Submitted by: Laura Reams
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Agenda Section: Presentation
Item Title:
title
Committee Stipend Program
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
For presentation.
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Summary Background:
As part of the FY23 budgeting process, Councilmember Waszczak submitted a proposal to provide stipends to members of City Advisory bodies with the goal of recruiting and retaining membership that proportionally represents the community. A $40 per meeting stipend was proposed and funding allocated in the FY23 budget in the amount of $32,000.
Staff has reviewed the program outline and worked internally to develop the policy. Race and Equity Officer Shakira Louimarre conducted an equity analysis of the program, which is included with the policy document. Staff will present the program at the Council meeting of November 21. Rollout to existing committee members is scheduled for early December, with stipend payments effective for the term of December 1, 2022, through May 31, 2023. Additional outreach will be distributed to residents via the City’s print and social media platforms and the City’s website.
To collect metrics to gauge the effectiveness of the program, optional demographic questions have been added to the City’s committee application. The enrollment form for existing committee members will also include the optional demographic questions.
Enrollment form: https://www.hyattsville.org/forms.aspx?fid=155&admin=1&userid=1122
Next Steps:
Program rollout. Funding to continue the program for the FY24 budget year is planned for the Council’s budget. After the program has been in operation for a full year, an evaluation will be conducted by City staff to determine the effectiveness of the program and make recommendations for future funding.
Fiscal Impact:
FY23, up to $32,000.
City Administrator Comments:
The staff worked hard to create a program that is fair and equitable and should accomplish the goals and objectives outlined in the motion.
Community Engagement:
Information on the stipend program will roll out to the public via the City’s communication channels and on the City’s website. Council is encouraged to share information via their networks, at ward meetings, and/or council newsletters
Strategic Goals:
Goal 1 - Ensure Transparent and Accessible Governance
Legal Review Required?
N/A