12 - A - Special District Leadership Academy ConferenceSPECIAL DISTRICT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 16-19, 2014 - EMBASSY SUITES ANAHEIM - SOUTH presented by CSDA and co-sponsored by SDRMA CSDA’s Special District Leadership Academy A Comprehensive Governance Conference for Elected and Appointed Directors/Trustees.Advanced Sessions For Returning Attendees/Current Certificate Holders!new
14 Participate in the Special District Leadership Academy Conference and complete all four modules of the Academy over a two-and-a-half day conference.CSDA’s Special District Leadership Academy Conference This conference content is based on the CSDA Special District Leadership Academy’s (SDLA) groundbreaking, curriculum-based continuing education program, which recognizes the necessity for the board and general manager to work closely toward a common goal. SDLA provides the knowledge base to perform essential governance responsibilities. Have you already completed all four modules of the Special District Leadership Academy?New this year, you can participate in advanced courses for experienced board members who have already completed all four modules of the Special District Leadership Academy.Credit Incentive Points Printed on recycled paper.#SDLA2014 SDRMA Credit Incentive Points Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA) is committed to establishing a strategic partnership with our members to provide maximum protection, help control losses and positively impact the overall cost of property/liability and workers’ compensation coverage through the Credit Incentive Program. Credit incentive points can be earned based on an agency’s attendance at the Special District Leadership Academy Conference reducing SDRMA member’s annual contribution amount.
Why attend this conference?Local boards are the reason, and really the only reason, why local control is local. Special district boards are the voices of the community. The truth is that every elected or appointed public official needs to worry about governance. Governance is what boards do. It’s what they bring to the table. Governance is taking the wishes, needs and desires of the community and transforming them into policies that govern the district. Survival of special districts depends in large part on how well boards do their jobs. Whether you are new to the board or someone who has served for many years, this conference provides essential tools and information to effectively govern your district.Attendees will learn:• How to work as a team: The roles of the board and staff.• Attributes and characteristics of highly effective boards.• How culture, norms, values and operating style influence the district.• Specific jobs the board must perform.• How individual values, skills and knowledge help to shape how effective boards operate.• The importance of moving from “I” to “we” as the governance team.• The board’s role in setting direction for the district.• The board’s role in finance and fiscal accountability.• And much more.“The workshop on Setting Direction/Community Leadership was outstanding. The instructor defined roles and responsibilities that were essential to productive and conscienitous board members. The Leadership Academy should be a requirement for all new board members.” - Dave Kulchin, Board Member, Leucadia Wastewater District Embassy Suites Anaheim – South 11767 Harbor Boulevard Garden Grove, CA 92840 Completion of any of the four modules of the Special District Leadership Academy qualifies attendees for the six hours of governance training required for the Special District Leadership Foundation’s District of Distinction Designation.Completion of all four modules of the Special District Leadership Academy form the basis for the Recognition in Special District Governance, after an additional 10 hours of continuing education are completed.FOR DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES Recognition in Special District Governance SHOWCASE YOUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE Districts of Distinction Accreditation SPECIAL DISTRICT LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION Where to stay Room Reservations Reservations are available at the Embassy Suites Anaheim – South by calling 1-800-HILTONS and requesting the California Special District Association rate of $139 single/double plus tax. The group code is CAL.All reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. Reservations must be received by October 24, 2014, however, room quantities are limited and may sell out before that date. The first night room and tax becomes non-refundable if a reservation is cancelled after the cut-off date. Discounted parking is available to those booking within the CSDA room block for just $6 per night.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING RECEPTION Take a moment to network with your peers from throughout the state at this informal networking reception. Reception includes light appetizers. “quote”FIRST TIME ATTENDEES • Schedule of Events If you have not completed all four modules of the Special District Leadership Academy, this is the place to start! During the course of this conference, you will complete the entire Academy. “Clear, concise, relevant materials and dialogue with examples. Extremely useful.” – M. Leffel, Director, Monterey Peninsula Airport District MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.