SUNY Potsdam

Welcome from Local Government Committee Chairwoman, Ruth Garner

On behalf of the Local Government Planning Committee, I invite you to participate in the 21st Annual Local Government Conference on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 hosted at SUNY Potsdam. Every year as we plan for this conference, we try to anticipate the training needs of local government officials across the North Country. This year I believe we have a very strong program that is beneficial and of interest to our colleagues holding office. Please join us for this opportunity to interact with associates and other local government officials from across the state as we work together to find solutions to problems and issues that challenge our communities.

As in the recent past years, the Conference will be held in Kellas Hall. Please note the Conference will start slightly earlier than in past years.  Registration will take place beginning at 7:30 am and the first session of the day will begin at 8:15 am. Vendors will be showcased in the Kellas Hallway.  Lunch and Keynote will take place in the Barrington Student Union – just a short distance from Kellas Hall. Buses will shuttle you to the Student Union and back to Kellas Hall for the final session of the day.

We welcome you and many of our returning businesses, vendors and state agencies to the 21st Annual Local Government Conference. As always, there will be many excellent presentations throughout the day. Please feel free to register for any of the sessions that interest you. It is important that you attend the sessions that you feel will be best for you and your town, village, city, community and county.

Schedule of Events

Bob Marlow is a retired case manager from the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg, NY who worked in the mental health field for 30 years. He is a self motivational speaker specializing in self-esteem, personal power through assertiveness healing, and communication skills. Mr. Marlow has done workshops for schools, nursing homes, hospitals, conventions, and various social agencies. The focus of today's keynote emphasizes your value as a public servant in today's political culture.

Workshops

All Sessions in Kellas Hall

Assessors

8:15 – 9:45 a.m. — Session 1
Critiquing Appraisals:  New York State Assessors Organization

This session will take you through the appraisal process using the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report form and certain addenda you may receive from property owners challenging their assessed values.  We will discuss what you should look for in the appraisal and how to respond when the appraisal report is not prepared in an objective manner.  

Presented by Thomas Frey, IAO, RES, AAS, President of Frey Appraisal & Consulting Services, Inc. of Middletown, NY  and Executive Director for the NYS Assessors' Association and the Institute of Assessing Officers.  Moderated by Darren Colton, Director, St. Lawrence County Real Property Tax Service Agency.

10:15 – 11:45 a.m. — Session 2
Critiquing Appraisals:  New York State Assessors Organization Continued     

This session will continue to take you through the appraisal process using the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report form and certain addenda you may receive from property owners challenging their assessed values. We will discuss what you should look for in the appraisal and how to respond when the appraisal report is not prepared in an objective manner.

Presented by Thomas Frey, IAO, RES, AAS, President of Frey Appraisal & Consulting Services, Inc. of Middletown, NY  and Executive Director for the NYS Assessors' Association and the Institute of Assessing Officers.  Moderated by Darren Colton, Director, St. Lawrence County Real Property Tax Service Agency.

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. — Session 3
Legal Issues and Legislation 2012     

This session will cover the 2012 legislation and budget bills affecting Real Property Tax Legislation.  We will review NYS Rules changes that affect assessor training and look at the latest Opinions of Counsel.  This will be a give and take between speakers and audience, sharing of the past year experiences with legal issues affecting your community.     

Presented by Jane Powers, Retired Director, St. Lawrence County Real Property Tax Service Agency and Darren Colton, Director, St. Lawrence County Real Property Tax Service Agency.  Moderated by C. Bruce Green, Assessor, City of Ogdensburg, Town of Clare, and Town of DeKalb.    

Board Members

8:15 – 9:45 a.m. — Session 1
Mastering the 2% Tax Cap     

This session will discuss the important aspects of the tax levy limitation legislation and how it impacts local governments across the State.  A demonstration of how the tax levy limit calculation is performed and how to determine what exemptions and adjustments are available to local governments will be provided.

Presented by a representative from NYS Comptrollers' Office.  Moderated by Peggy Mousaw, CMFO, NYS Credentialed Municipal Finance Officer and Treasuer of the Village of Lake Placid.
   

10:15  – 11:45 a.m. — Session 2
The Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Process     

This session provides an overview of the CFA process which was created in 2011 to streamline and expedite the grant application process and to improve the State's economic development model.  The CFA process uses a single entry point to apply for economic development funding thereby providing coordination among various state agencies and recognizing regional economic development priorities through one application.

Presented by Roseanne Murphy, CEcD, EDP, Regional Director, Empire State Development Corp.  Moderated by Dawn Mullaney, St. Lawrence County Planning Board.

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. — Session 3
Update on Open Meeting Requirements     

Camille Jobin-Davis, an expert on Open Government Law and Freedom of Information Law, will update Board members on the ins and outs of open government and compliance with FOIL requests.  Please bring your questions to this session.     

