Mayor, Hallandale Beach Pat Bates, Mayor, Altamonte Springs Matthew Surrency, Mayor, Hawthorne Leo E. Longworth, Commissioner, Bartow Isaac Salver, Council Member, Bay Harbor Islands AT-LARGE Roy S. Shiver, Commissioner, Florida City FCCMA EX-OFFICIO MEMBER Micah Maxwell, Assistant City Manager, Clearwater Jeannie Garner, Executive Director Kraig Conn, General Counsel

FLORIDA MUNICIPAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Begun in 2009, the Florida Municipal Achievement Awards program from the Florida League of Cities provides municipalities with an opportunity to receive recognition for superior and innovative efforts. The City Spirit Award recognizes a single, specific citywide effort to successfully address a local need. The Florida Citizenship Award focuses on city projects or programs that build stronger, more participatory residents. The Environmental Stewardship Award focuses on city programs that promote conservation, improve and protect environmental conditions, and/or provide environmental education and outreach programs within a city. For more information, go to bit.ly/2TkBHPs.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 3

QC contents QUALITY CITIES

VOL. 95, ISSUE 3, THIRD QUARTER 2021

COVER FEATURE 24 ARPA Funds Ready to Go

State and Local Recovery Fund is critical piece – What you need to know

24

DEPARTMENTS Advocacy

CITY SPOTLIGHTS 14 Mitigating Stormwater

Bonifay improves city drainage system with partnerships, plans and grants

16

DeBary: A Community That Is Multimodal Unique location offers opportunities for business and play

18

Townwide Effort Revitalizes Local Park Sewall’s Point residents partner with commission, nonprofit

42

Business Watch

51

4 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

Stand Out for New Families Bring outdoor fun to your community

Municomm

52

Vaccines for the Underserved City staff get creative to reach the reluctant

Lifestyle

66

67

40

How to Make Your Voice Matter Advocating for Home Rule can start with a friendly chat

Rebuilding Social Connections Tips for in-person socializing after distant and virtual interactions

Work-Life Balance The constant cycle of prioritization

FEATURES 28

Advocate Year-Round President Ortiz: This is how we succeed in ‘Building Stronger Cities’

30 2020-2021 Florida League of Cities Board of Directors

40

Grants Program Launched

League assistance aims to help bolster cities’ resources

46 48

Florida City Government Week Celebrates 30 Years

IN THIS ISSUE 7

From the President

8

QC Today

9

Meeting Calendar

20

Commentary

23

Employee Profile

League and member news

ARPA Funds Equal Gift

Lisa Dove

Focus: Teaching your residents about the importance of local government

Scrutiny of Officials Liability Insurance coverage faces increasing exposure by ‘anti-riot law’

54 When a Hurricane Hits

Florida’s Emergency Management Director gives guidance

56 60 62 64

Putting Art into Action Cities engage residents through public creative projects

Keys to Safety and Prevention Risk management: You need a partner – not just a vendor

‘If I Were Elected Mayor’ Essay Contest Winners Contest encourages civic engagement among middle school students

Engaging Florida’s Youth Students statewide participate in FLC youth council programs

MEETING 34 Florida League of Cities Conference ON THE COVER: DOUGLAS RISSING/ISTOCK/ GETTY IMAGES PLUS/ GETTYIMAGES

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 5

The Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT) provides local governments with a complete Employee Benefits Package.

The Employee Benefits Package includes: ∙ Medical ∙ Dental ∙ Vision ∙ Life ∙ Disability ∙ Voluntary Employee Benefits ∙ Section 125 Administration ∙ Flexible Spending Account/ Health Savings Account/Health Reimbursement Arrangement Administration

∙ A Customized Wellness Solution ∙ COBRA Administration ∙ Full Online Eligibility and Enrollment System Contact Lindsey Larson Account Executive llarson@flcities.com 920.606.9716

FROM THE PRESIDENT

QC

Our city leaders find a way forward

T

President Tony Ortiz Commissioner City of Orlando

Grants Assistance Program The Florida League of Cities has launched a grants assistance program for cities.

Cities receive free access to 9,000+ grants. The program includes tools to find, apply for and manage grants. To learn more, visit flcities.com/grants or email flcgrants@ ecivis.com.

his past year has brought us many challenges. City leaders have been under scrutiny for our pandemic responses and our policing. The pressure has been unrelenting, and city leaders bore the brunt of it. All of these situations have been on top of the normal day-to-day issues that come up.

We had to make difficult decisions to protect our economies and our citizens.

We fought for the resources our communities need. We prioritized and adapted.

This is who we are. As others have said, city government is closest to our home and our hearts.

Now we are finding a way forward. Businesses have reopened, and tourists are returning. We are thrilled to have federal relief coming through the American Rescue Plan Act. (See more information on the Act, p. 24.)

I couldn’t be prouder of how our elected officials and their staffs have persevered and continually develop innovative ways to help our cities succeed. Each of you responded in ways that made sense for your individual communities. When traditional events such as art exhibits couldn’t be handled safely inside, you took to the streets, sometimes literally. (See creative ways cities are using art to engage residents on p. 56.) With COVID-19 vaccinations up and cases down, many of you found innovative ways to reach our most vulnerable communities with information and vaccinations. (See the article, p. 52.) We have a new grants assistance program for cities. (For more information, see p. 40.)

Now, we have the opportunity to gather at our in-person conference Aug. 12-14 in Orlando. We have much to celebrate and share. The conference is a wonderful opportunity to network with those who are facing similar challenges. Together, we can come up with solutions. Read more about the conference, including information about some exciting keynote speakers, on p. 34.

This is our time. Let’s get to work!

Tony Ortiz

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 7

QC TODAY WHO | WHERE | WHAT

Have news to share? Send it to kgemmer@flcities.com.

KUDOS

One of Clearwater’s winning sidewalk poems, “Only Love.”

ART

Poetry Made Concrete In Clearwater The City of Clearwater is transforming sidewalks into works of art by etching poems written by residents into sidewalks.

The poems were written by the 2020 winners of Clearwater’s Poetry Made Concrete contest, which aimed to inspire the City’s residents to reimagine, strengthen and beautify their communities through public art. This project also builds upon the city’s commitment to repairing sidewalks.

The first floor of Homestead’s Cybrarium.

LITERATURE

Homestead Opens Cybrarium Earlier this year, the City of Homestead opened the world’s first Cybrarium, a high-tech library that combines traditional library services with advanced technology and innovative programming.

The Cybrarium offers virtual reality, 3D printing, a children’s theater, a new library book collection and more. As part of the City’s overall vision to revitalize downtown Homestead, city officials hope that the Cybrarium will bridge the gap between literacy, technology and access.

The project was funded by grants, impact fees and the City’s general fund revenues.

8 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF HOMESTEAD

The City of Miramar was one of the 10 recipients of the National Civic League’s 2021 All-America City Award. The award was given to Miramar for the City’s work “cultivating a resilient and equitable economy, increasing access to arts and culture and revitalizing a historic part of its community.”

“We are so honored to be recognized as a 2021 All-America City,” said Mayor Wayne Messam . “Our residents, strong economy and our diverse culture make our city a desirable place to live, work, visit and play. This honor is truly amazing.”

Visit nationalcivicleague.org/2021-winners to read about the recipients. Visit bit.ly/3iMirVi to apply for the 2022 All-America City Awards, with the theme “Housing as a platform for equitable learning recovery” in collaboration with the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF CLEARWATER

Miramar Named All-America City

TODAY DID YOU KNOW …

QC

MEETING CALENDAR

Many Cartoonists Are Tied to Florida?

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF NATHAN ARCHER

AUGUST 11 Florida Center for Municipal Research Symposium Orlando World Center Marriott Contact Wade Burkley AUGUST 11 Florida League of Mayors Candid Conversations with Mayors Orlando World Center Marriott Contact Rachel Embleton

Talented cartoonists entertain us, make us laugh, stimulate our imagination and tell stories that make us think. Over the years, Walt Disney’s animation studio in Orlando attracted cartoonists, many of whom continued to live in Florida after leaving Disney or other animation studios. Other cartoonists who have lived or worked in Florida have created children’s books, comic strips and, of course, animated films.

A few of the well-known cartoonists who have lived or worked in Florida and the works for which they are known include: ‣ Nathan Archer, editorial cartoonist for Tallahassee Democrat and USA Today ‣ Tom Armstrong, “Marvin” ‣ Chad Carpenter, “Tundra” ‣ Carlos Castellanos, “Baldo” ‣ Jose Delbo, “Transformers” and “Punisher” ‣ John Hurst, “Ice Age” and “The Peanuts Movie” ‣ Ethan Long, illustrator of more than 80 children’s books ‣ Mason Mastroianni, “B.C.” and “Wizard of Id” ‣ Jeff Parker, “Dustin” ‣ Mike Peters, “Mother Goose and Grimm” ‣ Eddie Pittman, Disney animation artist ‣ John Rose, “Snuffy Smith” ‣ Alex Saviuk, “Spider-Man” and “Phantom” ‣ Mark Simon, “Woody Woodpecker” and “Little Rascals” ‣ Ralph Smith, “Through Thick and Thin” ‣ Mike Wright, editorial cartoonist ‣ Dean Young, “Blondie.”

In a 2016 interview, Simon offered a quick explanation for why Florida is home to many cartoonists. “They were here for Disney Studios and wanted to stay,” he said. “I came for Nickelodeon [in 1989]. I left to work for [Steven] Spielberg on ‘seaQuest.’ My wife and I decided to stay. … We love it here. It’s easier and cheaper to live here than L.A. or New York.”

Other cartoonists, such as Parker, grew up in Florida. He has talked about living on the Space Coast and reading his favorite comics in the newspaper while dreaming of having his own strip. The Tallahassee resident is co-creator of “Dustin,” which debuted in 2010 and has continued to grow in popularity.

AUGUST 12-14 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference Orlando World Center Marriott Contact Melanie Howe OCTOBER 8-10 Institute for Elected Municipal Officials Days Hotel by Wyndham Celebration, Kissimmee Contact Angela Delune OCTOBER 17-21 Florida Association of City Clerks Fall Academy The Shores Hotel, Daytona Beach Shores Contact Rachel Embleton OCTOBER 17-22 Florida Government Finance Officers Association School of Governmental Finance Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort Contact Karen Pastula OCTOBER 27-29 Florida Redevelopment Association Annual Conference Luminary Hotel & Co., Fort Myers Contact Heidi Hogarth NOVEMBER 3-5 Florida League of Cities Legislative Conference Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Kissimmee Contact Mary Edenfield NOVEMBER 18-19 Florida Municipal Communicators Association Annual Conference Luminary Hotel & Co., Fort Myers Contact Selina Smith FEBRUARY 8-9, 2022 Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days Tallahassee Contact Mary Edenfield

GO TO:

flcities.com/education-and-events/calendarof-events or call 850.222.9684 for more information.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 9

TODAY

Korean War Veterans with Lake Alfred Mayor Nancy Daley and Lake Wales Mayor Eugene Fultz (top right).

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF LAKE ALFRED

VETERANS

Cities Support Local Heroes The City of Jacksonville recognized the accomplishments of female veterans through Women Veterans Recognition Week for the eighth year. The week brings community awareness to some of the challenges female veterans face after military service. The City of Lake Alfred held the United Nations 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong/Gapyeong ceremony earlier this year to remember and honor the City’s Korean War Veterans.

The City of Melbourne displayed banners downtown from May through July Fourth to honor Melbourne residents or their immediate family members who are actively serving in the U.S. armed forces, are veterans or were killed in the line of duty. The Melbourne Salutes Hometown Heroes program, modeled after the City of Deland’s program, was available to residents free of charge through donations from local companies.

Read how other cities assist local heroes and their families in the second quarter issue of Quality Cities magazine at bit.ly/35rhrlb.

LANDSCAPING

Sopchoppy’s Depot Park Recognized for Excellence The City of Sopchoppy’s Depot Park received the 2021 Excellence Award for Institutional Landscapes f ro m t h e F l o r i d a Na t i ve P l a n t Society. The award recognizes highquality native plant landscape in an institutional setting such as a public site, government entity, church or school.

Read how the park served as a launching point for the City’s downtown plan in the Sopchoppy city spotlight of the March/ April 2019 issue of Quality Cities magazine at bit.ly/3uNX2Bh. SUSTAINABILITY

Tallahassee, Tampa Earn Gold–Level LEED Certification The Cities of Tallahassee and Tampa have achieved gold-level LEED

certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for their sustainability efforts.

The USGBC’s LEED for Cities and Communities is an international rating system that provides a framework for communities to benchmark their sustainability and resilience performance, increase transparency and focus on outcomes associated with these efforts. Florida has the most registered local governments in the country that have received LEED certification. To see the full list, visit bit.ly/3cZXUMW.

CMCDERM1/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/ GETTY IMAGES

BUSINESS

Top 15 for Small Businesses

RECOGNITION

Four Florida Beach Towns Rank in Top 10 The Cities of Boca Raton, Destin, Naples, and Sarasota ranked in the top 10 best U.S. ocean beach towns to live in by WalletHub. The 2021 rankings compared 191 cities across 62 key livability indicators, including affordability, weather, safety and economy.

Naples took the top spot at No. 1 with Sarasota at No. 6, Boca Raton at No. 8 and Destin at No. 9.

10 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

Eleven cities and towns in Florida ranked in the nation’s top 15 best small cities for small businesses in a recent report from Go.Verizon. Data was collected from nearly 300 cities across the country that highlighted factors including population size, education, commute, financial and tax climate, income per capita and business loans.

The cities and their rankings were: ‣ City of Doral (3) ‣ City of Daytona Beach (4) ‣ City of Delray Beach (5) ‣ City of Weston (6) ‣ City of Lauderhill (7) ‣ City of North Port (8) ‣ Town of Jupiter (10) ‣ Village of Wellington (11) ‣ City of Kissimmee (12) ‣ City of Tamarac (13) ‣ City of Homestead (14).

USGBC® AND THE RELATED LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OWNED BY THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL AND ARE USED WITH PERMISSION

QC

TODAY

QC

HOUSING

NLC Releases Resource on Emergency Rental Assistance In partnership with the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the National League of Cities created new guidance for local governments to quickly improve landlords’ access to Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program funds. This resource offers quick tips and clear, actional guidance for elected officials, including six do’s and don’ts for local ERA programs: Do’s:

‣ Do center racial equity in the design and implementation of ERA programs. ‣ Do prioritize households with the greatest needs. ‣ Do coordinate with housing agencies to make resources available to federally

assisted households.

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES AND NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION

‣ Do partner with trusted community-based organizations. ‣ Do engage landlords. ‣ Do hold grantees accountable to racial equity performance metrics.

Don’ts:

‣ Don’t impose unnecessary and burdensome requirements. ‣ Don’t neglect the need for targeted outreach to marginalized populations. ‣ Don’t restrict ERA to non-subsidized renters or bar renters living in subsidized

housing from the ERA program.

‣ Don’t lose time setting up a “perfect” program. ‣ Don’t penalize tenants if their landlords refuse to participate. ‣ Don’t be afraid to change aspects of the program design if it’s not working as

intended.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF GAINESVILLE

Eleven participants completed the City Farm TLH Urban Farming and Entrepreneurship Training Program and celebrated with the program’s first commencement.

Gainesville residents celebrate diversity at the Day of the Immigrant event downtown.

AGRICULTURE

DIVERSITY

City Farm TLH Completes First Program

The City of Gainesville , Madres Sin Fronteras and local advocacy organizations hosted a Day of the Immigrant event to celebrate diversity and build community among neighbors of all backgrounds and ethnicities.

The fellowship celebration, which took place downtown, included food trucks, music, information tables and COVID-19 vaccinations. Creating an equitable and inclusive community for all neighbors is a cornerstone of the City’s strategic plan.

The City of Tallahassee recently celebrated the first commencement of the City Farm TLH Urban Farming and Entrepreneurship Training Program. This 12-week program provides participants with the knowledge to launch a small farm in an urban setting.

The City began development on the farm on vacant, unused city-owned land with a Knight Foundation grant. The farm is a partnership between Tallahassee Community College’s Wakulla Environmental Institute, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s Small Business Development Center , Compost Community and Toad Lily Farm.

Gainesville Builds Community At Downtown Event

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 11

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF TALLAHASSEE

The full report, “How to Establish and Improve Emergency Rental Assistance Programs: Suggestions for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Elected Officials,” is available at bit.ly/3vLeXtb.

QC

TODAY

The City of Port St. Lucie’s Green Art Showcase, an environmentally conscious exhibit made from recycled materials.

LEGACY

Mural Panels Depict Ocala’s Multicultural History

ENVIRONMENT

City Showcases Recycled Artwork The City of Port St. Lucie held the first Green Art Showcase, an environmentally conscious exhibit with pieces made from recycled materials from local artists of all ages. The free exhibit ran at the Community Center and brought awareness to the environment through art.

Panels from the legacy mural “A Journey Through Marti City” by local artist Maggie Weakley.

ENGAGEMENT

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF CLERMONT

Clermont Introduces New Park Event The City of Clermont and the Clermont Police Department hosted the City’s first Pups in the Park event

Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway (right) and Officer Philip Pollen give “puppuccinos” to Interim City Manager Susan Dauderis’ dogs.

Obituaries Former Indian River Shores Mayor Tom Slater

Former Indian River Shores Mayor Tom Slater died May 26 at age 76.

Slater served on the Town Council from 2013 to 2016. He returned to public service in 2018 when he filled a vacant position on the Town Council and then served as Mayor from 2018 to 2020. Slater represented the Town on the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities. In a released statement, the Town said, “Mayor Slater was well regarded by his colleagues and the citizens of not only the Town of Indian River Shores but of Indian River County. His positive, upbeat demeanor and friendly nature will be dearly missed by all.”

12 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

this year with the help of local business sponsors.

The event included a 1-mile dog walk, a dog swimsuit parade and competition and a frisbee competition, along with various vendors and food trucks. Citizens stopped by for a “puppuccino” with Clermont police officers, a new twist to Coffee with a Cop.

Former Dania Beach Mayor Patricia Flurry

Former Dania Beach Mayor Patricia Flurry died April 2 at age 84.

