In conjunction with SUNY Potsdam, the Local Government Planning Committee would like to welcome everyone to the return of the Local Government Conference.
The conference will be Tuesday, October 10, 2023 in Kellas Hall. Please use parking lot 2 - View Parking Map (PDF).
The tentative tracks offered will be:
- Assessors
- Board Members
- Budget & Finance
- Highway Superintendents
- Municipal Clerks
- Planning and Zoning
- Water & Sewer (Public Works)
Code Enforcement will not be offered this year.
CEU (Continuing Education Units) will be offered where authorized.
The conference will have a slightly different format this year.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8 - 8:30 a.m | Registration |
| 8:30 - 10 a.m. | Session 1 |
| 10 - 10:30 a.m. | Coffee and Networking |
| 10:30 a.m. - Noon | Session 2 |
The conference will conclude at Noon.
Registration
The registration fee is $35.00.
It is requested that, where possible, all payments be made by credit/debit card by using the secure online registration link below.
All online registrations must be completed by October 3, 2023. Each participant must register separately. Please be advised that all communications related to the conference will be relayed via email. Postcards and registration forms will no longer be mailed.
Questions or alternate payments requests may be directed to: sunyplgc@yahoo.com
Session Tracks Will Be:
- Session 1 & 2: Architectural Features that Affect Property Value
Presenter: Rob Bick, Assessor Town of Clay- The discussion will explore to the extent improvements, remodels or replacement items affect the marketable value of a property in real dollars. Is the added stress and expense really worth it on a resale?
- The class topic will be the same for both sessions. The second session will be a continuation from the first session.
- Session 1: Best Procurement Practices
Presenters: NYS Comptroller’s Office, Legal Counsel Representative
This course will review requirements of Procurement Practices in NYS for municipalities including NYS legal requirements, bid requirements, contracts, use of Office of General Services bids, piggybacking law, etc. Time will be allowed for questions.
- Session 2: What You Need to Know About a NYS Comptroller Audit
Presenters: NYS Comptroller’s Office Representative
This course will review the typical items that the Comptroller’s Office looks for in risk assessment of a municipality during an audit. Topics will include internal controls and fraud risks. Time will be allowed for questions.
- Session 1: Hot Topics and Interesting Inquiries
The Association of Towns attorneys will share some of the common and not-so-common issues that town clerks confront and ways to solve those issues through the law and best practices.
- Session 2: Real Property Tax Collection: The Intersection of Law and Practicality
This session will provide an overview of the tax collection process, as well as current pressing issues collecting officers are facing. Questions are encouraged!”
- Session 1: The Highway Budget And You
Presenter: David P. Orr, PE, Director; NYS LTAP Center - Cornell Local Roads Program
The highway budget is the largest expense in most towns and villages in New York State. In many municipalities it is more than half the total budget. Understanding the budget, the roles of the board and the Highway Superintendent, and how to plan for today and tomorrow is critical to serving the citizens of your town or village. Come with your questions and be ready to answer a few in this interactive session.
- Session 2: Good Roads and Streets: 10 Things the Board Needs to Know
Presenter: David P. Orr, PE, Director; NYS LTAP Center - Cornell Local Roads Program
Whether you are brand new to the board or you are the voice of experience, there are many things to be aware of regarding one of the largest departments in most towns and villages. During this session, David will review 10 things that make good roads and streets and how the board can help.
- Session 1: Planning Board Overview
Presenters: Christopher Eastman, New York State Department of State, Division of Local Government Services; and Jason Pfotenhauer, St. Lawrence County Planning Office
This introductory course addresses the powers and duties of town, village, and city planning boards. The administrative and regulatory roles of the planning board, including its review of site plans, special use permits, and subdivision plats are discussed, along with the planning board’s role in the municipal comprehensive plan. The importance of board procedures, referral to the county planning board, and making findings are also covered. Local projects will be used as case studies.
- Session 2: Zoning Board of Appeals Overview
Presenters: Christopher Eastman, New York State Department of State, Division of Local Government Services; and Jason Pfotenhauer, St. Lawrence County Planning Office
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. Local projects will be used as case studies.
- Session 1: PFAS–the “Forever Chemicals”: Past, Present and Future
Presenter : Professor Thomas Holsen, PhD, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University
- Session 2: PFAS- Pathways to Human Exposure and the "Challenges" Water/Wastewater Owners/Operators face in dealing with Human and Environmental Health Risks.
Presenter : Professor Thomas Holsen, PhD, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University
We look forward to seeing our friends and neighbors in revitalizing the Local Government Conference.
Hope to see you there,
Peggy L. Mousaw, Chair
SUNY Potsdam Local Government Conference Planning Committee
Phone: (315) 262-2141