12 - CSDA Annual Conference Costa Mesa Sanitary District …an Independent Special District Protecting our community’s health and the environment by providing solid waste and sewer collection services. www.cmsdca.gov Memorandum To: Board of Directors From : Scott Carroll, General Manager Date: August 28, 2014 Subject: California Special Districts Association (CSDA) Annual Conference Summary CSDA’s Annual Conference is scheduled on September 29 through October 2, 2014 in Palm Springs, California. Board members and staff have expressed interest to attend this conference. Staff Recommendation Tha t the Board of Directors approves attending the CSDA annual conference on September 29 through October 2, 2014 in Palm Springs, California. Analysis Section 3.01.090(a) of the District’s Operations Code requires Board approval to attend conferences outside of Orange County. CSDA Annual Conference is scheduled to begin with a pre -conference on September 29 th at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel . Some of the topics at the conference include: • The Brown Act: Are You Doing it Wrong? • Latest Updates in California and Federal Prevailing Wage Laws • Change Not For Change Sake – Public Sector Innovation • Board Member Compensation Rules: Salaries, Healthcare, PERS, & Expense Reimbursements Attached is a copy of the conference program. ITEM NO. 12
Board of Directors August 28 , 2014 Page 2 of 2 Strategic Plan Element & Goal This item complies wit h Strategic Element 3 .0., Partnerships , and Strategic Goal No. 3.4, Participate in activities of professional associations. Legal Review Not applicable Environmental Review The consideration of attendance at a conference is an administrative matter and is not a disturbance of the environment similar to grading or construction and is not a project under CEQA or the District’s CEQA Guidelines. The conference will include discussion on topics relating to bettering the environment , including Sustainable Practices for Today’s Utilities and Emerging Environmental Issues Financial Review The Board of Directors has expressed interest in attend ing the CSDA conference as well as the General Manager and District Clerk . The total registration cost is $3,850 ($550 per person). Hotel accommodati ons are estimated at $3,300 ($1 50, per night including tax ). The estimated cost of transportation by personal vehicles is $565 ($0.56 cents per mile ) and the estimated co st for m eals is $1,575 ($75 per person per day ). Staff estimates the total cost to attend CSDA’s Annual Conference in Palm Springs is $9,290 . T he FY 2014 -15 Budget includes $9 ,000 for the Board of Directors and $3,000 for Staff to attend the CSDA conference. Public Notice Process Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the entire agenda packet for the August 28 , 2014 Board of Directors regular meeting at District headquarters and on District’s website. Alternative Actions 1. Direct staff to r eport back with more information . Attachment A: CSDA Conference Program Reviewed by: Wendy Davis Finance Manager
California Special Districts Association Districts Stronger Together Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel & Palm Springs Convention Center conference.csda.net #csdaconf2014 R E G I S T E R N O W
Don’t Miss it!The CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase is the one conference special district leaders can’t afford to miss! Join 500+ special district professionals and industry experts for a three-day, must-attend, education and networking event. Participate in inspiring and motivating keynote sessions. Walk away with strategies, new connections and innovative ideas to move your district forward. Who Should Attend?• Board members – directors and trustees • General managers • Fire/police chief • Department managers and supervisors • Administrative support staff • Finance managers • Board secretaries • Legal counsel • Consultants • Suppliers • Other district support staff Top Ten Reasons to Attend • Interact with industry experts • Hear success stories from colleagues • Learn about challenges and solutions from special district case studies • Be the first to hear about special district trends • Gain knowledge and inspiration from nationally recognized speakers • Attend specialized workshops and sessions designed to address your needs • Meet one-on-one with industry suppliers who understand your needs • Attend numerous networking opportunities • Make new contacts and maintain key relationships • Earn Credit Incentive Points from the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA)Attendee Quote “If you have never attended one of these conferences, I don’t care how educated or qualified you are, there are topics you will be exposed to at the conference that you may only experience when something goes wrong. You owe it to yourself and your constituents to become educated in the fullest possible way as to your role as an elected board member, general manager or district staff. What CSDA has to offer in their conferences and training are priceless.”- P A u L In GRAM , B OARD M EMBER , C ARMEL V ALLEY R ECREA t IO n A n D P AR k D IS t RIC t Palm Springs CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase Earn 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 CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase reducing SDRMA member’s annual contribution amount. Credit Incentive Points • Learn • Tour • Network • Motivate • Interact • Strategize • • Gain Knowledge • Get Inspired • Exhibit Hall • Events •• Awards • Breakouts • Golf • Receptions • Prizes • Twitter •