Flurry served on the City Commission from 2002 to 2012, including three terms as Mayor from 2001 to 2002, 2006 to 2007 and 2011 to 2012. Prior to serving on the Commission, she worked at Memorial Regional Hospital for more than 40 years. She also served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Memorial Healthcare System. During her time as Mayor, Flurry helped steer the City to financial stability. “Pat will be remembered as a strong leader and avid advocate for employees and for being heavily involved in the community,” the City said in a released statement.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF OCALA

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE

The City of Ocala has installed four mural panels at Scott Springs Park to depict the multicultural history of its community.

The Legacy Panels were commissioned through the City’s Cultural Arts and Sciences Division and created by local artists.

The double-sided panels show two scenes depending on where guests stand in the park. One side depicts the Cuban culture that thrived in the 1890s, while the opposite side showcases the city’s Black and Black Seminole history. Both panels were inspired by local historical photographs.

ONLINE ORIENTATION FOR NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS

Course cost: $99

“ Great self-paced course, look forward to more.

“

FLC University is excited to announce a new online orientation program for newly elected officials! This virtual course consists of seven mixed media lessons specific to Florida covering all aspects of municipal governance and the services cities provide. The course is self-paced and can usually be completed in less than 10 hours, total. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate from FLC University and have a better understanding of their role in local government.

– Commissioner Tom Harding, City of Key Colony Beach

Register at bit.ly/FLCUVirtual.

August 2 September 6

Please note: This course is offered to elected municipal officials only.

This online orientation is an excellent introduction to the responsibilities of an elected municipal official as well as the numerous training opportunities provided by FLC University including the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials I and II, the Leadership Academy I and II, and numerous webinars on timely topics.

For more information about training, webinars and other opportunities, check out the FLC Calendar of Events on the League’s website.

“ Thanks for this important

overview of how our local governments function.

This information is vital to effective leadership. It was a good overview of government service and responsibility.

“

UPCOMING START DATES

– Council Member Honey Minuse, City of Vero Beach

QUESTIONS? Contact Christen Barton at 407.367.3443 or cbarton@flcities.com.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 13

CITY SPOTLIGHT

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF BONIFAY

Stormwater drainage improvements: Camp Branch.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Iowa Street water tank.

Mitigating Stormwater

Bonifay improves city drainage system with partnerships, plans and grants

by Beverly Gilley City of Bonifay

T

BONIFAY Holmes County Pop. 2,709

he City of Bonifay is located 53 miles directly north of the City of Panama City Beach.

Many visitors to the beach pass through the small town on the way for a long-awaited vacation or holiday. Bonifay is also a designated evacuation route out of harm’s way in the event of a major weather disturbance. Due to the City’s location, the community streets and roadways are essential not just to the locals but for all who travel along them. It is important to keep these roadways and streets passable and safe at all times.

As with many communities in the Northwest Florida Panhandle, stormwater drainage is a major concern. During significant rainfall, many city streets become flooded, and businesses and homes suffer serious water damage to their property. In 2013, Bonifay saw a record annual rainfall of 97.58 inches. During Hurricane Sally, Bonifay saw rainfall of 13.1 inches in a 24-hour period. Residents saw flooding in homes, and many city streets were completely underwater. With city streets impassable, many businesses received significant damage, including city buildings.

The post office had to be relocated, and the City Police and Fire-Rescue Departments sustained major damage.

For many years, the City Council members searched for answers to help with the flooding. They turned their attention to the main drainage trunk running through the City’s center, the Camp Branch drainage ditch. In July 2018, the City was awarded $4.5 million in federal grant funds administered by the Florida Division of Emergency Management to improve the Camp Branch tributary. The improvements included removing and replacing existing undersized culverts, placing a box culvert that was 12 feet by 6 feet under Highway 79 and widening and clearing the channel. Completed in February 2021, this project was designed to withstand a 100-year storm event.

14 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATH JENKINS, MOTT MACDONALD ENGINEERING

QC

CITY SPOTLIGHT

QC

It is a challenge to mitigate flooding waters; however, Bonifay is determined to improve the city for its citizens, visitors and business owners in the community.

The current drainage system is very limited in its usefulness due to the undersized pipes, deteriorating pipes and lack of a cohesive design.

Another engineering firm has also partnered with the City to assist in determining ways to mitigate flooding stormwaters by applying for a state appropriation of $680,000 for surveying, designing and constructing an improved drainage system on Etheridge Street. This drainage system, which has been in place for many years, collects stormwater from Highway 79, Iowa Street and Tracy Street. Over time the pipes have aged and became ineffective in moving the water; therefore, the buildings on the east and west sides of the street are negatively impacted.

Portions of the drainage trunk have collapsed during heavy rains, making this a priority due to the possibility of accidents.

It is a challenge to mitigate flooding waters; however, Bonifay is determined to improve the City for its citizens, visitors and business owners in the community. The plan will take many years to complete, but improvement will be seen along the way as each planned project on the priority list is completed.

Bonifay residents have a council that looks to the future and works to ensure the safety of the current community members and future generations, as well as create a community that is attractive to future entrepreneurs.

Beverly Gilley is the City Clerk for the City of Bonifay. QC

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF BONIFAY

Downtown flooding after Hurricane Sally.

Downtown flooding after Hurricane Sally.

Stormwater drainage improvements: Camp Branch.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 15

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATH JENKINS, MOTT MACDONALD ENGINEERING

The Camp Branch project will significantly impact the speed and volume of stormwater that will move more swiftly to an existing wetland. It is only the first step in the City’s plan to address the flooding caused by stormwater, and Bonifay continues its efforts.

In February 2020, with the use of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Rural Infrastructure Funds, an engineering firm was engaged to study the problem areas throughout the City. The purpose was to identify options for limiting or alleviating downtown flooding issues. The engineering firm presented the Stormwater Drainage Study to the City Council in April 2021. It included a project priority list totaling $6.7 million. The study pinpointed the areas of concern and outlined 13 projects recommended to improve the drainage within the City limits. These improvement projects include retention ponds, channel cleanings and reshaping, new trunk lines and culvert replacement.

The adoption of this study shows the City’s commitment to protecting its visitors, citizens and businesses and will take years to complete. However, improvements will be evident after each project. Now that Bonifay has an action plan with set priorities, it is time to take the next step.

On behalf of Bonifay, the engineering firm successfully applied for $242,250 from the DEO Rural Infrastructure Fund to develop and plan for a downtown central stormwater facility.

CITY SPOTLIGHT

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF DEBARY

QC

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

DeBary: A Community That Is Multimodal DEBARY Volusia County Pop. 21,973

Unique location offers opportunities for business and play

L

ocated on the northern shore of the picturesque St. Johns River and incorporated in 1993, the City of DeBary is a young city with a close-knit community citizenry. The City is known for its warm and friendly hometown atmosphere. DeBary’s “A” rated schools, the low ad valorem rate and overall safety contribute to making it a great place to live, work and play. With a wide variety of new and traditional living accommodations attracting a diverse population, its quality core values are integrated into everything the City does, which fosters a wellrounded lifestyle.

City leaders are creating a dynamic, multidimensional community while maintaining a small-town atmosphere and quality core values. They achieve that by incorporating innovative concepts that assimilate DeBary’s unique business, 16 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

by Carmen Rosamonda City of DeBary

recreational and environmental assets.

Their focus is to create a mixed-use Main Street concept with opportunities for living accommodations and small specialty businesses such as restaurants, taverns, coffee shops, bakeries and salons.

The Main Street will also serve as a focal point for communitywide events and festivals, strengthening the downtown through increased business and resident interactions. DeBary’s business-friendly government policies and loyal, proud customer base, along with a rising income level, create a strong and sustainable small retail and specialty-focused business

environment. This environment was evidenced by the fact that nearly 100% of DeBary businesses survived the challenges that small businesses faced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To integrate the business environment with its quality lifestyle, DeBary created a Tr a n s i t- O r i e n t e d D e v e l o p m e n t (TOD) overlay to provide multimodal opportunities. The recently approved mobility plan offers the flexibility to develop the appropriate transit enhancements in the TOD. The mobility plan will allow the City to create sustainable mobility and build trails, sidewalks or other options that a truly multimodal community embraces.

For example, business and residential developers in the TOD are required to build trails in their community that link to the already established trails in DeBary.

Uniquely, DeBary incorporates another

CITY SPOTLIGHT

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF VOLUSIA COUNTY

Florida trails converge in DeBary.

View of the St. Johns River from the berm.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF DEBARY

Natural berm on potential Florida Forever project.

Conceptional design of entrance to Main Street.

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF CITY OF DEBARY

treasure: ecotourism. The City has thousands of oak trees and an extensive park system. DeBary can offer residents and visitors various ways to enjoy its 300 days of sunshine. Within minutes of the SunRail, residents and visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, disc golf, camping, kayaking, canoeing, parks and biking and walking trails. Twelve parks include Gemini Springs and a world-class disc golf course. They have cultural arts facilities and programs as well as recreational programs.

DeBary is a cycling mecca. The three major regional trail systems – the St. Johns River-to - Sea Loop, Heart of Florida Loop and the Florida Coast-toCoast Trail – converge at one point: at the future DeBary Main Street. Residents and visiting bicyclists can ride from DeBary to St. Augustine, St. Petersburg or Titusville. Its unique location, combined with the focus on trails, earned DeBary the Florida Bicycle Association’s 2020 Bicycle Friendly Community award.

The City is partnering with the Aquatic Preserve Alliance of Central Florida on a Florida Forever acquisition to add a 170-acre riverfront park, which includes a two-mile berm around the property bordering the St. Johns River. The City’s goal is to turn the berm into a bike and walking trail, navigating through mossladen oak woods and connecting with the trail systems in the area. In addition, the property will provide a location for passive recreational activities, nature trails, picnic areas and fishing and lookout areas for family enjoyment.

The Aquatic Preserve will help establish the only state-operated Freshwater Research and Education Center on the property. This center, the only stateoperated freshwater research center, will help improve water quality, preserve the river’s natural habitat and educate future generations of conservationists.

The Florida Forever Board of Trustees approved the project and has moved into the project’s purchase phase.

The next year will undoubtedly be transformational for DeBary and reflect its slogan: DeBary, Naturally. More than you imagined!

QC

Carmen Rosamonda is the City Manager for the City of DeBary. QC THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 17

CITY SPOTLIGHT

Volunteer Anne Pawsat-Dressler (from left), Former Mayor Paul Luger, Commissioner John Tompeck, Vice Mayor James Campo, Mayor Kaija Mayfield, Commissioner Frank Fender, Commissioner Dave Kurzman, Volunteer Marion Kavovit, Police Chief Tina Ciechanowski.

SEWALL’S POINT

Townwide Effort Revitalizes Local Park

SEWALL’S POINT Martin County Pop. 2,127

Residents partner with commission, nonprofit

by Michelle Lee Berger Town of Sewall’s Point

T

he Town of Sewall’s Point has some extraordinary residents in its three square miles. These residents stepped up to assist the Town by adding a much-needed new playground at the one park within the Town’s boundaries.

The existing playground was in poor shape and deteriorating quickly, with sections closed off or removed until it was fully closed due to safety concerns. Through partnerships, donations and volunteers’ hard work, the Town provided a safe community play center for its children.

Sewall’s Point has the lowest millage rate in the region, at 2.87 mills. While this benefits the property owners, it can create challenges when new capital projects are desired. In 2017, residents approached then Mayor Paul Luger and the Town Commission to discuss the potential of partnering to build a new playground.

18 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

For the Town’s part, they committed to budgeting $25,000 per year toward the playground. The volunteers committed to vetting playground designs and ensuring they would be appropriate for the Town’s children and the small park while fitting in with the Town’s natural aesthetic. They also committed to fundraising efforts and hoped to gather small donations along the way.

That partnership picked up speed over the next two years and culminated in a spirited series of fundraisers in 2019 and 2020.

Donating to the playground was made simpler when the volunteers enlisted the technical assistance offered by The Community Foundation Martin – St. Lucie. This nonprofit organization in Martin County and St. Lucie County assists groups with fundraising via social media and the internet by providing a secure way to receive, collect and transfer donations for a small fee.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF SEWALL’S POINT

QC

CITY SPOTLIGHT

QC

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF SEWALL’S POINT

The fun didn’t end with the The group of volunteers, led The yellow tape used for the ceremonial ribbon–cutting. fundraiser events; it continued by a trio of active mothers in the with the collaborative efforts to Town, hosted the first large pubcreate the park’s dedicated spaces, lic fundraiser at a local restaurant memorializing the collective town in 2019. Vinny Barile, the Town’s spirit.

In early 2021, Mayor Kaija Mayor at the time, donated toMayfield worked with the volunward the restaurant expenses. teers to install personalized brick The restaurant reduced its fees pavers along a pathway leading to for some services, and the moththe playground. These brick pavers ers and other town volunteers were part of the fundraising mechpaid for the remaining balance of anism used by the volunteers to the event. The event reinforced gain support within the communithe Town’s and volunteers’ ty. Another area of dedication was shared vision, with over $15,000 the immediate entry to the park, raised throughout the evening. lined by personalized fence posts The second large fundraiser that commemorate the donators’ included a more strategic apcommitment to the park and its proach by the volunteers. With new playground.

Town Commission approval, the The ceremonial grand opening volunteers executed a follow-up of the playground occurred in May fundraiser that allowed naming 2021.

The Mayor and Commissionrights for sections of the players, joined by Luger and leaders from the volunteer group, joyground. Brick pavers, fence posts, even climbing walls were up fully cut a yellow ribbon to the playground entrance. Mayfield for offer and could carry the donator’s family name with the said, “The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the playground was a proper donation. This open house-style fundraiser was held at a very gratifying event for not only current and prior commissionresident’s home in February 2020 and resulted in approximately ers, but also volunteers and residents.

The new playground was $25,000 raised. supported, facilitated and approved by the Commission, but the What started as a three-year town budget commitment of heart and soul of the project belonged to the volunteers, families $25,000 per year and a group of volunteers committed to raisand residents of Sewall’s Point.” ing funds resulted in a townwide effort that shared the burden The shared vision, burden and victory all began, endured and and reaped the rewards together! A few volunteers with a lot of culminated inside the boundaries of the Town of Sewall’s Point. energy, town pride and belief that the children’s playground was The playground project is a testament to the unique sense of important led a movement that successfully addressed the local community that exists within this very special town. This pubneed. The fundraising over three years exceeded $50,000, which lic-private partnership model with volunteerism as the backbone contributed about 30% of the total funds needed to satisfy the can be adapted by any town, city or village. proposal for the playground. The Town Commission, led by former Mayor Frank Fender, voted in May 2020 for the replacement Michelle Lee Berger is the Town Manager for Sewall’s Point. QC playground with a contracted total of under $200,000.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOWN OF SEWALL’S POINT

Personalized fence posts and brick pavers donated by residents as part of the fundraising efforts line the pathway to the playground.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 19

COMMENTARY

GEARSTD/ISTOCK/GETTYIMAGESPLUS/GETTY IMAGES

QC

LEADERSHIP

ARPA Funds Equal Gift

How can officials creatively use this opportunity to create stronger cities?

by Scott Paine Florida League of Cities

O

ne of the most familiar images of scientific discovery is that of Isaac Newton’s revelation about gravity that resulted from an apple falling on his head.

No pain, no gain, they say.

While the image is familiar, most of us probably aren’t aware that this revelation also was an indirect consequence of an epidemic.

The apple fell during the two years Newton spent back in his native Lincolnshire because a bubonic plague epidemic was affecting Cambridge. Isolated from his student peers and the pressures of academic life, he experienced what he described as “the prime of my age for invention.”

Two years of quiet, of time to think deeply, to write and rewrite, to think again, to discover, to analyze, to test.

Newton transformed our understanding of mathematics and much of the physical world. He might have done all that with or without the plague that drove him home.

20 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

(ILLUSTRATION) BUBAONE/DIGITALVERSIONVECTORS/GETTY IMAGES

COMMENTARY But the fact remains that his brilliant work began when he fled Cambridge.

The plague, in other words, produced a windfall for humanity.

A windfall is “an unexpected, unearned, or sudden gain or advantage,” according to merriam-webster.com. This common usage derives from its original meaning (from the time of Newton), which refers to the literal fall of something because of the wind. If what falls is of value (like an apple), the object is a literal and figurative windfall, a product of the forces of nature and an unearned gift to humans.

Like Newton centuries ago, no small number of us have received a windfall born of a plague.

When we locked down in March 2020, few had a sense of how bitter the months ahead would be, how many of us would lose family and friends to the disease and livelihoods to the economic shock. Even fewer of us, I suspect, anticipated any windfalls.

Yet unarguably, and not in any way to minimize the tragedies, windfalls have come.

For some, this windfall took the form of an unexpected business opportunity. Online retailers, delivery services and virtual platform providers, for example, clearly have reaped windfall profits as we hunkered down, ordered out and logged in remotely. Individually, many of us received personal windfalls in the form of stimulus checks, expanded unemployment benefits or deferrals on required minimum distributions. Even our cities are receiving windfalls from the federal government that no one could have anticipated in March of last year. All these are, oddly, thanks to the brutal pandemic.

For municipalities especially, the analogy of Newton’s plagueinduced time of private study does not end with the material windfall of an apple or federal funds.

As a result of the plague, Newton had two years to concentrate his efforts on the problems of physics and mathematics on which he would build his reputation. Similarly, with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, every city in the United States has been given not only unanticipated resources but time.

The last time the federal government jumped in with a major fiscal stimulus to revitalize the economy, the emphasis was on speed. The phrase “shovel-ready” entered into our collective vocabulary. Local and state governments rifled through their long lists of planned infrastructure projects to find those that could move from concept to concrete in days, weeks or a few months.

There wasn’t time for much reflection or strategic thinking.

I’m not arguing that the emphasis on swift expenditure was wrong. The circumstances our nation (and the world) faced may well have justified the prioritization of action over planning.

Demand had collapsed. Without demand, the engines of the national and global economies were running on fumes.

But it did lead to some interesting and, perhaps, disappointing choices. For example, in the area of transportation infrastructure, no small amount of federal money went into resurfacing projects. Because resurfacing involves little in the way of design, engineering, land acquisition and public participation, it could be undertaken quickly and meet the shovel-ready requirement.

