2019 Nebraska Clerks Institute and Academy MARCH 2019
WELCOME
to the 2019 Nebraska Municipal Clerks Institute & Academy
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Monday, March 18, 2019 8:00 AM -- 8:15 AM
Welcome
8:15 AM -- 9:30 AM
Session
9:30 AM -- 10:00 AM
Break
10:00 AM -- Noon
Session
Noon -- 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
1:00 PM -- 3:00 PM
Sessions
3:00 PM -- 3:15 PM
Break
3:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Sessions
5:15 PM First Class, Second Class and Village Clerks Meetings/IIMC Info
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Tuesday, March 19, 2019 8:00 AM -- 10:00 AM
Sessions
10:00 AM -- 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 AM -- 12:15 PM
Sessions
12:15 PM -- 1:15 PM
Lunch
1:15 PM -- 3:15 PM
Sessions
3:15 PM -- 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 PM -- 5:30 PM
Sessions
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Wednesday, March 20, 2019 8:00 AM -- 10:00 AM
Sessions
10:00 AM -- 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 AM -- 12:15 PM Sessions Academy Check-in 1:00 PM -- 1:15 PM
Welcome to the Academy Members
1:15 PM -- 3:00 PM
Session
3:00 PM -- 3:30 PM
Break and Vendors
3:30 PM -- 4:30 PM
Session
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
NMCA Reception
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Thursday, March 21, 2019 8:00 AM -- 10:00 AM
Roundtables
10:00 AM -- 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM -- 12:30 PM
Sessions
12:30 PM -- 2:00 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Sessions
4:00 PM -- 4:15 PM
Break
4:15 PM -- 5:30 PM
NMCA Business Meeting
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Social
6:30 PM
Annual Banquet and Awards
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Friday, March 22, 2019 8:00 AM -- 10:00 AM
Sessions
10:00 AM -- 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 AM -- 12:15 PM
Session
12:15 PM
Wrap up and Adjourn
MONDAY SESSIONS 8:15 - 9:30 AM Session Creating Excellence for Yourself and Your Organization Individuals, not organizations, create excellence. All organization excellence starts with one or more individuals having a vision and perseverance to make things better for themselves and their organization. This program provides participants with information on what it takes to be an effective leader of a high performing team and how to empower others for greater results. Take Aways: After attending the session, participants will be able to explain the difference between management and leadership; identify the practices that will accelerate the organization’s performance; involve others in the planning process to ensure commitment; and, create an effective team guided by core values, beliefs and clear vision.
10:00 - Noon Session Creating Excellence for Yourself and Your Organization *See description from above.
Noon - 1 PM Networking Lunch
MONDAY SESSIONS 1:00 - 3:00 PM Sessions A Day in the Life of a Clerk; What is on Your Plate? This session will provide clerks with skills and tools to work the various stakeholders they come into contact with. The session is designed to help clerks perform their jobs better. Take Aways: After the session, participants will be able to know when to schedule annual tasks for example, publishing the annual salaries for the municipality. Most Often Asked Questions by Clerks The presentation will cover the “Top Ten� questions that are asked by clerks around the state. Major topics covered include: bidding statutes, Open Meetings Act, public records, conflict of interest laws, and LB 840 programs. Take Aways: The useful knowledge gained in this course will be a broad overview of a variety of topics clerks deal with on a weekly basis.
3:15 - 5:15 PM Sessions *Attend the session not yet attended from above.
5:15 PM Meetings First Class, Second Class and Village Clerks Meeting/IIMC Information
TUESDAY SESSIONS 8:00 - 10:00 AM Sessions Managing Public Finances This course focuses on major areas related to municipal financial management. Major topics will include: internal controls, cash management, debt management, contracting, budget monitoring, and financial policies. Take Aways: Attendees will learn best practices in financial management policies and procedures. An Overview of Planning and Zoning This course will focus on providing an overview of the importance of planning and zoning in Nebraska. The session will focus on practical application of planning and zoning carried out by planning commissions, boards of adjustment, and elected officials. This a good session for participants to become better aware of community planning, organized growth and the decision making processes involved. Take Aways: The participants will walk away with knowledge regarding permitting, applications and the important role planning and zoning plays in viable communities.
