
Special District Governance Seminar
February 7-8, 2008
Hilton Palm Springs Resort, Palm Springs, CaliforniaTodays policy makers and managers face serious challenges in managing public agencies. In todays environment of increasing costs, costly facilities, and complex regulations, local government officials and Managers must obtain valuable information to guide them in making critical decisions for their agencies. Learn how to develop successful plans for your agency and gain support in your community.
Special District Governance covers governance matters specific to special districts and local government agencies. This seminar is one of three needed to qualify for the Special District Leadership and Management Certificate awarded by the Special District Institute.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Thursday, February 6, 2008
7:45 - 8:15
a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:15 -
8:30 Introduction to Governance
8:30 - 9:45 Where Special Districts Are Today
Thomas Vu, CSDA
- Tracks historical criticism of special districts
- Attempts at taking funds, consolidating, or privatization of districts
- Future of special districts
9:45 -
10:00 Refreshment Break
10:00 - 11:15 Effective District
Leadership
Glenn M. Reiter, Glenn M. Reiter & Associates
- Management and leadership styles
- How the Board relates to the public, employees and other government agencies
- Dealing with complex issues
- Working with disruptive board members
11:15 - 12:30 Planning Your
Agency's Future
Robert Rauch, Rauch Communication Consultants
- Creating a mission and a strategic vision for your agency
- Identifying the priority issues
- Implementing goals and objectives, the action plan
- Assuring your agency's future
12:30 - 1:45 Luncheon -
Poolside
1:45 - 2:45
Political Action - How It Can Help Your Agency
Richard Atwater, Inland Empire Utilities Agency
- Advocating for local government
- Relationship to State issues
- Staying in tune with legislation
- LAFCO participation
- Collaboration and networking
- Grants
2:45 - 3:00 Refreshment Break
3:00 - 4:15 Managing Your Financial
Resources
Glenn M. Reiter, Glenn M. Reiter & Associates
- Your fiduciary responsibility in financial oversight
- The job of the Board in financial management
- The Treasurer's job
- Budgets and reporting
- The Board's role in monitoring and control
5:00 - 6:00 Networking
Reception - Poolside
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Friday, February 8, 2008
8:00 - 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8:30 - 9:45 What You Need to Know About
Local Government Law
Mark Meyerhoff, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
- Clarifying the powers of the Board and the Agency
- Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
- Your personal liability as a public official
- Where does the Board stop and management begin?
9:45 - 10:00 Refreshment Break
10:00 - 11:15 Overview of the Brown Act
and the Public Records Act
Jill Willis, Best Best & Krieger, LLP
The intent and application of the acts.
11:15 - 12:30 Your Role in Human
Resources
Irma Rodriguez-Moisa, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
- Key labor and employment law issues
- Employer liability for harassment
- Labor relations - a practical guide
12:30 - 1:45 Luncheon - Horizon
Room
1:45 - 2:45 Building Effective Board/Manager
Relationships
Robert Rauch, Rauch Communication Consultants
- Role of the Director, role of the manager - maintaining the right balance
- Improving communications among Board members and between the Board and the manager
- Settling differences and working together, building teamwork
2:45 - 3:00 Refreshment Break
3:00 - 4:00 Building Community Support
Martin Rauch, Rauch Communication Consultants
- Gain public support for controversial projects
- Turning the tide when your agency is under attack
- Dealing with vocal activist groups
- Guidelines for effectively working with the press
4:00 - 4:30 How Does Your Agency Measure Up?
- Speakers' Panel
P.O. Box 2317 Vista, CA 92085 USA
800-457-0237 * 760-643-1760 * 760-643-1761 (fax)
www.sdbmi.com * spcdistint@aol.com