By contrast, many infrastructure projects require some or all of those activities. Unless a government just happened to have completed all of those phases at precisely the moment the

QC

federal funds were becoming available, many critically important projects simply weren’t ready for the shovel.

Don’t get me wrong. Tight budgets often have meant that motorists endure rough roads rather than smooth rides as resurfacing cycles are extended. Delayed resurfacing also can mean damage to the road base, leading to more costly repairs.

The burst of funding was a welcome opportunity to catch up.

But it also is true that there were other, perhaps more critically important, projects that officials at the local and state level would have undertaken instead of resurfacing if only the federal requirements had allowed them to. There were (and are) bridges in need of repair or replacement, dangerous stretches of highway in need of safety improvements, public transit services in need of expansion in frequency or routes. As important as resurfacing is, many officials viewed these other projects as more important but could not fund them.

Transportation is, of course, only one area of public investment where the shovel-ready requirement had the effect of distorting project priorities. The large expenditures on shovel-ready projects served a public purpose, but they also might be viewed as missed opportunities to deliver even greater public goods.

The ARPA funds create an entirely new environment for municipalities. We have years, not weeks or months, to encumber the funds and somewhat more time to expend them. We don’t need to cull quickly through our current list of capital projects to find an existing initiative that fits the criteria; we have time to reflect, to consider what we could do and should do that we haven’t planned to do because we couldn’t imagine how we’d pay for it.

In other words, the ARPA has given us not one but two windfalls: additional financial capacity and time.

I think all of us would be wise to step back, pause and consider more deeply and creatively the opportunities these windfalls provide. There’s time to gain a fuller sense of the tragic impact of the pandemic on our residents, our businesses, our sense of community. There is time to invite our residents and business owners into dialogue with our municipal leaders, to seek out voices we often don’t hear, to ask questions and wait for answers.

To dream. To envision something better. Then, only after we’ve thought and listened and imagined, to act.

The plague gave humanity a windfall by focusing the mind of a brilliant young man. Perhaps this pandemic has given us another windfall: an opportunity to move our cities forward in ways we have never imagined.

Scott C. Paine, Ph.D., is Director of Leadership Development and Education for FLC University. He previously worked at the University of Tampa as Associate Professor of Communication and Government and served for eight years on Tampa’s City Council. He can be contacted at spaine@ flcities.com. QC

GO TO:

drscottpaine.com to read Scott Paine's regular blog.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 21

QC

FEATURE

FLC KEEPING YOU INFORMED OF THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT The American Rescue Plan Act provides cities with funding from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund and offers eligibility for other funding. The Florida League of Cities’ goal is to keep members informed and prepared.

VISIT OUR ONLINE RESOURCE CENTER FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.

flcities.com/rescueplan Tips and information for cities regarding the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act.

The League will launch a series of #FLCitiesStrong webinars to help guide members.

Information about the funding for Florida’s cities.

The League will share information and resources via email and social media from the Department of Treasury and the National League of Cities.

Important information about the funding allocated for Florida’s cities in the 2021 American Rescue Act Plan.

News, resources and updates from the League and our partners.

22 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

The League is compiling a list of frequently asked questions and will share them on flcities.com.

QC

SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE PROFILE

Lisa Dove:

Dedicated and Dependable

L

egal Secretary Lisa Dove is no stranger to juggling multiple responsibilities. When she started working at the Florida League of Cities 10 years ago, she began in a split position with the Legislative Affairs and Legal

Departments.

Today, Lisa works solely in the Legal Department supporting the Tallahassee and Orlando FLC offices with special projects. She performs a variety of tasks each day from keeping the Law Library publications up to date to assisting members of the Florida Municipal Attorneys Association with membership requests and more.

Organization is a necessity in this position, a trait that Lisa embodies through her work. Her supervisor, General Counsel Kraig Conn, said, “Lisa is the most organized person I know. She has a checklist or file for every imaginable job I may ask her to do, which means it’s always done efficiently and correctly.”

Lisa’s co-workers echo this trait and emphasize her thoroughness and attention to detail. When Lisa was in her split position, she worked closely with Allison Payne, Manager of Advocacy Programs and Federal Affairs. “We worked on projects that required accuracy. The multiple schedules of congressional meetings for the FLC FAST Fly-In to D.C. and the League resolutions are just a few examples where Lisa was fastidious in making sure everything was just so.”

Tara McMillan, Assistant in the Special Investigations Unit, describes Lisa as consistently kind, patient, considerate and caring. “Lisa is dependable and loyal. She does things ‘by the book’ with an impeccable work ethic.” Tara, who was Lisa’s “cube mate” for nearly six years, reminisced about the many conversations they had on books they’d read and ways to keep squirrels from eating their plants.

Outside of the office, Lisa loves to spend her time outdoors where she can enjoy the sounds of nature away from phone calls, texts and emails. Lisa and her husband of 21 years, Jep, live on a lake and fish every chance they get. She also likes to hunt, read and work in her yard.

One word that describes Lisa is dedicated: to her job, beliefs, family, husband, friends, co-workers and responsibilities.

It’s in her DNA. “I truly enjoy coming to work every day,” said Lisa. “I never knew I could have so much fun and get paid for it!” QC

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 23

COVER FEATURE

DOUGLAS RISSING/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTYIMAGES

QC

FEDERAL

ARPA Funds Ready to Go

State and Local Recovery Fund is critical piece – What you need to know

A

fter a year of unprecedented challenges for local leaders across the nation, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides a critical lifeline for cities reeling from the devastating fiscal impacts of COVID-19.

Never before has the federal government given direct allocation to cities before the money was spent. The National League of Cities (NLC) is extremely proud to have worked hand-in-hand with state municipal leagues, including the Florida League of Cities, to secure more than $65 billion in direct federal aid for municipalities across the country.

“Now it is time to put these funds into action,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the NLC. “We understand that navigating the ARPA local recovery funds can be daunting and want to help ensure every city is prepared to use these essential funds to support the recovery of communities and our nation.”

Within ARPA, the Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Fund provides $350 billion in grants for states, municipalities, counties, tribes and territories, including $130 billion for local governments split evenly between municipalities and 24 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

by Irma Esparza Diggs National League of Cities

counties. Every municipal government in the nation is entitled to receive a calculated share of the $65.1 billion for cities, towns and villages. Municipalities in Florida have been allocated a combined $2.9 billion in direct relief funds.

WHAT CITIES NEED TO DO TO RECEIVE FUNDS

Florida cities with populations greater than 50,000 are set to receive a combined total of more than $1.5 billion.

To receive funds, these cities must have a valid Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number and an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration and must submit payment account information to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Cities can enter a request for funds directly through the Treasury Department’s online submission portal at bit.ly/34B4Tr1.

Florida municipalities with populations of less than 50,000 are set to receive a

combined $1.4 billion in relief funds.

These municipalities must have a valid DUNS number and SAM registration to meet reporting requirements.

If your municipality does not have a valid DUNS number, you can visit the DUNS web form at fedgov.dnb.com/ webform or call 866.705.5711 to begin the registration process. Municipalities can register for SAM at SAM.gov.

HOW ARPA RELIEF FUNDS CAN BE USED BY CITIES

In May, the Treasury Department issued updated guidance that provides substantial flexibility for local governments to address their unique needs and challenges according to the most pressing priorities. These include: ‣ Supporting public health expenditures by funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts ‣ Addressing negative economic impacts of the pandemic by providing: worker assistance; household nutrition, rent, mortgage and utility assistance; and small business assistance ‣ Improving access to clean drinking

COVER FEATURE water, supporting vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and expanding access to broadband internet ‣ Providing premium pay for essential workers ‣ Covering costs associated with rehiring public sector staff to pre-pandemic levels ‣ Replacing lost revenues incurred as a result of business closures during the pandemic.

The Treasury Department recently issued additional guidance for non-entitlement units of local governments (NEUs) on how they should expect to receive Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund payments through their state governments.

We encourage you to read NLC’s guide on how to use ARPA funds to avoid cuts to essential government services as you continue to support your residents through the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. See resources, p. 27.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Cities with populations greater than 50,000 will receive relief funds in the first tranche of disbursement. These cities must submit an interim report by August 31, 2021, as well as quarterly project and expenditure reports through December 31, 2026. Municipalities with populations less than 50,000 are not required to submit an interim report. All municipalities, regardless of size, will need a valid DUNS number and SAM registration to meet the reporting requirements for the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

We remain committed to ensuring all cities in Florida and across the nation have the information and resources they need to put these relief funds into immediate action to help American communities recover from the pandemic. We encourage you to read our answers to Frequently Asked Questions about ARPA relief funds at bit.ly/3iak2rk. Reach out to NLC and our experts using the form at bit.ly/3uGlcgL if you have any additional questions or need immediate assistance.

Irma Esparza Diggs is the Senior Executive and Director, Federal Advocacy at the National League of Cities. QC

QC

ARPA Frequently Asked Questions How was my municipality classified as a non-entitlement unit (NEU) or metropolitan (metro) city?

Based on statutory definitions, the U.S. Department of the Treasury classified metropolitan cities as those with populations above 50,000, those that are currently metropolitan cities under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and cities that relinquish or defer their status as a metropolitan city for the purposes of the CDBG program. The Treasury classified all other cities as NEUs. My municipality has questions about the eligibility of a specific project.

Whom do I contact about determining if this is an eligible use of funds?

Municipalities with questions regarding the eligibility of specific projects should visit the Treasury’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds webpage at bit.ly/3iRmhQM or reach out to the Treasury directly to open a case inquiry at SLFRP@treasury.gov or 844.529.9527.

Whom do I contact with the State of Florida for questions regarding the American Rescue Plan Act? Municipalities with questions can contact the Division of Emergency Management at LFRF@em.myflorida.com.

How can I stay up to date with the American Rescue Plan Act implementation process?

Visit flcities.com/rescueplan to view all the latest guidance from the Treasury, allocation amounts, FAQs and more.

Sources: U.S. Department of the Treasury bit.ly/2S7zpGj and bit.ly/2SIELrY.

Key Dates ▸ March 3, 2021: Costs incurred on or after this date are eligible for

▸ ▸

▸ ▸ ▸

payment by Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds if they otherwise meet requirements.

August 2021: Documentation verifying top-line budget figure due to state.

October 31, 2021: Initial Annual Project and Expenditure report due to U.S. Department of the Treasury. This report should cover all activity from the date of award to September 30, 2021. Subsequent Project and Expenditure reports due annually on October 31.

Summer 2022: Second tranche of funding to be released.

December 31, 2024: Date by which all Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds are available.

December 31, 2026: Date by which all Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds must be expended.

Source: Department of the Treasury. Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Interim Final Rule, effective May 17, 2021. bit.ly/35B1B7z.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 25

QC

COVER FEATURE

ARPA for Florida Cities Florida’s 411 cities, towns and villages fall into one of two categories to receive direct American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds: ▸ Seventy-seven Florida cities are identified as a metropolitan (metro) city. These metro cities will receive ARPA funding directly from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Metro cities in Florida will receive $1.5 billion. ▸ All other Florida cities, towns and villages are listed as a non-entitlement unit of government (NEU). These cities will receive ARPA funding through the State of Florida. There is a provision under ARPA that caps the amount a NEU city can receive to no more than 75% of the city’s pre-pandemic budget.

Additionally, the State of Florida will receive $8.8 billion, and Florida counties will receive $4.1 billion.

Metro Cities Apopka Avon Park Boca Raton Bonita Springs Boynton Beach Bradenton Cape Coral Clearwater Cocoa Coconut Creek Coral Gables Coral Springs Crestview Davie Daytona Beach DeLand Deerfield Beach Delray Beach Deltona Destin Doral Fort Lauderdale Fort Myers Fort Pierce Fort Walton Beach Gainesville Hialeah Hollywood Homestead Jacksonville Jupiter Kissimmee Lakeland Largo Lauderhill Marco Island Margate Melbourne Miami Miami Beach Miami Gardens

Non-Entitlement Units of Local Government Miramar Naples North Miami North Port Ocala Orlando Ormond Beach Palm Bay Palm Beach Gardens Palm Coast Panama City Pembroke Pines Pensacola Pinellas Park Plantation Pompano Beach Port Orange Port St. Lucie Punta Gorda Sanford Sarasota Sebastian Sebring St. Cloud St. Petersburg Sunrise Tallahassee Tamarac Tampa Titusville Venice Vero Beach Wellington West Palm Beach Weston Winter Haven

26 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

Alachua Alford Altamonte Springs Altha Anna Maria Apalachicola Arcadia Archer Astatula Atlantic Beach Atlantis Auburndale Aventura Bal Harbour Baldwin Bartow Bascom Bay Harbor Islands Bay Lake Bell Belle Glade Belle Isle Belleair Belleair Beach Belleair Bluffs Belleair Shore Belleview Beverly Beach Biscayne Park Blountstown Bonifay Bowling Green Bradenton Beach Branford Briny Breezes Bristol Bronson Brooker Brooksville Bunnell Bushnell Callahan

Callaway Campbellton Cape Canaveral Carrabelle Caryville Casselberry Cedar Key Center Hill Century Chattahoochee Chiefland Chipley Cinco Bayou Clermont Clewiston Cloud Lake Cocoa Beach Coleman Cooper City Cottondale Crescent City Cross City Crystal River Cutler Bay Dade City Dania Beach Davenport Daytona Beach Shores DeBary DeFuniak Springs Dundee Dunedin Dunnellon Eagle Lake Eatonville Ebro Edgewater Edgewood El Portal Estero Esto

Eustis Everglades City Fanning Springs Fellsmere Fernandina Beach Flagler Beach Florida City Fort Meade Fort Myers Beach Fort White Freeport Frostproof Fruitland Park Glen Ridge Glen Saint Mary Golden Beach Golf Graceville Grand Ridge Grant-Valkaria Green Cove Springs Greenacres Greensboro Greenville Greenwood Gretna Groveland Gulf Breeze Gulf Stream Gulfport Haines City Hallandale Beach Hampton Havana Haverhill Hawthorne Hialeah Gardens High Springs Highland Beach Highland Park Hillcrest Heights

COVER FEATURE

QC

Non-Entitlement Units of Local Government, continued Hilliard Hillsboro Beach Holly Hill Holmes Beach Horseshoe Beach Howey-in-theHills Hypoluxo Indialantic Indian Creek Indian Harbour Beach Indian River Shores Indian Rocks Beach Indian Shores Indiantown Inglis Interlachen Inverness Islamorada, Village of Islands Jacksonville Beach Jacob City Jasper Jay Jennings Juno Beach Jupiter Inlet Colony Jupiter Island Kenneth City Key Biscayne Key Colony Beach Key West Keystone Heights La Crosse LaBelle Lady Lake Lake Alfred Lake Buena Vista

Lake Butler Lake City Lake Clarke Shores Lake Hamilton Lake Helen Lake Mary Lake Park Lake Placid Lake Wales Lake Worth Beach Lauderdale Lakes Lauderdale-ByThe-Sea Laurel Hill Lawtey Layton Lazy Lake Lee Leesburg Lighthouse Point Live Oak Longboat Key Longwood Loxahatchee Groves Lynn Haven Macclenny Madeira Beach Madison Maitland Malabar Malone Manalapan Mangonia Park Marathon Marianna Marineland Mary Esther Mascotte Mayo McIntosh Medley Melbourne Beach Melbourne Village Mexico Beach

Miami Lakes Miami Shores Miami Springs Micanopy Midway Milton Minneola Monticello Montverde Moore Haven Mount Dora Mulberry Neptune Beach New Port Richey New Smyrna Beach Newberry Niceville Noma North Bay Village North Lauderdale North Miami Beach North Palm Beach North Redington Beach Oak Hill Oakland Oakland Park Ocean Breeze Ocean Ridge Ocoee Okeechobee Oldsmar Opa-locka Orange City Orange Park Orchid Otter Creek Oviedo Pahokee Palatka Palm Beach Palm Beach Shores Palm Shores Palm Springs Palmetto

Palmetto Bay Panama City Beach Parker Parkland Paxton Pembroke Park Penney Farms Perry Pierson Pinecrest Plant City Polk City Pomona Park Ponce De Leon Ponce Inlet Port Richey Port St. Joe Quincy Raiford Reddick Redington Beach Redington Shores Riviera Beach Rockledge Royal Palm Beach Safety Harbor San Antonio Sanibel Satellite Beach Sea Ranch Lakes Seminole Sewall’s Point Shalimar Sneads Sopchoppy South Bay South Daytona South Miami South Palm Beach South Pasadena Southwest Ranches Springfield St. Augustine St. Augustine Beach St. Leo

St. Lucie Village St. Marks St. Pete Beach Starke Stuart Sunny Isles Beach Surfside Sweetwater Tarpon Springs Tavares Temple Terrace Tequesta Treasure Island Trenton Umatilla Valparaiso Vernon Virginia Gardens Waldo Wauchula Wausau Webster Welaka West Melbourne West Miami West Park Westlake Westville Wewahitchka White Springs Wildwood Williston Wilton Manors Windermere Winter Garden Winter Park Winter Springs Worthington Springs Yankeetown Zephyrhills Zolfo Springs

Resources ▸ Florida League of Cities: flcities.com/rescueplan. ▸ National League of Cities. Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Guidance. bit.ly/3pb2CMT. ▸ Department of the Treasury. How American Rescue Plan Act funds can be used: bit.ly/3x1F4gb. Compliance and reporting responsibilities under the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund: bit.ly/3wKstOF. Non-entitlement units of local governments: bit.ly/3wNgDTh.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 27

QC

FEATURE Florida League of Cities President Tony Ortiz speaks to the Northeast Florida League of Cities.

Florida League of Cities Past President Scott Black (from left), FLC President Tony Ortiz, Haines City Mayor Morris West and FLC First Vice President Phillip Walker at a meeting of the Ridge League of Cities.

HOME RULE

Advocate Year-Round

President Ortiz: This is how we succeed in ‘Building Stronger Cities’

by Joy Dickinson Florida League of Cities

A

dvocacy is a year-round commitment. This message is being shared by Florida League of Cities President Tony Ortiz, Commissioner for the City of Orlando, as he visits with city leaders, business owners and other citizens across Florida.

