New PSAB WEBINARS!
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All PA Municipal Governments are invited to participate in these WEBINARS.
Register on-line@www.classes.boroughs.org
WEBINAR: The Benefits of Developing a Comprehensive Safety Program
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
This webinar is designed to introduce municipal managers and elected officials to the basic requirements
associated with effective safety programs and hazards that your employees may be exposed to plus review
programs that can help to educate employees and reduce risk. Kelly Kramer, Safety Consultant for Rettew will
be the instructor.
WEBINAR: Municipal Insurances 101
Thursday, March 19, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
Do you know the difference between full tort liability vs limited tort? When was your last insurance audit? What
is a guarantee fund? Local governments face many liabilities; general public liability, employment practices,
auto liability and much more. This webinar will discuss the major liability issues facing local governments and
how best to insure against them. Join Michael R. Kelley, Esq., chair of the Insurance Recovery Counseling
Group with McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC to learn more.
WEBINAR: Successful Neighborhood Revitalization
Tuesday, March 24, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
This webinar will focus on developing effective strategies for turning around declining neighborhoods with the
emphasis of attacking the problem at the earliest possible stage. Topics will include assessing the extent of the
neighborhood decline and deploying the most appropriate community development strategies given the
neighborhood’s market potential for housing and commercial development. The webinar will also cover how
public funds can be used in public-private partnerships to accomplish neighborhood revitalization goals.
Several case studies will be profiled to illustrate different approaches and effective strategies.The webinar is
targeted to public officials, community development and neighborhood revitalization organizations, and
neighborhood association leaders. Attorney, Chris Gulotta will be the instructor.
WEBINAR: Handling Complaints Against Police
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Michael McAuliffe Miller of Eckert, Seamans, Cherin & Mellott LLC will explain the procedures and
documentation for properly investigating complaints filed against your police department and its officers.
WEBINAR: An Introduction to LinkedIn
Tuesday, March 31, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
Your role as a local government official is ever-changing. Stay connected with your peers to discuss different
issues in your municipality using LinkedIn. Learn new skills from multimedia strategist Jill Bray, of the Triscari
Group, who will teach you the basics. You will learn how to register yourself or your municipality; create a
profile; join a discussion group; post questions and comments; and more. You will also learn how to share
information in this functional group.
WEBINAR: Road Asset Maintenance & Management
Wednesday, April 1 & 8 , 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
This two part series will focus on proper roadway maintenance procedures and road asset management
tactics. Part I will overview information on roadway distress indicators, causes, and signs of roadway failure as
well as cost-saving, proactive maintenance procedures and rehabilitation options.
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Part II will focus on the emergence of road asset management systems being adopted by municipalities
throughout the United States. These asset management systems inventory and grade road assets and are
less complicated than many think. This webinar will enumerate the myriad of benefits associated with the use
of a road asset management system and cover the basic steps involved with designing and implementing a
system that fits the need of your municipality.
WEBINAR: Natural Gas Pipelines in PA
Thursday, April 9, 2015 noon – 1:30pm Free members $75 non-members
Learn more about natural gas pipelines in your communities, the regulatory process, and the important role
municipal officials play in determining location and safety. Topics will include transmission, gathering, and
distribution lines. A review of recent legislative changes will also be presented by Roberta Winters, a member
of the state board of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, who also coordinated the Marcellus Shale
Natural Gas Extraction Study Guides and chaired addendum studies on Pipelines and Pooling.
WEBINAR: Working with District Judges
Wednesday, April 15, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Have your municipal officials and or employees appeared before the Magisterial District Judges regarding a
code violation and or citation issued by the municipality, only to walk away wondering what went wrong , and
why didn’t things go like they do on television? If you need to understand how the MDJ system works then this
is the Webinar for you. Find out what the jurisdiction of the MDJ is and how civil and criminal cases are
handled. Topics to be discussed include summary offenses, arraignment, warrants, landlord/tenant issues and
many other relevant matters. Attorney Joseph Mittleman, Director of Judicial programs, Supreme Court of
Pennsylvania will be the instructor.
WEBINAR: Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act
Thursday, April 16, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Attorney Chris Gulotta, of the Gulotta Group will review the details of the Neighborhood Blight and
Revitalization Act (Act 90 of 2010) which gives municipality’s substantial leverage to get compliance from
property owners who have been convicted of serious code violations or who are delinquent in paying taxes.
Two provisions in the Act include 1) encumbering all real property and 2) the denial of permits, including but
not limited to rental housing licenses, for tax delinquent and properties that are substantially out of compliance
with codes. The advantages of this tool for addressing blight will be discussed in relation to other strategies.
