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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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Seating Still Available for Gorham's Municipal Trustees Training Workshop
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2019 Municipal Trustees Training Workshops
9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Medallion Opera House, 20 Park Street Gorham
Cost: $60, includes continental breakfast, lunch and program materials
Trustees 101 - Governance and Right-to-Know Law
9:00 am-10:30 am
NHMA Attorneys
Carrying out your duties as a Library Trustee, Cemetery Trustee or Trustees of Trust Funds starts with understanding how to conduct public meetings in compliance with the Right-to-Know Law. Governance of your trustee committee or board also requires effective meeting rules of procedure, and an understanding of your relationship with your governing body; select board, town council or city council.
Trustees 101 will cover these topics, along
with attention paid to the special roles and responsibilities that Cemetery and Library Trustees and Trustees of Trust Funds have over gifts and other donations given in trust to your municipality.
10:30 am - 10:45 - BREAK
A Little Help From My Friends
10:45 am-12:30 pm
Terry Knowles, Assistant Director of Charitable Trusts Division, Office of Attorney General
Have you recently been elected or appointed to the office of Trustees of Trust Funds, Cemetery Trustee or Library Trustee and you have no idea what to do? Then this session is for you! Presenter Terry Knowles will explain the duties, responsibilities, and reporting requirements of these offices and how the trustees interact with other municipal officials.
12:30 pm to 1:15 pm - LUNCH
Electronic Reporting for Trustees of the Trust Funds
1:15 pm-2:00 pm
David Salzer, Principal, Axiomatic
An electronic portal is now available for Trustees of the Trust Funds to submit the MS-9 and MS-10 forms. The portal streamlines the annual submission process by enabling trustees to enter trust fund information through a user-friendly interface that allows a direct data upload. This session will provide an overview of the system, including its features and functions.
2:00 pm to 2:15 pm - BREAK
Trust Fund Administration
2:15 pm-3:30 pm
Jamie Dow, Municipal Accounts Auditor, New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration
Trustees of Trust Funds are responsible for the custody of municipal money placed into expendable trusts and capital reserve funds, the rules for which are somewhat different than private funds held in trust. This session will explain those differences, focusing on when capital reserve funds and expendable trust should be established; the process for establishing, adding to, and withdrawing from the funds; and the proper documentation for establishment, appropriations, and withdrawals. Additionally, the roles of the "agents to expend" versus the "trustees as custodians" will be discussed.
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NHMA Regional Workshop: The Right-to-Know Law and Governmental Meetings
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
County Hall Building
12 Court Street, Keene
$35.00 without publication
$55.00 with publication, A Guide to Open Government: New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law
Join Legal Services Counsel Stephen Buckley and Municipal Services Counsel Natch Greyes who will discuss the requirements for holding a proper public meeting, as well the exceptions to the meeting requirement (the so-called "non-meeting"). Then the attorneys will discuss the purposes for which public bodies may hold a nonpublic session, as well as the procedural requirements for a proper nonpublic session. This workshop will also address difficult "meeting" issues, such as communications outside a meeting and electronic means of communicating, and penalties and remedies provided in RSA Chapter 91-A.
There will be ample time for questions and answers.
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NHMA Webinar:
2019 Legislative Wrap-up
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Join Executive Director Margaret Byrnes, Government Affairs Counsel Cordell Johnston, and Government Finance Advisor Barbara Reid for a review of the highlights of the 2019 legislative session.
This will be after the legislative session ends, so except for possible vetoes, all legislative action will be final.
This webinar will discuss the most significant bills of municipal interest that made it through the legislature this year, as well as a few that failed but may be back in the future.
The discussion will include, among others, state budget, assessing issues, water quality standards, the Right-to-Know law, the retirement system, planning and zoning issues, election law matters, including postponement of town meeting, and other changes affecting municipal governance and administration.
This webinar is open to NHMA members and is of interest to all municipal officials and employees.
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NHMA Webinar:
The Right-to-Know Law and Governmental Records
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Join NHMA's Legal Services Counsel Stephen Buckley and Municipal Services Counsel Natch Greyes who will share strategies to assist municipalities in handling governmental record matters arising under the Right-to-Know Law. Handling governmental records requests requires an understanding of all aspects of request processing including: the requirements for availability, storage, electronic records, redaction, cost estimates, mandated access for certain records and appointments for review of records. Guidance will be provided on determining what is a governmental record, and when and how access and copies of public records must be provided. This workshop will also address what records are exempt from disclosure, along with whether a record request that would require a search for multiple documents must be fulfilled or whether a request impermissibly seeks to create a record that does not exist. In addition, guidance will be provided on the retention of governmental records and how claims under the Right-to-Know Law are enforced.
