A1

The Power of Sharing
Co-sponsor: Connecticut Town and City Management Association (CTCMA)
Consolidation of municipal departments/positions is a proven success strategy. Hear examples of school/municipal cooperation efforts and of successful streamlining initiatives including what type of departments and/or positions are most amenable to consolidation. Learn how these efforts were undertaken and the issues that arose such as union negotiations, resistance, or increased workloads. But more importantly, the cost-savings achieved without reducing quality of services.

A2

Controlling Public Safety Costs
Co-sponsor: Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA)
Co-sponsor: Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association
Learn how to reduce overall department expenditures for police and fire
departments. Areas such as leveraging insurance to help pay for calls,
equipment costs, purchasing policies, reducing equipment damage, and
resources to assist you will be discussed.

A3

Keepers of the Pole: Utility Attachments
Co-Sponsor: Government and Information Systems (GMIS)
Co-sponsor: Connecticut Association of Municipal Attorneys (CAMA)
This session will address the new developments regarding pole attachments
- wire-based attachments to utility poles. And, more importantly, why municipalities should be in-the-know as these technologies rapidly advance. The pending DPUC docket for creation of a statewide utility pole administrator
will be discussed in addition to potential cost savings to all municipalities.

A4

Elections and Your Municipality
Co-sponsor: Office of the Secretary of the State
Hear about the new laws on both the state and federal levels that will affect
elections in Connecticut. Learn about the efforts afoot to increase voter
participation, establish more accountability, improve the process, and new
and innovative technology that is being used in other states.

A5

Getting What You Need: Municipal Procurement
This practical workshop will provide valuable information to assist municipalities in controlling their procurement costs and avoiding common pitfalls. Hear about unique issues, contractual provisions, and how to avoid and resolve common bidding challenges.

A6

Managing Municipal Liability
Co-sponsor: Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA)
Municipal liability claims have increased dramatically in recent years even as the Connecticut courts have oscillated between upholding and limiting municipal immunity. In this CIRMA workshop, Attorney Tom Gerarde discusses recent Connecticut Supreme Court rulings and provides comprehensive up-dates on municipal liability issues from recreational land use to volunteer public safety personnel. Find out from the experts how best to protect your municipality and your property taxpayers’ wallets.

            B1

Tax Collection Best Practices
Co-sponsor: Connecticut Tax Collectors Association (CTx)
Hear the latest on fraud prevention, internal controls, and cash management.
Additionally, presenters will discuss tax warrants/alias tax warrants and what steps must be taken prior to issuance. You'll learn how to ensure successful collection and reduce associated costs

B2

State Grants: New Opportunities
Co-Sponsor: Government Finance Officers Association of Connecticut (GFOA-CT)
As a result of the 2011 legislative session, new state grants are available to municipalities -- specifically for regional initiatives. Hear about the latest guidelines and how to take advantage of available state funding. Also learn what proven successes are happening now in communities across the state.

B3

Municipal Law Update
Co-sponsor: Connecticut Association of Municipal Attorneys (CAMA)
Now more than ever, municipal officials and town attorneys need to make sound decisions that will protect their constituents and clients from costly litigation. This municipal liability update will cover significant changes in the law and what they mean for towns and cities going forward.

B4

How Change Can Work for Your Community
Co-Sponsor: Connecticut Public Employer Labor Relations Agency (ConnPELRA)
Hear the latest on negotiating changes to post-employment benefits, specifically pension/retirement plans and healthcare coverage. The latest arbitration awards on this issue will be discussed in addition to successful negotiating tactics and potential cost-savings.

B5

Protecting the Bottom Line
Co-Sponsor: Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE)
Declining state funding for K-12 public education, coupled with the need to control escalating property taxes, have put intense pressure on local budgets. In this time of fiscal challenge, learn what boards of education and town governments can do to build trust and a mutually beneficial working relationship.

B6

Lessons Shared: Causes, Consequences & Practical Solutions to Public School Loss Drivers
Co-sponsor: Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA)
A lesson learned and shared by one member is often a loss prevented for all. One of the most powerful and least painful ways to learn is by studying other people’s experiences. This CIRMA workshop provides school leaders a look at a number of actual claims, how they were caused, how they escalated, and ways that similar losses could have been prevented or mitigated. Learn how to apply pre-loss and post-loss cost management techniques.