Council discusses staffing, summer hires and local recruitment ahead of busy event season

Councilwoman Wilson opened a discussion (Item 13.1) about staffing capacity for the city’s upcoming busy season of events, asking whether the city has sufficient staff to support March through August programming.

"I just want to make sure staff in place to support what parks and recreation needs," Councilwoman Wilson said, asking whether the city would have adequate primary and backup staff for parks, recreation and public works during a stretch of large events.

The City Manager replied that staff is prepared and that, if additional services are needed, the manager’s office will secure them: "If there's a need for us to get any additional service or help for those types of activities, we'll be more than happy to do that." The manager said department leadership has been directing staff and that the manager did not have concerns about capacity under current leadership.

Council members proposed several recruitment measures: using high‑school students for summer jobs; holding a mass job fair; leveraging existing workforce readiness and RAP programs to place Miami Gardens students in city roles; and recruiting on-site at large events such as Jazz in the Gardens. One councilmember noted the city already uses job fairs and that students participating in the city's Workforce Readiness (RAP) program have been placed in parks and police department roles.

The City Manager confirmed that part‑time summer positions are anticipated and that departmental staff (including Parks and Public Works) are exploring part‑time and seasonal hires. Councilwoman Wilson asked to be kept informed of job‑fair plans and hiring timelines.

No formal motion or vote was taken on the discussion item; councilmembers directed staff to continue recruitment efforts and report back as needed.