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NewsLink
is a bi-weekly newsletter of the New Hampshire Municipal Association.
Its purpose is to keep you up-to-date on the latest information
of interest to municipal officials.
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Party's over....time to register
for 2019 Moderator's Workshops!
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2019 Moderators Workshop for SB 2 Town Meeting
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday, January 12
(Snow date: Saturday, January 19)
Cost: $60
Registration and continental breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m.
Attendees will receive a copy of NHMA's 2018-2019 edition of
Town Meeting and School Meeting Handbook with 2019 Supplement.
The Basic Law of Town, Village District and School District Meeting
Statutes governing the moderator's duties at town, village district and school district meetings will be discussed along with issues related to warrant articles, the operating budget, secret ballot voting and other town meeting issues. This topic will be offered in two concurrent sessions tailored for new and experienced moderators. Ample time will be devoted to questions and answers.
Strategies for Running a Smooth Meeting
Moderators are faced with a challenging task: keeping meetings focused and fair to all participants, while effectively facilitating the flow of debate. This session will highlight suggested strategies for running respectful and efficient meetings.
Sample Scenarios
A series of sample scenarios will help attendees prepare for a wide range of meeting challenges.
Customized Training for Beginner and Advanced Officials
This year the workshop will be divided into beginner and advanced sections catering to the specific needs of newly-elected officials as well as seasoned veterans.
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Join Us for RTK Law for Law Enforcement Workshop
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Right-to-Know Law Workshop for Law Enforcement
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
NHMA Offices, 25 Triangle Park Drive, Concord
Costs $75 and includes breakfast and publication
Join NHMA's Executive Director Margaret Byrnes and Legal Services Counsel Stephen Buckley who will share insights and strategies to assist law enforcement agencies in handling governmental record matters arising under the Right-to-Know Law.
The disclosure of police records is governed in part by the Right-to-Know Law and in part by rules imported from federal law under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This workshop will answer many questions about withholding records compiled for law enforcement purposes when disclosure would interfere with enforcement proceedings or based on other FOIA factors. Attention will also be paid to disclosure exemptions found in other New Hampshire statutes governing Body Worn Cameras, motor vehicle records, gun licenses, police personnel records, and the retention of police records.
Attendees receive the NHMA publication,
A Guide to Open Government: New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law.
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Upcoming Webinars -
T
raining Without Leaving Your Office!
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NHMA Webinar:
Electronic Reporting for Trustees of Trust Funds
12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
The New Hampshire Department of Justice's Trustee of the Trust Fund Portal (NHTTF) is an electronic reporting system for the MS-9 and MS-10 forms. NHTTF streamlines the annual submission process by enabling municipal officials to enter trust fund information through a user-friendly interface through a direct data upload.
Join David Salzer, Principal, Axiomatic, who will provide an overview of the system, including its features and functions.
This webinar is open to members of the New Hampshire Municipal Association, the New Hampshire Library Trustees Association, Trustees of Trust Funds, and the New Hampshire Cemetery Association.
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NHMA Webinar:
2019 Legislative Preview
12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
As the New Hampshire General Court begins to wrestle with hundreds of bills, legislators need to hear from both appointed and elected government officials regarding the concerns of municipalities.
To help you connect better with legislators, this webinar will:
* Include a preview of legislation filed;
* Outline the messages legislators need to hear from you;
* Recommend grassroots action to get the municipal voice heard.
Join Government Affairs Counsel Cordell Johnston and Government Finance Advisor Barbara Reid for a look at what the 2019 legislative session has in store for municipalities.
This webinar is open to NHMA member and is of interest to all municipal officials and employees.
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NHMA Webinar:
Municipal Trustees Training 101
12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Municipal trustees-cemetery trustees, library trustees, trustees of trust funds-have very important and varied duties. Because municipal trustees hold volunteer positions, this webinar is geared to give you the tools you need to perform your duties legally and responsibly.
Join Terry M. Knowles, Assistant Director with the Charitable Trusts Unit in the State's Attorney General's Office, who will explore the complexities of public versus private money and the role trustees play in the municipal appropriations process. Come learn how to carry out your municipal trustee duties and how best to administer the trusts which are under your control and supervision.
This webinar is open to members of the New Hampshire Municipal Association, the New Hampshire Library Trustees Association, Trustees of Trust Funds, and the New Hampshire Cemetery Association.
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NHMA Webinar:
Something's in the Air: Outdoor Wood Boilers and Open Burning Regulations
12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Smoke from outdoor wood hydronic heaters, otherwise known as outdoor wood boilers, and open burning can be a significant source of air pollution, negatively impacting public health and the environment. It can also result in complaints to state and local officials from residents concerned about the impact from smoke.