This webinar is open to NHMA members and is of interest to all municipal officials and employees.
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NHMA Webinar:
ZBA Basics in New Hampshire
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
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 and Municipal Services Counsel Natch Greyes 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.
This webinar is open to all NHMA members and will benefit not only new ZBA members, but also governing bodies, other land use boards, and administrators who want to better understand the different roles and responsibilities of various municipal officials in these positions.
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Join CDFA for Symposium on "Reweaving the Social Fabric of Our Communities"
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Hatbox Theatre, Concord
Join CDFA for an engaging symposium on "Reweaving the Social Fabric of Our Communities" by improving the social infrastructure and connectivity within New Hampshire communities. Register here:
Attendees will hear a keynote address from Lewis M. Feldstein, a nationally recognized, New Hampshire-based expert in civic engagement and community development. Mr. Feldstein has helped shape the landscape of New Hampshire communities through his substantial work leading the NH Charitable Foundation for 24 years and much more. You will also hear from those who have led successful community-based initiatives to make a positive impact on places and organizations that shape our engagement with and connection to our communities.
Have an idea or vision for strengthening social infrastructure and connections in your community? Big or small, we want to hear about it! If you are interested in sharing your idea with the audience and the opportunity to apply for one of three grants of up to $2,500 to support your vision, select "Apply for Idea Exchange" when registering.
Deadline for registering your idea for the Idea Exchange is
Wednesday, June 12. Additional details on the Idea Exchange and grant opportunity can be
found here.
We will pre-select the top submissions to present their idea - with no more than two minutes on the clock! - during the symposium. Audience members will have the opportunity to connect with Idea Exchange presenters and share advice to help them grow their vision.
Have questions? Contact Melissa Latham at
[email protected] or 603-717-9107. If you would like a copy of the flyer to promote to your networks, let us know and we will be happy to share.
Registration for the event will close by Friday, June 21 or once capacity is met.
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NHDES Extending Deadline to July 12th for Projects Addressing PFAS
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is about to finalize maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for four compounds: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). Additional information is available at
https://www4.des.state.nh.us/nh-pfas-investigation/
NHDES understands there may be impacts to community water systems so it is extending the deadline to submit a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Pre-Application to July 12, 2019 for any project that will specifically address PFAS contamination. For all other non-PFAS related projects the deadline is still next Friday, June 14th.
The DWSRF program is an annual program so if PFAS contamination needs are not known at this time pre-applications will be accepted again next year.
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NHDES and NEBRA Hosting PFAS Sampling & Analysis Workshop
9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
NHDES Franklin Training Center
River Street Extension, Franklin
Free for NH Sludge Quality Certificate (SQC) holder; $45 for NEBRA members; $60 for non-members.
The North East Biosolids & Residuals Association (NEBRA) has been contracted by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Servoces (NHDES) to offer training on sampling and analysis of PFAS in biosolids, residuals, wastewater, septage, and related media.
PFAS are found in biosolids, residuals, soils, wastewater, septage, and related media. They are chemicals that have been in common use in many products since the 1950s. Because they are ubiquitous in our modern living environments and have been found in many places in the environment, and because they are being regulated in waters in the parts per trillion (ppts) and in soils and solids in the parts per billion (ppb), sampling and analyzing PFAS is particularly challenging. Very strict sampling plans and protocols are required to reduce the risk of contaminating samples, and analytical methods and protocols must be understood by clients of commercial laboratories to ensure useful test results.
This class will provide participants background information on PFAS and their presence in various media, sampling plans and protocols, lab analysis, and what to watch out for.
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New NHRS Employer Contribution Rates Take Effect July 1
The New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) employer contribution rates for fiscal year 2020 take effect for all Earnable Compensation paid on or after
July 1, 2019.
NHRS released these rates in September 2018 and recently sent a reminder to all NHRS employers.
Answers to frequently asked questions concerning employer contribution rates are available here.
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NHRS Schedules Employer Education Sessions Through 2019
The New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) has scheduled multiple employer education sessions through the end of 2019. These sessions are geared toward those involved in payroll and/or human resources. Please note that separate in-person sessions are scheduled for school district employers, and municipal and county employers. Employer reporting webinars are open for any individuals involved in payroll reporting, regardless of the employer type. Scheduled dates are listed below:
Municipal and County Employers:
This multi-part employer education session is open to all NHRS participating municipal and county employers and is geared toward individuals involved in payroll and/or human resources. To register, or learn more, go to the August 27, 2019 session.
