Legislative Matter

Miami-Dade Legislative Item
File Number: 170824

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Clerk's Official Copy

File Number: 170824

File Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted

Version: 0

Reference: R-382-17

Control: County Commission

File Name: CHANGING ASD VOLUNTEER AGE

Introduced: 3/28/2017

Requester: NONE

Cost:

Final Action: 4/4/2017

Agenda Date: 4/4/2017

Agenda Item Number: 11A3

Notes:

Title:

RESOLUTION SETTING POLICY FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ESTABLISHING THE MINIMUM VOLUNTEER AGE WITH MIAMI-DADE ANIMAL SERVICES AT 16 YEARS OF AGE AND PERMITTING STUDENTS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE WHO ARE ENROLLED IN THE VETERINARY SCIENCES PROGRAM AT FELIX VARELA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL TO VOLUNTEER AT MIAMI-DADE ANIMAL SERVICES; DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR’S DESIGNEE TO DEVELOP A PLAN FOR YOUTH VOLUNTEERS AND REPORT TO THE BOARD WITHIN 90 DAYS [SEE ORIGINAL ITEM UNDER FILE NO. 170409]

Indexes:

ANIMAL SERVICES

Sponsors:	Daniella Levine Cava, Prime Sponsor
	Jose "Pepe" Diaz, Co-Sponsor
	Sally A. Heyman, Co-Sponsor

Sunset Provision: No

Effective Date:

Expiration Date:

Registered Lobbyist:

None Listed

Legislative History
Acting Body	Date	Agenda Item	Action	Sent To	Due Date	Returned	Pass/Fail

Board of County Commissioners	4/4/2017	11A3	Adopted				P

County Attorney	3/28/2017		Assigned	Joni A. Mosely		3/28/2017

Public Safety and Health Committee	3/15/2017	2B AMENDED	Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation with committee amendment(s)				P
REPORT:	Assistant County Attorney Gerald Sanchez read the title of the foregoing proposed resolution into the record. Chairwoman Heyman briefed the Committee on the foregoing proposed resolution, as it pertained to Juveniles that volunteered at Miami-Dade Animal Services intern programs; allowing students under the age of 15 to work with animals; however, because the students were working with animals the age was restricted to 18. Chairwoman Heyman noted that Commissioner Levine Cava proposed resolution set the age at 16. Chairwoman Heyman suggested the following amendment to include students under the age of 16 to participate in the Veterinary Program at Felix Varela Senior High School. Commissioner Levine Cava agreed to the suggested amendment. Commissioner Levine Cava asked that Mr. Alex Munoz, Director of Animal Services address concerns regarding the age limit under 16. Mr. Munoz confirmed the age of 16 was adequate since the Felix Varela Senior High students were properly trained to work with animals. He said that he would add the recommended age. In response to Commissioner Diaz’s question as to whether the propose resolution would interfere with School field trips to the Animal Services facility; Mr. Munoz confirmed that it would not interfere with School field trips. Discussion ensued between Commissioner Diaz and Mr. Munoz regarding the guidance and supervision of School field trips and Volunteering. Mr. Munoz expressed that the proposed resolution was an exceptional legislation. Chairwoman Heyman asked to be listed as a co-sponsor of the foregoing proposed resolution. Chairwoman Heyman requested that Daniel Junior, Interim Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and Mr. Munoz present a plan for the reimplementation of “K-9 in Custody Program” at the May 2017, Public Health and Safety Committee. Chairwoman Heyman noted the “K-9 in Custody Program” pertained to inmate(s) participation from Department of Corrections (DOC); where the inmate(s) helped the adoption process by socializing and assisting the animals to happier homes. She noted the program trial-run had since been discontinued; however, she would like to reinstate the program, whether Boot-Camp or Metro West participate to discuss further at the next Public Safety and Health Committee meeting. Commissioner Levine Cava stated she learned about the program when she visited the facilities and it was quite impressive. She asked to be listed as a co-sponsor of the foregoing proposed resolution. Commissioner Levine Cava said after Chairwoman Heyman further developed the program, she would like to co-prime the foregoing proposed resolution. Chairwoman Heyman noted when the program existed it was a great idea. She said that Mr. Munoz assigned staff to reinstate the program. Commissioner Diaz asked to be listed as a co-sponsor of the foregoing proposed resolution. Hearing no further questions or comments, the Committee proceeded to vote on the foregoing proposed resolution.