M O n DAY , S EP t EMBER 29, 2014 Conference & Exhibitor Registration 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Exhibitor Set-u p 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.So You Want to Be A General Manager?* (Full day workshop)8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.SDLF: Special District Administrator (SDA) Exam 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.Special District Leadership Academy Module 1: Governance Foundations* (Full day workshop)9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.CSDA Annual Golf t ournament*10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Water Awareness t our: Coachella Valley Water District*10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.How to Be A Great Decision Maker* (Half day workshop)12:00 - 3:00 p.m.CSDA n etwork/Region Meetings 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.President’s Reception with the Exhibitors 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.t u ESDAY , S EP t EMBER 30, 2014 Continental Breakfast with the Exhibitors/Raffle 7:30 - 8:45 a.m.Registration 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.CSDA Board of Directors Meeting 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.Opening General Session: “Leading at the Speed of t rust” with Stephen M. R. Covey 9:00 - 10:45 a.m.6 Breakout Session Options 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.Exhibit Hall Lunch 12:30 - 1:45 p.m.6 Breakout Session Options 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.6 Breakout Session Options 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.Exhibit Hall Grand Prize Drawing 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Closes 5:00 p.m.Optional Off-Site Event: Hangar Party at the Palm Springs Air Museum*6:00 - 9:00 p.m.W ED n ESDAY , O C t OBER 1, 2014 Registration 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.SDRMA sponsored full plated breakfast 8:15 - 9:00 a.m.SDRMA General Session/Safety Awards/k eynote: “Experience the Power of Connections” with Bob Gray 9:00 - 10:45 a.m.CSDA Finance Corporation Board Meeting 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. SDRMA Safety Specialist Certificate Program 11:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.6 Breakout Session Options 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.Awards Luncheon 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.6 Breakout Session Options 2:15 - 3:30 p.m.6 Breakout Session Options 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.SDLF t aste of the City Reception 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. tH u RSDAY , O C t OBER 2, 2014 Registration 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.5 Breakout Session Options 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. Chapter Roundtable Discussion 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.Closing Brunch: 2014 Legislative Outcomes 10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.* pre-registration/payment required C S D A • 2 0 1 4 SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.CSDA Annual Golf Tournament t ahquitz Creek Golf Resort (pre-registration/payment required) t ransportation to/from on your own Join special district elected officials, staff and business affiliates at this optional, fun annual event. Great golf skills not necessary!$60 I n CL u DES GOLF WI t H CAR t, BREA k FAS t, L un CH A n D PRI z ES !10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Water Awareness Tour: Coachella Valley Water District t his tour is designed to give attendees an inside look at Coachella Valley Water District’s expansive water system. t his informative tour will include visits to a groundwater replenishment facility, domestic water reservoir, wastewater recycling plant and more! Register early, space is limited. $45 PER PERSO n. In CL u DES t RA n SPOR t A t IO n A n D L un CH .8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.So You Want to Be A General Manager? (pre-registration/payment required) Limited class size, register early! A practical career development workshop for senior executives and emerging leaders in special districts.$100 I n CL u DES CO nt I n E nt AL BREA k FAS t A n D L un CH . S PO n SORED BY C ALIFOR n IA SPECIAL DIS t RIC t S ASSOCIA t IO n A n D t HE S PECIAL D IS t RIC t L EADERSHIP F O un DA t IO n 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.Special District Administrator (SDA) Exam t he Special District Leadership Foundation (optional – must be scheduled prior to conference)9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Special District Leadership Academy Module 1:Governance Foundations (pre-registration/payment required) Earn SDRMA CIPs As the core curriculum of CSDA’s Special District Leadership Academy, this workshop serves as the “foundation” for the series on effective governance of special districts. t his is specifically designed for special district board members.$225 M EMBER $375 nO n-MEMBER 12:00– 3:00 p.m.How to Be a Great Decision Maker (pre-registration/payment required)Once one gets elected or appointed to a public agency board, the public has expectations. Being a great decision maker is certainly one of those expectations. t his course will lead you through the process of how to make your passions into policy. It will review the board processes in decision making as well as the opportunities and pitfalls of decision making as an individual and as a board team. t he course will review how staff and the executive play crucial roles in our ability to make informed decisions and how this team needs to improve in order for the agency to optimize its performance.$125 M EMBER $175 nO n-MEMBER Exhibit and Sponsor Opportunities t his conference is a great opportunity to connect with special district decision makers. With over five dedicated exhibit hall hours , including three food functions, CSDA is committed to helping you maximize your marketing dollars. Contact Megan Hemming at meganh@csda.net for details. Monday, September 29 P RE -C O n FERE n CE P ROGRAM E VE nt S Palm Springs Fact