What are the regulations pertaining to outdoor wood boilers? What materials are permissible to burn in the open? How can municipalities best respond to smoke complaints?
Join NHMA's Legal Services Counsel Stephen C. Buckley and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Service's Linda Magoon and Tom Guertin, who will provide an overview of state regulations and response to smoke and odor complaints.
This webinar is open to members of the New Hampshire Municipal Association. Code enforcement officers, health officers, firefighting personnel, or any other municipal official who receives smoke and odor complaints may find this beneficial.
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| Now is good time to discuss state aid over coffee! |
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Time for a New Job?
Department Head Wanted
The New Hampshire
Department of Revenue Administration (NHDRA) is seeking a new Director of the Municipal & Property Division. You don't need to be a CPA or a certified assessor to do this job, we learned in a recent conversation with NHDRA's Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner.
They are looking for a Director to plan, manage and administer the Division's objectives which include assuring fairness, equity and proportionality in the assessment and collection of property taxes and the administration of municipal finances in the state. The qualifications for this new position include a bachelor's in any major study in public administration, business administration, accounting, public finance, engineering, or another field relevant to the job duties of the position. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.
Experience includes work in the fields of municipal finance, municipal government, municipal law, public administration, or another related field. Preference will be given to candidates with three or more years' experience serving in a leadership or supervisory role. See the
full job description here
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This is an important NHDRA position from the perspective of cities and towns-please spread the word!
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NHDES Annouces Cold, Warner and Upper Ashuelot Rivers Confirmed as Next Rivers for Protected Instream Flow Development
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services' (NHDES') Instream Flow Program recently announced that the Cold, Warner, and upper Ashuelot rivers have been confirmed as the next designated rivers for protected instream flow development. Work will begin immediately on the Cold and Warner rivers, in that order, as funding allows.
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Dementia and Your Community:
Training for Municipal Officials and Employees
Dementia affects community members in a number of settings. Learn helpful strategies for working successfully with those who have memory impairment.
It is virtually impossible to work in today's world without interacting with persons with memory loss and their family members and caregivers. The
Alzheimer's Association provides training to inform local officials and employees about the changes occurring in a person with memory loss, and how to assist them. Sessions are available for law enforcement, first responders, and other municipal officials and employees (as well as for businesses). The training sessions are free and are approximately one hour long.
If you are interested in scheduling a session, please contact Melissa Grenier, New Hampshire Regional Manager, at 603-606-6590, ext. 2126, or
[email protected].
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NHOSI Releases "Current Estimates and Trends" in New Hampshire's Housing Supply
The New Hampshire Office of Strategic Initiatives (NHOSI) recently released its update (2010-2017) of Current Estimates and Trends in New Hampshire's Housing Supply. The update found that New Hampshire's housing supply in 2017 grew more quickly than in previous years of this decade, with building permits issued for 4,005 housing units statewide. The highest growth remained in the southeastern part of the state including Rockingham, Hillsborough and Strafford counties.
Click here for the entire report.
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NHDES Releases 2019 Solid Waste Facility Operator Workshop Schedule
Certified solid waste facility operators must attend or participate in 2.5 hours of relevant continuing professional development each year to keep their certification current. This typically means attending at least one training event such as a workshop or conference. Operators must submit written confirmation of attendance with their renewal application for trainings not provided by NHDES. Credit will generally be given for continuing professional development that offers information about and increases awareness of environmental, waste management operations, and health or safety issues.
NHDES offers workshops to meet the 2.5 hour per year requirement of continuing professional development, but also accepts relevant training from other organizations. Please see the list above for some current training opportunities. NHDES
updates the web page when new workshops are scheduled, so check back often to find new postings.
Workshop on Implementing a Pay As You Throw Program
NHDES has partnered with the Northeast Recycling Corporation to assist municipalities that are looking to either implement or change their existing Pay As You Throw Programs. Attendees will have some one-on-one time with instructors to design a program that will be effective for their town/city and also develop education outreach materials for their residents. Attendees should be prepared to do homework prior to attending the training in order to build a program that will meet their needs.
For more information on the workshop or to register, please contact Tara Mae Albert at
[email protected]
or (603) 271-3713.
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Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Issues Critique of "Improving Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Economic Development"
Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, a widely used economic development tool in the United States, often falls short of its promise to revitalize struggling neighborhoods, says David Merriman in
Improving Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Economic Development
, just released by the Lincoln Institute.
Dr. Merriman (University of Illinois at Chicago) reviews more than 30 studies in the most comprehensive evaluation of TIF to date with practical policy recommendations. Merriman concludes that "while TIF has the potential to draw investment into neglected places, it has not accomplished the goal of promoting economic development in most cases." Merriman explains the mechanics of TIF, describes how several cities and regions are currently using it, and recommends how to improve TIF practices.
