Nebraska Clerks Institute & Academy MARCH 2020
WELCOME
to the 2020 Nebraska Municipal Clerks Institute & Academy
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Monday, March 16, 2020 8:00 AM -- 8:15 AM
Welcome
8:15 AM -- 10:15 AM
Opening Keynote Session
10:15 AM -- 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 AM -- Noon
Opening Keynote Session (continued)
Noon -- 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch (all together)
1:00 PM -- 3:00 PM
Sessions
3:00 PM -- 3:15 PM
Break
3:15 PM -- 5:15 PM
Sessions
5:30 PM -- 6:30 PM
What it Takes to be a CMC or MMC
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Tuesday, March 17, 2020 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 (on your own)
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 18, 2020 8:00 AM -- 10:00 AM
Sessions
10:00 AM -- 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 AM -- 12:15 PM Sessions 11:30 AM -- 1:15 PM Lunch Break Academy Joins the Group 1:15 PM -- 3:00 PM
Sessions
3:00 PM -- 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 PM -- 4:30 PM
Sessions
4:30 PM -- 6:00 PM Networking Reception Vendor Recognition
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Thursday, March 19, 2020 8:00 AM -- 10:00 AM
Roundtables
10:00 AM -- 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM -- 12:30 PM
Sessions
12:30 PM -- 2:15 PM Lunch Annual Meeting 2:15 PM -- 4:15 PM 4:15 PM -- 5:30 PM 5:30 PM -- 6:30 PM
Sessions
Break Social
6:30 PM Annual Banquet and Awards Color Your World
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Friday, March 20, 2020 8:00 AM -- 10:00 AM
Sessions
10:00 AM -- 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 AM -- 12:15 PM
Closing Keynote Session
12:15 PM
Wrap up and Adjourn
MONDAY SESSIONS 8:15 - 10:15 AM Session The New Keys to Employee Retention & Engagement What are the new keys to keeping employees, and keeping them happy? Hear how to provide the workplace environment that employees are looking for, while achieving your objectives!
10:45 - Noon Session Employee Retention Conclusion *See description from above.
Noon - 1:00 PM Networking Lunch
MONDAY SESSIONS 1:00 - 3:00 PM Sessions Before and After the Flood Typically, the responsibility of floodplain management falls on the village clerk or the maintenance supervisor and the duties are typically split between the two of them. Water tables are high, winter is predicted to be wet, and frost layers will be deep. There will be little if no absorption of spring runoff. What can a community do when flooding is looming? What NFIP work will be required after the flood? Coaching Employees How do you Coach Employees to improve performance? How to you address under performers in a professional way? Hear the road map to helping others succeed, and developing a plan that has accountability and motivates them to contribute more!
3:15 - 5:15 PM Sessions *Attend the session not yet attended from above.
5:30 - 6:30 PM Meeting What it Takes to be a CMC or MMC.
TUESDAY SESSIONS 8:00 - 10:00 AM Sessions Nebraska Labor Laws Course will be an overview of Nebraska labor laws affecting employers, specifically municipalities. Liquor Licenses The purpose of this session is to better understand the Liquor License process. Share ideas on what works and gain knowledge on how the Liquor Control Commission functions.
10:15 AM - 12:15 PM Sessions *Attend the session not yet attended from above.
TUESDAY SESSIONS 1:15 - 3:15 PM Sessions Bonding Process Information will be presented on the bonding process and details on state statutory requirements and update the Clerks on the current interest rate environment. Detailing what actions the institute participants will need to complete in order to fund water, sewer, paving, building, pool and other municipal projects. Violations and Enforcement This two part course, team taught by Chuck Chase- a Certified Floodplain Manager and LeRoy Sievers- Attorney and former legal counsel for the State of Nebraska. The first part deals with using good communication and some communication tools to gain compliance with the floodplain ordinance without fines or court action. The second section goes into detail on a variety of court actions, how they may be used and what steps need to be taken in order to implement them.
3:30 - 5:30 PM Sessions *Attend the session not yet attended from above.