10:15 - 12:15 PM Sessions *Attend the session not yet attended from above.
TUESDAY SESSIONS 1:15 - 3:15 PM Sessions Conflicts of Interest and More: What Cities and Villages Need to Know This session will review the State ethics laws applicable to Mayors, City Council Members, Village Board of Trustee Members and other municipal officials and employees. It will include ethical scenarios commonly experienced by cities and villages and how they need to be addressed. Take Aways: Attendees will learn how to recognize and address conflicts of interest. They will also learn the procedures that must be followed when hiring immediate family members and when city council or village board members have an interest in a contract with the city or village. Recycling and Sustainable Resource Management for Municipalities The session co-presented by Nebraska Recycling Council will provide an overview to sustainable resource management for municipalities—from strategies and policies that encourage waste reduction to best practices and key elements for a robust community recycling program. Take Aways: Participants will learn of best practices for successful recycling programs; gain insight into market challenges and how communities overcome them; and learn about funding resources and services available to assist municipalities in their resource management strategies.
3:50 - 5:30 PM Sessions *Attend the session not yet attended from above.
WEDNESDAY SESSIONS 8:00 - 10:00 AM Sessions Turning Ideas Into Dollars: Grant Writing 101 In this presentation we will explore the process of developing a grant application from solicitation to submission. If you are new to the grant-seeking arena or looking for ways to improve your grant proposals, this session is for you. Take Aways: Participants will be introduced to universal concepts in grant writing that can be applied to any solicitation. Participants will learn how to avoid common mistakes and incorporate best practices into proposal writing to significantly improve chances for success. Healthy Conflict Conflict can be positive or negative! What determines this is how the situation is handled. In today’s diverse organizations, collaboration is the key to moving forward successfully. People working closely with their teams, other departments, and other levels can impact an organization’s productivity, satisfaction, and outcomes. This conference will help you recognize the importance of healthy discussions and resolving issues with co-workers and teammates in a positive way. Take Aways: Participants will leave with an understanding of how to view conflict as a learning opportunity and when conflict is appropriate. Ways to identify what gets in the way during conflict, and how to use the tools provided for successful conflict resolution.
WEDNESDAY SESSIONS 10:15 - 12:15 PM Sessions Turning Ideas Into Dollars: Grant Writing 101 *See description from previous page. Effective Communication and Professionalism What is communication? Most define it as the exchange of information. Whichever way you define it, effective communication is imperative in today’s workforce. In this session, you will learn more about the barriers to effective communication and some skills you can use to ensure you are communication in an effective way. You will also learn how to conduct yourself in a professional way while at work. Take Aways: Participants will leave with an understanding of the 5 Barriers to Effective Communication, Learn about the 9 Tools for Effective Communication and review the Do’s and Don’ts of Professionalism in the Workplace.
10:15 - 12:15 PM Academy Check-In 1:00 - 1:15 PM Welcome to the Academy Members
WEDNESDAY SESSIONS 1:15 - 3:00 PM Sessions Embezzlement Issues and What Can Happen The course will review the fraud triangle and case study of recent fraud cases involving municipalities. Discussion on the development of internal controls to prevent fraud, in order to the basic philosophy and concepts of internal control and fraud prevention. Take Aways: Attending the seminar will give a basic knowledge of internal controls and fraud prevention techniques to implement into their own municipalities.
3:00 - 3:30 PM Break and Vendors 3:30 - 4:30 PM Sessions Embezzlement Issues and What Can Happen *See description from above.
7:00 - 9:00 PM NMCA Reception
THURSDAY SESSIONS 8:00 - 10:00 AM Roundtables Participants will have the opportunity to participate in 6-20 minute round tables, where they can discuss and debate a variety of topics relevant to their duties and municipality. Each person is given equal right to participate. Topics include: Handling End of Year Payroll Taxes and 1099’s; Budget Procedures; Village Responsibilities; City of 2nd Class Responsibilities; City of 1st Class Responsibilities and Nuisance Procedures/Strategies.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Sessions Nuisance in My Community Participants will discuss the most common nuisance issues faced by municipalities, such as; abandoned and inoperable cars, property maintenance issues, code violations, demolition and nuisance abatement. Take Aways: Attendees will learn strategies to address and prevent abandonment. From #MeToo to “Time’s Up” – Sexual Harassment Prevention in the Workplace We will explore the different forms of workplace sexual harassment most commonly seen. We’ll discuss best practices for preventing and eliminating sexual harassment in the work environment.
THURSDAY SESSIONS 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Sessions From #MeToo to “Time’s Up” – Sexual Harassment Prevention in the Workplace Take Aways: We will learn how to identify problematic behavior and language. We will also learn how to foster a work environment that prevents sexual harassment. Professional Writing 2.0 This hands-on, interactive workshop builds on the writing instruction and skillbuilding exercises presented during the 2018 workshop, “Professional Writing for Municipal Clerks.” Participants will practice a variety of skills during the workshop, including writing and revising sample business correspondence Take Aways: Upon completing this interactive, hands-on workshop, participants will understand how to improve the quality of their business correspondence and documents. They will be better equipped to write in a clear, concise manner that conveys information and elicits results. They will be more confident in their ability to spot writing errors and make necessary revisions.
THURSDAY SESSIONS 12:30 - 2:00 PM Lunch Lunch on your own or with your region.
2:00 - 4:00 PM Sessions *Attend the session not yet attended from previous page.
4:15 - 5:30 PM NMCA Business Meeting
6:00 PM Social 6:30 PM Annual Banquet and Awards
FRIDAY SESSIONS 8:00 - 10:00 AM Sessions Service Animals (AKA The Dog and Pony Show) A review of the definition of service animals and the laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and what this means for municipalities. This course will answer the question: How do I know if it’s a legitimate service animal? What do I do if the animal misbehaves? Can I ask a handler (and animal) to leave without violating the law? Take Aways: Attendees will learn how the Americans with Disabilities Act changed the definition of a service animal when it was amended in 2008; be able to define what is and is not a service animal; and learn what questions to ask to make that determination. Attendees will also learn what behaviors are allowed and how a service animal should act. They will also be able to recognize the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal. Departing Employees Hear what the proper termination procedures are to apply progressive discipline legally, and how to terminate an employee in a professional manner. Proper coaching can save a struggling employee and avoid the termination procedures, and those techniques will be shared! But if termination is the correct route to take, the other considerations are covered in this session so you don’t miss any details!
FRIDAY SESSIONS 8:00 - 10:00 AM Sessions Continued Departing Employees Take Aways: Attendees will have a great understanding of how to navigate a situation with a problem employee so we are fair and legal in addressing the situation. Wishing on a Star—Making Dreams Come True This course will provide a case study of how a small town of 1,170 is meeting needs and turning dreams into reality. Through creative thinking, the development of working relationships with state and other officials, engagement of the community, the support of the elected body, and commitment of City staff. Wisner will complete a large water project, a remodel of its auditorium, and bringing trails and other amenities to its parks over the next two years. Take Aways: Participants will learn how Wisner is able to work with State agencies, foundations, donors and the community to help fund a $4 million water project, a $1.25 million remodel of its auditorium and a $1 million upgrade to its parks. The participants will also learn how Wisner put itself in position to secure grant funds and large donations to cover over 90% of the costs of its auditorium and park projects. Participants will also learn how the City has dealt with litigation, and how it will pay for its $4 million water project.
