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 20th Annual Local Government Conference on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 hosted at SUNY Potsdam. The Conference began 20 years ago with a vision to provide quality training at a reasonable fee to local government officials. Please join us for this opportunity to interact with colleagues 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. 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.

This year, we are pleased to welcome Dierdre Scozzafava, NYS Deputy Secretary of State for Local Government as our keynote speaker. Dede has always had the needs of the North Country at heart demonstrated by her effectiveness in leadership as an Assemblywoman in the NYS Legislature for many years. We look forward to her presence at this Conference.

We welcome you and many of our returning businesses, vendors and state agencies to the 20th 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 or city.

Schedule of Events

8:00 - 8:40 a.m.	Registration, Coffee & Visit with the vendors
8:45 - 10:15 a.m.	Session 1  Assessors - Legal Issues and Legislation for 2011 Board Members - New York State and Local Retirement System Update Budget & Finance - Examples of Negotiation Issues Code Enforcement - Inspecting for Code Compliant Photovoltaic Systems - 49-6076 Community Development - Your Community by the Numbers - Accessing Census Data Municipal Clerks - Fiscal Responsibilities for Town Clerks Planning & Zoning - Zoning Board of Appeals Overview Public Works - Department of Health Reporting and Notification Requirements
10:15 - 10:45 a.m.	Break & Visit with the Vendors
10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m	Session 2 Assessors - A Real Property System (RPS) Computer Program Update Board Members - Fiscal Oversight Responsibilities of Town Board Members Budget & Finance - Fiscal Oversight Responsibilities of Town Board Members Code Enforcement - Inspecting for Code Compliant Photovoltaic Systems - 49-6076 Community Development - Finding and Acquiring Grants for your Community Municipal Clerks - Open Government and Your Right to Know Planning & Zoning - Revising Zoning Public Works - Public Employee Safety Health (PESH) Annual Training Requirements
12:30 - 1:15 p.m.	Lunch - Barrington Student Union Multi-Purpose Room (buses will provide transportation to the Union and back to Kellas Hall for the afternoon session)
1:15 - 1:45 p.m.	Keynote Speaker - Deidre Scozzafava NYS Deputy Secretary for Local Government Services
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.	Session 3 Assessors - Understanding Your Assessment Roll Board Members - Public Meeting Guidelines Budget & Finance - An Open Discussion with the IRS Code Enforcement - Inspecting for Code Compliant Photovoltaic Systems - 49-6076 Community Development - Raquette River Blueway Corridor Program Municipal Clerks - Vital Records and Your Responsibility as a Registrar Planning & Zoning - Locally Unwanted Land Uses (LULU) Public Works - Recording and Reporting Requirements for SPDES Compliance Data

Workshops

All Sessions in Kellas Hall

Assessors

8:45 – 10:15 a.m. — Session 1
Legal Issues and Legislation for 2011

This session will cover the 2011 legislation and budget bills passed in Albany related to the Real Property Tax. We will also look at the latest opinions of counsel and any significant court cases. This is an opportunity for you to bring any questions concerning the legal aspects of administering the property tax in 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, Towns of Clare, DeKalb and Lisbon.

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. — Session 2
A Real Property System (RPS) Computer Program Update

This session will cover the latest and greatest in the RPS programs. We will cover some interesting reports that can assist you in evaluating your assessment level and quality. This is the chance to ask questions on how to produce reports specific to your needs.

Presented by Scott LaPenna, NYS Real Property Tax Service Agency and Debbie Roy, Deputy Director, St. Lawrence County Real Property Tax Service Agency. Moderated by Erin Gratch, Assessor, Town of Pitcairn.

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Session 3
Understanding Your Assessment Roll

In this session we will review the different assessment roll sections, how to apportion special franchise, utility, and railroad assessments, how to handle special district apportionments in these roll sections, what properties go in what roll sections, and other administrative duties in light of legislative changes.

Presented by Deanna Stevenson, Senior Real Property Service Aide, St. Lawrence
County Real Property Tax Service Agency and Jane Powers, Retired Director,
St. Lawrence County Real Property Tax Service Agency. Moderated by Chris Coffin, Assessor, Town of Macomb.

Board Members

8:45 – 10:15 a.m. — Session 1
New York State and Local Retirement System Update

As a participating employer (and maybe also a member yourself), it is important to keep up to date on your responsibilities. This session will give you a better understanding of the Retirement System; reporting requirements for elected and appointed officials; how the rates are calculated; what factors affect the employer’s annual payments and how the contribution stabilization program works.

Presented by June F. O’Neill, Employer Outreach Manager, NYS and Local Retirement System, NYS Office of the State Comptroller. Moderated by David Button, Supervisor, Town of Canton.

