University Relations Task Force
Archived Minutes

University Relations Task Force - May 7, 2007

University Relations Task Force - December 8, 2006

University Relations Task Force - March, 3, 2006

University Relations Task Force - January 6, 2006

University Relations Task Force - October 26, 2005

University Relations Task Force - September 30, 2005

University Relations Task Force - September 19, 2005

Texas City Management Association
University Relations Task Force
Minutes
May 7, 2007 - 11:00 a.m.
T exas Municipal League, Luther Jones Conference Room
Austin, Texas

Members of the Task Force present were: Chair: Karen Daly, Consulting City Manager, City of Greenville; Vice Chair: Ted Benavides, UT-Dallas; Terrell Blodgett, Professor Emeritus, UT Austin; Stephanie Brim, TRMC, Community Services Director, City of Huntsville; James P. Jeffers, City Manager, City of Nacogdoches; Robert Miller, Lago Vista; Denny Arnold, Victoria; and James Thurmond, Missouri City

TML staff member: Kim Pendergraft

Karen Daly called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. welcoming and thanking committee members in attendance for their support.

1. Karen gave an update on her visits to universities and reviewed the task force report presented to the TCMA Board. She reported that more universities were focusing on local government instead of a state and national focus. She said she also found that universities were conducting management training for cities and this was a way of staying better connected. Karen asked the committee for recommendations regarding the future methods of involving the universities. Recommendations included making presentations at future TCMA conferences, asking universities to help cities with projects, and connecting current research findings with the issues facing cities.

2. James Thurmond moved to ask the Board to extend the task force an additional one year. This will provide continued progress and connectivity between TCMA and Texas colleges and universities. Terrell Blodgett seconded the motion and all were in favor. Karen will present the recommendation at the next Board meeting on June 21, 2007.

3. Five internship applications were reviewed. The task force agreed that each applicant be presented to the Board for recommendation. Upon Board approval, the applicants will be notified and sent an agreement of internship requirements. Karen Daly will contact Kim Pendergraft regarding the procedure to send applications to cities for the interviewing process.

4. The task force determined that the deadline for city participation would not be linked to the internship application deadline. This will allow more flexibility and time for cities to volunteer. In addition, it will allow task force members the opportunity to contact cities and invite them to participate if an applicant has listed a specific city on the application. A current applicant requested the City of Selma to sponsor an internship. Bob Miller will contact the city manager of Selma and report back to the task force if the city would like to participate in the program.

5. Two Terrell Blodgett Academician Award nominations were reviewed. Terrell Blodgett and Ted Benavides abstained from voting. The Task Force made a recommendation for the recipient. The award will be presented by Terrell Blodgett at the TCMA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon, Friday, June 22.

The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

back to top

Texas City Management Association
University Relations Task Force Minutes
December 8, 2006
10:00 a.m.
Texas Municipal League, 3rd Floor
Austin, Texas

Members of the Task Force present were: Chair: Karen Daly, City Manager, City of Greenville; Vice Chair: Ted Benavides, UT-Dallas; Terrell Blodgett, Professor Emeritus, UT Austin; Stephanie Brim, TRMC, Community Services Director, City of Huntsville; Debra Brooks Feazelle, Past Chair, Consultant, City of La Porte; James P. Jeffers, City Manager, City of Nacogdoches; Bill Keffler, City Manager, City of Richardson; Robert A. Miller, and James Thurmond

TCMA membership represented: Larry Burnside

TML staff member: Lonne Parent-Smith

Meeting was called to order at 10:34 a.m

1. Overview of Past Task Force-Related Accomplishments

Debbie Feazelle, Consultant, City of La Porte and past task force chair, reviewed the objectives of the task force stating great strides had been made, the objectives of the task force were being met, but there was still work to be done. She stated there has been an enhancement of communication/relations with Texas’ education institutions, training had been provided at the TCMA annual conference, a list of practitioners had been created, but follow-up was needed, and the internship program had been started. She reported that one objective, joint membership opportunities, had been worked on by another committee. The other objective was to link university research with practitioners.

2. Review of Current Internship Program Progress

The task force reviewed the evaluation reports that had been submitted. Debbie Feazelle reminded the group that TCMA had only received 5 applications. She reported that LaPorte had hired one of the applicants (Mike Stokes) and is going to continue using him. They have had a good experience and it turned out well for them. She stated that if the word gets out there might be more cities wanting to participate next time.

It was suggested that the committee make an effort to insure the program is more geographically diverse, in particular to promote more to the rural areas, and to connect with cities that don’t have interns. It was suggested that the program could begin the publicity and application process in during the Spring 2007 semester since we had more lead time.

The following items were noted by the task force:

• The task force didn’t interview the candidates; they only reviewed the applications and resumes. The cities conducted interviews and made the selection.
• The city that participates and hires an intern through the TCMA internship program needs to provide an evaluation of the program to TCMA.
• A TCMA member has to be supervising. This is to provide some level of quality assurance.
• The charge of the internship program is to focus on smaller cities due to funding needs.

Karen Daly asked the task force what they felt needed to be changed, kept, or discarded regarding the internship program, and if the number of interns should remain at five. The following suggestions were made:

• promote at the regional level
• focus interns where there are more needs particularly in smaller cities that have not previously had interns and state this purpose on the application
• challenge the regions to provide funding for the intern’s travel
• encourage interns to the TCMA Annual Conference by helping pay for travel and hotel
• expand the number of internships.
• continue the internship with 400 hours at a pay rate of $10 an hour.

Karen will make the following recommendations to the Board:

Ask for $20,000 to be allocated by region. If the region does not have an intern to hire, then money could roll to another region for additional interns.

3. Discussion of Potential TCMA Award for University Professor/Lecturer

Ted Benavides, UT-Dallas and Task Force Vice-Chair and Bill Keffler, City Manager, City of Richardson will draft a form and qualifications for a distinguished professor. They will start by using the ICMA Award criteria. This will be submitted to the task force before the January 12 TCMA Board meeting.

The following are criteria which need to be considered in the selection process:

• Level of involvement with TCMA.
• What efforts is the individual making to promote and teach city management?
• Attendance at the TCMA regional meetings.
• How does the academic encourage the students to get involved?

4. Methods to connect resources between cities and universities

• Make research that universities are doing available, accessible, and relevant to city managers.
• Karen will check with Julie Johnston and ask Julie to find out what the conference committee would recommend in the way of incorporating university research that is relevant to TCMA.

Additional ideas of how to connect the universities with regional meetings:

• TCMA regional directors or a designated region member needs to invite university representatives to attend regional meetings.
• Have a university host a regional meeting and make a presentation.

5. Additional considerations of the Task Force:

• Consider increasing the number of CPM scholarships.

• TCMA should support establishing the CPM as a standard to our membership. This would be in addition to the ICMA credentialing program. Some of the smaller cities or young city managers who are not involved with ICMA, if they want to be a well rounded city manager, the CPM could be a standard.

• Encourage the development of senior high/college curriculum for “Our Town, Texas”.
• It was suggested that consideration be made for the task force to continue in order to provide universities a contact within TCMA and provide the Board a link. Further discussion was that the relationship between TCMA and universities could also be accomplished through professional development.

Karen will present a task force review and recommendations to the TCMA Board on January 12.

Meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

University Relations Task Force
March 3, 2006
Texas Municipal League – Austin

Members of the Task Force present were: Chair: Debbie Feazelle, City Manager, LaPorte; Vice Chair, Ted Benavides, University of Texas Dallas; Julie Johnston, City Manager, Oak Point; Bill Keffler, City Manager, Richardson; Terrell Blodgett, Professor Emeritus, UT-Austin and TCMA Distinguished member; Alex Briseno, Professor of Public Service in Residence, St. Mary’s University; Alejandra Lopez, External Relations Coordinator, San Antonio.