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.President’s Reception with the Exhibitors (ALL A tt E n DEES WELCOME )Join us as we mix and mingle with business professionals who provide all types of goods and services to special districts.Enjoy the taco bar, appetizers and refreshments as you meet with CSDA’s President Noelle Mattock - and board members from around the state - who represent you.4:00 – 5:00 p.m.CSDA Network/Region Meetings Designed by local leaders, the recently launched District n etWorks connects local special district leaders across California. Attend this forum to get to know your network/region’s members and dialogue with CSDA board members, serving as your delegates, in an interactive forum. Share local challenges and discuss how to better collaborate in meeting those challenges. t ake this opportunity to connect with special district leaders near you and take action together! t here will be a meeting for each network/region - visit the Registration Desk to find out which you belong to!MONDAY DISTRICT NET WORKS California Special Districts Association O Conference Kick off!Palm Springs Fact t he creation of the Cabazon dinosaurs began in the 1960s by k nott’s Berry Farm sculptor and portrait artist Claude k . Bell (1897–1988) to attract customers to his Wheel Inn Cafe, which opened in 1958. Dinny, the first of the Cabazon dinosaurs, was started in 1964 and created over a span of eleven years. Bell created Dinny out of spare material salvaged from the construction of nearby Interstate 10 at a cost of $300,000.
(Scheduled Breakout Se SS ion S )11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.Required Ethics AB 1234 Compliance Training (part 1)Meyers n ave t his two-part training covers general ethics principles and state laws related to: personal financial gain by public servants; conflict of interest, bribery and nepotism; gift, travel and mass-mailing restrictions; honoraria; financial interest disclosure and competitive bidding; prohibitions on the use of public resources for personal or political purposes; the Political Reform Act; the Brown Act open meeting law and the California Public Records Act. Must attend both sessions in order to receive your certificate.Words in Public Contracts Do Matter Bergman Dacey Goldsmith t his presentation will specifically address how standard provisions in public works contracts actually hurt, not help, the public entity. Solutions to these harmful provisions are also discussed and provided. The Brown Act: Are You Doing it Wrong?Burke, Williams & Sorensen In this advanced and interactive training session, attendees will work through a series of hypotheticals that illustrate common mistakes made by officials in complying with the Brown Act. An attorney with nearly a decade of experience dealing with citizens, gadflies and advocacy groups will explain applicable law and practical tips for avoiding errors. Attendees will learn how to properly form an ad hoc committee, what to do if the board wants to add an item to an agenda, and how to respond to a disruptive member of the public, among other things.What You Need to Know When You Don’t Have an HR Department Renee Sloan Holtzmann Sakai LLP Given California’s notoriously tricky employment laws, not having an HR department can be dangerous. Our panel will discuss the most common HR issues to confront managers in special districts and provide advice on how to deal with them.CalPERS Dialogue with the Deputy Chief Actuary t he Deputy Chief Actuary of CalPERS will provide an update on the actuarial office activities and answer employers’ questions regarding changes in actuarial methods and assumptions, potential flexible funding options, GASB 68 requirements, proposed changes to risk pooling and other topics of interest. t his is your opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with the Deputy Chief Actuary and to share any concerns or ideas with him.Crisis Communications: How to Take Control and Tell Your Own Story When the Going Gets Tough Communication Advantage t his session will explore the rules of engagement when the news is bad: how to avoid defaulting to others to define the story; how to plan for recovery; and how to separate from the emotional and present the district in a way that protects, or begins to restore, credibility.Tuesday, September 30 PROGRAM 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Exhibitor Showcase Open 7:30 – 8:45 a.m. Continental Breakfast with the Exhibitors (Raffle) (all attendees welcome)9:00 – 10:45 a.m. Opening Keynote: Stephen M.R. Covey Leading at the Speed of Trust Author of the bestselling book, t he Speed of t rust™ Stephen is a sought-after and compelling motivational keynote speaker and advisor on trust, leadership, ethics and high performance.t his dynamic presentation will go beyond a dialogue of trust as a soft social virtue and give leaders a greater vision of trust as a measurable, strategic advantage in all facets of life and work. Palm Springs Fact