Quality Cities magazine asked Ortiz about his passion for Home Rule.

Q&A

HOW CAN WE EXPLAIN HOME RULE SIMPLY TO MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY?

Our nation was formed under the premise that the governed would decide who would govern and how; in other words, those representing the people would listen to the people and govern based on the needs and directions of their constituency.

This particular principle is at the root of our very own Home Rule constitutional amendment passed in 1968. Home Rule gives the municipal and county governments the authority to pass local laws for the benefit of their residents and visitors as long as they do not interfere with already established state legislation.

Home Rule is at the foundation of my Building Stronger Cities priority. This priority has focused on organizing and empowering cities and their citizens with the goal of delivering legislation and a government that is led by local choices.

Home Rule is a nonpartisan issue. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat or a Republican. We understand the needs of the people don’t have a party label. It’s all about working for the people.

28 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

HOW CAN CITY LEADERS INVOLVE THEIR RESIDENTS IN ADVOCATING FOR HOME RULE?

We need to empower residents as advocates for local voices making local choices. We need them to stay in contact with their state legislators and make sure they have represented them well by voting for the bills that positively affect their communities and rejecting those that are not good for the community.

WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD CITY LEADERS SHARE WITH THEIR CITIZENS?

Citizens need to know that many of the issues tackled during the legislative session, such as short-term rentals and homebased businesses, directly affect their property rights and personal safety. For example, when a house in the neighborhood is rented to 20 people who stay up until 4 a.m., or when your neighbor starts up a business next door to you like a car repair shop, a 24-hour gym or palm reading, these businesses can compromise the safety and integrity of the community.

WHAT SHOULD OUR CITIZENS TELL THEIR LEGISLATORS?

Citizens can remind legislators of their priorities: first and foremost, to represent the people and then work on quality-of-life items like keeping neighborhoods safe, protecting communities and maintaining the right to own a home and protect that home.

Local community leaders need to make sure state lawmakers know that constituents are watching them.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMPACT OF OUR RESIDENTS COMMUNICATING WITH LEGISLATORS?

When legislators hear from a significant number of citizens about an issue, they become more agreeable to working with citizens and representing their views on issues. In addition, those calls serve as a reminder that citizens voted them into power and citizens can vote them out.

WHAT ADVOCACY RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR CITY LEADERS?

I encourage leaders to work with FLC staff members on issues as they come up. The League offers resources to assist with advocacy. The 2021 Legislative Session Final Report is a useful tool for examining which bills passed and which failed. Also, in the 2021 Legislative Summary of Key Votes, city leaders can look up how their legislators voted on issues of importance to them.

We’re going to see if they are voting in a manner that they’re supposed to vote representing their communities. And if they’re not, we should convey this information to the voters so they will reconsider voting for someone who is not representing them.

(The 2021 Legislative Session Final Report and the 2021 Legislative Summary of Key Votes are available at flcities.com in the “Advocacy” section.)

WHAT ELSE CAN CITY LEADERS DO TO ADVOCATE FOR HOME RULE?

Let your state representatives know where you and your citizens stand on issues. Texting or sending a private message on social media or calling can be more effective than emails. Reaching a staff person can be as effective as talking to a legislator directly.

It can be as simple as asking legislators if they’re talking to their constituents. They may need to be reminded that protecting neighborhoods and the integrity of communities are key issues.

Those legislators should follow the lead of their constituents who elected them instead of following the legislative leadership.

State lawmakers have taken a vow to uphold the Constitution, which includes Home Rule.

Joy Dickinson is the Editor and Creative Project Manager at the Florida League of Cities. QC

FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES

Legislative Conference November 3-5, 2021 Embassy Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista South

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 29

QC

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES

2020-21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

T

hroughout its rich history, the Florida League of Cities has been honored by the outstanding caliber of the municipal officials serving on its Board of Directors.

The active participation of these dedicated and experienced city officials continues to be an important factor in measuring the League’s effectiveness. The result has been 99 years of progressive leadership and innovative programs for Florida’s local governments.

The Board of Directors is the governing body of the League. It is composed of a President, First Vice President and Second Vice President; all past Presidents who are still in office; 32 directors representing 14 geographical districts; a seat for an official serving in his or her 50th or more year in office and one director from each of the state’s 10 most populous cities.

A non-voting member is authorized from the Florida City and County Management Association, and the League’s Executive Director serves as Secretary-Treasurer.

The duties of the Board and Executive Director are outlined in the League’s Charter and Bylaws. For a copy, visit flcities.com or call the League at 850.222.9684.

President Tony Ortiz Commissioner Orlando

First Vice President Phillip E. Walker Commissioner Lakeland

Second Vice President Jolien Caraballo Councilwoman Port St. Lucie

Robert F. Apgar Mayor DeLand District 3 Director

Pat Bates Mayor Altamonte Springs Past President

Scott Black Commissioner Dade City Past President

Juan Carlos ”JC” Bermudez Mayor Doral District Director 14

Traci L. Callari Commissioner Hollywood District 13 Director

Joseph Citro Councilmember Tampa 3rd Most Populous City

Joy Cooper Mayor Hallandale Beach Past President

Joseph Corradino Mayor Pinecrest District 14 Director

30 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

QC

John Dailey Mayor Tallahassee 7th Most Populous City

Louie Davis Mayor Waldo District 5 Director

Sam Fite Commissioner Bowling Green District 7 Director

Fred Forbes Councilman Bonita Springs District 11 Director

Anne Gerwig Mayor Wellington District 12 Director

Susan Gibbs Thomas Council Member Indiantown District 9 Director

Kimberly Glas-Castro Vice Mayor Lake Park District 12 Director

Rodney Harris Mayor Miami Gardens District 14 Director

Shannon D. Hayes Mayor Pro Tem Crestview District 1 Director

Carlos Hernandez Mayor Hialeah 6th Most Populous City

Jake Hill Councilmember Lake City District 2 Director

Jeff Hmara Councilman Royal Palm Beach District 12 Director

Rick Kriseman Mayor St. Petersburg 4th Most Populous City

Leo E. Longworth Commissioner Bartow Past President

Micah Maxwell Assistant City Manager Clearwater FCCMA Representative

Bob Mayersohn Vice Mayor Parkland District 13 Director

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 31

QC

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Carol McCormack Mayor Palm Shores District 4 Director

Joseph McMullen Commissioner Oakland District 6 Director

Dominick Montanaro Vice Mayor Satellite Beach District 4 Director

Samuel Newby Council Vice President Jacksonville 1st Most Populous City

Frank C. Ortis Mayor Pembroke Pines Past President

William Partington Mayor Ormond Beach District 3 Director

Gary Resnick Commissioner Wilton Manors District 13 Director

Jamie Robinson Commissioner Largo District 8 Director

Cal Rolfson Councilmember Mount Dora District 5 Director

Greg Ross Mayor Cooper City District 13 Director

Ken Russell Commissioner Miami 2nd Most Populous City

Isaac Salver Council Member Bay Harbor Islands Past President

Dan Saracki Councilmember Oldsmar District 8 Director

William Schaetzle Councilman Niceville District 1 Director

Roy S. Shiver Commissioner Florida City At-Large Director

Iris Siple Commissioner Pembroke Pines District 13 Director

32 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

QC

Susan Starkey Councilmember Davie District 13 Director

Robert Stuart Commissioner Orlando 5th Most Populous City

Matthew Surrency Mayor Hawthorne Past President

Dean J. Trantalis Mayor Fort Lauderdale 8th Most Populous City

Crystal Wagar Councilmember Miami Shores District 14 Director

Marlene Wagner Vice Mayor Lake Hamilton District 7 Director

Beverly Williams Vice Mayor Lauderdale Lakes District 13 Director

Brian Williams Commissioner Palmetto District 10 Director

Rick Williams Council Member Cape Coral 10th Most Populous City

Rosemary Wilsen Commissioner Ocoee District 6 Director

Vacancy Port St. Lucie 9th Most Populous City

Jeannie Garner Executive Director

Kraig Conn General Counsel

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 33

QC

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

REGISTRATION INFORMATION August 12-14, 2021 • Orlando World Center Marriott

Stay connected at annual conference with the FLC Events mobile app! Download for free

Conference Registration Deadline: July 30, 2021 #FLCities2021 34 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

in the Google Play and Apple App Store.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

QC

TENTATIVE PROGRAM TENTATIVE PROGRAM GENERAL INFORMATION Following is a tentative schedule of conference events. Be sure to check our website for updates!

Following is a tentative schedule of conference events. Be sure to check our website for updates!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Research Symposium Research Symposium Additional registration required through the Additional registration required through the League’s Center for Municipal Research; conLeague’s Center for Municipal Research; contact Wade Burkley at wburkley@flcities.com. tact Wade Burkley at wburkley@flcities.com.

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Florida League of Mayors Board of Florida League of Mayors Board of Directors Meeting Directors Meeting

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Candid Conversation with Mayors Candid Conversation with Mayors Additional registration required through the Additional registration required through the Florida League of Mayors; contact Rachel Florida League of Mayors; contact Rachel Embleton at rembleton@flcities.com.

Embleton at rembleton@flcities.com.

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

“Cities 101” Workshop “Cities 101” Workshop If you are newly elected or newly appointed, this If you are newly elected or newly appointed, this “crash course” is designed for you. Details about “crash course” is designed for you. Details about Florida municipalities, the services they provide Florida municipalities, the services they provide and governing challenges will be discussed. This and governing challenges will be discussed. This course is a prequel to the popular Institute for course is a prequel to the popular Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO) but is not a Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO) but is not a substitute for the three-day IEMO class. substitute for the three-day IEMO class.

12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Municipal Marketplace Open Municipal Marketplace Open

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2021 THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2021 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Registration Desk Open Registration Desk Open 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Continuing Education in Ethics: Continuing Education in Ethics: Have You Completed Your Hours?

Have You Completed Your Hours?

Florida’s municipal elected officers are required Florida’s municipal elected officers are required to take four specific hours of continuing educato take four specific hours of continuing education in ethics per year. If you haven’t completed tion in ethics per year. If you haven’t completed your hours yet, this is your opportunity! The your hours yet, this is your opportunity! The four hours include two hours on the Florida four hours include two hours on the Florida Ethics Law (Chapter 112, Florida Statutes), one Ethics Law (Chapter 112, Florida Statutes), one hour of public meetings (Chapter 286, Florihour of public meetings (Chapter 286, Florida Statutes) and one hour of public records da Statutes) and one hour of public records (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). If your hours (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). If your hours are completed, this class is a good refresher. are completed, this class is a good refresher.

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Legislative Policy Committee Meetings Legislative Policy Committee Meetings Finance, Taxation and Personnel Finance, Taxation and Personnel Land Use and Economic Development Land Use and Economic Development Municipal Administration Municipal Administration Transportation and Intergovernmental Transportation and Intergovernmental Relations Relations Utilities, Natural Resources and Public Works Utilities, Natural Resources and Public Works 3:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

3:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Workshops Workshops 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Federal Action Strike Team Meeting Federal Action Strike Team Meeting

NOTE: You must be registered for the full NOTE: You must be registered for the full conference to attend this session, and preconference to attend this session, and preregistration is required. Registration is limited to registration is required. Registration is limited to the first 150 people. See the registration form at the first 150 people. See the registration form at bit.ly/3qJAEbJ for details. bit.ly/3qJAEbJ for details.

5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

First-Time Attendees’ Orientation First-Time Attendees’ Orientation If this is your first FLC Conference, welcome! This If this is your first FLC Conference, welcome! This workshop will acquaint you with the League, the workshop will acquaint you with the League, the conference program (with tips for the best use conference program (with tips for the best use of your time), how to get involved in your local or of your time), how to get involved in your local or regional League, FLC legislative policy commitregional League, FLC legislative policy committees and other municipal services. tees and other municipal services.

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Florida League of Mayors Nominating Florida League of Mayors Nominating Committee Meeting Committee Meeting 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Florida League of Mayors Business Meeting Florida League of Mayors Business Meeting For more information, contact Rachel For more information, contact Rachel Embleton at rembleton@flcities.com.

Embleton at rembleton@flcities.com.

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

President’s Welcome Reception President’s Welcome Reception in Municipal Marketplace in Municipal Marketplace 3 3

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 35

3 3

QC

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

GENERAL INFORMATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2021 6:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

5K Fun Run Join us for our fifth biennial Florida League of Cities 5K Fun Run/Walk. The run will take place on the grounds of the Marriott’s golf course and is open to everyone participating in the conference. This event will be a “fun run” and not a timed event. There is no charge for the event, but pre-registration is required. (See main registration form.) All participants will receive a T-shirt and gym towel. Light refreshments will be provided after the race. So come on out and start your morning off right with a fun run and great company!

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Breakfast Additional registration required through the Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials; contact Nykierama Cooper at ncooper@flcities.com.

7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast in Municipal Marketplace 7:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Municipal Marketplace Open 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Registration Desk Open 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Workshops 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Resolutions and Legislative Committee Meetings 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Workshops 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Opening General Session Featuring the presentation of the E. Harris Drew Award and a keynote presentation by Leland Melvin.

Leland Melvin is an engineer, educator, former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver. He served on board the space shuttle Atlantis as a mission specialist on mission STS-122 (2008) and STS-129 (2009), and helped to construct the International Space Station.

Upon hanging up his space boots, he led the NASA education program.

He co-chaired the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEM Education Task Force and developed the nation’s five-year STEM education plan.

After 24 years with NASA as a researcher, astronaut and senior executive service leader, he now shares his life story as an athlete, astronaut, scientist, engineer, photographer and musician to help inspire the next generation of explorers to pursue STEM careers.

In May 2017, Leland released his memoir Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances. In the book, Leland shares his journey from the gridiron to the stars and examines the intersecting roles of community, perseverance and grace that align to create opportunities for success.

36 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Sidewalk Café in Municipal Marketplace (Cash Sales)

QC

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Annual Business Meeting 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Second General Session Featuring recognition of the Years of Service awards and a keynote address by Kenneth W. Gronbach.

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Workshops 2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Workshops

12:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Past Presidents’ Luncheon and Installation of New President

4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Workshops 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

2021 Home Rule Heroes Reception (All delegates welcome.)

Evening Open SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Various Local/Regional League Breakfast Meetings Contact your local League for more information.

7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Registration Desk Open

2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Workshops 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Inaugural Celebration – Recover, Relax, Rejoice Join your friends and colleagues as we celebrate being back together after a long year apart. Enjoy strolling entertainment, delicious food and drink and an opportunity to dance the night away.

Schedule and speakers subject to change.

Come explore the common sense, easy-to-understand, counterintuitive and very fascinating realm of demography. Kenneth W. Gronbach is an internationally respected demographer who has forecast societal, commercial, economic, cultural and political phenomena with uncanny accuracy. Let him bring you into his world of counting people and accurately predicting future markets. What products or services will fly or die? What nations are demographically doomed? What countries and continents are demographically positioned to excel? How will workforces change, and where is my best source of talent? If you’re writing a post-pandemic strategic plan, you need this information.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 37

QC

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

EXHIBIT HALL COMPANY

.................................................. BOOTHS

Acentria Public Risk ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 59 Advanced Plumbing Technology ��������������������������������������������������������� 36 AECOM Technical Services, Inc. Gold Sponsor Ajax Building Company ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 95 Alternative Claims Management ������������������������������������������������������� 86 American Fidelity ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 121 Gold Sponsor AquaWorx USA ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 102 Atlanta Capital Management Platinum Sponsor AVCON, Inc. ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 73 Badger Meter ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 72 Bentek ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 75 Best Friends Animal Society ��������������������������������������������������������������� 114 Blue Duck ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 99 Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors ����������������������������������������� 46 Cascade Cart Solutions ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 98 Casebook PBC ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 27 CivicEngage ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 80 Clarke ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 68 Comcast Business ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 66 Platinum Sponsor CPH, Inc. �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 85 Dewberry Engineers Inc. ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 97 DRC Emergency Services, LLC ������������������������������������������������������������ 69 Duke Energy Outdoor Lighting ����������������������������������������������������� 62, 63 eCivis ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Tabletop in foyer Edmunds GovTech ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 20 Energy Systems Group ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 100 Enterprise Fleet Management ������������������������������������������������������������� 3 FCC Environmental Services FL LLC ���������������������������������������������� 103 FDOH Radon Program �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17 FL PALM �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 22 FLCLASS ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 94 Florida Association of City Clerks ������������������������������������������������������� 16 Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials �������������������������������� 1 Florida City and County Management Association ���������������������� 123 Florida Government Healthcare Solutions �������������������������������������� 38 Florida Green Building Coalition ���������������������������������������������������������� 8 Florida Housing Finance Corporation ���������������������������������������������� 115 Florida League of Cities ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 52 Florida Municipal Insurance Trust Mobile Unit ����������������� next to 52 Florida Power & Light Co. ������������������������������������������������������������� 58, 67 Florida PRIME ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 28 Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation �������������������������������������������� 9 Florida Regional Councils Association ��������������������������������������������� 113 Florida Sheriffs Association ��������������������������������������������������������������� 116 Florida Surplus Asset Fund Trust ����������������������������������������������������� 109

38 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

COMPANY

.................................................. BOOTHS

Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program �������������������������������������������� 18 FORTA ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 104 Silver Sponsor Fortiline Waterworks ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 91 Gehring Group ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 76 GFL Environmental �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 61 Silver Sponsor GovDeals ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 30 Government Services Group, Inc. ������������������������������������������������������ 54 Platinum Sponsor Greenfields Outdoor Fitness �������������������������������������������������������� 89, 90 Silver Sponsor H2O Innovation, Inc. ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24 Halff Associates, Inc. Gold Sponsor Haskell Silver Sponsor Hilltop Securities Inc. Silver Sponsor Hotwire Communications ������������������������������������������������������������������� 37 Gold Sponsor Husqvarna ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 11, 12 IPL North America Inc. �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 64 Jacobs ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 79 James Moore & Company ������������������������������������������������������������������� 74 Johnson Controls International �������������������������������������������������������� 129 Gold Sponsor Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc. ����������������������������������������������������� 40 Keep Florida Beautiful ����������������������������������������������������������������������������19 Kofile ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 Silver Sponsor KorKat ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 29 Little Tikes Commercial Play Structures- Playworx Playsets ����� 126 LSN Partners, LLC Platinum Sponsor Mauldin & Jenkins ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 81 Meyer Najem ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 45 Miller Legg ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 78 Most Dependable Fountains �������������������������������������������������������������� 33 Motorola Solutions �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 Platinum Sponsor MRA International ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 87 Gold Sponsor MSL CPAs & Advisors ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 23 Municode ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Musco Sports Lighting ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 48 National Sign Plazas ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 77 NCR Payment Solutions Silver Sponsor