WEDNESDAY SESSIONS 8:00 - 10:00 AM Sessions Office Procedures and More This course will focus on the importance of developing and/or updating a procedural manual for your official duties as Clerk. Many individuals have stepped into the position with no training and found no written direction of what is legally required of their position or duties specific to their community. We will provide outlines, share ideas, and motivate participants to develop a manual for their office. Understanding the Essentials of Preparedness and your Responsibilities Before any Disaster Strikes your Community Each township, village, town and city are unique, with varying diversities as well as unique risks and vulnerabilities to consider when addressing potential emergencies. This course will provide a systematic approach to planning, preparedness, and mitigation of crisis situations for each community based upon their individual needs in an all hazards approach.
10:15 AM - 12:15 PM Sessions *Attend the session not yet attended from above.
WEDNESDAY SESSIONS 1:15 - 3:00 PM Sessions Effective Communication & Professionalism In this session, you will learn more about the barriers to effective communication and some skills you can use to ensure you are communicating in an effective way. You will also learn how to communicate and conduct yourself in a professional manner while at work. These skills will help guide you along your path to success.
3:30 - 4:30 PM Sessions *Session from above continued.
4:30 - 6:00 PM Networking Reception An opportunity to network with clerks and vendors in a relaxed environment.
THURSDAY SESSIONS 8:00 - 10:00 AM Roundtables Participants will have the opportunity to participate in eight 15-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. All participant views and opinions will be respected and listened to. 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 Public Water System Requirements and Responsibilities This course will introduce the requirements of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Title 179 Rules & Regulations for Public Water Systems (PWS). In addition to PWS requirements, capacity development and available resources will be covered. The course is meant to be interactive, and additional time will be given for questions and discussion. Open Meetings Act This presentation will provide an overview of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act as it pertains to municipal government. Much of the discussion will focus on specific statutory requirements that Municipal Clerks are required to follow under the Open Meetings Act.
THURSDAY SESSIONS 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Sessions (continued) Nebraska Department of Transportation This session is an overview of the implementation of LB82, 2019, and Nebraska’s minimum highway, road and street program requirements, for municipalities, that need to be adhered to too avoid the loss of Highway Allocation Funds.
2:15 - 4:15 PM Sessions *Attend the session not yet attended from previous page.
5:30 - 6:30 PM Social 6:30 PM Annual Banquet Annual Banquet and Awards, Color Your World
FRIDAY SESSIONS 8:00 - 10:00 AM Sessions Cyber Threat Prevention Tips, Tactics & Strategies Hacking attacks occur every 39 seconds, and the total cost of a data breach was $2.3 million for public sector organizations according to the Ponemon Institute’s 2018 annual data breach survey. While this data drives home the importance of cyber security initiatives, how will city government prepare their people with practical training, tactics to implement, and strategies to deploy. This course will cover each of these items and introduce a few practical exercises for the group to discuss. State Budget Forms and Tips for Completing Them Overview of the budget forms required to be filed with the State Auditor’s office each year along with the State Statutes that govern what is included in the forms. Will include a review of the current levy and lid limitations. Ethics for Public Managers This session will offer practical guidance and information necessary for ethical decision-making in public organizations. Through discussion and case analyses, participants will learn to recognize ethical dilemmas and gain skills to approach them with honesty, sincerity, and confidence. Participants will also gain greater understanding of the demands and responsibilities of public leadership and gain the necessary skills to improve their own leadership abilities.
FRIDAY SESSIONS 10:15 AM - 12:15 PM Sessions The Leadership Lessons from Dr. Seuss The role of government is changing. The role of leaders is changing. Clerks are in the middle of all this change! What can we do? Perhaps all we really need to know, we indeed learned in kindergarten. There are many lessons we learned as children that sometimes don’t make their way into our adult repertoire. Take all those Dr. Seuss books for example. In between the nonsensical words there are some important concepts that we should remember as adults that provide inspiration and wisdom. These lessons help us navigate the “High C’s of Leadership.”