Guest: Shanika Brooks, Management Intern, Oak Point TML

Staff: Kim Pendergraft

Debbie Feazelle brought the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. She reported that the TCMA Board approved the concept of an internship program with 5 scholarships to be awarded at $2,000 each with awarded cities matching an equal amount. Debbie will present the guidelines for the pilot program at the April 6 - 7, 2006 TCMA Board meeting in Longview.

1. Internship/Scholarship Program:

• Julie Johnston and Shanika Brooks presented the draft guidelines for the pilot internship program.
• The following changes and clarifications will be made by Julie Johnston and reviewed by the task force prior to presentation to the TCMA Board.
  • Internship to be awarded to a graduate and undergraduate attending a Texas college, preparing for a career in city management, and maintaining a 3.0 GPA. The wording for Purpose and Background of the draft Internship Program would need to reflect this language. “. . . students who which to prepare themselves to assume careers in public (change to city) management.”
  • Letters of recommendations to be provided by university professors.
  • The internship will be a maximum of 400 hours at $10.00 per hour which provides full college credit for the intern.
  • Contact an attorney regarding the legal implications of interns being contract vs. city employee and the city paying the payroll taxes.
  • Intern supervisor must be a TCMA member.
  • Research travel expenditures to be covered, with TCMA fronting travel funds to the participating city. Housing will be the responsibility of the intern.
  • Consideration for the number of times and the rotation a city can sponsor an intern.
  • The pilot program will be structured for internships to begin the fall and spring 2006-07 semesters. Following the pilot program, the deadline application date will be modified to allow students the option of a summer internship.
  • Remove ethnicity, gender, SAT and GRE scores from the application.

2. Utilization of University Research Ability:

• Julie Johnston will write a short article for the Management Messenger providing information to city managers regarding the opportunity to send a Request for Proposal to university public administration programs for needed research in their city.
• Kim Pendergraft will continue to explore if scholarly research articles are accessible to city managers and provide links to these articles in the Management Messenger.
• Ted Benavides will provide university e-mail addresses of Texas public administration departments to Kim Pendergraft for requesting articles of interest for the Management Messenger.
• Debbie Feazelle mentioned utilizing current University of Texas-Arlington articles in which professors are working with Texas cities.

3. Training Program:

• Julie Johnston has addressed this need by placing university professors on the TCMA Annual Conference agenda.
• It was suggested that a university professor be included on future annual conference planning committees. No action was taken.

4. MPA Programs Interation:

• Explore the concept of TCMA recognizing a Texas college professor for support in city manager/council form of government.
• Alejandra Lopez will draft the criteria for this program and present it at the next task force meeting.
• Ted Benavides will acquire an ASPA program and research how city managers can participate in the university professor conferences.

5. Explore Joint Membership with TCMA/ASPA:

• Debbie Feazelle will contact Mike Perez on the progress of this objective and invite him to the next task force meeting to give a report.

6. Public Administrators Teaching College Courses:

• Debbie Feazelle will ask the TCMA Board to encourage TCMA Regions to host an annual region meeting which involves public administration university professors and students.
• In addition, provide each TCMA Regional President with a list of city managers who have volunteered to teach or guest speak in the classroom and encourage them to make the initial contact with the university in their region.

7. Miscellaneous Items:

• Mark McDaniel asked, through an e-mail, that the task force consider awarding/honoring a TCMA member who has promoted the council/manager form of government. Debbie Feazelle will present this to the Board in April and determine if this reflects the mission of the task force.
• Terrell Blodgett discussed the need to update the Charter Book, find an avenue for extending the CPM program to the Lower Valley and East and West Texas, and possibly expand the Certified Public Manager program.
• Terrell Blogett also suggested that Debbie Feazelle recommend to the TCMA Board that TCMA honor George Schrader at the June annual conference for his work in promoting the council/manager form of government.