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. — Session 2
Fiscal Oversight Responsibilities of Board Members

Laird Petrie will speak on fiscal oversight duties of the Board, the purpose of and who is responsible for auditing and oversight of the records of the chief fiscal officer, fiscal responsibilities of the justice and clerk, audit concerns and key records and what to do if fraud is suspected.

Presented by Laird Petrie, Associate Examiner, Office of the State Comptroller. Moderated by Mary Jane Watson, a founding partner of Pinto, Mucenski and Watson, CPA and Secretary/Treasurer of the Colton Fire District.

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Session 3
Public Meeting Guidelines

The annual organizational meeting establishes the guidelines by which the municipality operates for the coming year with the designation of official bank and newspaper, key appointments, salaries, etc. This session will discuss running a public meeting with a focus on that all-important organizational meeting at the beginning of each year.

Presented by John Mancini, Counsel to NYCOM. Moderated by Mark Hall, Supervisor, Town of Fine.

Budget & Finance

8:45 – 10:15 a.m. — Session 1
Examples of Negotiation Issues

While municipalities report to the Civil Service Office on the status of their employees, confusion often results over part-time and full-time employees and the rules governing them. This session will continue last year’s discussion with real life examples of the negotiation process, the issues that arise, and possible solutions while examining the similarities and differences and terms specified in
union contracts.

Presented by Dan McKillip, North Country Relations Associates. Moderated by Peggy Mousaw, NYS Credentialed Municipal Financial Officer, Lake Placid Village, Inc.

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. — Session 2
Fiscal Oversight Responsibilities of Board Members

Laird Petrie will speak on fiscal oversight duties of the Board, the purpose of and who is responsible for auditing and oversight of the records of the chief fiscal officer, fiscal responsibilities of the justice and clerk, audit concerns and key records and what to do if fraud is suspected.

Presented by Laird Petrie, Associate Examiner, Office of the State Comptroller. Moderated by Mary Jane Watson, a founding partner of Pinto, Mucenski and Watson, CPA and Secretary/Treasurer of the Colton Fire District.

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Session 3
An Open Discussion with the IRS

IRS representative Francis Reina will review IRS filing requirements for municipalities, e.g. payroll reporting requirements, 1099s, pending health insurance reporting requirements, etc. Questions are welcome.

Presented by Francis G. Reina, IRS. Moderated by Phil Cosmo, City of Ogdensburg Comptroller.

Code Enforcement

8:45 – 10:15 a.m. — Session 1
Inspecting for Code Compliant Photovoltaic Systems - 49-6076

This training course is designed to provide six (6) CEU’s of training to code officials with the understanding of how photovoltaic systems operate and the applicable codes they must be designed to meet. In addition, training will be provided on how to inspect the systems so that the code official has the confidence that the systems are installed correctly. Sections of this training include National Electric Code history, schematic representation of key components, NEC diagrams, key articles, common problems experienced, and checklists. Time will be allotted for questions throughout the training.

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. — Session 2
Continuation of Code Compliant Photovoltaic Systems - 49-6076

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Session 3
Continuation of Code Compliant Photovoltaic Systems - 49-6076

All sessions presented by John Doty, PE. Moderated by John Hill, Village of Potsdam, Code Enforcement Officer and Russ Lawrence, Town of Canton, Code Enforcement Officer.

Community Development

8:45 – 10:15 a.m. — Session 1
Your Community by the Numbers - Accessing Census Data

Do you need detailed demographic and economic data to help you plan neighborhood outreach programs, analyze potential barriers to implementing programs, conduct needs assessments, or to apply for new grant opportunities? In just a few mouse clicks we will show you your community by the numbers!

Presented by Arthur Bakis, US Census Bureau.

Note: Representatives from the Census Bureau will be on hand to carry out in-depth Census training sessions. These sessions will be geared toward those who use Census data on a regular basis.  They will run concurrently with the second (10:45am-12:15pm) and third session (2:00 to 3:30pm).  These sessions will be held in a computer lab and will be limited to a class size of 20.

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. — Session 2
Finding and Acquiring Grants for Your Community

Grant funding is a primary way that local projects are financed. This session will focus on several programs relevant to local municipalities: the NYS Department of State’s Local Government Efficiency (LGE) Program; the NYS Public Library Construction Grant Program; shared services and programs available through the Development Authority of the North Country.  In addition, information will be presented about the new North Country Regional Economic Development Council, and the process by which our region is developing a new strategy for accessing and distributing up to $200 million in community and economic development funds. Finally, an update will be provided on how the Community Development Block Grant program will operate in 2012 within the Regional Economic Development Council process.

Presented by Heidi Ames, Grants Manager, St. Lawrence County Planning Office; John Tenbusch, Planner II, St. Lawrence County Planning Office; Carrie Tuttle, Director of Engineering, Development Authority of the North Country; and Robert Brooks, Senior Community Developer, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, Office of Community Renewal.