QC

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

COMPANY

.................................................. BOOTHS

COMPANY

New Line Skateparks ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 110 NORESCO ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 92 Opus 21 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 120 Orange Data ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 108 Orion Waste Solutions Silver Sponsor PGAL, Inc. Gold Sponsor Pioneer Records Management ������������������������������������������������������������ 21 Public Agency Retirement Services ��������������������������������������������������� 93 Radarsign, LLC ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 25 Redevelopment Management Associates ���������������������������������������� 41 Rehrig Pacific Company ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 34 Republic Services of Florida, Limited Partnership ������������������������ 117 Silver Sponsor Resorcity ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 107 Retail Strategies ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 32 Right Service at the Right Time �������������������������������������������������������� 122 Schneider Electric �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 105 Security Lines US ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 112 Siemens ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 50 SUEZ Advanced Solutions ������������������������������������������������������������������ 118 NON-PROFIT BOOTHS $850.00 PER 10X10

.................................................. BOOTHS

The Engineering Company, LLC Platinum Sponsor Top Line Recreation ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 56 Tyler Technologies, Inc. ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 82 U.S. Flood Control Corp. ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 57 U.S. Water Services Corporation Silver Sponsor Underground Refuse Systems ����������������������������������������������������������� 39 UNIQUE Paving Materials Corp. ������������������������������������������������������ 128 USA Services of Florida, Inc. (Sweeping Corporation of America) ���� 42 VC3 ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 84 Verra Mobility ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 43 Vista Solutions Group, LP �������������������������������������������������������������������� 14 Waste Connections of Florida, Inc. �������������������������������������������������� 96 Waste Management ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 51, 53 Waste Pro USA ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 125 Water Werks, Inc. ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 35 WGI, Inc. ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 47 Woodard & Curran Platinum Sponsor Wright-Pierce ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 71 Ygrene Energy Fund ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� 111

TO BE USED FOR A PARTIAL VIEW OF EVENT FLOOR PLAN

20' 19

9 8

20

37

38

18

21

36

39

17

22

35

40

16

23

34

41

20'

F&B

52

13'

13'

F&B

76

77

94

95

112

113

75

78

93

96

111

114

74

79

92

97

110

115

80

91

98

109

116

73

6

122 123

125

12'

126

5 15 12'-5" 14

24 25

33 13'

32

42 43

51 13'

50

53

62 13'

54

61

63 64

72 13'

71

3

81 82

90 13'

99 13'

108

117

107

118

89

100

84

87

102

105

120

85

86

103

104

121

12'-5"

10'

128 129

1 12

27

30

45

48

56

59

66

69

11

28

29

46

47

57

58

67

68

FX LCD

FX

FX

T2

T3

T4

LCD

T1

FHC

FX

12'-3"

LCD

LCD

FHC

LCD

LCD

ENTRANCE

LCD

FREIGHT DOORS

FX

FREEMAN

14'-3"

FX

PALMS BALLROOM & EXHIBITION HALL

8'

FX

Fire Strobe Height: 11'-6"

FX

FX

FX

Approx. Vehicle Height: 10'-5"

OFFICE 3Mx3M

FX

24'W x 16'6"H

24'W x 16'6"H

FX

REGULAR BOOTHS $1,850.00 PER 10X10

FHC

Show management reserves the right to revise/modify the exhibit hall floor plan pending the status of COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions. All exhibitors will be notified if changes are made.

PRIORITY BOOTHS $1,950.00 PER 10X10

EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION

FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES - ANNUAL CONFERENCE - AUGUST 12 - 14, 2021 ORLANDO WORLD CENTER MARRIOTT - PALMS BALLROOM - ROYAL/SABAL/SAGO - ORLANDO, FL ®

Disclaimer - Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information contained on this floor plan. However, no warranties, either expressed of implied, are made with respect to this floor plan. If the location of building columns, utilities or other architectural components of the facility is a consideration in the construction or usage of an exhibit, it is the sole responsibility of the exhibitor to physically inspect the facility to verify all dimension and locations. © Copyright 2020, Freeman, all rights reserved.

Drawing Started: 12/16/2020

Acct. Sales: Revision Date: KIRSTIN BAYER-THOMAS 2/2/2021

Confidential and Proprietary - the information contained herein is the proprietary information of Freeman and by accessing the information, the recipient agrees to keep the information confidential and not disclose it to any third party without the prior consent of Freeman. Recipient also agrees to only use the information for its internal evaluation purposes and for no other purpose, without the prior consent of Freeman.

Started By: JANESS PRATTI, NV

Account Mgmt.: KIRSTIN BAYER-THOMAS

LANDO | Project #: 504500 | File Path: C:\_Vault\Designs\_Projects\F\FL League of Cities Annual Mtg\FLCAM2108\Event\Floor Plans\FLCAM 21.dwg | Tab Name: Priority Booths L6645676 FP

Revised By: Janess Pratti, NV

Line Item:

#6645676

Scale: CUSTOM

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 39

FEATURE

WHOWHANFOTO/ISTOCK/GETTYIMAGESPLUS/GETTY IMAGES

QC

MEMBER BENEFIT

Grants Program Launched League assistance aims to help bolster cities’ resources

by Chris L. Holley II Florida League of Cities

T

he Florida League of Cities has provided valuable grant information for years. State agencies gathered at conferences to share material on their respective programs and to speak one-on-one with members about qualification parameters and application time frames. Weekly League newsletters have included the latest information when new programs are announced or deadlines are extended. All very useful, but could more be done?

A 2017 survey conducted by the League’s Center for Municipal Research showed 84% of responding cities applied for a grant in the previous 12 months. When it came to submitting applications, only one-third had ever received grant writing or application training.

FLC Executive Director Jeannie Garner established grant assistance as one of her goals in 2020, and the League began research into where support would be most beneficial to its members. Conversations with mayors, managers, finance officers and grant coordinators led to the identification of three key areas: 40 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

▸ Researching/identifying available and qualifying grants ▸ Application writing and review ▸ Grant management and reporting.

The League considered different models, including hiring inhouse staff. However, upon reviewing available services in the private market, a clear industry leader was identified to partner with: eCivis. Entrusted by more than 1,000 state, local and tribal governments across the country, including 25 cities and 10 counties in Florida ranging from the City of Miami to the City of Pahokee, eCivis has always focused on providing grant support for local governments.

The grants program goal is to allow members of every size to access resources for little or no upfront costs.

Launched on June 14, the League’s new program allows each member to leverage the nation’s largest professionally curated database of grant opportunities, including federal, state and foundation grants, at no cost. This database includes over 9,000 tracked grants

FEATURE

frequently updated with new solicitation notifications and allows for faster review with a standardized format designed for easy-toread information access. Each member can customize its search to tag relevant grants and have them sent straight to their inbox.

Not only has research been made easier, but a vast pre-award suite will now be available at no cost. This pre-award suite includes built-in compliance with grant guidance and oversight from certified Grant Management Specialists at eCivis. Members can integrate project tasks with their email calendar to receive notifications of upcoming deadlines as well as track and report on pending grant awards. View previously awarded grants for direction on what strong grant applications look like within the eCivis system.

Does it sound like a lot to manage for a beginner to grants?

Not a problem. ECivis has a dedicated Grant Coordinator to service Florida municipalities specifically. Training sessions will be rolled out as members sign up so everyone takes full advantage of what is available.

QC

To help with grant writing, members can contact eCivis for a network of grant writers at pre-negotiated rates. Finally, substantially reduced pricing is available should a municipality be interested in the full post-award suite to manage and report on grants received as well as additional licenses.

Through this new partnership, every League member will have the tools to find, apply for and manage their grants easier than ever before. Go to flcities.com/grants to learn more about how you can sign up and see answers to frequently asked questions.

Chris L. Holley II is Manager, Research and Innovation at the Florida League of Cities and can be contacted at cholley@flcities.com. QC

What is ECivis?

ECivis is one of the most widely used grants management systems used today by Florida’s governments. Their grants management software assists local governments with identifying new funding for needed projects, overseeing applications and grants award management processes and administering crucial funding to the community, such as with the upcoming American Rescue Plan Act funding.

ECivis partners include: ▸ International City/County Management Association ▸ National Association of Counties ▸ National Grants Management Association.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 41

ADVOCACY

LEGISLATURE

How to Make Your Voice Matter Advocating for Home Rule can start with a friendly chat

A

single conversation might not change a legislator’s mind about issues that matter most to Florida’s cities. But as part of an ongoing relationship, it can make a critical difference.

Earlier this year, Jolien Caraballo, Second Vice President of the Florida League of Cities and Councilwoman for the City of Port St. Lucie, spoke with Rep. Dana Trabulsy from Fort Pierce via Zoom as a part of the League’s Legislative Action Week.

This educational session on effective advocacy can be accessed through the League’s Online Learning Library at gotostage.com/channel/flcities. It illustrates how a friendly chat and an update with a legislator provides an opportunity to emphasize the League’s priorities, even as bills are being debated, amended and voted up or down.

First, a bit of context. Caraballo remarked that this was just one of many conversations she has had with Trabulsy – beginning when the first-term legislator was running for office.

That relationship doesn’t mean Caraballo was campaigning for Trabulsy.

Caraballo actually had a good relationship with the incumbent, whom Trabulsy defeated. As a city official and League officer, Caraballo doesn’t take a partisan role. She is simply pro-Home Rule and pro-city. “Regardless of who’s elected, I need to be able to work with that individual,” Caraballo said.

Those friendly conversations built a 42 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

by Scott Dudley Florida League of Cities foundation for advocacy, making legislators such as Trabulsy more likely to take some time during a hectic legislative session to talk about the League’s priorities.

Knowing that time was of the essence, Caraballo got right to the point in her Zoom call. She mentioned a bill in which the state would preempt, or take away, the right of cities to regulate short-term rentals such as Airbnb or VRBO. The conversion of single-family homes to shortterm rentals can change the character of a neighborhood, but cities wouldn’t be able to control them through zoning.

“Supporters of the bill will claim that this bill is about property rights. And you know what? They’re right,” said Caraballo. “But neighbors next door see the problems of these properties and also have property rights.”

Caraballo asked Trabulsy to support the bill as amended, which removed some restrictions on cities. Trabulsy hedged, noting that her constituents have strong views on both sides and differing bills were still in flux. (Short-term rental bills ultimately did not pass in this legislative session.)

Caraballo then pivoted to a different issue: why the League wants cities to be able to regulate home-based businesses.

A home business could include activities that affect neighbors, such as a car

mechanic with spare parts on the front porch and debris in the yard. “I’d like to have further conversation with you on that and learn a little bit more from your perspective,” Trabulsy responded.

Then Caraballo let Trabulsy make her own pitch, asking, “How can we help Rep. Trabulsy be successful this session?”

The conversation ended on a high note.

While this conversation addressed specific bills and League positions, it wasn’t just transactional. It was a building block for the future, an example of building relationships that strengthen advocacy for cities.

“I’m looking forward to us continuing to be friends together of this League and getting Home Rule protected,” Caraballo said. “And together, we’re going to continue to better serve our constituents, in the state and in our city.”

To set the groundwork for having conversations like this one during session, it’s key to work on those relationships now.

By meeting and talking with legislators, by inviting them to city events, you start to build trust. That trust will be a key reason your state legislator takes your call, listens to you and considers cities’ needs during the upcoming legislative session.

Scott Dudley is the D i re c t o r o f Fi e l d Advocacy for the Florida League of Cities. QC

PHAWAT TOPAISAN/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTYIMAGES

QC

ADVOCACY

QC

2021 Home Rule Hero Awards Recipients of the Home Rule Hero Award are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the Florida League of Cities’ request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue. This year, the following municipal officials are receiving the award. We thank you! To learn how you can be a Home Rule Hero, go to bit.ly/3v3Gq8p.

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch, City of Sarasota Commissioner Ross Ambrose, City of High Springs Mayor Robert F. Apgar, City of DeLand Commissioner David Ashbrook, City of Port St. Joe City Manager Terry Atchley, City of Wauchula City Manager Courtney Barker, City of Satellite Beach Vice Mayor Thom Barnhorn, City of Seminole Mayor Pat Bates, City of Altamonte Springs City Manager Michael Beedie, City of Fort Walton Beach Council Member Pat Bentley, City of West Melbourne Commissioner Scott Black, City of Dade City Mayor Nathan Blackwell, City of St. Cloud Deputy City Manager George Brown, City of Boca Raton Mayor Woody Brown, City of Largo Council Member Richard Bryan, City of Daytona Beach Shores Village Attorney Roget Bryan, Islamorada, Village of Islands City Clerk Debra Buff, City of Belle Glade Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski, City of Dunedin Mayor Donald Burnette, City of Port Orange City Clerk Rosemarie Call, City of Clearwater Commissioner Traci L. Callari, City of Hollywood Commissioner Kevin Cannon, City of Winter Springs Councilwoman Jolien Caraballo, City of Port St. Lucie Commissioner John L. Carroll, City of Largo Commissioner Carol Carter, City of Anna Maria Commissioner Joy Carter, City of Coral Springs City Manager Charles T. Chapman, City of Naples Mayor John Chappie, City of Bradenton Beach Town Manager Daniel P. Clark, Town of Lake Clarke Shores Vice Mayor Jackie Gary Clarke, Village of Indiantown City Attorney Thomas A. Cloud, Gray Robinson Mayor/Police Commissioner Daniel J. Comerford III, Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony City Manager Ed Cook, City of Callaway Commissioner Carolyn Cooper, City of Winter Park Mayor John Dailey, City of Tallahassee Mayor Bradley T. Dantzler, City of Winter Haven Commissioner Lisa DeVitto, City of Crescent City Vice Mayor Cheri Donohue, City of Temple Terrace Commissioner Joe Elliott, City of Wildwood Councilwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin, City of North Miami City Administrator Lee Evett, City of Lake Helen City Manager Lee R. Feldman, ICMA-CM, City of Gainesville

City Manager Brenda Fettrow, City of Rockledge Vice-Mayor Robert Samuel Fite Jr., City of Bowling Green Councilman Fred Forbes, City of Bonita Springs City Clerk Elizabeth Garcia-Beckford, City of North Lauderdale Town Manager Lee Garner, Town of Sneads Councilmember Mindy Gibson, City of Satellite Beach Vice-Mayor Kimberly Glas-Castro, Town of Lake Park Deputy Mayor Stuart Glass, Town of Indialantic Mayor Ellen Glasser, City of Atlantic Beach City Manager Reese Goad, City of Tallahassee Councilmember Sandy Golding, City of Jacksonville Beach Village Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez, Village of Bal Harbour City Manager Jackie Gorman, City of Williston Vice Mayor Jeff Gow, City of Dunedin Assistant City Manager Mike Grebosz, City of DeLand Town Manager Tom Harmer, Town of Longboat Key Mayor Janet Hernandez, Village of Indiantown City Manager Mike Herr, City of Winter Haven Mayor Heidi Herzberg, City of Deltona Mayor Christine Hoffman, City of Jacksonville Beach Council Member Denise Horland, City of Plantation Mayor Linda Hudson, City of Fort Pierce Code Enforcement Officer Steven Hunnicutt, City of Davenport Commissioner Sabrina Javellana, City of Hallandale Beach City Clerk Gwen Johns, City of Mount Dora Deputy Mayor Kenny Johnson, City of Palm Bay Mayor Joanne “Cookie” Kennedy, City of Indian Rocks Beach Vice Mayor Jim Kihm, City of Holmes Beach Council Member Jordan W. Leonard, Town of Bay Harbor Islands Town Manager Joseph Lo Bello, Town of Juno Beach Commissioner Leo Longworth, City of Bartow Mayor Jill Luke, City of North Port Mayor Ben Malik, City of Cocoa Beach Mayor Robert Marlowe, City of New Port Richey Assistant City Manager Micah Maxwell, City of Clearwater Vice Mayor Bob Mayersohn, City of Parkland Mayor Carol McCormack, Town of Palm Shores Commissioner Debbie McDowell, City of North Port Commissioner Mike Meier, City of Stuart Attorney Victoria Mendez, City of Miami

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 43

QC

ADVOCACY

2021 Home Rule Hero Awards City Clerk/Public Information Specialist Judy Meyers, City of New Port Richey Commissioner Mike Miller, City of Cocoa Beach Vice Mayor Dominick Montanaro, City of Satellite Beach Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis, City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dan Murphy, City of Anna Maria Town Manager J.P. Murphy, Town of Belleair Town Attorney Trey Nazzaro, Town of Gulf Stream Councilor James Olliver, City of Seminole Mayor Frank Ortis, City of Pembroke Pines Commissioner Tony Ortiz, City of Orlando Mayor Karen Ostrand, Town of Ocean Breeze Vice Mayor Lois Paritsky, Town of Ponce Inlet Council Member Gary Price, City of Naples Mayor William M. Queen, Town of North Redington Beach City Manager John P. Regan, City of St. Augustine Commissioner Gary Resnick, City of Wilton Manors Councilmember Joanne Ribble, Village of Estero Mayor Grover Robinson, City of Pensacola Commissioner Jamie Robinson, City of Largo Council Member Cal Rolfson, City of Mount Dora Mayor Greg Ross, City of Cooper City City Manager Mark Ryan, City of Indian Harbour Beach Councilmember Dan Saracki, City of Oldsmar Councilman William G. Schaetzle, City of Niceville Mayor Ken Schneier, Town of Longboat Key Town Manager Mac Serda, Town of Hillsboro Beach City Manager Suzanne Sherman, City of Palm Bay Vice Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline, City of St. Augustine Mayor Scott Singer, City of Boca Raton

Mayor Megan Sladek, City of Oviedo Mayor Holly Smith, City of Sanibel Commissioner Jordan Smith, City of Lake Mary City Manager Matt Spoor, City of Safety Harbor City Manager Mike Staffopoulos, City of Jacksonville Beach Councilmember Susan Starkey, Town of Davie Commissioner Robert Stuart, City of Orlando City Administrator Debra Sullivan, City of Belleair Bluffs Mayor Matthew Surrency, City of Hawthorne Assistant City Manager/CFO Darrel Thomas, City of Weston Village Manager Christine M. Thrower-Skinner, Village of Golf Town Manager Jamie Titcomb, Town of Loxahatchee Groves City Manager Ann Toney-Deal, City of Seminole Mayor Becky Tooley, City of Coconut Creek Attorney Susan Trevarthen, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman Vice Mayor Marlene Wagner, Town of Lake Hamilton Commissioner Phillip E. Walker, City of Lakeland Council Member Patricia Waller, Village of Palm Springs Mayor Leslie Waters, City of Seminole Mayor Dowling R. Watford Jr., City of Okeechobee Council Member Teresa Watkins Brown, City of Fort Myers Mayor Morris L. West, City of Haines City Director, Building and Permitting Services/Legislative Affairs George Wiggins, City of Winter Park City Administrator Keith Wilkins, City of Pensacola

2021 Legislative Appreciation Awards After each legislative session, the Florida League of Cities presents Legislative Appreciation Awards. These awards recognize legislators who supported the League on several key issues considered during legislative session. Please thank the following legislators for their efforts during the 2021 Legislative Session.