12:15 PM Wrap Up & Adjourn
Speaker Bios Chuck Chase Chuck Chase is the Floodplain Outreach Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and a Certified Floodplain Manager. Chuck presents training & outreach programs that help local communities implement the National Flood Insurance Program. Chuck is a retired Coast Guard Chief and formerly an Exercise Training Officer for the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. He is on the Professional Development Committee for the Nebraska Floodplain and Stormwater Manager’s Association. Chuck has a BS in Education (go Peru Bobcats), an MS in Quality Systems Management, and is a member of the State of Nebraska Speakers Bureau. Chuck enjoys meeting new people and getting to know their communities. Lanette Doane Lanette Doane is the Village Clerk/Treasurer for Ansley. She started as Deputy Clerk in Ansley in January 1981, and became Clerk/Treasurer in June, 1984, working for several years before obtaining my CMC designation.. She has observed many changes over the past almost 40 years. She currently serves as a member of the Education Committee for the NE Municipal Clerk Institute and Academy; as a member of the LARM Board of Directors; as a member of the League of NE Municipalities Small Communities Legislative Committee; and as a member of NMPP Energy Computer Services Review Committee.
Speaker Bios RaNae Edwards No stranger to government, City Clerk RaNae Edwards has been involved with county and city government for over 37 years. Before coming to Grand Island RaNae was Howard County Clerk in St. Paul, Nebraska for 16 years This was an elected position which she held at the age of 23. In 2000 RaNae was appointed Grand Island City Clerk. She is a Certified Municipal Clerk and a Master Municipal Clerk. Currently, RaNae serves on the IIMC Board of Directors representing Region VIII. In 2010 RaNae was named Outstanding Clerk of the Year. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, reading, traveling and riding her Harley. Deann Haeffner Deann Haeffner, CPA, is the Assistant Deputy State Auditor with the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts. She has over 30 years of experience and is responsible for the oversight review of approximately 2800 political subdivision budgets filed with the Auditor’s office. Mike Henke Mike Henke’s passion for building strong teams led to the creation of Mike Henke Inc, and he works with organizations throughout the Midwest in the areas of Leadership Training, Generational Differences, and Recruiting & Retention. Mike was appointed by the Governor to be a Nebraska Diplomat, and has served on the Board of Directors for: Hastings Chamber of Commerce, St. Francis Hospital Foundation, College Park, and the Central Nebraska HR Association.
Speaker Bios Linda Jensen Linda has been employed with the City of Central City for 37 years. She started as the Deputy Clerk/City Treasurer in 1982 then became the City Clerk/Treasurer in 2009. Since 1982 she has completely automated the city office. Linda has received the Municipal Clerk of the Year distinction in 2018 and is currently the President of the Nebraska Clerk’s Association. On a side note: Linda’s novel “Against the Cottonwood Tree” was published in October of 2018 and she loves to quilt. Lela McNinch Lela McNinch has over 25 years’ experience as a subject matter expert in emergency management. She advises clients on strategic solutions in mitigation, planning, preparedness, response and recovery to all-hazard emergencies. Lela is an adjunct professor for UNO in the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, addressing cultural/social violence and violence in schools. She is the Senior Consultant to School Security Services, facilitating strategic response training. Claressa Millsap and Martha Lofquist Claressa Millsap and Martha Lofquist have a combined 35+ years of leadership experience. While they both enjoyed their leadership jobs, the people aspect really became their passion. They wanted to use their skills, knowledge and experience to walk alongside businesses and teach them how to leverage their greatest assets... people. With their combined backgrounds and education (Claressa’s MBA and Martha’s MSHRM), they are able to provide assistance to businesses regarding anything people related, from traditional HR (policies and procedures, job descriptions and compensation), leadership and staff development (onboarding/orientation, communication and coaching), business development (organizational restructure, productivity analysis and strategic planning), to educational training experiences.
Speaker Bios Rich Nelson Rich Nelson is a Labor Law Specialist with the Nebraska Dept. of Labor. Rich has worked for the Nebraska Dept. of Labor for over 30 years in several capacities. Rich has extensive experience on topics such as Wage & Hour, Veteran’s Preference, Wage Payment & Collection, and Child Labor. Brian Newton Brian Newton is the City Administrator for the City of Fremont, Nebraska. Brian is a Nebraska native and has more than 30-years managing public power and cooperative utilities. Newton moved back to Nebraska when he accepted the position at the City of Fremont in June 2015. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska; a MBA from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio; and a Doctorate in Management from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Brian and his wife Michell live in Fremont and have three grown children and four grandkids. Brian is a pilot and owns and flies a 1974 Piper Warrior. He is a member of Fremont Rotary Club.