(30 minute break from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.)BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE David Aranda In this informational session, the instructor will lay the groundwork for good governance in your district. Attendees will discover:• Why good governance is so important to the overall well-being of the district. • The traits of effective directors.• How to move your board from “I” to “we,” including how to become an effective team, establish team standards, and essential conditions for team building.This session covers Module 1 of the Special District Leadership Academy: Governance Foundations.12:30 – 1:30 p.m.LUNCH PROVIDED (All Attendees)1:45 – 4:30 p.m. (30 minute break from 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.)FULFILLING YOUR DISTRICT’S MISSION: CHARTING THE COURSE Brent Ives, BHI Management Consulting This conference session will highlight the importance of setting the direction for your district. Learn the critical components of direction-setting, along with how to avoid planning pitfalls. Attendees will walk through the following steps:• Establishing your district’s mission, vision and values.• Identifying strategic goals and objectives.• How to communicate those objectives to your constituents.This session covers Module 2 of the Special District Leadership Academy: Setting Direction/Community Leadership.MONDAY EVENING 5:30 – 7:00 p.m SIP AND SAVOR EVENING RECEPTION Join us at this reception for networking and entertainment.Sponsored by
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. GET THE WORD OUT! BEST PRACTICES FOR COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH Brent Ives, BHI Management Consulting This session looks at common communication breakdowns and areas for improvement in public agency communications. It will discuss proper and effective communication methods including: • Identifying audiences.• Responding to public input.• Media relations.• Legislative outreach and advocacy.This session covers Module 2 of the Special District Leadership Academy: Setting Direction/Community Leadership.10:00 – 10:30 a.m.BREAK (All Attendees)10:30a.m. – 12:00 p.m. DEFINING BOARD/STAFF ROLES AND RELATIONSHIPS Mary Anne Rooney; Pete Kampa, Kampa Community Solutions This conference session will teach participants how to determine the HR health of their district through: • Identifying the board’s role in human resources.• Recognizing HR red flags and positive indicators.• Determining essential HR policies.• Covering confidentiality and legal liabilities.• Evaluating the general manager.This session covers Module 4 of the Special District Leadership Academy: Board’s Role in Human Resources TUESDAY CONTINUED 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. LUNCH PROVIDED (All Attendees) 1:15 – 4:00 p.m.(15 minute break from 2:45 - 3:00 p.m.)DEFINING BOARD/STAFF ROLES AND RELATIONSHIPS (CONTINUED) OPEN EVENING WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.(30 minute break from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.)SHOW ME THE MONEY! WHAT DO BOARD MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DISTRICT FINANCES?David Becker, James Marta & Company LLP, Certified Public Accountants This session will provide an overview of financial concepts, reports and policies. Attendees will learn:• How to ask the right questions.• How to link the finance process to the district mission.• What’s a budget? Budget process, budget assessment, communicating budget information to the public.• How to develop and analyze capital improvement plans and reserve guidelines.This session covers Module 3 of the Special District Leadership Academy: Board’s Role in Finance and Fiscal Accountability.12:00 – 12:30 p.m. GRADUATION CERTIFICATE DISTRIBUTION You must participate in all first-time attendee education sessions to earn your graduation certificate at the conclusion of the conference.
RETURNING ATTENDEES • Schedule of Events - Advanced Sessions If you have already completed the Special District Leadership Academy, this is the place for you! Participate in these advanced sessions to help take even the most experienced board member’s skills to the next level.SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING RECEPTION Take a moment to network with your peers from throughout the state at this informal networking reception. Reception includes light appetizers. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.BREAKOUT SESSION OPTIONS Governance Best Practices for Experienced Board Members Alexandra Barnhill, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP In this session, an attorney who has attended hundreds of public agency meetings will share her insights about which board dynamics work and which do not. She’ll highlight experiences with a diverse array of governing boards – from those that worked together openly and collaboratively to those that were hostile and dysfunctional. This unique perspective will be used to identify common board shortcomings and best practices. Experienced board members will learn how they can form the foundation of a more effective governing body. Interactive Rules of Order Made Easy!Lorenzo Cuesta, Professional Registered Parliamentarian Having an understanding of the rules of order for board meetings is important for special district staff and elected officials. These rules help to make sure meetings are productive, orderly and efficient. Participants in this webinar will learn