5 minute read
This Moment in NHMA History
34 years ago…
NHMA created its first and initial website, http://www.nhmunicipal.org, for the benefit of New Hampshire municipal officials and the world to be able to find NHMA and a host of other municipal resources. The site went live in February and received an average of 1,800 monthly hits.
The decline of state and federal aid to cities and towns and the increased pressure to reduce property taxes caused many to begin looking at user fees to support certain government services. A survey of public attitude toward government done by the US Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations showed that the idea of supporting municipal services through user fees rather than taxation grew more popular over the past decade.
NHMA released A Hard Road to Travel Handbook, a comprehensive publication on the laws of local highways, streets, and trails, in 1997. At the time, NHMA’s Legal Counsel, Bernie Waugh, proclaimed this manual was “something no municipality should be without.” This Handbook remains one of NHMA’s most popular member publications today.
Workshops & Webinars for New Hampshire’s Municipal Officials
2021 Webinar Series
Held each month, typically from noon to 1:00 pm on a Wednesday, and covers timely municipal topics such as Right-to-Know law, legislative overviews, code enforcement, cybersecurity, elections, and more. (No fee)
Moderators Workshop
One half-day workshop for SB2 Meetings and another half-day workshop for Traditional Meetings held in January and February each year. Includes the Town Meeting/School Meeting Handbook. (Fee charged)
Local Officials Workshops
Held in multiple locations around the state every year during spring months and is designed for the newly-elected and veteran local official. Includes one copy of the current 250+page handbook Knowing the Territory. (No fee)
Budget & Finance Workshops
Traditionally held in two locations—north and south each year in September. Includes The Basic Law of Budgeting Handbook, and addresses a variety of topics regarding the municipal budget process. (Fee charged)
Return to live, in-person events has been delayed. NHMA will continue to offer remote or online training for the foreseeable future.
Municipal Land Use Law Conference
Full-day event held in the fall in collaboration with the New Hampshire Office of Strategic Initiatives (NHOSI) with multiple sessions on land use related topics. (Fee charged)
Annual Conference and Exhibition
Held every November providing two (2) full days of educational programming and training opportunities for every local official on a wide variety of topics and access to over 100 exhibitors. Event is the largest municipal gathering in the state every year. (Fee charged)
Regional Right-to-Know Law Workshops
Held regularly each year in various locations around the state. Includes publication, A Guide to Open Government in New Hampshire, reflecting the latest developments in the law. (Fee charged)
There’s always more at www.nhmunicipal.org
For registration information, visit www.nhmunicipal.org under Calendar of Events. Questions? Call 800.852.3358, ext. 3350, or email NHMAregistrations@nhmunicipal.org.
Upcoming Webinars
NHMA will be hosting two webinars in March and April for members of the New Hampshire Municipal Association.
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 12:00 pm—2:00 pm
This webinar is geared for new planning board members and alternates, as well as seasoned veterans who want a refresher course on planning board basics.
Join Legal Services Counsel Stephen Buckley, Municipal Services Counsel Natch Greyes, and NHOSI Principal Planner Michael Klass, who will discuss what is a completed application, the timeline for planning board review, conducting meetings and public hearings, the use of third-party consultants, the zoning amendment process, scattered and premature development, off-site exactions, innovative land use controls, driveways, the Right-to-Know Law and more.
This webinar is open to all NHMA members and will benefit not only new Planning Board members, but also governing bodies, and other land use board officials who want to better understand the different roles and responsibilities of various municipal officials in these positions.
ZBA Basics
Tuesday, April 13, 2021 12:00 pm—2:00 pm
As a new volunteer member of your local Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), you just don't know where to start to learn about your new responsibilities. That's why NHMA is hosting a webinar designed specifically for new board members including a basic overview of the organization, powers, duties, and relevant statutory and case law authority to make your public service both more enjoyable and productive.
Join Legal Services Counsel Stephen Buckley, Municipal Services Counsel Natch Greyes, and NHOSI Principal Planner Michael Klass, who will share their expertise on how to keep your board's affairs in order (including rules of procedure), the do's and don'ts for conducting meetings and hearings, your board's issuance of decisions, and its rehearing procedures. Understanding the role of the ZBA through the granting of relief from the strict terms of the zoning ordinance through variances, special exceptions and administrative appeals.
This webinar is open to all NHMA members and will benefit municipal officials and other land use boards who want to better understand the different roles and responsibilities of municipal officials in these positions.
25 Triangle Park Drive Concord, NH 03301 Periodical Postage Paid at Concord, NH
Spring: Brighter Days, New Beginnings, Hope
HealthTrust provides the benefits and resources your employees and retirees need to stay healthy and enjoy the promise of a new season.
• Comprehensive coverage plans • Exceptional services • Helpful online tools and resources • Slice of Life wellness program • HealthTrust 360 programs • Wellness Coordinator program • LifeResources Employee Assistance Program
Working together makes us all stronger and we deeply appreciate all you do to keep New Hampshire’s communities safe and healthy.