Speaker Bios Kathleen Novak Kathie Novak is an Assistant Teaching Professor for the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver. She also serves as the Institute Director for the Colorado Municipal Clerks Institute. Kathie has almost 19 years of elected public service, 11 as a member of the Northglenn City Council, and an additional 8 years as Mayor. She was term-limited in 2010. During her time in public office, she served as President of the National League of Cities in 2009, and held numerous other leadership positions. Kathie earned her Master of Science in Management from the University of Colorado at Denver, and has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and has been teaching management at the graduate and undergraduate level since 1991. Her awards include the 2012 John V. Christensen Award for exemplifying the tradition of John V. Christensen in promoting and working for good, strong, representative local government and regionalism in solving mutual problems; “9NEWS Leader of the Year” for 2003; “Businesswoman of the Year” awarded by the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce; “Excellence in Teaching Award” from Regis University; the 2019 “Institute Director Excellence Award” from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks; and was awarded an American Marshall Memorial Fellowship, for travel in Summer 2002. Susan Ogborn Susan is an adjunct faculty member in the College of Public Affairs at UNOmaha. After serving in many not-for-profit organizations across the state, she recently retired as President and CEO of Food Bank for the Heartland serving 93 counties in NE and western IA. Susan’s passion encompasses helping public and private servant leaders improve their effectiveness and follow their dream to improve the world around them and around all of us.
Speaker Bios Shelley Rekte Shelley Rekte is the Capacity Development Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Drinking Water Division. Shelley’s role is to provide oversight and implementation of Nebraska’s capacity development strategy for public water systems. Capacity development of a public water system involves the financial, managerial, and financial aspects needed to ensure safe drinking water is provided on a continual basis. The Capacity Development Coordinator provides training and coordinates technical assistance services to help systems achieve and maintain capacity. Shelley also provides assistance with water system emergency operations. LeMoyne Schulz LeMoyne Schulz has 50 plus years of experience in the road business, of which 50 years have been with the Nebraska Department of Transportation in Lincoln. He is the Secretary for the Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classification and lead staff person for the Nebraska Board of Examiners for County Highway and City Street Superintendents. He is a graduate of ‘Nebraska Tech’ in Milford (now Southeast Community College).
Speaker Bios LeRoy Sievers LeRoy Sievers, of counsel with Knudsen, Berkheimer, Richardson & Endacott, LLP and formerly counsell for the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, is a member of the Natural Resources & Environmental Law Section of the Nebraska Bar Association, and past President of the Lincoln Bar Association. He is an Army Veteran who served in the White House during the Vietnam War. LeRoy was former President of the Cornhusker Counsel of the BSA, the Lincoln Sunrise Optimist Club, the Nebraska American Red Cross, and currently sits on the board for the Capital Humane Society. LeRoy earned his Bachelor’s from Doane College and his Juris Doctor from UNL. LeRoy speaks on Leadership, Integrity, & Ethics. Brad Slaughter Brad Slaughter is Senior Vice President within the public finance group at Piper Sandler & Co. He primarily works with local governments in the State of Nebraska including city and villages, counties and rural fire protection districts. He has been servicing Nebraska issuers through the bond issuance process since 2011, and has completed over 400 bond financings in the last decade. Slaughter graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, along with a Master in Business Administration from the same University. He is a registered representative and holds his Series 6. Series 7, Series 24, Series 26 and Series 4 securities licenses.
Speaker Bios Chris Vilim Chris Vilim is driven to help small and midsize organizations and city government tackle their technology and security needs. As President of CoreTech, Chris and his team are celebrating 20 years in business. His background includes project management, business process analysis, technology systems engineering, cloud technology design & implementation, and business management. When presenting the topic of IT security to clients, Chris focuses not only on the trends and strategic reasons an organization needs secure technology, but the practical ways each staff person can protect themselves. Chris lives in La Vista, Nebraska, with his wife, Cathy, and their two boys Lucas and Gabriel. They enjoy going to the driving range, flag football, and jumping on their new trampoline.
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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