FRIDAY SESSIONS 10:15 - 12:15 PM Sessions Take the Initiative! MOO, POO and the Soul of the Shoe, Life Changing Things Leaders like You, Can and DO DO Great Leaders/Teachers know they must take time to replenish themselves to keep their leadership spirit fresh and their perspective positive. This workshop promises to help leaders like you do just that. The journey from Mere Manager to Refreshing Leader is a challenging one. But it is certainly one worth taking. And it begins the minute that you take the initiative to do what you know needs doing and continue becoming the leader you set out to become in the first place. You’ll leave this workshop with a renewed commitment to keep yourself on the go, and the inspiration and insights to help others do the same. Take Aways: Participants will leave with immediately actionable insights and activities that they can put into practice in both their personal and professional lives to help them stay focused, engaged in personal growth and the tools and models to inspire others to do the same. They will be introduced to additional free resources to aid and elevate their journeys of becoming better more inspirational and accountable leaders. And they will have lots of fun doing it!
Speaker Bios Martha Bryan, Owner, Bryan & Bryan Associates Martha is a management consultant, author, speaker, and seminar leader who speaks nationally and internationally regarding the development of human potential and personal excellence. With an education background in teaching, she has taught at both high school and college levels and has held positions in both government and private industry. Fascinated by what makes some individuals strive to be the very best, Martha has devoted her life to studying peak performers. She is a highly effective organization consultant and dynamic public speaker who is recognized for her informative, downto-earth, and entertaining keynote presentations and workshops. Her programs on implementing quality, excellence, leadership, vision and strategy, self-esteem and success psychology bring about immediate changes and long – term results. You will enjoy spending time with her! Lash Chaffin, Utilities Section Director and Christy Abraham, Legal Counsel, League of Nebraska Municipalities Lash Chaffin has been the Utilities Section Director for the League of Nebraska Municipalities for over 30 years. He graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Christy Abraham is the legal counsel for the League of Nebraska Municipalities where she provides assistance to municipalities on issues such as budget concerns, economic development, and open meetings and public records
Speaker Bios Judy Clarke, Planning Administrator, City North Platte Judy Clarke, MPA, is the Planning Administrator for the City of North Platte and Lincoln County. Judy has over 18 years’ experience in the planning field working with Planning Commissions, Boards of Adjustment, County Boards and City Councils. On a daily basis, Judy serves a wide array of community members and both elected and appointed officials dealing with a huge variety of planning and zoning issues in multiple jurisdictions. Judy also serves as the Vice President of the Nebraska Planning and Zoning Associations and is a member of the Nebraska Association of County Officials. Frank Daly, Executive Director, Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission Frank Daley is the Executive Director of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. From 1987 to 1999 he served as the Commission’s General Counsel. Prior to his service with the Commission, Daley engaged in the private practice of law in Hebron, Nebraska and served as a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Omaha. He received a BA in Government from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey and a law degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Daley is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association and the Lincoln Bar Association. He has served as Chairman of the NSBA’s Government Practice Section and as president of the Lincoln Bar Association.
Speaker Bios
Julie Diegel and Megan Jackson, Nebraska Recycling Council Julie Diegel is Executive Director of the Nebraska Recycling Council. She holds a certificate from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals, and is a certified Zero Waste TRUE Advisor. She has been working on a series of Community Recycling Fact Sheets, case studies, and white papers that describe community best practices for diverting more waste from landfills. Megan Jackson is a certified Zero Waste TRUE Advisor and Program Manager with the Nebraska Recycling Council. She assists Nebraska communities and businesses with their Zero Waste goals, recycling efforts, and solid waste management strategies by working to address the barriers and understanding the motives to empower change— paired with the best practices, data, and logistics that help Zero Waste initiatives succeed. Carol Ebdon Professor, University of Nebraska Omaha, School of Public Administration Dr. Carol Ebdon is the Regents/Foundation Professor of Public Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her research interests are in the areas of public budgeting and financial management. She also served as the Finance Director for the City of Omaha for five years. Mike Henke, Owner, Mike Henke Inc. Mike Henke works throughout the Midwest in the areas of Recruiting, Retention, and Workplace Culture. Mike had developed over 50 unique training programs and has conducted over 1000 presentations with his upbeat, interactive style!
