Citizen University Application Guidebook

A P P L I C AT I O N GUIDEBOOK 2015-16

Scan to apply online or visit www.weatherfordtx.gov/cu

Government is a trust, and the officers of government are trustees, and both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people.

- Henry Clay

What is Weatherford Citizen University?

Weatherford Citizen University (WCU) is an opportunity for residents to learn about the structure and activities of their local City government. Students will experience the decision making processes and see actual operations. The class offers students the opportunity to learn about the financial budgets set for the City, tour various City facilities, and see behind-thescene functions of the Police and Fire departments. Students will also meet animals from the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter and meet with City leaders to learn how various departments serve citizens.

What is required for the membership?

Number of students and eligibility

The class is limited to 25 students. Eligibility requirements: • Be a resident of Weatherford for at least one year.

• Be at least 18 years of age or older.

• Cannot hold a local political office or be running for a local political office during the 10 month program.

• Must be a registered voter within the City of Weatherford.

Application

All WCU students will be selected via an open application process. Applications are available at the City of Weatherford City Hall and on the City of Weatherford website. The application must be received no later than 5 p.m. on February 15 for consideration.

Class Meetings

WCU is a ten-month program with evening classes being held once a month. Each session will last approximately two and a half hours. Sessions will begin promptly at 6 p.m. and will end at approximately 8:30 p.m. Please note that sessions may meet at a different location depending on the topic. The City of Weatherford reserves the right to adjust dates and meeting times anytime.

Attendance

Each participant must complete a minimum of eight sessions of the 10 to graduate from the program. Due to department scheduling, no make-up sessions will be available.

Selection

Selection criteria will be based on the eligibility requirements and strength of application.

Weatherford Citizen University 2015-16 Meeting Calendar The Weatherford Citizen University has regular monthly classes.

Regular meetings of the Weatherford Citizen University are primarily on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

The 2015-16 regular meeting schedule at this time is as follows: Thursday, March 10, 2016 Getting to Know Your City Government City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto St., City Council Chamber Thursday, April 14, 2016 Finance, Management and Budget City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto St., City Council Chamber Thursday, May 12, 2016 Public Safety - Police Department Police Department, 801 Santa Fe Dr., Patrol Briefing Room Thursday, June 16, 2016 Parks, Recreation and Special Events - Consumer Health - Chamber of Commerce Mount Pleasant School, 213 Raymond George Way Thursday, July 14, 2016 Municipal Community Services, Transportation and Public Works Transportation and Public Works Service Center, 802 East Oak St., TPW Training Room Thursday, August 11, 2016 Planning Division, Building Division, Code Enforcement, Economic Development City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto St., City Council Chamber Thursday, September 15, 2016 Animal Shelter Animal Shelter, 403 Hickory Ln., Animal Shelter Adoption Center Thursday, October 13, 2016 Water and Electric Utilities Utility Service Center, 917 Eureka St., Training Room Thursday, November 10, 2016 Public Safety - Fire Department Fire Station 1, 122 S. Alamo St., Training Room Thursday, December 15, 2016 Municipal Court, Library City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto St., City Council Chamber Graduation - Friday, December 16

Weatherford Citizen University 2015-16 Application APPLICANT INFORMATION: First Name Last Name Street Address Address Line 2 City/State

ZIP Code

Phone Number

Cell Number

Resident of Weatherford for

years

Registered Voter: Yes

No

Email

Voter ID Number:

Occupation Employer Employer Address Polo Size:

Small

Medium

Large

XL

XXL

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: What activities/organizations do you participate in?

Why do you want to participate in the Weatherford Citizen University?

Identify three issues you feel are important to Weatherford and/or your key areas of interest?

(This information will be provided for class presenters.)

What do you see as positives for you living in Weatherford?

How did you hear about Weatherford Citizen University?

City Website

Friend

City Employee

Colleague

Newspaper Other, please explain: 

AUTHORIZATION TO USE IMAGE I hereby consent to my photograph being taken or image recorded by the City of Weatherford in connection with Weatherford Citizen University (WCU) regular meetings and activities.

Furthermore, I authorize the use, copyright or publication of my name, image or voice as may be captured by photograph, video or audio recording while attending or participating with the Weatherford Citizen University (WCU), in any medium, for any purpose, including illustration, promotion, marketing or advertisement.

Yes

No

For questions, please contact Public Relations Manager Blake Rexroat at 817-598-4209 or brexroat@weatherfordtx.gov.

APPLICANT AGREEMENT As an applicant for the 2015-16 Weatherford Citizen University (WCU), you understand the importance of being an active participant in WCU classes and activities. If selected, you agree to do the following: • • • •

Attend regular classes.

Contribute ideas and energy to WCU classes and activities.

Contact the WCU Staff Liaison in advance if you are unable to attend class.

Check e-mails regularly and promptly reply or acknowledge receipt.

You acknowledge that you are available to participate in classes and activities required for graduation. You understand that each participant must complete a minimum of eight sessions of the ten to graduate from the program and no make-up sessions will be available for missed sessions.

Applicants must be registered voters in the City of Weatherford, a resident for at least one year, 18 years of age and not running for local political office during the 10 month program. Fifteen residents will be chosen to participate. Spouses will not be allowed to participate in the same University class.

By signing below, you certify that all information on this form is represented accurately. The applicant further authorizes the City Council, or its designee, to verify any information.

The applicant agrees to release and hold harmless the City from all claims incident to the verification of information contained herein. All information is considered public pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act. If not selected for the 2015-16 University, would you like your application to be kept on file for next session?

Yes

No

I HEREBY AFFIRM THAT ALL STATEMENTS HEREIN ARE TRUE AND CORRECT. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE APPLICANT AGREEMENT. SIGATURE OF APPLICANT:

DATE: Please return the completed form to the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto Street, Weatherford, TX 76086 or email to brexroat@weatherfordtx.gov by February 15, 2016 to be considered for the University.

Please return the completed form to the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto Street, Weatherford, TX 76086 or email to brexroat@weatherfordtx.gov by February 15, 2016 to be considered for the University.