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Maryland Municipal League
1212 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-268-5514
800-492-7121
As of 4/2/08
MML Convention Workshop Descriptions for
Convention Program Book

   
Sunday, June 28, 2009
  1:30 PM - 2:15 PM First Time Attendees Orientation
  At this session, you will learn how to maximize your convention experience.

  Moderator:
Speakers:
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM Consensus and Team Building (C)
  Does interpersonal conflict in your municipality ever interfere with accomplishing town business? Does it sometimes seem as though everybody is pulling the town in a different direction? This workshop will provide attendees with a better understanding of how to resolve conflict and build consensus within a municipal setting. The workshop includes exercises and role plays built around hypothetical situations that will look familiar to anyone who has served as a local government official.

  Presenter:
Tom Reynolds
Manager, Research & Information Management
Maryland Municipal League

Discussion Leader: Bruce Wahl, Mayor
Chesapeake Beach

  4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Stimulus Package: MEA Grants and Loans
  Moderator:

Speaker:
Monday, June 29, 2009
8:00 AM - 9:45 AM Basics of Risk Management (C)
  This workshop is designed to create an awareness that local government activities are subject to risks that may result in loss. These risks can, however, be controlled.

  Moderator:

Speaker: Richard Furst, Sr. Loss Control Manager
Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT)

Speaker: Larry Bohlen, Loss Control Training Coordinator
Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT)

  8:15 AM - 9:45 AM Engaging Teens in Positive Activities
  Moderator:

Speaker:



2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Municipal Officials Liability - The Danger Zone (C)
  Although municipal officials are immunized from legal liability under federal and state laws for some of their actions, in many instances municipal officials do not enjoy immunity, and can be sued in their personal capacities for consequential or punitive damages due to their official actions. Even budgetary decisions can impact liability. The speaker will review actual Maryland cases in an effort to identify the "danger zone" of official conduct, and to sensitize municipal officials regarding the need to consult their attorney whenever their official actions approach or invade the "danger zone".

  Moderator:

Speakers:
John F. Breads, Jr.
Attorney, Director of Legal Services
Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT)

Matt Peter
Attorney
Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT)

  2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Impact of Foreclosures on Code Enforcement
  Code enforcement officials play a key role in preserving properties as a result of default and abandonment. In addressing maintenance of vacant properties, cities are increasingly enacting Vacant Property Registration Ordinances. Implementing efficient communication tools to ensure that properties are secured, maintained, and safe is more critical now than ever.
In addressing issues related to VPR ordinances, mortgage servicers and municipalities have the common goal of ensuring compliance. Municipalities want the parties responsible for vacant properties to proactively protect and preserve them, and mortgage servicers want their properties to comply with city ordinances. Through coordinated strategies, the industry is focusing on the creation of collaborative best practices with the goal of community stabilization. Panelists will address how the industry is developing a unified voice to address issues with municipal leaders on a national scale.

  Moderator:

Speaker:
Robert Klien
CEO, Safeguard Properties
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Structure of Municipal Goverment (C)
  This session will address the various forms of municipal government practiced in Maryland and relate the structure to municipal government operations including the relationship between the legislative and administrative functions. The session will also cover municipal powers and limitations and the municipal charter.

  Moderator:

Speakers:
Victor K. Tervala
Attorney, Funk & Bolton

  2:15 PM - 3:45 PM Roundtable: Using your Geocache to Stimulate Tourism & Economic Development
  This informal discussion session will showcase what some cities and towns are doing to take advantage of the new tourist traffic generated by the Maryland Municipal League Geocache Trail. Share, listen, learn, and then strategize about how you can turn one visit into a memorable experience that will promote a longer stay and many return visits. Bring along with you samples of trinkets, brochures, merchant discount coupons, etc. that your city/town placed in your cache box. With a little creativity, your geocache can potentially generate huge returns. We built it; they are coming—now the rest is up to you!