Speaker Bios Jessica Källström-Schreckengost, Associate Attorney, Jackson Lewis P.C. Jessica Källström-Schreckengost is an Associate Attorney in the Omaha office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Her practice focuses on representing employers and management in all aspects of employment litigation. Ms. Källström-Schreckengost’s cases include those involving workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Margie Nichols, Sr. Civil Rights Investigator, City of Lincoln Margie Nichols has been a Civil Rights Investigator for the City of Lincoln’s Commission on Human Rights for more than 10 years, and a city employee for almost 14 years. A Nebraska native and farm girl from Byron, Nebraska, Margie graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Journalism from the former Kearney State College. She is also a certified Paralegal, and graduate of the Fair Housing Training Academy’s Investigator training course. She is currently working on obtaining her Masters in Legal Studies and conducts trainings throughout the year on various aspects of civil rights laws, with a focus on employment, housing, and public accommodation laws.
Speaker Bios Kyle Overturf and Joe Stump Share Holders, Almquist, Maltzahn, Galloway & Luth, CPA’s Kyle Overturf, CPA, PFS is a shareholder with the accounting firm of Almquist, Maltzahn, Galloway & Luth, CPA’s. He graduated in 2009 from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. As a personal Financial Specialist he assists clients with their investments and retirement needs. His auditing experience includes cities, villages, school districts and not-for-profit organizations. Kyle also prepares individual, corporate and trust tax returns. He is a member of the American Institute of certified Public Accountants and the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants. He and his wife Leah, and their daughters live in Grand Island. Joe Stump, CPA, PFS, CVA is a shareholder with the accounting firm of Almquist, Maltzahn, Galloway & Luth, CPA’s. He graduated cum laude from Dana College in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. As a personal Financial Specialist he assists clients with their investments and retirement needs. Joe’s responsibilities include providing tax preparation, research, planning and consulting services for individuals and businesses. His auditing experience includes cities, villages, school districts and not-for-profits organizations. He is a member of the American Institute of certified Public Accountants and the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants. He and his wife Leah, and their daughters live in Grand Island.
Speaker Bios Anne Stienhoff, President, Stienhoff and Associates Anne Steinhoff is an award-winning writer and editor, who has been writing for publication since the age of 15. Anne has taught hundreds of people to write in a clear, concise and compelling manner. During a 25-year career, Anne has produced an award-winning Fortune 500 magazine, written for and edited several publications, and developed and taught an upper-level writing course at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She believes people who want to improve their writing should strive for progress, not perfection. Al Vancanti, City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer, City of Wisner Al Vancanti is the current City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer of the City of Wisner. He earned his Master Municipal Clerk designation, and is an ICMA Certified Manager. He currently serves as President of NCMA and approximately 190 days from retirement. Kirk Weisler, Chief Morale Officer Kirk is an expert at creating outrageously cool workplace cultures and high performance teams. Over the past 19 years over 50,000 leaders from across every industry and continent have sought Kirk’s advice and wisdom on building teams, strengthening leaders and improving culture. His unique background as a US Army Ranger, a member of the 19th Special Forces Chaplaincy, his work with At-Risk Youth and experience and Master Storyteller & Team Builder make him a very fun, engaging, and sought after speaker. He authored the Best Smelling book, The Dog Poop Initiative and the semi –sweet best seller, “The Cookie Thief.” Kirk lives in Phoenix AZ with “wonderful wife Rebecca and their six remarkable children.”
Ellen Freeman-Wakefield Director of Professional Programs School of Public Administration University of Nebraska at Omaha efreemanwakefield@unomaha.edu 402.554.2625
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