This webinar is targeted to elected officials, municipal managers, code enforcement officials and neighborhood
revitalization organizations.
WEBINAR: Conducting Workplace Harassment Investigations
Wednesday, May 13, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
Learn the importance of maintaining a workplace free from all forms of harassment. This session will focus on
the legal obligations of employers regarding workplace harassment, and best practices for avoiding
harassment issues. Key guidance will be provided regarding developing an adequate policy, conducting a
thorough investigation, and responding appropriately to complaints. Adam Santucci an attorney with McNees,
Wallace & Nurick, LLC will be the presenter.
WEBINAR: The Benefits of an Effective Planning Commission
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
An orientation to the work of a planning commission: what it does, where it fits in, the relationship of the
planning commission with the governing body, how it coordinates with other boards and commissions, how it
can contribute to the long-term sustainability of the community. Stan Lembeck, executive director of PMPEI will
be the instructor.
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WEBINAR: Sign Management
Wednesday, May 27, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Municipalities are required to meet several key traffic control sign compliance requirements for signs on any
road used by the traveling public. These are federal requirements that were set forth by the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA). One of these requirements is that agencies either have a replacement plan in place or
perform an assessment of their signs by June 2014. Signs and markings typically offer the greatest benefitcost of most transportation-related improvements because they are relatively inexpensive. There is also a
growing number of liability lawsuits related to the condition and placement of traffic signs. Municipalities can
greatly benefit from implementing a sign management system, the careful creation and maintenance of a
comprehensive system can save municipalities’ time and money but more importantly save lives. Join Steve
Rozyckie, assistant director of transportation operations and planning with Gannett Fleming, Inc. for an update
on the lessons learned from recent experiences and review of the recent publication “Effect of MUTCD on Tort
Liability of Government Transportation Agencies"
WEBINAR: Developing a Community Succession Strategy
Wednesday, June 3, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Attorney Chris Gulotta of the Gulotta Group will provide cost-effective, down to earth strategies for making a
community greener. Case studies from Pennsylvania will highlight numerous energy and money saving
municipal facility and operation initiatives. Other topics will include how to improve the livability of a community
by recycling vacant, often blighted, contaminated industrial sites, reducing reliance on the automobile by
developing walking and biking alternatives, and by deploying urban greenway and street tree planting
programs. The concept of building rain gardens as part of streetscape improvements to reduce and filter storm
water run-off is also discussed. The overall goal is to meet the needs of the present residents without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This webinar is targeted to local elected
officials, municipal managers, and planning, community development and code enforcement staff members.
WEBINAR: Municipal Administrators: Reporting & Records
Wednesday, June 10, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
As the Municipal Secretary you’re responsible for a wide variety of state reporting. This webinar will review the
municipal year and provide practical advice to help you plan ahead to meet record-keeping and reporting
requirements. (Free to those who attended 2015 classroom training for Municipal Administrators)
WEBINAR: Municipal Administrators: Your Role in Planning & Zoning
Wednesday, June 17, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Learn the process for handling land use planning activity correctly. Whether you’re the Borough or Township
Secretary or staff for the planning commission, or both – you need to know the requirements of the PA
Municipalities Planning Code and how to follow them. We’ll also talk about how to handle zoning requests and
the relationship between the Zoning Hearing Board and Borough Council or Township Supervisors. (Free to
those who attended 2015 classroom training for Municipal Administrators)
WEBINAR: The Duties of the Zoning Hearing Board
Wednesday, June 24, 2015 12 noon – 1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
The MPC states that every municipality that has enacted or enacts a zoning ordinance shall create a zoning
hearing board. What’s a Zoning Hearing Board? This webinar will review basic zoning terms, working with the
zoning officer, special exceptions, variances, nonconformities; what to look for, plus the zoning hearing. Stan
Lembeck, PMPEI executive director will be the instructor.
WEBINAR: Contract Negotiations & Interest Arbitration
Wednesday, July 8, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Skilled labor attorneys from the law firm of Eckert Seamans will present a webinar series dealing with contract
negotiations and interest arbitration in the public sector. Part one will focus on how the new economic
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conditions have changed the way that municipalities must approach contract negotiations with their police and
non-uniform employees. Part 2 will include a discussion on how to prepare for interest arbitration under the
new realities to position your municipality to obtain the best award possible. This webinar series will be an
excellent opportunity for elected and appointed officials who are involved in contract negotiations for their
municipality. Free TEAM Members*
WEBINAR: Managing HIPAA Health Care and the Employee
Wednesday, July 15, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Michael McAuliffe Miller, Esq. with Eckert, Seamen, Cherin & Mellott, LLC will help explain why for almost 20
years after the enactment of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA),
misunderstandings still exist regarding the scope of its coverage and its impact on an employer’s right to know
about the health condition of its own employee. What can an employer discover about an employee’s sick
out? How can an employer determine whether or not an employee is actually returning to work after an injury
or what their restrictions may be? Discussions will include the manner in which employers can stay on the
right side of employee privacy law while still getting the information they need to hold employees accountable.