Senator Aaron Bean, District 4 Senator Jennifer Bradley, District 5 Senator Gary Farmer, District 34 Senator Joe Gruters, District 23 Senator Gayle Harrell, District 25 Senator Ed Hooper, District 16 Senator Debbie Mayfield, District 17 Senator Kathleen Passidomo, District 28 Senator Jason Pizzo, District 38 Senator Tina Polsky, District 29 Senator Bobby Powell, District 30 Senator Tom Wright, District 14 Representative Robin Bartleman, District 104 Representative Chuck Clemons, District 21 Representative Dan Daley, District 97

44 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

Representative Tracie Davis, District 13 Representative Ben Diamond, District 68 Representative Wyman Duggan, District 15 Representative Anna Eskamani, District 47 Representative Joe Geller, District 100 Representative Joy Goff-Marcil, District 30 Representative Michael Grieco, District 113 Representative Christine Hunschofsky, District 96 Representative Sam Killebrew, District 41 Representative Andrew Learned, District 59 Representative Jim Mooney, District 120 Representative Angie Nixon, District 14 Representative Bobby Payne, District 19 Representative Cyndi Stevenson, District 17 Representative Matt Willhite, District 86

INSURANCE FRAUD

THE CRIME EVERYONE PAYS FOR Insurance fraud costs the average family $400-700 annually.

Help reduce these costs by reporting fraud.

UP TO $5,000 REWARD For information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person found guilty of a crime involving insurance fraud against the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust.

REPORT INSURANCE FRAUD CALL 888.447.5877

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 45

QC

FEATURE

ENGAGEMENT

Florida City Government Week To Celebrate 30 Years Focus: Teaching your residents about the importance of local government

by Eryn Russell Florida League of Cities

F

lorida City Government Week, which will be held October 18-24, 2021, is a time for cities across the state to celebrate, showcase and engage citizens in the work of municipal government. This weeklong annual event hosted by the Florida League of Cities will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. Florida’s 411 cities have reached thousands of residents by bringing awareness to the role city government plays in enhancing Florida residents’ quality of life.

Municipal government is the government closest to the people and generally receives higher approval ratings than other levels of government. Yet, many residents are unaware of how city services impact their lives. Florida City Government Week is the perfect opportunity to teach your residents the importance of local government. Many activities can be held in person or virtually and at little to no cost. Below are a few sample activities that your city can plan for its residents.

OFFER TOURS OF CITY HALL OR INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF NORTH MIAMI

Host tours so that attendees can meet city employees to learn about the services their city provides and showcase city equipment for residents to see. In 2020, the City of North Miami posted a virtual tour on YouTube that showcased the police department, public library and museum of contemporary art.

In 2020, the City of North Miami hosted a virtual tour that included visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, the North Miami Police Department and the North Miami Public Library.

46 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

(ILLUSTRATION) ALEK_KOLTUKOV/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

FEATURE

QC

SHOWCASE GUEST SPEAKERS

Contact local schools and civic organizations to coordinate general or specific information sessions based on audience age and interest. In 2020, the City of Port St. Lucie asked students to submit questions about local government, and students watched virtually as city employees and elected officials answered their questions.

One free way to engage and inform your residents is to use your city’s social media and email newsletters to communicate.

In 2020, the City of Coconut Creek used the City’s social media and e-newsletter to educate residents on municipal topics. The city shared 11 videos of city staff highlighting their jobs and educational materials on city charter amendments.

Port Orange University, the City’s citizens academy, celebrated Florida City Government Week at one of their weekly classes.

DEVELOP A CITIZENS ACADEMY

A citizens academy is an excellent way to educate residents, build positive relationships, increase communication between city government officials and citizens and inspire future municipal leaders. The City of Port Orange hosts a citizens academy annually covering topics from public utilities to community development.

For more ideas on how to celebrate Florida City Government Week, visit bit.ly/3uKZObi. Share your civic engagement activities with us on social media in October using the hashtag #FLCityWeek.

Port Orange University, the city’s citizens academy, held a session on fire and rescue during Florida City Government Week.

Eryn Russell is Programs Coordinator and an Ambassador at the Florida League of Cities. QC During Florida City Government Week, the City of Coconut Creek posted videos of staff discussing their role in local government, including Fire Inspector Stevenson Jean-Louis.

Local Government Resources Access the resources below for ideas, tools and tips to get started with your #FLCityWeek celebration. ▸ City Government 101. Want a fun way to communicate the basics of city government? The Florida League of Cities 10-minute cartoon, perfect for youth audiences and beyond, covers topics including city charters, forms of government, municipal services, property taxes and Home Rule. Watch the video at bit.ly/369pJyy. ▸ About Florida’s Cities handout. What is a city in Florida? What is Home Rule? Why are cities created? Find the answers to these questions and more on this informative handout. View the flyer at bit.ly/3xgPwRf. ▸ Guide for Creating a Citizens’ Academy. This guide contains brief reviews of current programs along with a planning guide that contains information on materials, budget and a program schedule. View the guide at bit.ly/3eA9oYy.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 47

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITIES OF PORT ORANGE (TOP AND MIDDLE) AND COCONUT CREEK (BOTTOM)

USE DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS

QC

FEATURE

LAW

Scrutiny of Officials Liability Insurance coverage faces increasing exposure by ‘anti-riot law’

by Matthew Kelly Florida League of Cities

P

ublic Officials Liability is one of the most important liability coverage for cities. It covers cities for liability (claims and/ or lawsuits) arising from errors and omissions, employment practices and land-use decisions, among other alleged wrongful actions or inactions by a city official or employee. These types of liability lawsuits can be extremely costly since, in many cases, there are components of the suit that allege violation(s) of civil rights – bringing the lawsuit into federal court where sovereign immunity legal protections to cities (in Florida, liability caps of $200,000 per person/$300,000 per occurrence) no longer apply.

Recently, there has been enhanced scrutiny on city governments across the United States that has led to increased frequency and severity of Public Officials Liability lawsuits. A few of the key drivers are: ‣ Heightened awareness and sensitivity by the public of their civil rights ‣ Media coverage of cities’ actions and/or inactions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic ‣ Employment law matters relating to COVID-19 such as medical leave, return-to-work and terminations ‣ Media coverage of municipal law enforcement agencies’ actions – past and present ‣ Social media platforms providing broad public access to communications to or from city officials ‣ The enhanced partisan divide on many issues, including historically nonpartisan issues such as public health ‣ The ever-increasing transition from hotel to person-toperson lodging bookings, bringing more focus on shortterm vacation rentals ‣ Broad public records laws giving access to individuals and reporters to cast wide information-request nets into the past to search for the next headline story.

48 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

ENTER STATE’S COMBATTING PUBLIC DISORDER ACT

On April 19, 2021, yet another exposure not protected by sovereign immunity can be added to the list with the passage of Florida’s Combatting Public Disorder Act – also referred to as “HB-1” or Florida’s new “anti-riot law.” This new controversial law aims to mitigate the potential for lawful and peaceful demonstrations from becoming unlawful and violent. The law defines a riot, changes municipal law enforcement budgeting policies and creates new criminal penalties for riot participants.

As it pertains to liability exposure, the law also opens the door for unlimited liability if a city does not appropriately respond to a riot: “A municipality has a duty to allow the municipal law enforcement agency to respond appropriately to protect persons and property during a riot or an unlawful assembly based on the availability of adequate equipment to its municipal law enforcement officers and relevant state and federal laws.”

The law further explains that, should this new duty be breached, the city may be held liable for any and all damages proximately caused by the breach of duty. And these damages are now infinite and without the protection of the $200,000 per-person/$300,000 per-occurrence sovereign immunity caps.

Even if the city has insurance, the limits of insurance may not be adequate to cover the damages.

Matthew Kelly is Assistant General Counsel at the Florida League of Cities. QC

TAPHOUSE_STUDIOS/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTYIMAGES

FEATURE

“

Remember, action today can prevent a crisis tomorrow.

– Steve Shallenberger

QC

”

The Commercial Insurance Market Response Commercial insurance carriers are recognizing the increased national exposure to Public Officials Liability coverage.

Carriers are scaling back their government-industry clientele, increasing liability rates/premiums, reducing available coverage limits, increasing deductibles and/or expanding exclusionary language to transfer the risk back to the government itself.

The most common approach insurance carriers use to protect themselves from Public Officials Liability is through the mechanics of their limits of insurance. Because they can be somewhat technical, we explain two of the most common “limit tactics”: ▸ Watch out for Public Officials Liability aggregate limit – When you have an “aggregate” limit, the limit stated in your insurance policy is for your entire year of coverage. This aggregate or annual limit could be exhausted by one claim. If this happens – especially early in your policy period – your city does not have any available insurance for the remainder of your policy period. This issue can be avoided by selecting a policy with “peroccurrence” limits of insurance, which means that the limit stated in your policy is available for every claim occurrence your city encounters. The difference between these two types of limits can account for millions of dollars. ▸ Watch out for legal defense costs within the limits – Public Officials Liability claims are often lawsuits, which require the insurance carrier to provide your city with an attorney to defend you. Because these types of claims are often complex, legal defense costs can be substantial – sometimes even exceeding the value of the damages being alleged or awarded by a court. When your legal defense costs are “within” the limit of insurance, your insurance limit is eroded by the legal defense costs – leaving less limit available to cover you for damages. This issue can be avoided by selecting a policy in which legal defense costs are outside the limit, where the insurance carrier pays for the legal defense costs and your entire limit is available to pay for damages.

Review Your Public Officials Liability Insurance Coverage Most city insurance policies renew on October 1. State law requires that insurers provide a renewal offer with at least 45 days advance notice, so this requirement means a mid-August time frame for the vast majority of Florida’s cities.

It is important to conduct a review to ensure your city is adequately protected. In advance of your upcoming insurance renewal offer, the following questions may be asked of your insurance carrier: ▸ Will you be renewing my Public Officials Liability coverage for another year? ▸ How much are my liability rates going up? ▸ Is my Public Officials Liability limit of insurance an aggregate limit or a per-occurrence limit? (Per-occurrence limits offer greater coverage; see “Public Officials Liability aggregate limit” section above.) ▸ Are legal defense costs “within” or “outside” my Public Officials Liability coverage limit? (Legal defense costs “outside” the limit offer greater coverage; see “Legal defense costs within the limits” section above.)

If you receive unfavorable answers to the questions above, there is still time to evaluate insurance options.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 49

Free membership in the FLC Grants Assistance Program: With this new program, every League member has the tools to find, apply for and manage their grants. A vast pre-award suite is available at no cost. ▸ Did you know? This program includes built-in compliance with grant guidance and oversight from certified Grant Management Specialists at eCivis.

Advocacy at the state and federal levels: Local voices making local choices. It’s at the heart of everything we do. Our legislative team works year-round to ensure your voices are heard at state and federal levels. ▸ Did you know? The League’s Field Advocacy and Federal Affairs team will visit your municipality to engage your business community, neighborhood associations and civic groups to discuss Home Rule and how it affects Florida’s residents.

Education and training: FLC University offers dozens of workshops, leadership trainings and networking opportunities for officials and staff. ▸ Did you know? The Institute for Elected Municipal Officials is a training course designed specifically to assist newly elected officials in learning their roles.

Access to high-quality insurance and financial products: The Florida Municipal Insurance Trust, administered by the League, has a long track record of investing in its members, and the League provides its members with a comprehensive financial services package. ▸ Did you know? The Data Recovery Grant Program helps cover costs to ensure your data is secure and retrievable.

SHWANDA BARNETTE

ERYN RUSSELL

50 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

Is your city taking full advantage of your League membership? Florida League of Cities Ambassadors Shwanda Barnette and Eryn Russell are your direct connection to the League. For more information on League membership, Shwanda can be reached at sbarnette@flcities.com, and Eryn can be reached at erussell@flcities.com. Shwanda and Eryn look forward to serving you!

FEATURE

QC

Business Watch connects businesses and local government elected officials, leaders and management, and it provides a unique network to share knowledge necessary to both the public and private sectors.

Together, Business Watch government and corporate members are a powerful coalition to better our economy, influence public policy and strengthen our communities.

Visit businesswatchinc.com to learn more.

Stand Out for New Families Bring outdoor fun to your community

by Curt Caffey ProParks Attraction Group

L

ast year, families experienced an increased amount of time together due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As families became bound to their homes, many reconsidered their living arrangements. A recent survey and census data show that new families are moving at unprecedented levels – and mostly to smaller communities.1 Florida is a top destination.

The pandemic prompted families to evaluate their priorities, and many have decided on increased quality of life in combination with affordability. As more companies now offer remote job flexibility, Florida stands out as a preferred relocation hotspot known for its warm weather, gorgeous coastlines, low taxes, robust economy and affordable housing. Youth programs, sports teams and unique venues for entertainment are all factors families consider when making the big move.

Many cities are expanding their recreational amenities by adding more playing fields, community parks and trails to attract residents. Some cities are considering the addition of water parks to highlight Florida’s picturesque year-round warm climate. Water parks are a high-demand amenity for families as a multi-generational option and a repeatable one.

A water park in your city could become a game changer for your long-term future growth – one that provides a real incentive for families in their relocation plans. Most cities have unique access to low-cost capital that can be used to build a new park or perhaps JANISTA/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

expand an existing swimming or recreational facility. Cities can utilize a third-party private company to consult, build and subsequently lease or manage a water park.

In the past, many city-owned pools or water park attractions operated at a financial loss, but a public-private partnership for operation or design/build can create a municipal revenue stream.

Working with specialists in the private sector can help create a custom solution for your city while also mitigating the need to build in-house operational expertise or take on all of the ongoing financial risk of the project.

A municipal water park will provide a unique amenity for residents and draw in additional visitors from neighboring communities. Sophisticated strategies can offer locals special pricing perks, while tourism visits can be set at a higher price point.

In post-pandemic life, families are looking forward to making up for lost time with memorable experiences that are also affordable.

Water parks are well-positioned to fit that bill.

Curt Caffey is President of ProParks Attractions Group and can be reached at curt.caffey@proparksgroup.com. QC Reference

1. Schneider, M. Study: Residents left big metros during pandemic for family. Phys.org.

THIRD THIRD QUARTER QUARTER 2021 2021 | | QUALITY QUALITYCITIES CITIES 51

MUNICOMM

Mount Dora firefighters distribute vaccinations at Saving Faith Baptist Church.

MESSAGING

Vaccines for the Underserved City staff get creative to reach the reluctant When COVID-19 vaccines first started to emerge, it was as if Americans could breathe a collective sigh of relief and had a glimmer of hope that life could return to normal.

But there were Floridians who were and undoubtedly still are less than enthused by the vaccine. Perhaps some were fearful due to concerns about the side effects, effectiveness or even the history that specific populations have had with medical treatment in America.

Enter local government communications. While the onus has primarily fallen on the county health departments, municipalities also felt responsible for providing equity, access and information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

In some municipalities, it was essential to have spokespeople with whom 52 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

by Kara Irby Florida League of Cities underserved populations and community members could identify. Commissioner Bakari Burns of the City of Orlando went door to door to educate residents about the vaccine and where to get one. The City of Cocoa posted a video with Cocoa Deputy Mayor Alex Goins talking about the importance of getting vaccinated.

“Hearing it from someone in their own community we hoped would help spread the word about this very important event and get more people to understand the importance of getting vaccinated,” said Samantha Senger, Assistant to the City Manager and Public Information Officer.

For many cities, it was about location

and getting the vaccine to the areas where it might otherwise be a struggle for residents to have access due to lack of transportation or other issues. For example, the City of Orlando had mobile vaccine sites throughout the city, with a significant vaccine distribution during the outdoor Orlando Fringe Festival.

The City of Gainesville partnered with the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Mobile Outreach Clinic to provide the vaccine. Information on the clinic was distributed electronically through an e-newsletter to city residents. The email was also translated into Spanish. Both the city’s Facebook page as well as the clinic’s included information about vaccine distribution.

Gainesville Fire Rescue , through its front-line responders and the Community

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF MOUNT DORA

QC

MUNICOMM

English and Spanish. Deborah Haynes, Deputy Clerk for the City of Anna Maria , was the

Deborah Haynes, Deputy Clerk for the City of Anna Maria, wearing a vaccination souvenir logo medallion.

Commissioner David Richardson of the City of Miami Beach worked with the state

to target the younger population and held a one-day vaccination drive right on the sands of South Beach, which the City promoted on their social media channels.

The City of Homestead held a major vaccine event at Roby George Park.

“Homestead’s concern from the beginning has been to reach the underserved in our community, and the Roby George Park vaccine event was located in an area with a higher population of low-income and minority individuals,” said Zackery Good , Assistant to the City Manager .

