LTC 077-2006 Status Update of the Teen Job Corps-Relocation to Band Shell at No. Shore ParkMIAMIBEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
no. LTC # LE'I-I'ER TO COMMISSION
077-2006
TO: Mayor David Dermer and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager 10~'~
DATE: March 22, 2006
SUBJECT: Status Update of the Teen Job Corps- Relocation to Band Shell at North
Shore Park
The following is a status update of the Teen Job Corps relocation issue addressing the
concerns expressed recently in an email by Ms. Deborah Ruggiero.
Due to the effects from both Hurricane Katrina and Wilma, the North Shore Community
Center, the main office and principal place of operations of the Teen Job Corps was severely
damaged. This required the Administration to assist the organization in finding another
location as the work space was unsafe and unhealthy.
After considering the available options the Administration offered Tatum Park as a site.
The facility is not staffed and is a frequent target for vandalism. Use of the space would have
been beneficial to each party. The Teen Job Corps indicated a desire to be closer to the 71st
Street and Collins area. The City then purchased a shed and made room for the Teen Job
Corps equipment storage at North Shore Park and Youth Center next to the maintenance
facility and tennis center on 734 Street.
While the Teen Job Corps was at the North Shore Youth Center, there were a number of
incidents between groups of teens that had previously not occurred. In general the Teen Job
Corps teens work from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M., and during this time they are supervised.
However, there are times before and after their work hours the teens frequent the park
unsupervised. During unsupervised times, disruptive situations including verbal and physical
altercations involving the teens from the Teen Job Corps and other teens from the
neighborhood have occurred. It became apparent to the Recreation Staff at the park that this
interaction was puffing a strain on the smooth running of the park. The distraction caused by
the additional teens, in times when they were not supervised was seen as a potential
detriment to youth participating in the on-going Parks and Recreation's programming.
This concern was communicated to Mrs. Ruggiero. It was again stated that Tatum was still
available as an altemative location if she was interested. Mr. Ruggiero responded she was
not interested in Tatum but did say the group would prefer being relocated behind the Band
Shell next to the North Shore Community Center. The Administration inspected the site and
reviewed her request. After finding the site suitable and not in any way interfering with the
Ocean Rescue entrance to their weight room facility, Mrs. Ruggiero was contacted on March
3rd and again on March 8, 2006, and advised that the location was approved.
With Ms. Ruggiero's agreement Parks and Recreation relocated the shed to that site on
March 10th. Since the relocation there have been no further situations at the North Shore
Park and Youth Center and the Teen Job Corps has operated from the Band Shell site
without incident.
The North Shore Youth Center was intended to be a temporary accommodation until a long
term solution was developed. As you know, the City has enjoyed a good working relationship
with the Teen Job Corps, has supported the organization from its inception both
organizationally and financially and has encouraged its growth and development. The City
has and will continue to have a respectful relationship with the Teen Job Corps and Ms.
Ruggiero.
Please advise if you have questions or comments.
JMG\RCM~KS~sam
F:\cmgr~ALL%TC-06~Teen Job Corp.doc
c: Robert C. Middaugh, Assistant City Manager
Kevin Smith, Parks & Recreation Director
Julio Magrisso, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director