  Discussion Facilitators:

Laschelle Miller
Administrator, Leonardtown

Leta M. Mach
Councilmember, Greenbelt

Tuesday, June 30, 2009
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Employee Wellness Programs (E)
  Wellness programs have become more popular all over the country. With healthcare costs increasing and employees struggling to find ways to afford health insurance, employers are trying to help by implementing wellness programs. But what's so great about a wellness program? A healthy bottom line is essential in business and wellness programs demonstrate a positive return on investment. An employee spends approximately 47 hours at work during one week. And if employees are spending this much time working, where do they find the time to keep themselves healthy and well? This session will emphasize facts rather than fads and focus on how to distinguish the best solutions to move toward successful health care cost reductions and foster healthier employee lifestyles. It will also help you explore the cost of implementing an employee wellness program, what works and what doesn't work and where to find resources in your area.

  Moderator:

Speakers:
Marsha L. Carpenter
Human Resources Specialist
Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT)

Jeanne Pugliski Sherwood, RN
CEO, WellAdvantage

  10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Pocket Parks: Creating Green Space in Small Areas
  Moderator:

Speakers:

  10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Speed Cameras:The New Law
  Moderator:

Speakers:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Traffic Calming 101 & Non-Intrusive Technologies (E)
  As we grow denser, it will become even more important to tackle traffic and transportation issues. At this session, you will learn about the new, non-intrusive technologies on the market that can be an EFFICIENT alternative to addressing issues such as cut-throughs among others.

  Moderator:

Speakers:

  12:15 PM - 1:45 PM Big City Forum & Lunch
  This is an informal session for officials from cities with populations of 20,000 or more. Pick up your lunch in the exhibit area and then join your colleagues to discuss issues of mutual concern.

  2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Roundtable Forum with Cabinet Secretaries
  Following the introductions, each Cabinet Secretary will move to a roundtable to conduct informal one-on-one discussions with municipal officials. This is your opportunity to ask specific questions about Department/Agency activities and their interaction with you and your municipal residents.

  2:30 PM - 4:00 PM "Green" Building Codes: Developing New and Revamping Current Code and Zoning to Accommodate Emerging "Green" Technology and Energy Efficiency
  Moderator:

Speakers:

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Workshop: Public Information Act (C)
  Do you know what kind of information should be released to the public upon request? Many difficulties can be avoided by knowing the answer. This session will help front-line “gatekeepers” who most often deal with the public, by educating them about the state law governing the handling of public records. The session will include small round table discussions using real-life scenarios to further illustrate appropriate responses to requests from the public or the press.

  Moderator:

Speakers:

Wednesday, July 01, 2009
  9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Overcrowding Forum
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Managing the Bottom Line during this Fiscal Crisis (E)
  Moderator:

Speakers:

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Effective Meetings (C)
  Do you hate long meetings? Is your city or town governing body deliberating or delaying? The proper use of parliamentary procedure can enhance your effectiveness as a public official. This workshop demystifies Robert's Rules and unveils nuts and bolts secrets to help you ensure that your meetings are productive. The session is a must for both newly elected officials and seasoned veterans.

  Moderator:

Speaker:
Jack A Gullo, Jr, Attorney, Taneytown & Rising Sun

  9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Smart Growth
11:15 AM - 12:45 PM Let's Talk Trash - Strategies for Managing & Reducing the Waste Stream (E)
  Moderator:

Speakers:

11:15 AM - 12:45 PM Non-Point Source Pollution (E)
  Water washing over the land, whether from rain, car washing, or the watering of crops or lawns, picks up many contaminants, including fertilizers and agricultural chemicals from farmland, oils and metals from roadways, and nutrients and toxic materials from urban and suburban areas. Nonpoint-source is a term often used for polluted runoff and communities throughout Maryland are concerned about nonpoint-source pollution (NPS), a major cause for deterioration of our water quality.

  Moderator:

Speakers: