By Sam Gilkey
For the News-Gazette

It’s not too early to think about attending the city of St. Cloud Citizens’ Academy.

The eight-week course begins Sept. 17 and is a good opportunity to learn more about how city government operates.

“People who live and/or work in St. Cloud are invited to look behind the scenes and learn first hand what it takes to effectively deliver services to the citizens of our city,” said City Manager Tom Hurt.

Hurt also invites those who are newly appointed to city boards and committees and those who may be interested in serving to submit an application.

“This is a great way for citizens to become more involved in their city and for us to receive direct feedback from citizens regarding our programs and services,” he said.

The three-hour classes are scheduled every Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. Applicants undergo a background check and students must attend all classes to receive a certificate of completion. Graduation is Nov. 8 during a regular city council meeting. The class will be held with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 students.

Participants interact with public officials to learn about the dynamics of municipal government with on-site instruction at several locations. Topics include the relationships between city council and the administration, functions of each department, budgeting, permits, employment, computer support, public safety, fire prevention and recreation.

The academy was started in 2005 and since then some 75 students have attended. There is no charge for the course.

Scott Thrower moved to St. Cloud a year ago and quickly registered for the 2011 academy.

“I found out about it through the city’s website,” he said. “I was new to the city and interested in how it ran and how I might help out in the future.

“This is absolutely a great way to be introduced to city government. I saw some areas of the city that I didn’t know existed and was most interested in the police department and how it operates.”

Marge Edy was a 2010 graduate and recommends the course to everyone. A resident since 1994, Edy said a friend who worked for the city told her about the academy.

“It was great,” she said. “I learned so much about the fire and police departments, the water treatment system and the parks we have. There is also a great archive of history available,” she said.

Edy said it is a great way to teach children about their city.

John and Jeannine Uttero have lived in St. Cloud for two years and took last year’s course together.

“I was impressed with every class and found the employees to be very friendly and excited to be there and tell us about what they did and how their departments operated,” John Uttero said.

Applications will be available starting Monday from Human Resources in Building A of City Hall on the second level. They can be requested for email or mail delivery by calling 407-957-7277 or downloaded from www.stcloud.org. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Aug. 17.

More information is available at 407-957-7277 or email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .