Chino Valley Offering 2024 Citizens Academy

The Town of Chino Valley is opening enrollment for its 2024 Citizens Academy. The Chino Valley Citizens Academy is a seven-week, hands-on, interactive, highly informative, inside look at all aspects of Town of Chino Valley governance and operation. Six of the seven sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 – 7:30 PM, beginning March 27th. Session 4 will be held on Tuesday, April 16th. During each session participants will hear from and interact with the Town’s dedicated professionals who plan, administer, and deliver Chino Valley’s wide variety of essential and quality of life services. Mayor Miller will host opening night, and a Town Councilmember will host each of the remaining six sessions.

Enrollment is limited to twenty participants. Seats will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Enrollment forms are available to download and print on the Town’s website at www.chinoaz.net, or to pick up in person at Chino Valley Town Hall, 202 N. State Route 89. The enrollment form and the detailed schedule are attached for your reference.

Session 1 – “Town Governance” will be hosted by Mayor Jack W. Miller on Wednesday, March 27, 5:30 – 7:30 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The session will feature Town Manager, Cindy Blackmore discussing the Mayor / Manager Form of Government, Finance Director Katie Pehl, and Town Clerk Erin Deskins.

Session 2 – “A Safe & Secure Chino Valley” will be hosted by Vice-Mayor Tom Armstrong on Wednesday, April 3rd from 5:30 – 7:30 pm and held in the new Police Department. An optional Police Department Tour will be offered at 4:30 pm that evening. Judge Joan Dwyer will share her insight and expertise on the Town’s Magistrate Court operations. She will be followed by Deputy Police Chief Joshua McIntire and Lt. Randy Chapman, K-9 Officer Sirius, and his handler Ofc. Steve Sellers; Sgt. Amy Chamberlin of patrol operations; and Detective Bill Burns of investigations. The evening will wrap up with staff from Animal Control discussing enforcement, response, and shelter operations.

Session 3 – “Quality of Life Services” will be hosted by Councilmember Perkins on Wednesday, April 10th from 5:30 – 7:30 Ppm and held at the Library & Senior Center. The evening will start with a library tour, then move to the Senior Center featuring a dinner representing a typical weekday congregate meal experience. Community Services Director Cyndi Thomas will discuss the diverse array of programs and services offered at the Senior Center and by the Parks, Recreation & Aquatics programs. The evening will end with Parks & Facilities Manager Jason Olson, discussing the care and effort his team takes in maintaining our parks and recreational facilities.

Session 4 – “Building a Great Chino Valley” will be hosted by Councilmember Eric Granillo on Tuesday, April 16th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm and held in the Town Hall Council Chambers. Development Services Director Laurie Lineberry and her team will discuss Planning, Building Safety, Code Enforcement, and the newly adopted “Make it Chino” 2024 General Plan. Maggie Tidaback, Economic Development Manager, will discuss her work in promoting the town and tourism and supporting and recruiting businesses. The evening will wrap up with Human Resource Director Laura Kyriakis who will talk about recruiting, maintaining, and retaining the Town’s most precious asset, our hardworking and dedicated staff – sharing why Chino Valley is quickly becoming an employer of choice.

Session 5 – “Planning for Long-Term Needs” will be hosted by Councilmember John McCafferty on Wednesday, April 24th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Town Hall Council Chambers. Led by Frank Marbury, Public Works Director/Town Engineer, who will discuss the Town’s infrastructure and our Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The evening wraps up with the Town’s Water Consultant Mark Holmes leading an engaging open forum discussion on the interesting world of water resources.

Session 6 – “Strong Infrastructure Services” will be hosted by Councilmember Bob Schacherer and held on Wednesday, May 1st from 5:30 – 7:30 pm in the Town Hall Council Chambers. Participants are invited to an optional Water Reclamation Facility Tour prior to the session at 4:30 Ppm. Representatives from the Public Works Divisions of Engineering, Water, Wastewater, Streets, Facilities and Fleet Services will provide information and insight on all that goes into providing these essential services.

Session 7 – “Community Partners” will be hosted by Councilmember Sherri Phillips and held on Wednesday, May 8th from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at the Yavapai Community College Chino Valley campus. The evening will highlight all the amazing programs offered at the YCC Chino Valley campus, our exceptional Chino Valley Unified School District, the emerging and re-energized Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the noble efforts of the Historical Society to educate and preserve our past.

Participants that complete the seven-week course will be recognized at a Graduation Ceremony during the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:00 pm in the Town Hall Council Chambers.