The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

(back to top)

University Relations Task Force
January 6, 2006
Texas Municipal League – Austin

Members of the Task Force present were: Chair: Debbie Feazelle, City Manager, LaPorte; Vice Chair, Ted Benavides, University of Texas Dallas; Raul Salazar, Management Assistant, Lubbock; Karen Daly, City Manager, Greenville; Julie Johnston, City Manager, Oak Point; Bill Keffler, City Manager, Richardson; Dr. Howard Balanoff, Professor & Center Director, Texas State University-San Marcos; Alex Briseno, Professor of Public Service in Residence, St. Mary’s University; Alejandra Lopez, External Relations Coordinator, San Antonio.

Guests: Mark McDaniel, Deputy City Manager, Tyler

TML Staff: Kyle Jung and Kim Pendergraft

Debbie Feazelle brought the meeting to order at Noon. She reviewed the history of the Task Force, previous meeting dates, and the mission of the Task Force.

The results of the TCMA Membership Interest Survey University Relations section were discussed.
1. Ridley Scholarship:

• Karen Daly asked if anyone had assessed the history of Ridley Scholarship to determine if those awarded the scholarship were in city management positions.
• Julie Johnston stated that if she would have known the history she may have answered the question of how to fund an internship differently.
• Dr. Balanoff suggested that the criteria for the scholarship be broadened to include those who were currently practicing in city management.
• Alex Briseno suggested offering more than one scholarship.
• Mark McDaniel made the observation that the Ridley Scholarship are funds available upfront for students and an internship is to assist individuals at the backend.
• Bill Keffler stated that TCMA needs to be certain to look for good candidates and not water down the criteria.

2. Internship:

• Karen Daly and Julie Johnston stated that if internships were to be available, the criteria needed to be equal for both small and large cities to ensure an equal playing field.
• Julie Johnston added that the criteria should also include one internship per city.
• It was also noted that the city manager applying for the internship would need to contact a university and work with the MPA program to select a student.
  • Alex Briseno agreed to build a list of private schools.
  • Janay Tieken, University of North Texas has compiled a list of public schools.
• The Task Force decided to make a recommendation to the TCMA Board to pilot a statewide internship program. The program would make funds available for five (5), $2,000.00 scholarships. The cities awarded these scholarships would be required to match the funds.
• Karen Daly and Julie Johnston agreed to draft the internship criteria within the parameters of a TCMA Board recommendation. A draft will be completed by the next Task Force meeting on February 24, 2006.
• Debbie Feazelle noted that the recommendation to the Board was consistent with the Task Force mission.

3. Research:

• It was suggested that TCMA commission selected research projects to be conducted by universities and publish the results.
• Dr. Balanoff stated there were MPA students needing research projects and professors needing to make tenure. He suggested that TCMA have a committee review the research upon completion and make it available to TCMA members.
• Karen Daly suggested the research could be shared at the TCMA Annual Conference.
• Julie Johnston stated that currently three TCMA Annual Conference sessions will utilize university participation.
• Other suggestions included: educate membership on the availability of research, provide a URL in the Management Messenger newsletter each month to an existing project, provide a link on the TCMA web site to research, ask Innovation Group (IG )if they provide a database for research articles, and have universities provide links to research.

4. TCMA volunteer university adjuncts/speakers:

• Kim Pendergraft reported there is a list of all members who volunteered.
• There was discussion on how to connect the city manager volunteers with universities.
• Julie Johnston shared her experience with collaborating with the University of North Texas (UNT) which provided her opportunities for exposure in the classroom as well as bringing students in the field.
• There was overall agreement that city managers will need to initiate their service and a list of volunteers will need to be made available to universities.
• It was also stated that members who have volunteered to teach would need to find sample syllabi to assist them in developing a course. Dr. Balanoff stated they are available on university web sites.
• It was suggested that the TCMA Regions dedicate a meeting for universities. This would provide face-to-face time with students and professors. The MPA director and the Region director can collaborate to make this possible.

Other topics discussed:

• Alex Briseno suggested creating a way for TCMA to recognize a professor for their dedication to teaching and supporting public service.
• Kyle Jung provided information on existing membership and conference discounts to students and universities.
• Debbie Feazelle called for assigned reports from Task Force members.
  • Debbie Feazelle would check with Dr. Bland at UNT to determine if he has compiled a list of alumni in Texas for the purpose of cultivating relationships.
  • Raul Salazar and Alex Briseno are to ask if the Task Force could speak at the Association of Hispanic Municipal Officials (AHMO) conference.
  • Ted Benavides will contact Texas Association of Black City Council Members (TABCCM) to ask if the Task Force could speak to TABCCM.
  • Kyle Jung will coordinate a time to meet with the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association (TMHRA) and the Small Cities Advisory Council.

Debbie Feazelle and Ted Benavides will make a presentation to the Board on the progress of the Task Force and make recommendations to pilot a statewide internship program.

The next Task Force meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2006 at TML from 11:00am – 2:00pm. A final recommendation for the Internship Pilot Program will be submitted to the Board on April 7, 2006.

The meeting adjourned at 2:00pm.

(back to top)

University Relations Task Force
October 26, 2005
Grapevine

Members of the task force present were: Vice Chair, Ted Benavides, UT-Dallas; Bill Keffler, City Manager, Richardson; and Eric Olmedo, Budget Officer, Rowlett.

Guests: Rickey Childers, TCMA President, City Manager, Longview; Mark McDaniel, TCMA President Elect, Deputy City Manager, Tyler; and Dr. Bland, University North Texas.

TML staff members: Kyle Jung and Kim Pendergraft

Ted Benavides called the meeting to order at 1:30 pm.

Ted reviewed the minutes from the September 30th meeting and stated that he would take the lead to re-establish the Texas Association of Schools of Public Affairs (TASPA).

Ted suggested that city managers should take the lead and make personal visits to universities and junior colleges. It was noted that MPA directors, career placement departments, and cooperative education programs on each campus would be key resources for identifying alumni and students interested in local government. In addition, he remarked political science and history departments could also be tapped to expose students to local government. Kyle Jung noted that TML can search the database to determine which universities were attended by TCMA members.

Kim Pendergraft reported that Dr. Bill Riggs of Texas A & M International has 5 female students who he indicated could benefit from a TCMA educational event. Dr. Riggs has been contacted to provide information on these students.

Bill Keffler asked, “What do I want out of the universities?” He stated that TCMA needs to determine a practical reason why we need the kinship. Mark McDaniel stated that developing a relationship is key to understanding the potential of a partnership.

Dr. Bland shared that universities need adjuncts, internships, and research projects. He also stated that cities need talent and well qualified students. Dr. Bland provided the following suggestions and options:

• Students could assist smaller cities by developing handbooks or helping with budgets. These services could be offered pro bono as class projects.
• Students could write articles for the Texas Town and City magazine or the TCMA newsletter.
• Cities could apply for internship funds provided through TCMA’s budget. The city awarded the internship would match the funded amount.
• TCMA could determine a worthy research topic and have universities compete. He stated that $5,000 would capture the attention of universities. The research could be conducted by assistant professors or graduate students. Discussion of needs by TCMA were as follows:
• Assistance developing a high school and college level curriculum for “Our Town, Texas.”
• Training in areas such as dispute resolution and ethics.
• It was stated that if cities were to utilize interns, universities and TCMA would need to establish guidelines between the student and the city.

Kyle Jung asked for detailed information regarding an event to be conducted by The Innovation Groups (IG). Dr. Bland stated that IG is looking for support/partnership from universities but, was not certain of the specifics regarding the form of this support. A symposium to be held in February, 2006 is a one-day event and is separate from any support or partnership they are seeking. Ted was not aware of details on this event.

Mark McDaniel suggested that Debbie, Mark, Rickey, and Ted confer about the direction of the task force. He listed the following items as the stated needs of both TCMA and universities:

TCMA:

• Student talent and proper training
• Assistance developing manuals for small cities
• Assistance developing “Our Town, Texas” curriculum

Universities:

• TCMA sponsorship of interns
• Research
• Adjuncts

Mark made the following recommendations: TCMA to ask for assistance in developing “Our Town, Texas” curriculum and for universities to conduct research for TCMA. In addition, he suggested that the task force make recommendations to the TCMA Board for sponsoring an internship.