the general protocols used in: board discussions; making and passing motions; rescinding, reconsidering or amending something previously adopted; consent items; point of order, appeals, requests; voting and quorums, and much more.10:00 – 10:30 a.m.BREAK (All Attendees)10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.BREAKOUT SESSION OPTIONS AB1234 Ethics in Public Service Frances Rogers, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Receive your AB1234 compliance training. AB 1234 mandates that ethics training be provided by any local agency that pays any type of compensation, salary, or stipend to, or provides reimbursement for the expenses of, a member of a legislative body. The training must be provided to each member of a legislative body, each elected official, and any employees who may be designated by an agency to receive the training. This interactive training covers all topics required to be covered by AB 1234.AB1825 Harassment Prevention Training Dennis Timoney, Special District Risk Management Authority Receive your AB 1825 compliance training for special districts with this session. AB 1825 makes sexual harassment prevention training mandatory for supervisory employees of special districts and other organizations. This legislation requires employers to ensure that all managers/supervisory employees receive at least two hours of sexual harassment prevention training every two years.12:30 – 1:30 p.m.LUNCH PROVIDED (All Attendees)
At the conclusion of this conference you will be awarded a certificate for “Advanced Coursework in 2014.”1:45 – 3:00 p.m.BREAKOUT SESSION OPTIONS Reaching Out to the Community: What the Board and Staff Must Do to Obtain the Understanding and Support Your District Needs Martin Rauch, Rauch Communications Consultants, Inc. This session will introduce the reasons all boards are obligated to communicate with their publics, and the role of the board in ensuring effective communication and input. It will also focus on the proper roles of the board and staff in implementing the outreach. Practical guidelines will be provided for deciding what you must communicate about, how to craft effective messages, when to start, what tools to use and more. Bring your questions about any outreach issues from social media, to press relations, newsletters and more. The Brown Act: Top Ten Issues Boards Face Alexandra Barnhill, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP Californians recently voted to amend the state Constitution to require that local agencies comply with the Brown Act. But the open meeting law can be a trap for the unwary. This session will provide a basic overview of the law and then focus on those areas that commonly lead to violations. Participants will engage with the materials and work through a series of practical scenarios to identify common mistakes made under the Brown Act. Participants will come away from the session armed with practical tips to avoid violations and a clear understanding of how to comply with the open meeting law. 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.BREAK (All Attendees)3:30 – 4:30 p.m.BREAKOUT SESSION OPTIONS Sex, Lies & Social Media: A Survival Guide for Board Members Traci Park, Burke Williams & Sorensen, LLP The use of social media by elected officials provides many benefits and opportunities to connect with constituents, colleagues and the community. However, this technology carries with it legal and political risks. This session will cover the diminishing expectation of privacy online, free speech issues, the Public Records and Brown Acts, and the use of social media in litigation.Form 700 Filing: Getting it Right Roxanne Diaz, Richards, Watson and Gershon As a public official or designated filer, you have a legal duty to file a Statement of Economic Interest, commonly known as a Form 700. How do you fill it out? What do you need to disclose? Given the recent headlines, the expectations for transparency in government have grown. This training will explain the “ins” and “outs” of the Form 700 geared toward current filers on how to satisfy your state-mandated financial disclosure requirements. We will also discuss ways in which the Form 700 can be used to help staff identify and avoid conflict. MONDAY EVENING 5:30 – 7:00 p.m SIP AND SAVOR EVENING RECEPTION Join us at this reception for networking and entertainment.Sponsored by
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.BREAKOUT SESSION OPTIONS A Board Member’s Guide to Reading and Understanding Financial Statements David Becker, James Marta & Company LLP All board members bring something special to the table, but not all have in-depth accounting and financial reporting knowledge. In order for board members to effectively carry out their fiduciary responsibility, they must be able to read and understand the organization’s financial statements. The objective of this session is to make government financial statements more understandable and less intimidating. It provides information so you can ask probing questions about your government’s finances and understand the answers.Building the Trust – Board and GM Relationships Pete Kampa, Kampa Community Solutions, LLC Trust between the board and general manager is the most essential component of the efficient and effective management of the district. Trust is earned over time, but can be eroded quickly in a single misunderstanding. This session provides boards and managers with effective tools to improve communication, and articulate service benchmarks and performance expectations to build a functional, trusting relationship. 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.BREAK (All Attendees)10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.BREAKOUT SESSION OPTIONS Avoiding Conflict in Board Work Brent Ives, BHI Management Consulting It has been said that board service is not for the faint of heart. Boards can encounter conflict in three specific areas of their service. Conflict can occur between each other, with the public, and with agency staff. The public is not receiving optimal service if conflict dominates. In this session you’ll learn tips and best practices in how to deal with the root causes of conflict. Understanding Board Member & District Liability Dennis Timoney, Special District Risk Management Authority Having a complete understanding of the potential liability issues in your district can prevent problems in the future and even assist with efficiency and communication protocols. This webinar is a discussion of the legal role of the board in the management and operation of a public agency and the role of individual board members acting within the course and scope of their official duties.12:00 – 1:00 p.m.LUNCH PROVIDED (All Attendees)1:15 – 2:45 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSION OPTIONS Fraud Prevention and Detection for Special Districts James Davidson, JG Davidson and Company Attendees at this session will learn to better understand and make clear distinctions between a procedure and a control, identify at what point a process a key control is needed, more fully utilize a control generated document to facilitate better financial management, breakdown internal control review areas into manageable parts, and develop a plan to implement a comprehensive system of procedures and internal controls.Board Member Compensation: What’s Ok and What’s Out of the Norm?Krysten Hicks, Meyers Nave This session will address compensation, health care, expense reimbursements and other perks of being a board member, including when it is necessary to report gifts and meals to the FPPC. Attendees will leave with an understanding of the limits on compensation, gifts and what perks a board member can accept and what perks may create conflicts or be impermissible.2:45 – 3:00 p.m.BREAK (All Attendees)3:00 – 4:00 p.m.BREAKOUT SESSION OPTIONS Hands On: Powerful Strategic Planning Tools to Achieve the Results You Want for Your District Martin Rauch, Rauch Communication Consultants, Inc. This session will focus on the board mandate to achieve benefits and results for their constituents. It clearly distinguishes roles, and provides proven approaches for both board- and manager- level planning. There will be opportunities for hands-on practice in creating mission, vision and policy direction that is practical and provides positive impact in serving your customers effectively and efficiently.Special District Investments and Financial Transparency John Williams, Wells Fargo Institutional Securities, Nate Levine, OpenGov and Rick Wood, CSDA Finance Manager Effectively balance risk versus reward to improve the financial strength of your organization. We will discuss what investment options are available for special districts and the importance of understanding how money flows through the organization. Come to this session to learn about the opportunities, risks and tools available to help special districts allocate its resources and to make better decisions. OPEN EVENING RETURNING ATTENDEES • Schedule of Events - Advanced Sessions
8:30 – 10:00 a.m.BREAKOUT SESSION OPTIONS Evaluating the General Manager for Past, Present and Future Purposes Charles Slyngstad, Burke Williams & Sorensen, LLP An employment evaluation is an important interaction with any employee. When it involves a high-ranking management employee, the interaction has serious consequences for the employer and the workplace in general. A governing body evaluating its general manager or president and chief executive officer must carefully plan and execute the review of this employee with an eye toward the past, incorporating performance objectives and measures, an accurate vision of the present and the effect of the review on the current work environment, and a view toward the future, where the evaluation may become significant in more ways than one. Board Ethics and Conflict of Interest Issues Mark Meyerhoff, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore This session will address common ethical issues facing boards, board members and executive assistants to boards. It will cover the complex conflict of interest rules applicable to board members as well as how those laws apply to staff working with the board. Using case studies, we will look deeper into the ethical dilemmas districts may face. 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.BREAK (All Attendees)10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.BREAKOUT SESSION OPTIONS Board Governance Guidelines Dennis Timoney, Special District Risk Management Authority The development of board policy is critical for the board to understand the legal duty of governance as specified in the Government Code. Discussions will include specific statutory language found in California special district law on board organization and legislative duty. Property Tax Essentials for Board Members –Increasing Your Finance IQ Nicole Cone and David Schey, HdL Coren & Cone Discussion of elements to be considered in preparation of property tax revenue projections. Topics include real estate trends impacting the recovery; residual revenue from successor agencies; recovery of values reduced under Prop 8; and increases in revenue from new development.12:00 p.m.EVENT CONCLUDES WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Take advantage of this great opporunity, developed for returning attendees!new