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Session 3
Raquette River Blueway Corridor Program

The Raquette River Blueway Corridor provides a model of the challenges and accomplishments of communities working together on a regional initiative. The presentation will describe how the project will share and promote the River’s recreational assets along a 174 mile long river corridor as a way of further growing local economies. Examples of cooperative municipal agreements, concrete steps to facilitate implementation, specific projects, and challenges faced will be presented.

Presented by Ruth McWilliams, Raquette River Blueway Corridor, Executive Committee Board Member; Fred Hanss, Director of Planning & Development, Village of Potsdam; and Mary Jane Watson, Raquette River Blueway Corridor, Executive Committee Board Member.

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

Municipal Clerks

8:45 – 10:15 a.m. — Session 1
Fiscal Responsibilities for Municipal Clerks

Assuring the safety and accuracy of monies entrusted to the Town Clerk is critical to good government. This session will review and enforce the proper procedures to assure financial accountability with our offices. Information that auditors look for in your minutes will be covered.

Presented by Laird Petrie, Associate Examiner of the NYS Office of the State Comptroller.  Moderated by Georgette Davis, Massena Town Clerk.

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. — Session 2
Open Government and Your Right to Know

Are you complying with open meeting laws? Do you know how many days you have to respond to a FOIL request? What are the purposes that boards can go into executive session? Camille Jobin-Davis will review the open meetings laws and FOIL through her presentation. You will also be updated on any new laws regarding these issues. Time will be allotted for questions and answers.

Presented by Camille Jobin-Davis, Assistant Director, New York State Committee on Open Government. Moderated by Cindy Goliber, Potsdam Town Clerk.

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Session 3
Vital Records and Your Responsibility as a Registrar

This session will deal with all aspects from issuing to recording of birth and death records, record access, and your role in corrections. Jim will also discuss what types of identification can be accepted for marriage licenses, and your role in making corrections on marriage records. Questions are encouraged.

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

Planning and Zoning

8:45 – 10:15 a.m. — Session 1
Zoning Board of Appeals 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 also be discussed, along with the ZBA’s relationship with enforcement officials and the planning board, and the importance of making good findings. Several local
Zoning Board of Appeals decisions will be discussed.

Presented by Christopher Eastman, Manager from the New York State Department of State Land Use Training Program, and Darrin B. Derosia, Associate Attorney, from the New York State Department of State.

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. — Session 2
Revising Zoning

This course asks when is it appropriate to update a municipality’s zoning regulations, and what you should be looking at when you review it; the importance of the comprehensive plan; and procedures for the amendment of zoning laws and ordinances, including referral to the county planning board, public hearings, and filing requirements. Examples of local zoning code revisions will be presented.

Presented by Christopher Eastman, Manager, from the New York State Department of State Land Use Training Program, and Darrin B. Derosia, Associate Attorney, from the New York State Department of State.

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Session 3
Locally Unwanted Land Uses (LULU)

This course presets a quick survey of unpopular land uses and the extent to which local governments may regulate them. Mining, day care, group homes, big box retail, adult uses, religious uses, telecommunications facilities, mobile homes, and billboards are among the uses discussed. Local examples of LULUs will be discussed.

Presented by Christopher Eastman, Manager, from the New York State Department of State Land Use Training Program, and Darrin B. Derosia, Associate Attorney, from the New York State Department of State.

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

Note: All sessions are eligible for one hour of in-service credit for code enforcement officers for a total of three hours for attending all three sessions.

Public Works

8:45 – 10:15 a.m. — Session 1
Department of Health Reporting and Notification Requirements

This session will review the various reporting and notification requirements contained in Subpart 5-1 of the State Sanitary Code. Topics to be covered include reporting of emergencies (including emergency planning), monitoring results, and daily operational data, notification of construction activities, and public notification requirements.

Presented by Joseph Brant and Ron Sheppard of the NYS Department of Health Canton District Office.

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. — Session 2
Public Employee Safety Health (PESH) Annual Training Requirements

This session describes the PESH mission and includes all required annual safety and health training required of employers to provide for the Water and Waste Water Operators.

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

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Session 3
Recording and Reporting Requirements for SPDES Compliance Data

This session will cover changes in the reporting of SPDES compliance data on the Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) form. The first part of the presentation will discuss NYSDEC’s program that allows facilities to retrieve their monthly DMR in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) from NYSDEC’s website.  The second part of the presentation will discuss NYSDEC’s effort to streamline the reporting for SPDES permits. These efforts include the filing of DMRs to a single location and EPA’s efforts to require facilities to report data electronically.

Presented by Robert Withers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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