“Early on, we learned that if we were able to reach people who wanted the vaccine but weren’t able to get to another site, we could work with vaccine providers to have sites established nearer to those who needed it most.”

Homestead used social media and media releases to communicate about the distribution, but what proved most effective was notifying community partners such as nonprofits and churches to help get the word out to their members.

One such organization was MUJER (Mujeres, Unidas, en Justicia, Educacion, y

vaccination event coordinator and stated that the medallion served as a unique “attentiongetter” and helped to encourage visitors and locals to get vaccinated.

The City of Tallahassee offered free rides on its bus system to transport residents to and from vaccine sites. A resident simply had to let the driver know they were going to or coming from an appointment.

The City of Jacksonville used media partners to get out the word about vaccination efforts. Local news outlets promoted the city’s vaccination efforts on their regularly scheduled broadcasts. Also, city staff sent emails and text messages about when individuals needed to return for their second shot. Prerecorded messages through their Emergency Operations Center were also used extensively in this effort. They had a 98% return rate for residents.

Ultimately, city staff across the state stepped up to ensure Florida’s underserved populations received reliable vaccine information and access.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF ANNA MARIA

Resource Paramedic Program, distributed information door to door to vulnerable communities and followed up in those communities to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to residents that struggled with transportation and/or mobility.

QC

Reforma, Women, United in Justice, Education and Reform), a nonprofit community-based social service organization.

MUJER staffers and volunteers contacted local nurseries that employ farmworkers and immigrant populations. They also canvassed door to door and went to a popular local flea market in Homestead to share information about the vaccine and vaccination efforts.

The City of Mount Dora focused on the power of partnership as well. The City, Mount Dora firefighters and the Department of Health in Lake County partnered to distribute vaccines at a local church, a place where marginalized residents could feel comfortable.

Other cities got creative in offering incentives. The City of Anna Maria gave out a city medallion to residents and visitors who received the shot. Flyers about the drive and souvenirs were posted on the city’s Facebook page in

City of Orlando Commissioner Bakari Burns passes out information on COVID-19 vaccines.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF ORLANDO, MUJER AND CITY OF COCOA

Kara Irby is a Communications Specialist at the Florida League of Cities. QC

MUJER staff members worked with Homestead to share information at local nurseries to reach farmworkers and immigrant populations.

Cocoa Deputy Mayor Alex Goins helped spread the word about a mobile vaccine event in a video.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 53

FEATURE

CHUYN/ROYALTY-FREE/GETTY IAMGES

QC

DISASTER RESPONSE

When a Hurricane Hits

Florida’s Emergency Management Director gives guidance

T

he Florida City and County Managers Association recently provided a podcast on the upcoming hurricane season and how to prepare. Local government managers heard from Kevin Guthrie, the Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The interview was facilitated by Steve Vancore, President of VancoreJones Communications.

Here is a selection from the discussion:

Vancore: What is some advice you can give to local government

when a storm is imminent?

Guthrie: So I want to talk about that imminent landfall, and then I want to actually talk about the time that the storm’s impacting because there are some things you can do.

So the storm is imminent, so we are now at that point where you’ve got those last-minute evacuation orders. You’ve got those last-minute things that you need to go out and check and ensure people’s welfare.

But you’ve also got to remember … I had to make a very unpopular decision in Pasco County at the local level about ceasing emergency services. Nothing weighs on my mind more than when the time comes for me to have to cease those emergency services. So think about when that happens for you, it should be in policy.

54 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

Vancore: So what do you mean by “cease emergency services”?

Guthrie: So, for instance, in the counties that I came from before, when the winds reach 45 miles an hour sustained, which means one minute or longer, we do not send out emergency services because fire engines can blow over. Rescue units can blow over. Law enforcement officers have no business standing out on the side of the road or trying to handle a traffic crash with 45-miles-an-hour sustained winds. The last thing we ever want to have happen is a branch falls off a tree and gets carried and hits a police officer in the head and, unfortunately, kills a police officer.

Vancore: You hear this: “Well, why not declare a state of emergency? Why not do this when … ?” Because there’s a tradeoff here, which is we’re considering this a state of emergency,

FEATURE

“

You’ve hired an emergency manager; please listen to them.

Let them help you and let them guide you through the disaster.

– Kevin Guthrie, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management

45-miles-an-hour sustained winds. You want to protect those who protect us, because the moment the storm’s gone, you’re going to need those firetrucks, you’re going to need those police, you’re going to need those public safety officers in full force 100%, directing traffic, cleaning up this, directing.

Guthrie: That’s correct. And so somebody at your local emergency operations center [EOC] – or somebody in city administration, if you don’t have an EOC – has got to be monitoring those winds and has got to make some decisions about when you’re going to cease operations.

Vancore: And your point is make sure this is in policy, so somebody’s not having to make a subjective decision like you see in the movies, “But the mother is calling 911. Don’t suspend.” Nope.

This is the policy; this is what we’ve decided.

Guthrie: And again, that’s got to be in the comprehensive emergency management plan for the city, for the county: When you are going to cease operations. And then you’ve got to uphold that. The hardest thing to do – I used to be over a 28-station fire department – is to try to tell a firefighter they can’t go out and save somebody’s life. That’s a difficult thing to do, but you’ve got to keep them standing down. You’ve got to keep them in place so that you don’t jeopardize those firefighters and that Engine Officer and Rescue Officer to go out there and do something that may endanger their lives.

Vancore: That is a really difficult decision too. What else during

a storm?

Guthrie: Again, that storm is bearing down. You’ve got to make sure your messaging is right. There may come a point in time that people are trying to evacuate, and they’re in harm’s way, and they may be in more harm’s way by getting on the road with 45-milean-hour winds. You may want to tell them: Just stay in place.

Vancore: If you haven’t left by now, hunker down.

Guthrie: You need to shelter in place. Here are some things that you should do. So have those messages canned and ready to go.

Because every County Administrator, every City Manager who

QC

”

has ever been through any type of disaster in their city or their county has had those individuals who just refuse to leave. There comes a point in time – and I don’t think that we do a good job with this – of communicating: “You have made a decision to stay.

Here’s the best thing you can do. If something starts to happen, get to an interior portion of your house. Get as low as you possibly can. Put stuff over the top of your head. Take a mattress; put it over the top of your head. Try to do everything you possibly can do to protect yourself because, again, you made the choice to stay; we’re going to try to give you some ideas of how to help yourself not get injured.”

You’ve got to take all those things into consideration. The miles per hour of the wind. Do you have to cross a bridge to get out of harm’s way or not? There are all kinds of factors that go into that. But again, every City Manager, every County Administrator has got to look at their jurisdiction and figure out what those messages are at the last minute. And it may be that if you’re on a barrier island, the risk is better to just go ahead and try to get over that bridge and get out of there versus stay in place. But if you’re not on a barrier island, and you’re maybe one or two miles inland, it may be better for you to just hunker down and stay in place because you made the decision to stay there. But that’s going to depend on every jurisdiction.

In closing, I would say this, and I’m going to say this from a heart of love as a former Assistant County Administrator: Listen to your local County Emergency Manager. Listen to your local City Emergency Manager. You hired a Police Chief, you hired a Fire Chief, because they have an expertise and a skillset. You’ve hired an Emergency Manager; please listen to them. Let them help you and let them guide you through the disaster. I have seen when certain counties, certain cities – which will go nameless – don’t necessarily put a lot of faith and trust in their Emergency Manager. You wouldn’t do that to your Fire Chief. Don’t do it to your Emergency Manager. Give them the support that they need.

Listen to what they’re saying. Heed their advice. That’s their job.

I had 24 years as a local law enforcement officer – the last eight of those were assigned as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office – and then I’ve been an Emergency Manager or Emergency Services Director or Public Safety Assistant County Administrator, now the State Director here. It’s in my blood. I’ve been in very, very fortunate situations where people have listened to me. QC

Access the Entire Podcast The FCCMA Podcast shares conversations with city and county leaders about local issues. The entire interview with Kevin Guthrie, the Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, can be heard at anchor.fm/fccma.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 55

QC

Screenshot of online 3D galleries featuring submissions for the City of Cape Canaveral’s 2021 Virtual Student Art Show.

The Umbrella Art Project brought together artists of all ages and abilities to create art displayed at businesses around Clermont.

St. Augustine Beach’s Art in the Park featured free entertainment from the Lonesome Ride Band.

COMMUNITY

Putting Art into Action

Cities engage residents through public creative projects

by Brittni Johnsen Florida League of Cities

M

ore and more cities in Florida and throughout the country are realizing the power and potential of public art. Whether to engage the community, respond to current events, honor a holiday or celebrate a city’s history, public art is a multiuse tool for local governments – and an effective one, too.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, cities used art for everything from hosting entertaining activities and communitywide contests to sharing important information and providing financial relief. While some projects were launched in response to COVID-19, others were reimagined annual events and initiatives.

The City of Cape Canaveral has been hosting the annual Cape Canaveral Student Art Show for more than two decades. Rather than canceling the event due to COVID-19, the City decided to take it online. Its 2021 showcase received more than 130 submissions from nearly a dozen schools featured in 3D galleries online.

The artwork was divided into three galleries: kindergarten to sixth grade, seventh to 12th grade and a gallery that illustrated the theme of “resiliency.”

With the City of Weston, the Arts Council of Greater Weston also hosted its annual art showcase virtually. The 2021 Virtual Student Artist Showcase featured more than 150 works of art.

Eleven schools were represented in this year’s exhibit, and every grade from kindergarten through 12th grade participated.

Teachers were asked to submit a maximum of 10 photos of their students’ artwork. Submissions included drawings, paintings, digital art, photography, sculptures and more.

The City of West Palm Beach’s Art in Public Places program launched “The Commons: 15 Artists, 15 Spaces,” a public art project that aimed to provide financial relief to local artists during the pandemic. “The project brings work to the local creative

56 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

community, provides monetary relief during these challenging times and launches a new wave of public art in West Palm Beach,” the City shared. After issuing a “call for artists,” 15 artists were selected, and each received $6,000. The artwork was displayed in 15 public places.

Another public art project that provided support during the pandemic was the Umbrella Art Project from the City of Clermont. Local nonprofits, schools and arts-and-crafts businesses were invited to transform a plain umbrella into art. Nearly 30 umbrellas were designed and submitted. The umbrellas were displayed at participating local businesses that made up the “Umbrella Art Project Trail.” Residents visited stops along the trail, took photos of their favorite umbrellas and submitted them to the City in exchange for a free T-shirt and the chance to win a $50 gift card.

The City of Tampa used art during the pandemic to share important information with the community. The City’s Sidewalk Chalk Art Public Messaging Campaign featured short public safety announcements and positive messages in temporary spray chalk along sidewalks in high-traffic pedestrian areas. These messages included physical distancing reminders, words of encouragement and messages thanking local first responders and health professionals.

EVENTS

The use of art by Florida’s cities goes far beyond COVID-specific efforts.

“Art in the Park,” a community art fair hosted by the City of St. Augustine Beach, displayed sculptures and original artwork throughout a city park. Residents were invited to stroll through the park among the unique artwork. Pottery, stained glass,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITIES OF CAPE CANAVERAL, CLERMONT AND ST. AUGUSTINE

FEATURE

Municipalities are also finding creative ways to incorporate art into their physical structures.

Earlier this year, the City of Orlando Downtown Development Board celebrated its 50th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, the City of Orlando installed a sculpture outside the visitor center in the heart of downtown. The “DTO Sculpture,” which stands eight feet tall, is bright yellow and lights up, featuring the letters “DTO,” an abbreviation of “Downtown Orlando.” In addition to creating an iconic point of interest, the City says the public art installation also serves as a “selfieinducing moment.” Visitors take photos with the sculpture and share them on social media using hashtag #DTO50.

The City of Tallahassee recently funded its Artful Infrastructure program. The program builds upon Art of the Box, a successful pilot program the City launched last year with the Knight Creative Communities Institute. Artful Infrastructure showcases artwork from local talent on traffic control boxes, and it also deters graffiti, which ultimately reduces maintenance costs.

Illuminate Coral Gables (ICG) is a first-of-its-kind art exhibition in downtown Coral Gables. Earlier this year, the exhibition launched from a collaboration between the City of Coral Gables and local partners including the Coral Gables Community Foundation, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the Business Improvement District of Commerce Coral Gables and the Coral Gables Museum. Created for specific outdoor locations, this new public art initiative focused on the intentional use of light and technology to “transform public art by day into magical and mysterious works at night,” according to the City.

This year’s inaugural exhibition showcased eight installations with interactive art, video projections and light sculptures created by 16 artists from around the globe. The installations transformed the City’s streets, buildings and public spaces into an interactive and experiential outdoor museum. Educational and hands-on projects were also available at ICG. The exhibit was free. The second edition of ICG is in the works for 2022, with the goal of nearly 20 installations. Videos of the 2021 installations, interactive activities and more information are available at IlluminateCoralGables.org.

As demonstrated by Florida’s municipalities, public art has the potential to positively impact our cities, engage our residents and enhance the overall enjoyment of our communities.

Tallahassee’s Artful Infrastructure program uses the City’s traffic control boxes as art canvases for artists.

Orlando’s DTO Sculpture downtown stands 8 feet, lights up at night, creating the perfect photo op.

Public art installation from West Palm Beach’s The Commons: 15 Artists, 15 Spaces project.

Tampa encouraged residents to stay safe during COVID-19 with creative sidewalk chalk messages such as this 6-foot gator.

Brittni Johnsen is the Media Relations Coordinator for the Florida League of Cities. QC Illuminate Coral Gables featured artist Carlos Estevez’s Urban Universes exhibit projected onto City Hall.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 57

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITIES OF ORLANDO AND WEST PALM BEACH

PUBLIC ART INSTALLATIONS AND INITIATIVES

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF TAMPA

jewelry and other artwork were also on display and available for purchase. The art fair also featured free musical entertainment.

Admission to the event was free. The event was hosted with the City, the St. Johns Cultural Council, the Florida Department of Cultural Affairs and The Art Studio, a local business in St. Augustine Beach.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF TALLAHASSEE

QC

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF CORAL GABLES

FEATURE

QC

FEATURE

DELIVERS

Your City’s National Resource and Advocate The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages representing more than 200 million people across the country.

For over 90 years we have been delivering exclusive support and resources for local leaders and municipal staff at the national level, serving as an advocate for communities large and small.

HOW CAN NLC DELIVER FOR YOUR CITY?

Education + Training

Hands-On Assistance

Community Discounts

Advocacy Support

Peer Networking

National Leadership

LEARN MORE at nlc.org/stateleague 58 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

Access to Employment Law Attorneys at NO COST The Florida Municipal Insurance Trust’s exclusive Employment Law Advisor program offers access to a Florida-based attorney with significant public-sector employment law experience. And, the best part is there is no cost to members of the FMIT. We can help with a wide range of employment-related matters, including: Hiring Discipline Promotion/Demotion Transfer Reassignment Layoff Termination ADA Compliance Complaints of Discrimination, Harassment, Unfair Treatment and Retaliation

Help is only a phone call away. FMIT members can speak with an attorney Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., by calling 888.368.FMIT (3648).

QC

FEATURE

INSURANCE

Keys to Safety and Prevention Risk management: You need a partner – not just a vendor

by Robert Inzer

I

n the magazine’s last issue, I explained council’s risk management role and, more importantly, its responsibility.

No one expects you to be an expert on risk management, but you are ultimately responsible if there is a problem. Your job is to provide oversight, ensure that the government has the policies and programs in place to adequately protect your city and monitor those policies and programs to make sure they are regularly reviewed, updated and followed.

WHAT DOES RISK LOOK LIKE?

Risk comes in many forms. There are risks associated with your regulatory activities. For example, cities were very involved in regulatory risk during the COVID-19 pandemic when deciding how best to manage the risk for your citizens and employees. You also assume risk when you invest your funds. These risks relate to credit risk and interest rate risk. You can also assume risk in how you manage your debt such as the amount of outstanding debt you have and how much of it is fixed versus variable. But the risk you are probably most aware of is property and liability risk.

Property losses are generally caused by fire, a water leak, falling limbs or trees or damage caused by a hurricane or other weather event. Unfortunately, your opportunity to manage these risks is limited. When an event occurs, the city has two objectives. First, get the facility back in operation as quickly as possible so there 60 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

is minimal disruption in services. Second, minimize the damage and related costs. A building that is damaged or has a major water leak that is not addressed quickly will develop mold, and the damage will multiply.

Liability claims run the gamut from falls to false arrests. Some result from negligence to maintain infrastructure or legal issues such as not following your policies in terminating employees.

Aggressively managing these exposures and claims can save you significantly on your future premiums.

Unlike the risks mentioned in the last issue, you can transfer the risks noted above to another entity by purchasing insurance or participating in a pooled liability program.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CITY FROM RISK

Most cities in our state protect themselves from these risks by participating in the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT).

FMIT is large enough to distribute risk and avoid concentration risk. The large asset base gives it the flexibility to retain more risk than other pooled programs, thereby reducing the cost of purchasing reinsurance. More than twice as many Florida cities participate in FMIT than any other provider. There are many reasons why most cities choose FMIT, but the most important reason is that FMIT is your risk management partner and not just your insurance provider. Let me say that again since this DROGATNEV/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

FEATURE statement is very important: FMIT is your risk management partner and not just your insurance provider. Created by cities and managed by cities, FMIT is sensitive to cities’ needs. Its objective is to work with you as a partner to manage and mitigate risk, not just to pay claims.

A good partnership is one in which the goals and objectives of both partners are aligned and your partner has the financial stability to uphold their responsibilities under the partnership. FMIT is the most fiscally healthy provider of the major insurance pools, with over $522 million in assets and nearly $200 million in reserves. Also, no money escapes to pay a shareholder or private corporation, and 100% of your insurance premiums are used to pay claims, support administration or fund other services benefiting Florida cities. In addition, there are no commissions or brokerage fees.

FMIT also provides property damage mitigation coverage at no cost to you, which enables you to return to business quickly and efficiently after a property loss. This coverage also allows you to immediately stabilize the property by water extraction or other remediation services to minimize long-term damage and reduce overall losses. They understand that this approach is the best way to minimize losses and, more importantly, get your facility back into operation as quickly as possible.