Legislative Text

TITLE
RESOLUTION SETTING POLICY FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ESTABLISHING THE MINIMUM VOLUNTEER AGE WITH MIAMI-DADE ANIMAL SERVICES AT 16 YEARS OF AGE AND PERMITTING STUDENTS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE WHO ARE ENROLLED IN THE VETERINARY SCIENCES PROGRAM AT FELIX VARELA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL TO VOLUNTEER AT MIAMI-DADE ANIMAL SERVICES; DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO DEVELOP A PLAN FOR YOUTH VOLUNTEERS AND REPORT TO THE BOARD WITHIN 90 DAYS [SEE ORIGINAL ITEM UNDER FILE NO. 170409]

BODY
WHEREAS, the current minimum age for volunteers at Miami-Dade Animal Services is 18 years of age; and
WHEREAS, youth who volunteer are more socially aware and have a greater sense of community; and
WHEREAS, volunteerism plays an important role in young people becoming active leaders and citizens; and
WHEREAS, youth volunteerism elicits a sense of responsibility toward others and gives young people a sense of belonging and respect for their community; and
WHEREAS, through volunteering, youth can develop the requisite experience, skills, and work ethic for future employment; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade Public Schools and many private and charter schools require that students perform volunteer service prior to graduation; and
>>WHEREAS, Felix Varela Senior High School offers a Veterinary Sciences Program for students from ninth to twelfth grade geared toward preparing students for careers in the veterinary sciences; and
WHEREAS, the first-hand experience of volunteering at Miami-Dade Animal Services will further prepare students enrolled in the Veterinary Sciences Program at Felix Varela Senior High School for a career in the veterinary sciences; and<<1
WHEREAS, this Board seeks to provide more youth with volunteer opportunities with Miami-Dade [[County]] Animal Services; and
[[WHEREAS, changing the minimum volunteer age from 18 years of age to 16 years of age is consistent with this goal; and]]
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade Animal Services [[Department]] encourages volunteer participation in meeting their mission of re-homing and caring for abandoned cats and dogs >>; and
WHEREAS, changing the minimum volunteer age from 18 years of age to 16 years of age and permitting students under 16 years of age who are enrolled in the Veterinary Sciences Program at Felix Varela Senior High School to volunteer at Miami-Dade Animal Services is consistent with this goal<<,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that:
Section 1. The Board hereby sets policy for Miami-Dade County establishing the minimum volunteer age with Miami-Dade Animal Services at 16 years of age >>and permitting students under 16 years of age who are enrolled in the Veterinary Sciences Program at Felix Varela Senior High School to volunteer at Miami-Dade Animal Services<<.
Section 2. The Board hereby directs the County Mayor to develop a plan and procedures for providing volunteer opportunities for 16 to 18 year olds >>and students under 16 years old who are enrolled in the Veterinary Sciences Program at Felix Varela Senior High School,<< consistent with the Board�s policy.
Section 3. Within 90 days of the effective date of this resolution, the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee shall prepare a report describing the plan >>providing volunteer opportunities for 16 to 18 year olds and students under 16 years old who are enrolled in the Veterinary Sciences Program at Felix Varela Senior High School<< to the Board and place the completed report on a Board agenda pursuant to Ordinance No. 14-65.

1 Committee amendments are indicated as follows: Words stricken through and/or [[double bracketed]] are deleted, words underscored and/or >>double arrowed<< are added.