Palm Springs California is world famous for having the biggest concentration of mid-century modern architecture in the u nited States, and one of the largest collections of well-preserved 20th century modern properties – both commercial and residential – in the world. In 2006, the National Trust for Historic Preservation recognized Palm Springs for its achievements in preserving mid-century modern architecture.12:30 – 1:45 p.m.Lunch with the Exhibitors All conference attendees are welcome to attend a hosted lunch in the exhibit hall.(Scheduled Breakout Se SS ion S )2:00 – 3:15 p.m. Required Ethics AB1234 Compliance Training (part 2)Meyers n ave - See previous description. Walking the Political Tightrope Between Employee Rights and Public Demands k ronick Moskovitz, t iedemann, Girard and El Dorado Hills Community Services District Designed to help district management and elected officials know what to do and what not to do when you receive a complaint from a member of the public about one of the district’s employees.At-Large Voting and the Rising Tide of VRA Claims Cota Cole LLP We have recently witnessed an increase in challenges to at-large voting throughout the state. t his session will address the at-large method of election with respect to potential claims under both the California and Federal Voting Rights Acts.Ten Attributes of Best Boards BHI Management Consulting t his session provides an overview of the actions and practices of those boards that have optimized their service to the public. t he best boards are those that can look inwardly to find strong points and work together to represent the public in an efficient and well-ordered way. Come to this session and learn what the best boards do to optimize.TUESDAY How to Generate and Protect Funding for Your District: Practical Advice from Campaign, Polling and Legal Experts Burke Williams & Sorensen, Lew Edwards Group, Fairbanks, Maslin, Maulin, Metz & Associates, Santa Clara County Library District Learn from a multidisciplinary panel of campaign, polling and legal experts about what other districts are doing to: permanently extend voter-approved taxes beyond their sunsets, protect existing taxes or fees from attacks, and address significant needs such as aging infrastructure. Hear one agency’s story and “lessons learned.”Breaking the Code: Plain Language for Special Districts Burke Williams & Sorensen, LLP t he use of plain language is an important aspect of government transparency. District officials and personnel participate in the preparation of many key district documents including resolutions, ordinances and public notices. t his seminar provides an over-view on plain writing principles and techniques that will help make district documents clear and understandable.Palm Springs Fact t uesday continued on the following page.
The Latest Updates in California & Federal Prevailing Wage Laws Contractor Compliance & Monitoring, Inc. California and Federal prevailing wage laws and regulations change almost every year; 2014 is no exception. n ew proposed legislation will overhaul the DIR’s Compliance Monitoring u nit, all public works projects over $30,000 require agencies to file a PWC-100 form, and federal Davis Bacon funded projects now cover surveying works. Lessons Learned for the 2014 Drought k ampa Community Solutions t he great drought of 2013/2014 will change the way water is managed statewide. Water self-sustainability, wastewater recycling and water reuse will be at the forefront of community planning activities and district management. t his highly interactive session will provide you the tools and resources .Change Not for Change Sake – Public Sector Innovation CPS HR Consulting CPS HR Consulting surveyed over 1,000 public sector employees to identify characteristics of the most and least innovative agencies. Discover what innovative government agencies do and don’t do to achieve their mission and improve services.4:30 – 5:00 p.m.Exhibit Hall Grand Prize Drawing Connect with exhibitors for one more chance to win one of our fabulous prizes!C S D A • 2 0 1 4 GRAND PRIZE DRAWING (Scheduled Breakout Se SS ion S )3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Board Member Compensation Rules : Salaries, Healthcare, PERS & Expense Reimbursements Meyers n ave t his 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.Telecom Leasing: Maximizing Revenues While Protecting Your Interests Meyers n ave and Sunkay Associates Discuss how special districts can protect the public interest while maxi -mizing revenues from both existing and potential cell sites. t he concept of auditing existing sites to recover missing revenues will be explored along with how carriers identify potential sites and how districts may uninten -tionally hinder being selected for new sites. t he financial value of a cell site lease will also be discussed. A Recipe for Excellence in the Face of Micromanagement, Problem Personalities and other Board Issues Rauch Communication Consultants When the board’s policy direction and management are not in sync, the district cannot be effective. t his session clarifies the job of the board, best practices for carrying out its role, and how it can interact most effectively with the manager. Tuesday continued Tues.6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Event 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.Hangar Party at the Palm Springs Air Museum t he Palm Springs Air Museum is home to one of the largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft housed in air-conditioned hangars with no ropes to keep you from interacting with exhibits. You’ll feast on a u SO themed buffet including a chicken and waffle station. Attendees will be in for a treat when “Company B – t he Andrews Sisters t ribute” takes to the Bob Hope Stage. $50 per person includes dinner, two drink tickets, entertainment and transportation (optional event, payment and registration required )Fasten Your Seatbelts and Get Ready for Take Off!O
WEDNESDAY Wednesday, October 1 PROGRAM 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.CSDA Finance Corporation Board and Annual Meeting 11:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.S PECIAL T RACK : SDRMA Safety Specialist Certificate Program SDRMA is offering a new General Safety Specialist Certificate Program for SDRMA members only during the CSDA Annual Conference. t he Certificate Program is an all-day specialized training program being presented by Bob Lapidus, CSP and Mary Beth O’Connell, CSP of Lapidus Safety Consulting. Participants who complete the training will receive a Safety Certificate for their respective agency and will also receive Credit Incentive Points, which will be applied to the agency to reduce annual program contribution amounts. Pre-Registration Required 8:15 – 9:00 a.m.SDRMA Sponsored Full Plated Breakfast (all attendees welcome)9:00 – 10:45 a.m. SDRMA General Session, Safety Awards, Keynote Bob Gray, Memory Expert Experience the Power of Connection s t ake your connections to the next level. In this presentation, Bob reveals the untapped memory potential in each of us. Bob delivers two incredibly powerful memory demonstrations, which never fail to astonish. After entertaining the audience with his own memory, he enriches their minds by teaching the hilarious and practical ‘Chain’ system. (A system dating all the way back to ancient Greece, which is an invaluable tool for memorizing speeches, presentations lists, complex equations and more!)Members of the audience always leave grinning and eager to test their new skills. Are you ready to accelerate you memory into rapid recall? t he skills lay a short keynote presentation away. Wednesday continued on the following page.Palm Springs Fact Richard n eutra’s k aufmann House located in Palm Springs, California at 470 West Vista Chino Drive was ranked second on a 2008 �Best Southern California Houses of All t ime, based on a survey of well-known architects, historians and preservationists.
(Scheduled Breakout Se SS ion S )11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Understanding Contractual Risk Transfer Techniques SDRMA and Stutz, Artiano, Shinoff & Holtz t his session will address risk transfer techniques your agency should review and use before entering into any contractual agreement. If you are leasing/renting premises, who is responsible if an accident occurs? How much insurance should a contractor have? Do we really need ‘indemnity’ language in the agreement? t hese topics and more will be discussed.Rate Setting and the Role of Attorneys and Public Officials in Reviewing Cost of Service and Rate Studies for Compliance with Propositions 218 and 26 Best Best & k reiger and Western Municipal Water District t he burden of proof for compliance with these two propositions is on public agencies. Courts will exercise their independent judgment when reviewing whether a public agency has complied with the substantive and procedural requirements of Proposition 218 and whether a fee is a tax under Proposition 26. t his presentation will discuss the process for preparing a cost of service and rate study, and issues that attorneys and public officials should address in reviewing a cost of service and rate study.How to Not Only Lower OPEB Liabilities But Reduce Post-Employment Benefit Liabilities Too PARS n ationally retiree health care liabilities now exceed pension liabilities. Our session will address the latest benefits and funding strategies and trends to reduce this growing obligation facing special districts. Our expert panel with address questions that your district needs to know.Citizen Engagement: New Uses of Social Media and the Body Politic Best Best & k rieger, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Hi-Desert Water District t his multi-media workshop will combine the perspectives of a general counsel, social media expert and two water district public affairs experts to discuss innovative uses of social media to facilitate constituent communications and promote important issues of public policy on a regional basis.A Board Member’s Guide to Reading and Understanding Financial Statements Mann, u rrutia & n elson Just because you don’t have a finance or accounting background doesn’t mean you can’t read and understand the financial statements of your district. t he presenter will review the Statements of n et Position, Activities and Cash Flows as well as footnotes and will provide easy-to-understand guidance on what you should be looking for as a board member or general manager of a special district.Design-Build for Public Works Projects Hanson Bridgett Are you interested in learning more about design-build contracting on public works projects? t his presentation will cover the various legal requirements that apply to special districts, the benefits that come with design-build, as well as anecdotes from actual public works projects. 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. CSDA Annual Awards Luncheon Wednesday continued 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. CSDA Annual Awards Luncheon Join us as we celebrate the best of special districts with awards including: Board President of the Year, General Manager of the Year, the prestigious William Hollingsworth Award of Excellence, Chapter of the Year, Special District Leadership Foundation Awards and more!CSDA R ECOG n I z ES t HE B ES t AMO n G S PECIAL D IS t RIC t S Do you have a board member, staff member, local chapter or program that you feel deserves recognition?Each year, CSDA presents various awards during the CSDA Annual Conference and Exhibitor Showcase. t here are a number of different categories. Please consider outstanding individuals within your district for individual awards. Chapter awards and district awards are also open for nominations. Visit the Awards section of our conference website at conference.csda.net for more information.If you have any questions regarding the awards or the awards process, please contact Charlotte Lowe, executive assistant, at the CSDA office toll-free at 877.924.2732 or by email at charlottel@csda.net . Deadline for submissions is Friday, August 15, 2014. All applicants will be notified of the winning submissions prior to the Annual Conference. Winners will be awarded at the CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase during the Awards Luncheon.12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Event Wed.All attendees welcome.O