School Employers:
This multi-part employer education session is open to all NHRS participating school employers, and is geared toward individuals involved in payroll and/or human resources. To register, or learn more, go to the October 23, 2019 session
Employer Reporting Webinars:
This employer reporting presentation provides an overview of the NHRS Data Reporting System (DRS). Topics include reporting of active member wages and contributions, annual retiree reporting, clearing exceptions, remitting payments, and reporting deadlines. The presentations are geared toward individuals involved in payroll reporting. To register, or learn more, select the date you wish to attend: July 17, 2019 or December 3, 2019.
Additional events may be scheduled based on demand/need.
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NHDOS Readopting Rules Dealing with Vehicle Registrations
The New Hampshire Department of Safety (NHDOS) is proposing to re-adopt with amendments various sections of administrative rule Saf-C 500 dealing with vehicle registrations. The proposed rules address temporary registration plates, plates issued to government and non-profit agencies, disabled veteran motorcycle plates, multi-use decal plates, and more. A copy of the proposed rules is available by contacting Keith Lohmann at
[email protected]
or 603.227.0040.
A public hearing on the proposed rules is scheduled for
Thursday, June 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the Department of Safety 2nd floor conference room, 33 Hazen Drive, Concord. The deadline for submission of written comments on the proposed rules is
3:30 p.m. on Friday, July 5.
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CDFA Implementation Guide Available
CDFA aims to administer its Community Development Block Grant program in a manner which accomplishes the following goals:
- Effectively deploys funds to create the most community-driven impacts and benefits for low- and moderate-income individuals;
- Complies with state and federal regulations; and
- Adapts to the needs of New Hampshire communities.
In working towards these goals, CDFA has been focused on evaluating and improving its program administration. More specifically, CDFA has worked closely with nationally recognized consultants with extensive experience and knowledge of the federal regulations that guide the administration of CDBG funds to update the program's Implementation Guide.
Using the New Implementation Guide
CDFA's updated Implementation Guide, found here http://nhcdfa.org/document/nsp/91, is a living document created to assist in the successful day-to-day administration of CDBG funds in New Hampshire through:
- Increased access to Federal rules and regulations that govern the program;
- Updated, practical information on how to implement a project that will meet legal, financial, and program obligations; and
- Improved understanding of CDFA's internal policies regarding the on-going administration of all CDBG programs from grant approval to close-out.
The structure of the Implementation Guide and portions of information on updated Federal regulations may be new to you. CDFA looks forward to working with you on refining implementation practices to best meet these requirements. One way we are looking to ease this transition is through the submission of a proposed compliance plan with each CDBG application. If the applicant is awarded CDBG funds, compliance plans will be reviewed and finalized with all project stakeholders.
Due to the complexity of Federal and state regulations, as well as the necessity to consider their applicability to specific circumstances, this document is to serve as guidance to grant recipients and supplement professional, legal and accounting advice regarding compliance issues.
Engaging with CDFA
To help accomplish the goals outlined above, the CDFA respectfully requests your continued feedback on the Implementation Guide and how CDFA can help you be successful in meeting Federal and state requirements for administering these funds within New Hampshire communities. All comments can be directed to [email protected]. CDFA will continuously take into consideration your feedback and will update the Implementation Guide on an annual basis to ensure it provides clear information on current regulations and best practices.
Specific project eligibility and administration questions should be directed to Shelley Hadfield, Interim Director of Community Development ([email protected] / 603-717-9112), and Alex Jette, Compliance Manager ([email protected] / 603-717-9105).
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NH Fire Marshal's Office Offering Series of Seminars for Municipal Officials
The
New Hampshire
Fire Marshal's Office is offering a series of seminars for town officials on the following topics from June through August.
It is the mission of the State Fire Marshal to prevent deaths, injury and property loss by promoting a safe fire, building and hazardous materials environment for the citizens and visitors of New Hampshire through education, engineering, investigation and enforcement.
- Inspecting School Assembly Occupancies
- Inspecting Tents and Commercial Kitchens
- Inspecting Oil Burners, Gas Lines and Appliances and the Most Common Plumbing Violations
- Youth Firesetter and Rural Fire Prevention Program
You can find dates and registration information on the Fire Marshal's
home page.
