Annual Convention - October 5, 2011  

"It is an excellent event to get to learn (workshops), network with peers,
and meet vendors that supply leading edge goods and services."

More than 1,000 attendees, including local government leaders from throughout the state and companies providing the best in services to towns and cities, were present for a full-day of informative workshops, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities.

General Session:

"CCM's strength is its members. We are proud of what CCM has accomplished for CT local governments over the last four and a half decades, but we are mindful that we need to redouble our efforts to  help our member towns and cities navigate the turbulent economic waters of 2011 and beyond," said Jim Finley, CCM Executive Director and CEO.

Keynote Address: Governor Dannel P. Malloy

ConnecticutGovernor Dannel P. Malloy delivered a major public policy address outlining his vision of a new State-Local Partnership for Connecticut.  As a former mayor and past president of the CT Conference of Municipalities, Governor Malloy brings a strong municipal perspective to the office of governor.

Despite a $3.5 billion state budget deficit, Governor Malloy not only protected but increased municipal aid overall. He also successfully championed, for the first time in Connecticut history, direct revenue sharing between the State and local governments.

State Commissioners' Round Table:

State and local budget challenges, and the lingering recession, make it crucial that municipalities and state agencies work together. At this roundtable session, a direct dialogue occurred with the leaders of the following state agencies:

The Honorable Benjamin Barnes
Secretary, Connecticut Office of Policy & Management
The Honorable Daniel C. Esty
Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
The Honorable James P. Redeker
Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Transportation
The Honorable Catherine Smith
Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development

Moderator: The Honorable Mary Glassman, First Selectman of Simsbury

Workshops

Workshop Presentations are available for Members Only - Click Here to Login

A1 - The Power of Sharing
Co-Sponsor: Connecticut Town and City Management Association (CTCMA)
Speakers:
Shirley Osle, Assistant Town Manager, Plainville
Paul Russell, Chief Information Technology Officer, Enfield
Matthew Hart, Town Manager, Mansfield
Cherie Trahan, Director of Finance, Mansfield
Jeff Bridges, Town Manager, Wethersfield
Moderator:
Kevin Maloney, Member and Public Relations Director, CCM

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-Sponsors: Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) and Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association
Speaker:
Richard Fontana, Jr., MS, Deputy Director, Operations, Office of Emergency Management, New Haven
Moderator:
Mike Muszynski, Legislative Analyst, CCM

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-Sponsors: Government Management and Information Systems (GMIS) and Connecticut Association of Municipal Attorneys (CAMA)
Speakers:
Patrick G. Alair, Deputy Corporation Counsel, West Hartford
Jack McCoy, Chief Information Officer, Manchester
Moderator:
Donna Hamzy, Legislative Associate, CCM

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-Sponsors: Office of the Secretary of the State and Registrar of Voters Association of Connecticut (ROVAC)
Speakers:
Denise Merrill, Secretary of the State, Connecticut
Judith A. Beaudreau, Registrar of Voters, Vernon

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
Speakers:
Lana M. Glovach, Counsel, Murtha Cullina LLP
Derek T. Werner, Partner, Murtha Cullina LLP
Dr. Gary S. Mala, Superintendent, Avon Public Schools
Moderator:
Dwight A. Johnson, Partner, Murtha Cullina LLP

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)
Speaker:
Thomas Gerarde, Attorney, Howd & Ludorf, LLC
Moderator:
George Tammaro, Risk Management Consultant, 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)
Speakers:
Lisa Biagiarelli, Tax Collector, Norwalk
Alfred C. Palumbo, Jr., Assistant Tax Collector, Norwalk
Gisela Harma, CCMC, Tax Collector, Stonington
Moderator:
Anthony Boccamazzo, Member Services Analyst, CCM

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)
Speaker:
W. David LeVasseur, Acting Undersecretary of Intergovernmental Policy, State Office of Policy and Management
Moderator:
Ann Harter, Director of Finance, Newington

As a result of the 2011 legislative session, new state grants are available to municipalities -- specifically for regional initiatives. Learn the latest guidelines and how to take advantage of available funds. Also learn what proven successes are happening now in your fellow communities.

B3 - Municipal Law Update
Co-Sponsor: Connecticut Association of Municipal Attorneys (CAMA)
Speakers:
Patrick G. Alair, Deputy Corporation Counsel, West Hartford
Gail E. McTaggart, Partner, Secor, Cassidy & McPartland
Moderator:
Daniel E. Casagrande, Partner, Cramer & Anderson

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. There will be a review of recent legislation regarding performance bonding in site plan and subdivision applications as well as information on the recent Supreme Court decision re CGS 1-217 (nondisclosure of addresses of designated persons).

B4 - How Change Can Work for Your Community
Co-Sponsor: Connecticut Public Employer Labor Relations Agency (ConnPELRA)
Speakers:
Caroline Beitman, Esq., Director of Personnel, Meriden
Saranne Murray, Esq., Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Timothy A. Ryor, Senior Vice President and Consulting Actuary, Hooker & Holcombe, Inc.
Moderator:
Jim Haselkamp, Esq., Personnel Director, Norwalk and President, 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)
Speakers:
Bruce Douglas, Executive Director, Capitol Region Education Council
Cal Heminway, Chairman, Granby Board of Education
John Adams, First Selectman, Granby
Moderator:
Patrice McCarthy, Deputy Director and General Counsel, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education

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)
Speakers:
John Kauffman, Senior Risk Management Consultant, CIRMA
Mark Wantroba, Senior Risk Management Consultant, CIRMA
Moderator:
Paul Gills, Senior Risk Management Consultant, 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 training program 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 -- without having to experience the actual loss.

Municipal Marketplace:

Click here for a list of 2011 Convention Exhibitors.

Click here to Download Complete 2011 Convention Program Booklet (large PDF file)

Click here for the Photo Gallery of 2011 Convention