(Scheduled Breakout Se SS ion S )2:15 – 3:30 p.m. Building Your Financing Dream Team CSDA Finance Corporation Getting a capital improvement project financed by issuing bonds is a coordinated effort by the agency and a whole team of professionals. t he key to a smooth, successful transaction is having the right people to help you through the process. In this panel discussion you will learn the roles and responsibilities of the various players, how the type of transaction determines who needs to be involved, and how recent regulations may affect your team composition. Navigating Medical Treatment in the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process SDRMA and York Risk Services Group Your injured worker tells you they cannot receive the required medical treatment because u tilization Review declined it. What does this mean? Who controls the doctors? Why is it so hard to schedule some procedures? What is an MP n ? t his session will discuss issues facing the injured worker and employer navigating the Workers’ Compensation medical system. Everything you wanted to know about AME, IME, QME, P t P, u R, tt D and PD will be discussed!Fraud Prevention and Detection for Special Districts JG Davidson & Company Attendees at this session will learn to better understand and make clear distinctions between a procedure and a control, identify at what point in a process a key control is needed, more fully utilize a control generated document to facilitate better financial management, break down internal control review areas into manageable parts, and develop a plan to implement a comprehensive system of procedures and internal controls.WEDNESDAY Building Your Training Platform with TargetSolutions SDRMA and t argetSolutions Identify how your agency can build on the t argetSolutions online training platform. By utilizing the platform your agency can reduce overall staff time for travel as well as training expenses.Consumption Based Fixed Rates – An Innovative New Conservation-Oriented Water Rate Structure Adopted by Davis, CA Bartle Wells Associates Davis, CA is facing a costly transition from a 100% groundwater supply to a new conjunctive use groundwater-surface water supply. t he $100+ million project will be funded with debt proceeds that will result in fixed annual debt payments estimated to be larger than the current total annual enterprise expenses. Due to the amount of debt used to fund the project, future enterprise expenses are estimated to be about 80 percent fixed and only 20 percent variable. t his presented a conundrum as an 80 percent fixed rate structure would be very expensive for small users and mute the overall conservation pricing incentive.The Great Board Chair BHI Management Consulting t he role of the board chair is key to optimal, well run meetings that best serve the public and get things done. t he chair sets the tone for others that serve the public as board members. If you are a sitting board president or board chair, new or experienced; if you advise or assist the board chair in a staff capacity, come to this session to learn how to avoid pitfalls and optimize your service in this critical position.Singing cowboy Gene Autry was a familiar figure in Palm Springs when he was alive, and his larger-than-life statue ensures that he’ll continue to be familiar for years to come.Palm Springs Fact Wednesday continued on the following page.
(Scheduled Breakout Se SS ion S )3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Employment Practices Liability Update SDRMA and Stutz, Artiano, Shinoff & Holtz t he single largest risk your agency manages every day is your staff. t his session will discuss current legal trends in work related litigation. What exactly is a “whistle blower”? What is the employer’s responsibility in providing “reasonable accommodations”? Does every employee qualify for California Family Rights/Family Medical Leave? Do these leaves run separately or concurrently? t hese issues and more will be discussed.Property Tax Essentials for Board Members – Increasing Your Finance IQ hdL Coren & Cone Discussion of elements to be considered in preparation of property tax revenue projections. t opics 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.Grant Management for Dummies: The ABC’s of Record Keeping Compliance and USFS Grant Management RCD of Greater San Diego Learn how to successfully manage grants while streamlining the grant management reporting process, capturing required statistical and in-kind data, reducing staff hours, staying in compliance, and keeping grant dollars where they need to be—in the field.Wednesday continued PROGRAM Special Districts and CEQA – CEQA from Your Perspective Best Best & k rieger t he panel will provide a brief overview of CEQA as it applies to districts and then engage the audience in a wide-ranging conversation based on questions submitted prior to or during the panel about how CEQA works for districts. Board Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Issues Liebert Cassidy Whitmore We’ll address common ethical issues general managers should know in working with boards, including the complex conflict of interest rules applicable to board members and how those laws apply to your own work. u sing case studies, we will look deeper into the ethical dilemmas you may face and ways to stay on the high ground.21 st Century Privacy Issues Liebert Cassidy Whitmore t echnology makes it possible for general managers to monitor employee conduct and gather an abundance of information about employees and job applicants. However, managers must balance their legitimate business practices against employee and applicant privacy rights. t his workshop will explore the wide range of issues arising from the interplay between technology and privacy in the workplace. It will guide managers through the patchwork of federal and state laws and court decisions that govern these issues. 