Three Ways to Register • Register online by visiting the Special District Leadership Academy Conference website at www.csda.net/sdla.• Fax number: 916-520-2465. All faxed registration forms must include credit card payment.• Mail: CSDA, 1112 I Street, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814. Please include registration form and payment. Checks should be made payable to: California Special Districts Association.Not sure if you are a member?Contact the CSDA office at 877-924-2732 to find out if your agency or company is already a member. To learn more about the many benefits of CSDA membership, contact Member Services Director Cathrine Lemaire at cathrinel@csda.net, or call toll-free at 877-924-2732.Registration fees include:• 2.5 days of education and materials • 2 receptions • 2 luncheons Certificate of Completion At the completion of the conference, first-time attendees will be awarded a certificate of completion for the Special District Le adership Academy. Returning attendees will also receive a certificate for their advanced coursework in 2014.Name/Title: First-Time Attendee Returning Attendee District:Address: City: State: ZIP:Phone: Fax: Member Non-member Email:Emergency Contact - Name & Phone:Registration Fees EARLY BIRD (ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 16) CSDA Member $600 Non-Member $725 REGULAR (AFTER OCTOBER 16) CSDA Member $650 Non-Member $775 SEND MORE - SAVE MORE! -- SPECIAL DISCOUNTED PRiCING!ADDITIONAL ATTENDEE FROM THE SAME DISTRICT (ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 16) CSDA Member $400 Non-Member $525 ADDITIONAL ATTENDEE FROM THE SAME DISTRICT (AFTER OCTOBER 16) CSDA Member $450 Non-Member $575 Emergency Contact Information Name:Phone:Payment Check Visa MasterCard Discover American Express Acct. name:Acct. Number:Expiration date:Authorized Signature:Special needs Vegetarian Other:CANCELLATIONS/SUBSTITUTION POLICY: Cancellations must be in writing and received by CSDA no later than November 3, 2014. All cancellations received by this date will be refunded less a $75 cancellation fee. There will be no refunds for cancellations made after November 3. Substitutions are acceptable and must be done in writing no later than November 10, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.. Please submit any cancellation notice or substitution requests to meganh@csda.net or fax to 916-520-2465. Special District Leadership Academy Conference Registration Form (Use one form per registrant)
Name/Title: First-Time Attendee Returning Attendee District:Address: City: State: ZIP:Phone: Fax: Member Non-member Email:Emergency Contact - Name & Phone:Registration Fees EARLY BIRD (ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 16) CSDA Member $600 Non-Member $725 REGULAR (AFTER OCTOBER 16) CSDA Member $650 Non-Member $775 SEND MORE - SAVE MORE! -- SPECIAL DISCOUNTED PRiCING!ADDITIONAL ATTENDEE FROM THE SAME DISTRICT (ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 16) CSDA Member $400 Non-Member $525 ADDITIONAL ATTENDEE FROM THE SAME DISTRICT (AFTER OCTOBER 16) CSDA Member $450 Non-Member $575 Emergency Contact Information Name:Phone:Payment Check Visa MasterCard Discover American Express Acct. name:Acct. Number:Expiration date:Authorized Signature:Special needs Vegetarian Other:CANCELLATIONS/SUBSTITUTION POLICY: Cancellations must be in writing and received by CSDA no later than November 3, 2014. All cancellations received by this date will be refunded less a $75 cancellation fee. There will be no refunds for cancellations made after November 3. Substitutions are acceptable and must be done in writing no later than November 10, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.. Please submit any cancellation notice or substitution requests to meganh@csda.net or fax to 916-520-2465. Maximizing Protection. Minimizing Risk.Trusted Risk Management ✷ 800.537.7790 ✷ www.sdrma.org As California’s trusted risk management advisor, SDRMA brings together a unique combination of world-class risk management consulting and technical experts that make our Member Programs superior to everything else on the market. Our goal is to serve as an extension of your staff so our service is seamless to you and your agency. Visit our website at www.sdrma.org or call us at 800.537.7790 for more information about our Workers’ Compensation, Property/Liability or Health Benefits Programs.We look forward to serving you!Special District Risk Management Authority
14 California Special Districts Association 1112 I Street, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95814 PRSRT FIRST CLASS U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 316 Sacramento, CA A proud California Special Districts Alliance partner.2014 SPECIAL DISTRICT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CONFERENCE NEW - TWO TRACKS! FIRST-TIME AND RETURNING ATTENDEES!A Comprehensive Governance Conference for Elected and Appointed Directors/Trustees.