QC

decision based solely on today’s premium and not on long-term risk management, you are probably making the wrong decision.

FMIT’s focus is on offering long-term risk management and minimizing costs. To avoid claims, FMIT created the Employment Law Advisor service.

This service provides all FMIT participants with access to employment law legal experts at no cost. Employment law is one of the most complex and fastest-growing liability risks.

As your partner, FMIT understands that providing sound legal advice on the front end avoids large legal settlements on the back end. This step potentially increases the costs of today’s premiums but drives down future claims, expenses and premiums.

Sometimes, paying an unwarranted claim today may be cheaper than investigating and fighting it. Unfortunately, paying fraudulent/unwarranted claims, even small ones, encourages future fraudulent claims. FMIT is the only provider with a special investigative unit to examine and prosecute fraudulent claims. Claimants and their attorneys know that FMIT will not just roll over and pay a claim; it is committed to defending its program participants.

While the program has successfully avoided and recovered millions of dollars, its true value is in preventing future claims.

For 20 years, I was responsible for the City of Tallahassee’s insurance program. My Insurance Director instilled in me the long-term benefits of active safety and risk management programs. He routinely reminded me that you could not measure avoided claims, but that doesn’t mean they are any less real. My office was also very engaged with the safety officer and the city’s attorney’s office to identify potential risks and then develop policies and training to minimize our exposures and losses. We were fortunate to be large enough to afford and justify our safety officer, but this option is not available for most cities. The safety and costs avoidance services offered by FMIT are an attractive alternative. While it may make today’s premiums slightly higher, it will drive down claims and future premiums and save your citizens money.

While costs are always important, there is a citizen or employee

behind every claim who was hurt

and suffered. An aggressive safety program saves dollars, but it also reduces lost employee time and minimizes human suffering.

RISK PREVENTION

Most insurance providers collect premiums and pay claims.

What separates FMIT from the other providers is its focus on actively engaging the city in identifying risks and reducing the number of future claims. FMIT understands that the best liability claim is the claim that never occurred. By examining prior claims experience and inspecting your facilities, they focus your staff on actions to keep future losses from occurring. FMIT is your partner promoting safety and is the only program giving matching safety grants.

Effective risk management cannot be judged by just today’s costs. Safety programs cost money today but save you money tomorrow. Claims are also more than just dollars. While costs are always important, there is a citizen or employee behind every claim who was hurt and suffered. An aggressive safety program saves dollars, but it also reduces lost employee time and minimizes human suffering. If you are making the insurance LALITH_HERATH/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

Robert Inzer is an advisor to the Florida League of Cities. He has 46 years of municipal finance experience that includes 30 years with the City of Tallahassee, 20 years of which was spent as City Treasurer-Clerk. QC THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 61

FEATURE

First–place winner Layla McLaren and Scott Dudley.

Second–place winner Indira Yengera.

Third–place winner Lia Avidan and Scott Dudley.

CIVICS EDUCATION

‘If I Were Elected Mayor’ Essay Contest Winners

Contest encourages civic engagement among middle school students

by Scott Dudley Florida League of Cities

T

hree middle school students were recently recognized for their winning submissions in the “If I Were Elected Mayor” statewide essay contest. The contest is sponsored by the Florida League of Cities and Florida League of Mayors (FLM) to foster civic engagement and community pride among sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students. Civics education is taught in Florida public schools as a vital tool to encourage public participation.

Students participating in the contest were required to submit a single-page essay of no more than 250 words that began with the statement “If I were elected mayor ...” and described how they would make a difference in their city if they were elected mayor. The students were also asked to include information on how Home Rule helps make their municipality a great place to live.

62 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

More than 450 submissions were received. Each student who submitted an essay received a certificate of participation, and the winners received gift cards and a joint resolution from FLC and FLM. The 2021 contest winners are: ‣ First place: Layla McLaren, eighth grade, Seaside Community Charter, Jacksonville ‣ Second place: Indira Yengera, seventh grade, Dunedin Highland Middle School, Dunedin ‣ Third place: Lia Avidan, seventh grade, Aventura City of Excellence School, Aventura.

The first place presentation for Layla took place at Seaside Charter School in Jacksonville. Since Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry was unable to attend the presentation, Atlantic Beach Mayor

Ellen Glasser offered to facilitate and

preside over the presentation, given the proximity to Atlantic Beach and the strong beach connection. The second place presentation for Indira took place at the City of Dunedin’s Commission meeting. The third-place presentation for Lia took place at the City of Aventura’s Commission meeting.

The League and the FLM plan to hold this contest again during the next school year. Look for more information to be available this September.

Scott Dudley is the Director of Field Advocacy and Federal Affairs at the Florida League of Cities, and he serves as Executive Director of the Florida League of Mayors. QC

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH (FROM LEFT), SHERYL YENGERA AND JENNIFER AVIDAN

QC

FEATURE

QC

Essay Contest Winners FIRST PLACE (EXCERPT) Layla McLaren, eighth grade Seaside Community Charter Jacksonville

If I were elected mayor, I would focus on projects that would be the most impactful on the community. Highlighting topics such as early childhood education, and parenting classes for at-risk mothers, has proven effective in reducing poverty. Subsequently, leading to less crime, improved community standards and quality of life.

I would start by offering quality childcare and education to citizens that show a desire to improve their education. The Abecedarian Early Intervention Project, a 40-plus-year study, showed that by providing high-quality intervention to low-income families, the chances that they would graduate from universities increased four times, they were five times less likely to use public assistance, and showed a reduction in criminal activity.

I would also supply struggling students with private tutoring and provide schools with adequate funding.

Statistically, when people have opportunities, they are less likely to commit crimes. Most crimes are committed due to drugs, desperation caused by poverty, mental health issues, and lack of education. By providing private counseling to students struggling with these issues, it creates safe spaces within communities and increases social awareness.

SECOND PLACE (EXCERPT) Indira Yengera, seventh grade Dunedin Highland Middle School Dunedin

If I were Mayor, I would create a “Clearwater Community Voices” task force to help identify priorities for the city and implement effective programs that channel resources to address them. The “Voices” task force will be made up of members of Clearwater’s business, technology, education, health care, parks and recreation, culture and entertainment, environmental resources and law enforcement/security communities. I would meet with this task force once each quarter to discuss concerns and develop a list of priorities. In addition,

we would meet regularly to review progress, and all residents will be given the opportunity to represent an interest area and present new ideas.

Home Rule is essential for the success of any city. The people who are given the responsibility to determine the most critical needs and find solutions must be invested in the community. If I were Mayor, I can only do my best if I live and work in the same place as the people who voted for me. These are the same people who are affected by my decisions as Mayor. They are also at the heart of any success!

By building “Clearwater Community Voices,” I would be able to realize the strengths of Home Rule by serving as a true partner to the people.

THIRD PLACE (EXCERPT)

Lia Avidan, seventh grade Aventura City of Excellence School Aventura

If I were elected mayor of Aventura, I will put forth my best effort to assist our city and its residents.

During my term, I would ensure Aventura’s reputation of a safe and exceptional city is upheld. Aventura residents will be my top priority as I wish to maintain school safeness – leading to a top-notch education for all. Therefore, the implementation of additional police officers during school hours and the monitoring of campuses will occur immediately. As of now, Aventura is approximately 20 percent safer than other Floridian cities and I will ensure this comparison rate will rise ever more. Along with school safety, neighborhood safety is another top priority during my mayoral candidacy.

Currently, climate change is also a pressing issue which must be solved promptly. To do so, I will encourage the process of going green – funding energy-efficient products, promoting bike usage, and so much more.

Furthermore, I will constantly update Aventura residents with reliable information via yearly announcements to the city council. By using Home Rule as a form of governance during my term, I would be an effective leader by implementing methods of citizens voicing their thoughts (such as in monthly city meetings I will start).

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 63

The Atlantic Beach Youth Council filled backpacks with healthy snacks for food insecure elementary school children.

The Clermont Youth Council created hygiene care packages for the homeless population and partnered with the Clermont Police Department to distribute the bags.

The Pinellas Park TeenWorkX collected clothing, art supplies, games, hygiene products and more to donate to the local Safe Place 2B Youth Shelter.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE DAROZA

The Alachua Youth Advisory Council set up collection boxes in various locations to collect used baseball and softball equipment.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF CLERMONT

OUTREACH

Engaging Florida’s Youth

Students statewide participate in FLC youth council programs

E

by Eryn Russell Florida League of Cities

ducating and engaging young people with the work of local government is key to cultivating the next generation of civic leaders. Composed of high school students, municipal youth councils are special citywide councils that typically serve as an advisory board to the local government. These youth council members are the future leaders of our communities.

Throughout the year, students across the state participated in Florida League of Cities youth council programs to help foster Florida’s future municipal leaders.

YOUTH COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICE CONTEST

Earlier this year, the League announced the winners of the 2021 Municipal Youth Council Community Service Contest. This annual contest asks youth councils to submit projects that address specific needs in their local communities. Five projects were selected as winners.

The City of Alachua Youth Advisory Council collaborated with Guardian Ad Litem and the University of Florida to collect sports equipment donations for local foster children.

Through an outreach plan developed by members of the Youth Council, they contacted local businesses, churches and other community organizations to set up collection boxes at locations throughout the City if approved. In total, the Council collected more than 200 sports items.

The City of Atlantic Beach Youth Council partnered with Blessings in a Backpack to fill bags with food and words of encouragement for food-insecure children at local elementary schools. Each backpack included healthy options such as fruit, tuna, macaroni and cheese, cereal and peanut butter, as well as a few fun options such as fruit-flavored snacks and pastries. The Council exceeded their original expectations by gathering double the supplies necessary for the project.

64 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH

FEATURE

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF PINELLAS PARK

QC

FEATURE

The Pinecrest Youth Advisory Council launched “YOUth,” a series of informational sessions on various mental health topics.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF PINECREST

The City of Clermont Youth Council created hygiene care packages for the homeless population and partnered with the Clermont Police Department to distribute the packages. Each package included socks, razors, toothbrushes, soaps, shampoo and a personal message of support from the City. Additionally, each package was made of reflective material to help keep members of the homeless community safe as they crossed streets or walked along sidewalks.

The Village of Pinecrest Youth Advisory Council educated the community about mental health by declaring a “Mental Health Day” and launching a series named “YOUth” that focused on mental health topics and featured issue experts.

The City of Pinellas Park TeenWorkX Youth Council partnered with Family Resources, a local nonprofit, to provide holiday gifts to local homeless children and at-risk youth. They collected clothing, art supplies, games, hygiene products and other items that were then donated to SafePlace 2B Youth Shelter.

Ultimately, the Council was able to provide holiday gifts to every child at the shelter.

QC

YOUTH COUNCIL VIRTUAL SUMMIT

In May 2021, 50 youth council members from across the state joined FLC staff in the first-ever Youth Council Virtual Summit. Representatives from Apopka , Aventura , Belleair , Clermont, Cutler Bay, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Niceville, Ocoee, St. Petersburg, Tamarac and Tampa attended. Youth council coordinators were also invited to join the call and given an opportunity to meet and talk.

FLC Director of Leadership Development and Education Scott Paine, Ph.D., and FLC Ambassador Shwanda Barnette

presented the HADOC method and explained how to use it when having difficult conversations with friends, family and their local communities. The HADOC acronym stands for Hear the challenge, Accept what is said, Depersonalize in response to the challenge, Own your subjectivity and Care. The students learned that using the HADOC method is not about winning a conversation but understanding the conversation participants.

Youth were presented with two difficult questions and then placed in breakout sessions to practice using the HADOC method. The debrief after the session allowed students to share how they navigated having a challenging conversation with their peers.

Students were also tasked with brainstorming ideas for fostering constructive conversations within their councils and communities. Comments from the debrief included the importance of focusing on the idea rather than the individual when having a tough conversation, the need to bring partisan groups together to discuss ideas that will benefit the community and the desire to teach the community HADOC method to friends and family.

Eryn Russell is Programs Coordinator and an Ambassador at the Florida League of Cities. QC

Council2College Scholarship The Florida League of Cities announced the recipients of the Council2College Scholarship, an essay contest that assists the state’s municipal youth council leaders who are pursuing post-high school education. The contest requires graduating high school seniors to write an essay describing their most impactful experience as members of their youth councils and how that experience helped prepare them for college.

Four scholarship recipients were selected. The first-place tie recipients received $1,000, second place received $500 and third place received $250. ▸ First place (tie): Danielle Miller, Hollywood Youth Ambassadors, and Gabriela Sartan, Aventura Youth Advisory Board

Danielle Miller Hollywood Youth Ambassadors

Gabriela Sartan Aventura Youth Advisory Board

▸ Second place: Kirk Dourvetakis, Cooper City Teen Council

▸ Third place: Teresa Schuster, Cutler Bay Youth Council Committee.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 65

QC lifestyle QUALITY CITIES

BALANCING LIFE

AND PUBLIC SERVICE

WELL-BEING

Rebuilding Social Connections Tips for in-person socializing after distant and virtual interactions

by Kelli Gemmer Florida League of Cities

S

ocial connections are critical to our overall health. Not only do they reduce stress, but they can also provide meaning and purpose in our lives. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an abrupt change in our social lives. We were once used to connecting daily with others in person at work, extracurriculars or social gatherings, but quarantining and working from home meant most of us spent much of our time seeing only our immediate household members. Those who live alone may have gone months without seeing anyone in person except their pets.

This “new normal” forced us to connect with others in non-traditional ways, from virtual happy hours to socially distant walks. As social activities begin again after more than a year of physical distancing and virtual meetings, many of us may feel awkward or uncomfortable socializing in public. Here are a few tips for easing back into social situations, from returning to the office or attending in-person conferences to appearing at social gatherings. ▸ D o n’t a vo i d s o c i a l i z i n g . Further prolonging in-person social

66 QUALITY CITIES | THIRD QUARTER 2021

interactions due to fear of awkwardness will only make things more difficult in the long run. Socializing is a learned skill, so once you begin using it again, your social skills will come back quicker than you expected.

▸ Practice with short interactions.

Make small talk with peers in the elevator, cashiers at the store, servers at the restaurant, etc., when possible. Practicing with short conversations will help you ease back into social settings. ▸ Go at your own pace. You don’t need to fill up your social calendar every day of the week. Have lunch with a coworker or grab coffee with an old friend. ▸ Begin with an activity. If you’re worried about maintaining a conversation over a meal or drinks, start by meeting up with people who have shared interests such as sports, board games, a book club or community service. ▸ Prepare questions and answers.

Much like an elevator pitch, consider

mentally preparing bullet points of answers to commonly anticipated questions such as “how have you been?” especially if you’re afraid of unintentionally oversharing due to nerves. Similarly, think of a unique question or two that will help kickstart conversations. ▸ Make light of the situation. Since many people are experiencing the same social awkwardness you are, joking about how long it’s been since you’ve seen someone in person can help break the ice. ▸ Give yourself grace. Remember that you are not alone in this experience. It’s normal for social skills to decline after spending extended periods alone, so give yourself grace as you ease back into social settings.

Kelli Gemmer is the Assistant Editor for the Florida League of Cities. QC

RYANJLANE/E+/GETTY IMAGES

LIFESTYLE

QC

Work-Life Balance The constant cycle of prioritization

T

he delicate balance of managing your career, family and other social and civic obligations is one of the biggest challenges of working adults. Also known as work-life balance, there has been a wealth of research on the topic, and most experts agree that it should be considered an ongoing cycle rather than a one-time goal.

THE UPSIDE AND THE DOWNSIDE

When it comes to work-life balance, even the way we practice and think about it is a balancing act in and of itself. Most of us have heard that a poor work-life balance can have detrimental effects such as fatigue, poor health and strained relationships with friends and family. Conversely, the benefits of striking a successful balance between our business and personal lives are also well-documented: ▸ Reduced stress ▸ Less likelihood of burnout ▸ Greater job satisfaction ▸ Increased productivity ▸ Lower turnover ▸ Better relationships with managers and coworkers.

But our mental health can suffer when we place too much emphasis on creating the “perfect” work-life balance. According to Stewart Friedman, Director of Wharton’s Work/Life Integration Project, “The phrase ‘work-life balance’ could be causing more harm than good. It suggests work and life are in opposition to each other and that it’s necessary to take from one to give to the other.” Instead, Friedman recommends workers reconsider how different parts of their lives affect one another.

One way to start examining how all the parts of your life fit together is by prioritizing what is most important to you. While

by Erika Branchcomb Florida League of Cities

having a successful career is a common goal, it may not be your top priority at this point in your life. Looking at your lifestyle and career options, a lower-paying job closer to excellent childcare may be more beneficial than a higher-paying job with a longer commute. Or the opportunity to telecommute may be more desirable than a job in a brick-and-mortar building. No one’s needs or priorities are the same, and yours will likely change throughout your career.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FLEXIBILITY

The recurring theme in all of the tips, trends and research is the importance of flexibility, not only for employers who strive to model best practices for employees but also for the workers who are seeking this balance.

A healthy work-life balance doesn’t necessarily mean an even split between your work and personal time. And it doesn’t have to look the same every day, week or month. Depending on the events and cycle of your life, this work-life balance could be a fluid one that ebbs and flows as time and demands allow. It usually takes a long period of thoughtful evaluation, prioritization, experimentation and adjustment to find what ultimately works best for you, your employer and your family. As situations change, a willingness to adapt and seek new strategies will significantly benefit those trying to manage the never-ending cycle of worklife balance.

Erika Branchcomb is the Senior Communications Specialist at the Florida League of Cities. QC

THIRD QUARTER 2021 | QUALITY CITIES 67

Ç/E+/GETTY IMAGES

MENTAL HEALTH

The Florida Municipal Insurance Trust, with approximately 550 members, has been providing insurance to Florida’s local governments since 1977.

∙ Property

1.800.445.6248 insurance.flcities.com

∙ Law Enforcement Professional Liability

∙ Workers’ Compensation ∙ General Liability ∙ Health ∙ Auto ∙ Cyber Coverage ∙ Public Officials Liability ∙ Disaster Response and Recovery Services ∙ FMIT Employment Law Advisor (ELA)