Ted stated that he will continue to build a list of schools and their accreditation status.

The next meeting is to be scheduled to meet at the TML building in Austin on a Thursday or Friday and to begin at 10:30 or 11:00. TML staff will provide dates.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 pm

(back to top)

University Relations Task Force Meeting
September 30, 2005
University of Texas-Austin

Members of the Task Force present were: Vice Chair: Ted Benavides, UT-Dallas; Terrell Blodgett, Professor Emeritus, UT-Austin and TCMA Distinguished member; Rick Herzog, MPA Program Director, Stephen F. Austin State University; Howard Balanoff, Texas State University-San Marcos, and James Thurmond, Past President of TCMA.

Texas university representatives present were: Jerrell D. Coggburn, UT-San Antonio; Pat Shields, Professor and MPA Director, Texas State University-San Marcos; David W. Tees, UT-Arlington; Ken Matwiczak, LBJ School, UT-Austin; Bill Riggs, Texas A & M International.

TCMA membership represented: Larry Burnside

TML staff members: Kyle Jung, and Kim Pendergraft

Others present: Peter Haruna, Texas A & M and Kwame Antwi-Boasialu, Stephen F. Austin State University

Ted Benavides called the meeting to order at 1:30.

Ted stated that TCMA would like to have a structured way of connecting with Texas universities and to build a stronger relationship between TCMA members and MPA programs at Texas universities. In addition, Ted asked the universities represented how the relationship between TCMA and the universities could be improved.

David Tees stated access to the Texas information in the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs (NASPA) database would be useful in determining what is being offered in MPA Programs in Texas. Terrell Blodgett emphasized that Texas Association of Schools of Public Affairs (TASPA) could be revitalized. Involvement at TCMA regional and state meetings would be especially valuable to assistant professors and provide a forum for both city managers and assistant professors to plan joint projects. TCMA regions should include regional MPA faculty and students in notification of future meetings.

Terrell Blodgett stated his concern of a lack of professionally trained individuals in small towns for careers in public service. Professional careers of spouses and younger couples make larger urban areas more attractive. As a result, many individuals who are appointed city manager in smaller towns have not been professionally trained in city management.

The following solutions were suggested:

• Provide internet courses.
• Promote CPM programs as a supplement to city managers who do not have an MPA.
• Universities offer a CPM weekend program.
• Universities offer 3 or 8 week short courses.

It was noted that UT-Arlington currently has an MPA program online and is operating well.

In light of these comments it was discussed that there was a need to not only focus on MPA programs but to reach out to students in the bachelors program. In addition, professors stated they needed to emphasize to their students the need to become knowledgeable of their local government.

Bill Riggs, Texas A & M International, stated that he has several female students who currently need to attend a TCMA conference. They are very motivated individuals and would benefit from the experience.

The following suggestions were made for TCMA members to consider:

• Provide opportunities for undergraduates to serve as interns.
• Offer job shadowing opportunities. Universities have job career centers that can assist with this.
• Invite current and past city managers to serve as adjuncts or mentors to young people who are going into the city management profession.
• Invite students to do research and write articles for the TCMA publications.
• Provide research opportunities for assistant professors and MPA students.
• Encourage TCMA members from universities to serve on TCMA committees and task forces.
• Encourage students and university faculty to attend regional meetings.
• Allow university professors to endorse student membership applications.
• Provide a reduced rate for students to attend TCMA educational events.
• Survey TCMA members to determine what skill sets are critical for success and should be taught in the classroom.
• Sponsor a workshop for PA and MPA college students on a university campus or other venue.

Professors would also like the following to be considered:

• The opportunity to speak at TCMA educational events.
• The opportunity to present papers.
• Provide grants for travel for assistant professors to attend conferences.
• Develop joint fund raising between professors and TCMA to raise funds for attendance at TCMA educational events.

Larry Burnside asked for feedback on developing an “Our Town, Texas” for college level. He was directed to acquire syllabi from current course offerings to identify material to incorporate into the high school/college level curriculum.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

(back to top)

University Relations Task Force Meeting
September 19, 2005
Dallas Love Field Airport—Love Field Multi-Purpose Room

Members of the Task Force present were: Chair: Debbie Feazelle, City Manager, LaPorte; Vice Chair: Ted Benavides, University of Texas Dallas; Raul Salazar, Management Assistant, Lubbock; Valerie Bradley, Sr. Management Analyst, Mesquite; Bill Keffler, City Manager, Richardson; Tammi Saddler, Assistant to City Administrator, League City; and Eric Olmedo, Budget Officer, Rowlett.

Guests: Rickey Childers, TCMA President, City Manager, Longview and Janey Tieken, Internship Coordinator, Dept. Public Admin., University of North Texas

TML staff members: Gary Watkins, Kyle Jung, and Kim Pendergraft.

Debbie Feazelle called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

Debbie reviewed the mission of the task force as well as the agenda.

The task force discussed how to identify schools that have accredited Masters of Public Administration (MPA) programs and how to link between these schools and TCMA. Ted volunteered to acquire a roster of students, demographics, curriculum tracks, and how the CPM and Masters programs are utilized on each campus. This was not to be limited to universities, but also to include community and junior colleges. Janey Tieken mentioned that a list of accredited schools would be available from the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs (NASPAA). TCMA agreed to explore ways to sort and use its database to facilitate improving relations among universities and TCMA.

A discussion also concluded that it may be beneficial to approach the Human Resource professionals about a possible role in this effort. TCMA agreed to approach the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association (TMHRA) and ask for the opportunity to have a task force representative discuss a potential partnership.

The Our Town, Texas Program was also discussed. Kyle Jung explained that the goal of the Our Town, Texas task force is to develop the high school and college level curriculum. This curriculum could be used to educate and interest undergraduates in public service at the local level.

Following a discussion about the prospective role of minority organizations, Raul Salazar indicated he would approach the National Hispanic Institute and Ted Benavides stated he would contact the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

The topic of young professionals and small cities was discussed. The TML staff agreed to find out the date of the next TML Small Cities Advisory Council meeting in order for the task force to pursue being placed on their agenda to discuss the professional management needs of small cities.

In light of comments regarding tight budgets, the potential of using Web cast-related technology was discussed as a means to facilitate interaction among students, professors, and elected or appointed city officials. Ted Benavides advised that ICMA, the Innovation Groups, and some North Texas area universities were exploring an online project. Gary Watkins remarked that TCMA would like to learn more about the project and possibly participate.

In summary, the following actions were taken:

• Collect information on MPA programs, CPM programs, other pertinent programs, and students within universities, junior colleges, and community colleges.
• Explore the prospective roles of several groups such as:
  • Texas Municipal Human Resources Association
  • Small Cities Advisory Council
  • National Forum for Black Public Administrators
  • National Hispanic Institute
  • Executive recruiters
  • TCMA Regional organizations
  • Assistants organizations
  • Alumni groups
• Consider such related matters as:
  • Encouraging mentors closer in age and university experience to mentees, i.e. not necessarily city managers but, younger professionals within the city organization.
  • Promoting cities (city organizations) as sources for a variety of professional careers that includes city managers but encompasses many other valuable professionals such as finance, HR, etc.
  • Securing the input of professors regarding their particular needs and what specifically can TCMA do to most benefit their efforts in the classroom.
  • Soliciting the input of TCMA members regarding the ways by which universities can best help cities in general and city management specifically with their ongoing responsibilities.
  • Identify ways by which to involve program directors, professors, and students in TCMA.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 30 in Austin during the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) conference. Gary Watkins agreed to contact Terrell Blodgett regarding a time and location for a joint gathering of the task force with MPA directors during the ASPA event.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m.