Community Stewardship Recognition Program

Based on the framework produced by the Education and Community Awareness Subcommittee, Staff has refined it slightly and developed a draft set of criteria that could be used to review project nominations for community stewardship recognition.  The draft packet is attached for the Board to review.  Staff has also researched whether the Board would have the ability to recognize efforts of individuals, groups or businesses as it relates to community stewardship.  It appears that there is nothing that would expressly prohibit the Board from taking such action.  In fact, the Economic Development Authority annually recognizes a business of the year and the Parks and Recreation Commission periodically recognizes volunteer efforts in, or contributions to, City parks.  Thus, if so desired, there could be differing levels of recognition based on the merits of a project. 

The criteria and questions outlined in the attached draft packet were designed with a tiered structure in mind.  The information submitted as part of the nomination packet could be used to identify what level of recognition is appropriate.  In an attempt to maintain a streamlined process, Staff could review a nomination and determine whether recognition should be from the EPB, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and/or City Council.  Staff would update the respective advisory boards whenever a nomination is received.

The recognition process would be fairly similar, regardless of whether an adivisory board or City Council were recognizing a project.  The primary distinction would be whether a recipient were to receive a plaque (from City Council) or a certificate (from an advisory board).  An individual or business receiving recognition would receive a plaque/certificate of recognition that could be displayed in their residence or place of business, their project would be highlighted in the Ramsey Resident newsletter, and would also be added to the City's website (community stewardship recognition page would be created).  

Staff is seeking approval of the program design and nomination criteria.  However, if there are revisions that the Board would like made, those can be idenitified and incorporated into the program document (and should be included in the motion to approve, if applicable).  Staff has received confirmation that this document does not need to be formally reviewed/approved by the Park and Recreation Commission as the EPB has taken the lead on this project.  Rather, once the Board approves the program structure, it will noted to that commission at their next meeting. 

Expenses associated with this recognition program would be minimal.  The hard costs include the plaques (approximately $7.50 apiece), certificate paper (25-count for approximately $6.00), and folders (6-pack for approximately $3.50).  Thus, the total hard costs for stewardship recognition with a plaque would be approximately $8.00 and with a certificate would be approximately $1.00.  Costs for these materials would come from the Environmental Services budget.

Motion to approve the Community Stewardship Recognition program.