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.Special District Leadership Foundation “Taste of the City” Event Meet us poolside at the Renaissance Palm Springs for a Rat Pack inspired fundraiser for the Special District Leadership Foundation. Sample delicious food and drinks while being serenaded by n ick D’Egidio. t he sultry sounds of Sinatra are back, with the ultimate Frank Sinatra t ribute Show. From “Luck be a Lady” to “t he Way You Look t onight” and everything in between, get ready for the best in flashback entertainment.t his party has a purpose. Attendees at this reception will have the opportunity to participate in the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) silent auction to raise funds for scholarships for the Special District Leadership Academy programs. A special wine raffle will also be held at 7:30 p.m. Be sure to purchase tickets throughout the conference for the chance to win a deluxe 35 bottle wine cellar fully stocked with 35 bottles of wine…almost a $1,000 value. You must be present to win!SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs. t he SDLF and its activities are supported through the California Special Districts Association and Special District Risk Management Authority.6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Event Wed.All attendees welcome.WEDNESDAY
C S D A • 2 0 1 4 2.10:15 a.m.CLOSING BRUNCH (Scheduled Breakout Se SS ion S )8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Chapter Roundtable Discussion Join CSDA board members and local chapter leaders from across the state to share best practices and discuss issues and opportunities.All attendees welcome.Hiring a Design Professional Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and Imperial Irrigation District Special districts must comply with a qualifications based selection process under California’s Little Brooks Act when hiring design professionals. We will provide an overview of the legal requirements and best practices regarding this selection process. During this interactive discussion we will share tips regarding how to request qualifications, evaluate submittals, interview, and select a firm to minimize the potential risk of challenge by an unsuccessful proposer. We will also discuss methods to reduce the risk of potential claims through successful contract negotiation strategies.Keep Calm & Update Your Status: Emerging Trends in Social Media Burke Williams Sorensen, LLP t he impact of social media in the public workplace continues to raise questions more rapidly than courts can provide answers. As one question is answered, new legal issues and forms of social media emerge to raise new questions. t his cutting-edge session will cover the most current developments related to social media in the public workplace, including the Public Records Act, cyber-vetting of employees, recent litigation and more.Thursday, October 2 PROGRAM When Tough Times Come: Working Your Way through a Crisis or Challenge Rauch Communication Consultants u sing actual case studies, learn how districts have overcome a variety of challenges, including: regulatory problems, legal attacks, public controversy, raucous board meetings, employee problems, and elections challenges. t his session focuses on how to remain focused while managing crises and building public support. How to Obtain, Engage and Effectively Use Your General and/or Special Counsel Meyers n ave t his presentation will discuss, through best practices, and examples, how special districts of all sizes can procure and maximize use of legal services to protect assets and achieve the district’s goals. t his interactive presentation will assist participants by prompting questions and spotting issues related to some of the following: How to identify and obtain the appropriate legal representation for your district’s needs, whether that is general and/or special counsel services, in-house v. contract; examples of how different types of special districts utilize legal services; and more.Rules of Order Made Easy! Learn how to facilitate proper debate protocol in a board; the rights and obligations of the board and those of the public during a board meeting instructed by a registered parliamentarian; the six steps to handling a motion; and the three forms of amendments . THURSDAY 1.3.4.Advocacy Team 1. Ralph Heim 2. k yle Packham 3. Dorothy Holzem 4. Christina Lokke CSDA’s advocacy team will present attendees with the most up-to-date information on the outcome of the biggest state budget and legislative issues impacting special districts in 2014, as well as a sneak peak of what to expect in 2015. t his year included major proposals on property taxes, new “green” local revenue opportunities, mandates, mandates, mandates and the continued implementation of public employee pension reforms.Get all the latest legislative results and learn what they mean for special districts going forward.10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Closing Brunch: 2014 Legislative Outcomes:The Impact on Your Special District Don’t miss it!
CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase Hotel & Location Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel and Palm Springs Convention Center Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel 888 E. t ahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 t he Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel is a downtown hotel with 410 deluxe guestrooms connecting to the Palm Springs Convention Center; featuring an oasis style pool, walk to shopping, entertainment and museums in the village of Palm Springs. Complimentary airport transportation available. Room reservations are available at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel at the CSDA rate of $134 plus tax single or double occupancy, no internet charges in the guest rooms and no resort fee. Self-parking is just $5 per night. Call the hotel directly at 760-322-6000 or central reservations at 1-800-228-9290. t he first night room and tax becomes non-refundable if a reservation is cancelled after the cut-off date of September 7, 2014. What to Do?With 350 days of sunshine, more than 115 golf courses and diversions that run from glitzy shopping to gritty adventure, Greater Palm Springs is an oasis that refreshes and inspires. More than simply a destination, it’s a collection of experiences that engages all of the senses. After a day of getting down to business, you can regroup at chic restaurants or in signature settings like botanical gardens, art museums and historic estate. From healing hot springs to a cool urban scene, it all adds up to a meeting as magical as a dessert sunset. For more ideas on planning your own Palm Springs adventure go to visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.Car Rental Discount Enterprise Rent A Car is offering all CSDA conference attendees a special conference discount. You can make reservations online at www.enterprise.com or call directly to 800-Rent-A-Car. t he group code is n ACA 107. Reservations are recommended.Palm Springs
Three Ways to Register:1. ONLINE by visiting the CSDA Annual Conference website at conference.csda.net 2. FAX your registration form to 916-520-2465. All faxed forms must include payment.3. MAIL CSDA, 1112 I Street, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814, please include registration form along with payment. Check 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 benefits of membership contact Cathrine Lemaire at cathrinel@csda.net or call toll-free 877-924-2732.Registration fee includes:• President’s Reception with the Exhibitors Monday evening • Keynote Sessions • Continental Breakfast with the Exhibitors on Tuesday • Lunch with the Exhibitors on Tuesday • SDRMA Full Plated Breakfast on Wednesday • Awards Luncheon on Wednesday • All Breakout Sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday • SDLF “Taste of the City” Reception on Wednesday • Closing Brunch on Thursday Name:Title:District:Address: City: State: Zip:Phone: Fax: Email:Website:Emergency Contact:Member status: Member Non-member Vegetarian Any Special Needs:Conference Registration Fees Early Bird (on or before Aug. 22)Regular (after Aug. 22)SUBTOTAL CSDA Member - Full Conference $550.00 $600.00 Non-member - Full Conference $750.00 $800.00 Guest - Full Conference (Cannot be from a district/company) Vegetarian $260.00 $300.00 CSDA Member - One-day registration Tuesday Wednesday Thursday $260.00 each day $275.00 each day Non-member - One-day registration Tuesday Wednesday Thursday $375.00 each day $435.00 each day Separate Registration Fees SUBTOTAL Pre-Conference Workshop: SDLA Module 1: Governance Foundations - Sept. 29 $225.00 $375.00 Pre-Conference Workshop: So You Want to Be A General Manager? - Sept. 29 $100.00 $100.00 CSDA Golf Tournament - Sept. 29 $ 60.00 (includes breakfast and lunch) Coachella Valley Water District Tour - Sept. 29 $ 45.00 (includes transportation and lunch) (limited seating) Hangar Party at the Palm Springs Air Museum - Sept 30 $ 50.00 (includes transportation) Safety Specialist Certificate Program - Oct. 1 FREE - Must be an SDRMA member CSDA Awards Luncheon (Guests only) - Oct. 1 $ 40.00 SDLF “Taste of the City” Reception (Guests only) - Oct. 1 $ 55.00 TOTAL Payment type: Check Visa MasterCard AMEX Discover Account name:Account Number:Expiration date:Authorized Signature:Member Non-member Cancellations/Substitution Policy: Cancellations must be in writing and received by CSDA not later than September 5, 2014. All cancellations received by this date will be refunded less a $75 processing fee. There will be no refunds for cancellations made after September 5, 2014 Substitutions are acceptable and must be done in writing no later than September 12, 2014. Please submit any cancellation notice or substitution request to sharonf@csda.net or fax to 916-520-2465.Consent to Use Photographic Images: Registration and attendance at, or participation in, CSDA meeting and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to CSDA’s use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions and audiotapes of such events and activities.Attendee Registration Form On E FORM PER A tt E n DEE , PLEASE PRI nt REGISTER NOW and SAVE MONEY Early Bird ends August 22, 2014 CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase Palm Springs
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 2472 Sacramento, CA California Special Districts Association 1112 I Street, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95814 CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase Palm Springs The leadership conference for special district officials and staff.R E G I S T E R N O W