Presented by Camille S. Jobin-Davis, Esq., Assistant Director, NYS Committee on Open Government, NY Department of State.  Moderated by David Button, Supervisor, Town of Canton.     

Budget & Finance

8:15 – 9:45 a.m. — Session 1
Mastering the 2% Tax Cap

This session will discuss the important aspects of the tax levy limitation legislation and how it impacts local governments across the State.  A demonstration of how the tax levy limit calculation is performed and how to determine what exemptions and adjustments are available to local governments will be provided.

Presented by a representative from the NYS Comptroller's Office.  Moderated by Peggy Mousaw, CMFO, NYS Credentialed Municipal Finance Officer and Treasurer of the Village of Lake Placid.

10:15 – 11:45 a.m. — Session 2
NYS and Local Retirement System:  What's New?

This workshop will present an update on legislation impacting the Retirement System with emphasis on Tier 5 and the newly enacted Tier 6.  Participants will
learn about the differences in the Tiers with regard to vesting, overtime, salary, retirement age, final average salary calculation, benefits and more.  Also discussed will be how to handle the variable contribution rate component for Tier 6 members.

Presented by June F. O'Neill, Employer Outreach Manager, NYS and Local Retirement System.  Moderated by Mary Jane Watson, a founding partner of Pinto, Mucenski, and Watson, CPA and Secretary/Treasurer of the Colton Fire District.

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. — Session 3
What is GASB 54 and How Does It Apply?

GASB Statement Number 54 changed the manner in which local governments report fund balance and special revenue funds. This presentation provides an overview of these changes and how they will be implemented in a local government's annual update document (AUD) filed with the State Comptroller's Office.

Presented by a representative of the NYS Office of the State Comptroller.  Moderated by Mark Hall, Supervisor, Town of Fine.

Code Enforcement

8:15 – 9:45 a.m. — Session 1
Inspection of Child Care Facilities - 49-5619

This course will provide four (4) CEU's of training to Code Officials with the understanding of how to inspect Child Care Facilities. This course is designed to familiarize Code Officials with the inspection process while inspecting these facilities. Time will be allotted for questions during the training.

10:15 – 11:45 a.m. — Session 2
Inspection of Child Care Facilities - 49-5619

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. — Session 3
Inspection of Child Care Facilities - 49-5619

All sessions presented by Robert Reed, Fire and Safety Inspector; Ron Klimowicz, Fire and Safety Inspector; and Joseph DeMaria, Child and Family Specialist Supervisor, New York State Office of Children and Family Services.   Moderated by Russ Lawrence, Town of Canton, Code Enforcement Officer.

Community Development

8:15 – 9:45 a.m. — Session 1
Foundation Funding for Special Projects

There are nearly 100,000 foundations, corporate donors, and grantmaking public charities in the United States.  Come to this session to find out about some based right here in the North Country – what they will and won't fund, what they look for in letters of inquiry, "red flags" to avoid in your proposal and more. 

Presented by Mark Brackett, R.Ph., President, Kinney Drugs Foundation; April Bender, Consultant with the US Department of Labor and Training Administration; Laurie Marr, Communications & Public Affairs Manager, ALCOA. 

10:15 – 11:45 a.m. — Session 2
The Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Process

This session provides an overview of the CFA process which was created in 2011 to streamline and expedite the grant application process and to improve the State's economic development model.  The CFA process uses a single entry point to apply for economic development funding thereby providing coordination among various state agencies and recognizing regional economic development priorities through one application.

Presented by Roseanne Murphy, CEcD, EDP, Regional Director, Empire State Development Corporation. 

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. — Session 3
USDA Funding Programs

Do you need funding for a municipal project?  The USDA has a variety of grant and/or loan programs that could help reduce the financial load for your residents for water and sewer infrastructure projects, municipal offices, highway barns, libraries and more.  USDA representatives will explain the programs that are available, their timelines, project eligibility and how to get technical assistance in the preparation of your application.

Presented by Renee Hotte, Lead Area Specialist, USDA.

All sessions moderated by Dawn Mullaney, St. Lawrence County Planning Board.

Municipal Clerks

8:15 – 9:45 a.m. — Session 1
Everything You Always Wanted to Know about the Standard Workday and Reporting Resolution for Elected and Appointed Officials

As the Municipal Clerk, you have a very important role to play in making sure your local government meets the requirements of Regulation 315.4 to ensure that proper service credit is reported for retirement purposes.  Find out:  how you can help your board; what to do if someone has not submitted a Record of Activities; what resources are available; when, where and what to file; why making this part of your organizational meeting makes sense; does 'on-call time count,' and answers to more of your questions.