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NHOSI and NHDES Seeking Proposals for Propane/CNG School Bus Replacement Program
The New Hampshire Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI), Lead Agency for the Volkswagen Environmental (VW) Mitigation Trust, in association with the Department of Environmental Services, is
requesting proposals for a Propane/CNG School Bus Replacement Program (Program).
The purpose of the Program is to
alleviate excess nitrogen oxide emissions caused by the VW violations through implementation of cost-effective projects and to address the additional goals of the State of New Hampshire Beneficiary
Mitigation Plan
. The Program, which will
replace diesel school buses with propane or compressed natural gas school buses, is utilizing approximately $750,000 of VW Environmental Mitigation Trust funding. Proposals will be accepted until
Friday July 12th, 2019 at 4:00 pm.
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Attend Informational Webinar on Friday, June 21st
An informational webinar about the Program and the application process will be held on Friday June 21st at 1:00 pm.
Interested parties may register in advance for the webinar at the following link:
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Grant Round 30 of State's Land and Water Conservation Fund Local Assistance Program is Now Open
Intent to Apply Notice Due June 28th
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a competitive
grant program that provides local units of government financial assistance with acquisitions and/or development of public outdoor recreation areas.
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will be accepting "intent to apply" forms by
4:00 pm, June 28, 2019.
A downloadable form and general grant program information is available at:
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Calling All Finance Officers: Take Part in 2019 City Fiscal Conditions Survey
Analysts now predicting next recession will occur in 2021.
How is your city or town preparing?
Deadline extended to July 12th!
The National League of Cities (NLC) is conducting its annual City Fiscal Conditions survey to better understand local fiscal and economic trends, and ways that cities and towns are readying their budgets for the next downturn.
We are working with NLC to ensure that New Hampshire's
cities and towns are well represented in this year's survey. Let's make our voices heard - take the survey
here!
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NHDRA Readopting Excavation Tax Rules Without Amendments
The
New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (NHDRA) is readopting
Rev 500 rules
governing the excavation tax and taxation of the excavation area, including definitions and requirements of filing of forms, certification by municipal assessing officials, distribution of forms, bonding, and appeals.
A public hearing will be held at
2:00 pm, Friday, June 7, 2019 at the NHDRA Offices located at 109 Pleasant Street, 2nd Floor Training Room, in Concord. Deadline for submission of written comments are due
Monday, June 17, 2019.
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NHOSI's "Complete Count Committee" Invites Your Participation!
9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Thursday, June 20, 2019
New Hampshire Municipal Association
25 Triangle Park Drive,
Concord, NH 03301
Learn how you can help to ensure that the population of
New Hampshire
is fully counted on April 1, 2020
The 2020 Census will be the only chance in 10 years to fully count New Hampshire's population, ensuring representation in Congress and distribution of federal dollars. New Hampshire is forming a Complete Count Committee to ensure that everyone in the state is accurately counted in 2020. We will look at challenges to counting the state's population and begin to discuss ways to meet those challenges. Outreach and communication are key.
Come to the meeting and consider whether you would like to join the New Hampshire Complete Count Committee and help spread the news of the importance of a complete and accurate census!
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Congress Passes Disaster Aid Package and Extends the National Flood Insurance Program
According to the National League of Cities (NLC), after three failed attempts to pass the $19 billion disaster aid package last week, on June 3, the House finally passed the bill that would provide billions of dollars to help cities and towns struggling to rebuild after a series of hurricanes, wildfires and destructive storms destroyed essential infrastructure.
The legislation also extends the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30.
The Senate-passed the Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act on May 23 by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 85 to 8. The legislation will go to the President's desk for his signature.
Click here to view the fact sheet on the Senate-passed bill, prepared by the staff of the House Appropriations Committee.
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June 19th TRIVIA QUESTION:
Name the New Hampshire city or town that was incorporated in 1824, after being originally granted as "Durand" in 1772. The town is named after a Virginia congressman and senator, and a direct descendent of Pocahontas. It houses Appalachia and Bowman.
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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June 5th TRIVIA QUESTION:
Name the New Hampshire city or town that
was originally a parish of Londonderry. It is the birthplace of New Hampshire governor, Samuel Dinsmoor.
Correct Response: Town of Windham
June 5th Winner: Michelle MacDonald, Finance Clerk, Town of Wakefield
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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 THESE DATES - UPCOMING EVENTS!
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NewsLink. Don't Miss Out. Sign Up Today!
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New Hampshire Municipal Association, 25 Triangle Park Drive, Concord, NH 03301
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