Free TEAM Members*
WEBINAR: Underground Infrastructure Management
Wednesday, July 22, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
Gil Longwell will discuss sinkholes that form naturally that result in failing infrastructure and erosion from
inadequate storm sewers or water pipes that elected officials, municipal staff, zoning and planning boards
should be educated about.
WEBINAR: Social Media in the Workplace
Wednesday, July 29, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Technology presents countless opportunities for employers, but it creates just as many challenges in the
workplace. Labor & employment attorneys with law firm of Eckert Seamans will present this webinar covering
both the legal and practical challenges that arise when applicants, employees, former employees and
managers use (or misuse) social media. Recent court cases will be reviewed as well as suggestions for policy
implementation and review plus a number of "best practices" that should be put into place as soon as possible.
WEBINAR: Understanding Unemployment Compensation
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
Nicole Laws, Client Relationship Manager with TALX, a Provider of Equifax Workforce Solutions, will address
the sometimes confusing subject of Unemployment Compensation. The unemployment process, eligibility
requirements, unemployment hearings, and proper documentation will be covered. Have your lunch and your
questions ready.
WEBINAR: The Role of the Municipal Administrator/Secretary (2 Part Series)
Monday, August 10 and Tuesday Aug 11 2015 12 noon-1:30pm $90 member $145 non-member
Budgeting, Investments, Internal Control Policies, Capital Improvement Budgeting, Purchasing, Personnel
Records and Files, Records Management, Financial Management, Meetings/Agendas/Minutes, Sunshine
Act/Communicating Auditing. If you are going to do the job of a Municipal Administrator/Manager you will have
to be knowledgeable in all of these subject areas…this is a Webinar designed to improve your knowledge and
skills of the duties and responsibilities of a Municipal Administrator.
WEBINAR: Effective & Legal Personnel Policies
Wednesday, September 2, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Attorney Michael McAuliffe Miller with the law firm of Eckert, Seamans, Cherin & Mellott LLC will review the
personnel policies that, at a minimum, every municipality should have.
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WEBINAR: Electronic Communications Liabilities for Municipalities
Wednesday, September 9, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Michael McAuliffe Miller, Esq. with Eckert, Seamen, Cherin & Mellott, LLC will help prepare you for possible
liabilities using electronic communications under the new Open Records Law. Information presented will
include employee privacy, US & PA Constitutions, Electronic Communications Privacy Act, Stored
Communications Act, Cases of Interest, Employer Liability, and Duty & Failure to Preserve.
WEBINAR: CDL Policies & Procedures
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Are your policy & procedures for drug and alcohol testing up to date? Have you made changes to your CDL
policies that reflect the required regulatory DOT changes as of October 1st? Are your policy and procedures
more than 10 pages in length? Rita M. Lebo, Director of WORKNET Drug & Alcohol Services, will discuss
updating your policy & procedures which will cover scope, education, and prohibited conduct, reasons to test,
types of testing, violations, and more. A sample Drug & Alcohol Policy and Procedures for both DOT and NONDOT testing programs will be supplied.
WEBINAR: Intermediate Government Accounting
Thursday, September 17, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
This webinar is designed for participants with a working knowledge of governmental accounting who need a
refresher on GASB 34 basic concepts. Topics covered include a review of accounting basis (cash, modified
accrual, full-accrual), types of funds (governmental, proprietary, and fiduciary), fund accounting and
classification, and their composition in the government’s basic financial statements. Capitalization of fixed
assets and a review of GASB 54 (fund balance classification) will also be covered. Tracey Etchberger, CPA
with Long, Barrell & Co., Ltd. will be the presenter.
WEBINAR: Reorganization Meetings
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
Do you know when and how to hold a Reorganization meeting? Learn what must legally happen at this
important meeting and learn tips for making a smooth transition into a new year. Review will include frequently
asked questions about the Statement of Financial Interest and each participant will receive a sample resolution
for accepting Rules of Order for council meetings.
WEBINAR: Winter Maintenance Operations and Best Practices (Part one)
Wednesday, September 30, 2015 10am – noon Free member & non-member
This webinar will review the important pre-winter preparations necessary for efficient and safe operations
during winter weather. Plowing operations and many techniques used with common equipment will be
discussed. Public Works Directors, Street and Road Crews, Municipal Officials or anyone involved with
winter/snow removal operations for their community will benefit from this awareness training.
WEBINAR: Winter Maintenance Operations and Best Practices (Part two)
Thursday, October 1, 2015 10am – noon Free member & non-member
Part two of this webinar will continue the review of important pre-winter preparations and specific areas of
operational and safety concerns including: pre-planning, spreading operations, salt and other materials, prewetting salt (when, how and the advantages and benefits), anti-icing, necessary post-storm cleanup, final
winter cleanup operations. Public Works Directors, Street and Road Crews, Municipal Officials or anyone
involved with winter/snow removal operations for their community will benefit from this awareness training.
WEBINAR: Internal Control Basics
Wednesday, October 7, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
This webinar is designed to help the participant understand basic internal controls that should exist within a
sound business environment. Topics covered will include internal controls over cash, revenues, and expenses,
as well as suggestions for implementing compensating controls to mitigate risk. Participant will also gain an
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understanding of what is involved in the audit of the government’s financial statements and how the internal
control environment plays a part in the auditors testing. Tracey Etchberger, CPA with Long, Barrell & Co., Ltd.
will be the presenter.
WEBINAR: The Red Flags of Fraud
Thursday, October 8, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
Vickie Trimmer – Shelley to invite
WEBINAR: Reorganizational Meetings
Wednesday, October 14, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
Do you know when and how to hold a Reorganization meeting? Learn what must legally happen at this
important meeting and learn tips for making a smooth transition into a new year. See frequently asked
questions about the Statement of Financial Interest and receive a sample resolution for accepting Rules of
Order for council meetings.
WEBINAR: Encouraging Positive Public Involvement
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a heated council meeting wondering if there is a better way to
educate the public and approach different issues? This webinar will explain an effective process to engage the
public rather than put them on the defensive. Through an open and forthright process, officials should be able
to manage controversial issues and convert resistance to support.
WEBINAR: The Open Records Act with OOR
Wednesday, October 28, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Geoge Spiess, Chief of Outreach and Training with the PA Office of Open Records, will provide an update and
answer any questions you may have. Discussion will include a comprehensive review of the procedural
process of responding to requests and appeals before the OOR. Discussion will include common and not so
common requested records and the OOR and Commonwealth court’s positions regarding the public status of
those records.
WEBINAR: Legal Hiring Practices
Wednesday, November 4, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
Human resource administration is framed by a host of laws designed to ensure equal opportunity and fair
treatment in employment matters. Modern technology and new means of communications present significant
obstacles in maintaining hiring practices that are legally compliant. Human resource administrators need to be
aware of federal, state and local laws to navigate through what you can and what you cannot do during the
hiring process. Michael McAuliffe Miller, Esq. with Eckert, Seamen, Cherin & Mellott, LLC will be the instructor.
WEBINAR: Reorganization Meetings (evening webinar)
Wednesday, November 4, 2015 6:00pm – 7:30pm Free member $75 non-member
Do you know when and how to hold a Reorganization meeting? Learn what must legally happen at this
important meeting and learn tips for making a smooth transition into a new year. See frequently asked
questions about the Statement of Financial Interest and receive a sample resolution for accepting Rules of
Order for council meetings.
WEBINAR: Elected Officials Responsibility in EOC and Damage Reporting
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
No job is ever completed until the paperwork is done. In many instances following a flood, tornado, blizzard or
man-made disaster a municipality cannot seek assistances from state and federal agencies to begin the
recovery efforts until the proper forms are submitted. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike before you understand
which PEMA forms are required, this Webinar will explain the various PEMA Forms and even how your
municipality can make use of them before a disaster forces you to use them. Representatives from PEMA will
review the numerous forms and explain their application in both emergency and non-emergency use.
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WEBINAR: Duties and Responsibilities of Council (evening webinar)
Wednesday, December 2, 2015 12 noon-1:00pm Free member $75 non-member
Being a municipal official requires a knowledge base of a variety of issues that impact your community. Now
that you are in office you’re expected to know all the answers, solve all the problems and perform all the duties
necessary to lead your residents to success. This webinar will review the role and responsibilities of council
and update you with the latest information necessary to serve your community to the best of your ability. Judy
Chambers, Economic and Community Development Educator with the Penn State Extension will be the
presenter.
WEBINAR: Parliamentary Procedures (evening webinar)
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 6:00pm – 7:00pm $40 member $75 non-member
How long are your municipal meetings? Learn how to use that meeting time more effectively to cover your
agenda and increase productivity by understanding the workings of Roberts Rules of Order.
Theresa M. Dickow, Assistant Director of Education
PA State Association of Boroughs
1-800-232-7722 ext. 1042
tdickow@boroughs.org
2/6/16