Presented by June F. O'Neill, Employer Outreach Manager, NYS and Local Retirement System.  Moderated by Cindy Goliber, Potsdam Town Clerk

10:15 – 11:45 a.m. — Session 2
Posting Agendas & Resolutions

Discussion will focus on the new law that requires clerks to post items on their municipal websites prior to board meetings.  Bring your questions regarding this issue and any other question regarding (FOIL) Freedom of Information requests.

Presented by Camille Jobin-Davis, Assistant Director, New York State Committee on Open Government, NY Department of State. Moderated by Georgette Davis, Massena Town Clerk.

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. — Session 3
Registrar 101 and Marriage Licensing

Part 1 will cover the basic requirements regarding Vital Records (birth, deaths, and burial permits). Part 2 covers the responsibilities that Town/Village/City Clerks have while dealing with marriage licensing.  You are invited to bring in your questions. This is Jim's final appearance as he will fully retire this year.

Presented by James O'Connor, Field Agent, New York State Department of Health.  Moderated by Cindy Goliber, Potsdam Town Clerk.

Planning and Zoning

8:15 – 9:45 a.m. — Session 1
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Overview

This introductory course to the Zoning Board of Appeals focuses on the statutory tests boards must follow to grant use and area variances and proper handling of zoning interpretations. Meeting  procedures and notice requirements will be discussed, along with the ZBA's relationship with enforcement officials and the planning board.

Presented by Christopher Eastman, Manager, Local Government Training, NY Department of State and Mark G. Gebo, Esq., Hrabchak, Gebo & Langone, P.C.

10:15 – 11:45 a.m. — Session 2
Nuts & Bolts Refresher for Planning & Zoning Boards:  From Record Keeping to Enforcement

Congratulations, you've just been appointed to your community's planning board or zoning board.  Or, maybe you've been on for a couple years but are still a little unsure of what to do and when.  This session will go through the basic responsibilities of a Planning Board and Zoning Board member and give some helpful hints on recording keeping, public hearings, taking action, filings, and what involvement the Board has with enforcement. 

Presented by Christopher Eastman, Manager, Local Government Training, NY Department of State and Mark G. Gebo, Esq., Hrabchak, Gebo & Langone, P.C.

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. — Session 3
Historic Preservation

Historic buildings define the character of cities, villages, and towns in New York and many other places. This course attempts to explain why, details what it means to preserve a place's older and historic buildings, and distinguishes the difference between listing a property on the National Register of Historic Places and local landmark and historic district regulation. Other perspectives that most people don't consider when they think "historic preservation" will also be discussed, such as the environmental and economic benefits of historic preservation.

Presented by Christopher Eastman, Manager, Local Government Training, NY Department of State.

All sessions moderated by Jason Pfotenhauer, Deputy Director, St. Lawrence County Planning Office.

Public Works

8:15 – 9:45 a.m. — Session 1
Hazardous Communication Updates for Water/Wastewater Operators

Covered in this session will be the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and NYS Right to Know Law, and various physical and health hazards posed by hazardous chemicals routinely encountered at water and waste water treatment facilities.  Also included will be the means of safely managing chemical hazards in the workplace, the elements of an effective hazard communication program including a written plan, inventory, material safety data sheets, labeling, and training and recent changes to the standard and the timelines for coming into compliance.

Presented by John Usher, Associate Industrial Hygienist, NYS Department of Labor Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau.

10:15 – 11:45 a.m. — Session 2
Electrical/Lock Out Tag Out Requirements for Water/Wastewater Operators

This presentation covers the general nature of electrical and mechanical hazards, how they can harm us, and most importantly how to prevent these types of incidents in the workplace.  Specific information is provided on hazards posed by typical equipment and operations at water and wastewater treatment plants, and most importantly how to promptly identify and correct them through site specific procedures and training.  

Presented by Dominick Timpano, Senior Safety and Health Consultant , NYS Department of Labor Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau.

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. — Session 3
PPE Requirements for Water/Wastewater Operators

PPE seems at first glance to be one of the more straightforward safety issues facing water or wastewater operators, but it's a challenge to ensure that employees wear the right PPE at the right time.  This session includes discussion of hazards and appropriate PPE for common tasks at your facilities, the importance of a proper hazard assessment, and the key elements of effective training.

Presented by Dominick Timpano, Senior Safety and Health Consultant , NYS Department of Labor Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau.

All sessions moderated by Bob Henninger, Chief Operator, Village of Potsdam and Wastewater Treatment Plant and Hydro Electric Power Facilities.

CLEAR

Center for Lifelong Education and Recreation
Phone:  315-267-2168 or 315-267-2538
Fax:  315-267-3350
E-mail:  hessnl@potsdam.edu or oberde@potsdam.edu