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National Civic League Now Accepting Applications for 2019 All-America City Award
Applications Due March 5, 2019
The National Civic League (NCL) is accepting applications
for the 2019 All-America City Award, focused on celebrating examples of civic engagement practices that advance health equity in local communities. NCL is looking for communities that demonstrate inclusive decision-making processes to create better health for all, and particularly for populations currently experiencing poorer health outcomes.
The National Civic League views civic engagement as more than presenting information or having people respond to questionnaires (though both are important); instead, we promote efforts that seek to listen to, and learn from, residents in ongoing conversations and leverage those insights to shape the way programs are administered, designed and executed.
Started in 1949, the All-America City Award program has recognized 500 communities that excel in collaborating to address pressing problems in the community.
In New Hampshire, one community has won the All-America City Award.
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What a Partial Government Shutdown Means for Cities and Towns
The White House and Congress
failed to reach an agreement on the seven remaining Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 appropriations spending bills resulting in a partial federal government shutdown.
Unfortunately for municipal leaders, the federal agencies that
will be shutting down to various degrees are those that administer most federal grants allocated directly to municipal governments, including:
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
- U.S. Department of Interior
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA)
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
According to this
detailed Q&A from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
, when a funding lapse results in the shutdown of a federal agency, the government must discontinue all non-essential discretionary functions until new funding legislation is passed and signed into law. And according to this
White House Shutdown FAQ
, all normally, routine, ongoing operational and administrative activities relating to contract or grant administration (including payment processing) cannot continue when there is a lapse in funding.
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NewsLink
will periodically feature a segment that highlights recognition of our members (and any other good news that deserve notice) in a new segment called
"Members in the News."
So please send any recognitions, awards, distinctions or any other news worthy items to us at
[email protected]
. The emphasis is on good news and/or stories of how municipal professionals are transforming the way we serve our residents every day.
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David Brooks, reporter for the Concord Monitor, wrote an excellent article regarding the Town of Bristol's efforts to bring broadband to a town of 3,000 people on Newfound Lake.
According to Nik Coates, Bristol's town manager,
"A competitive 21st century town needs good roads and bridges, good water and sewer, and good communications infrastructure."
Source: Concord Monitor, Online edition, December 26, 2018
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The 2018 NewsLink Triva Winner is....
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There can only be one winner, which is too bad since we have had such a strong following of
NewsLink
subscribers (actually trivia experts!) who responded to most trivia questions posed in every bi-weekly issue of
NewsLink
.
We thank all our members who played along with us in 2018. But unfortunately there can only be one winner. So we have randomly chosen among all NewsLink trivia winners a winner of a grand prize of no particular value whatsoever.
And the grand prize 2018 NewsLink trivia winner is....
Kathleen DeWolfe, Selectman, Town of Ashland
Congratulations Kathleen! NHMA will be sending you a package of totally useless stuff and we hope you enjoy receiving it. And to everyone else, keep those trivia answers coming and please send us any trivia questions that you would like to see posed in a future
NewLink.
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January 2nd TRIVIA QUESTION:
Name the New Hampshire city or town that houses Mount Misery, Mount Miner and Miner Hill. It has also been known as Chester Woods, Chester Parish, and Long Meadow.
Please send your response to
[email protected]
. A winner will be recognized in the next
NewsLink
issue and be eligible for a grand prize of no particular value whatsoever at the end of the year.
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December 19th TRIVIA QUESTION:
Name the New Hampshire town or city that was originally incorporated as part of Canterbury in 1741. By 1780, a petition was signed by 43 residents whom found it increasing difficult to travel to the center of Canterbury to attend to town business and therefore petitioned the state to incorporate as a separate town.
Correct Response: Town of Northfield
December19th Winner: Jeffrey Haines, Road Agent, Town of Center Harbor
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Benefit Plans for the Public Sector
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Before you act on an employment or labor issue,
call the
Drummond Woodsum
EMPLOYMENT LAW HOTLINE
@ 623.2500
The Employment Law Hotline is an NHMA Member Benefit
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SAVE THE DATE - UPCOMING EVENTS!
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Join New Hampshire business, nonprofit, and community leaders, policymakers, and engaged residents as we explore current needs, future goals, and policy solutions that will help to build a vibrant economy that benefits all Granite Staters.
NHFPI's Sixth Annual Conference will examine the state economy and highlight key areas within the state budget where investments can enhance the health and well-being of all New Hampshire residents.
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At the Congressional City Conference, city officials will learn more about the common challenges affecting cities during workshops and general sessions. Conference delegates will get specialized training to build leadership skills and conduct productive meetings with federal representatives.
Early bird rates good until January 31, 2019.
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NewsLink. Pass it along to a friend!
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New Hampshire Municipal Association, 25 Triangle Park Drive, Concord, NH 03301
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