25 minute read
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
2:45-3:55 p.m. — Workshop Session #3
THE IMPLEMENTABLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, TOP TO BOTTOM
Magnolia C (lower level)
Category: Planning/Zoning is workshop will give participants a thorough overview of the implementable comprehensive plan. Topics will include:
• What is an implementable comprehensive plan, and how does it di er from a traditional comprehensive plan?
• Why should my municipality, or municipalities, choose an implementable comprehensive plan?
• What are some examples/success stories for implementable comprehensive plans?
• What resources are available for funding implementable comprehensive plans?
John Danvers, Local Government Policy Specialist, Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development eodore Ritsick, AICP, Local Government Policy Specialist, Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development
Tree Zuzzio, Local Government Policy Specialist, Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development
The Municipal Guide To Land Development
Wild Rose B (lower level)
Category: Planning/Zoning
In this workshop, participants will learn the steps to process a subdivision or land development application in accordance with the Municipalities Planning Code. e session will take a comprehensive look at the types of applications, the roles of various outside agencies and township commissions and boards, the rules that guide the process, and the records that must be kept.
Carol Schuehler, Municipal Engineer, Value Engineering, Inc.
Afternoon Workshops
Workshops
4:15-5:25 p.m. — Workshop Session #4
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR TOWNSHIPS?
Magnolia D (lower level)
Category: Planning/Zoning
This workshop will explain how to assess the relevance, importance, and applicability of the principles of active transportation (biking/walking/ running/etc.) to typical township infrastructure policy, planning, construction, and maintenance. Rather than focusing on the easy talking points, the presentation will delve into the concerns that township managers, roadmasters, and elected officials must contend with, like paving durability, road salt budgets, and staffing outlays.
Samantha Pearson, Healthy Communities Program Manager, Pa. Downtown Center
ARE YOU PAYING YOUR EMPLOYEES CORRECTLY? AN FLSA UPDATE
Cocoa Suite 1 (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Administration
This workshop will review recent changes to Pennsylvania’s wage and hour regulations, including altered standards for exempt employees and changes for all tipped employees. Under the Biden Administration, more pro-employee FLSA and DOL regulation changes are expected, impacting employee pay, overtime, and employee classifications. The session will also discuss how to discipline exempt, salaried staff without running afoul of the FLSA and other quirks in the law that lay traps for the uninformed.
Gabriel Celii, Esq., Labor and Employment Attorney, Offit Kurman, P.A. Neil Morris, Esq., Labor and Employment Attorney, Offit Kurman, P.A.
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Afternoon Workshops
4:15-5:25 p.m. — Workshop Session #4
Bringing Awareness To The Human Element Of Cybersecurity
Magnolia C (lower level)
Category: Administration
Sponsor Workshop
Over 200 governmental entities were a ected by ransomware in 2022. Most were breached due to human action, not a technology failure. is workshop will address the human element in the cybersecurity equation and demonstrate the importance of creating an awareness program for your township. Attendees will get tips for training employees to be more security conscious and learn best practices for creating a culture that will better position the township to defend itself.
Matt Dotts, Information Security Awareness O cer, Mid Penn Bank
Nick Klinepeter, Cash Management Sales O cer, Mid Penn Bank
Audrey Steppy, Cash Management Account Manager, Mid Penn Bank
Creative Strategies For Funding Township Projects
Wild Rose A (lower level)
Category: Administration (NOTE: Ends at 4:45 p.m.)
After pandemic relief funds are spent, townships will be looking for scally responsible ways to pay for projects. Aside from traditional nancing, state and federal moneys are available to fund certain projects in the form of grants and low-interest loans. In this workshop, learn how grants and other state funding programs can help nance all or a portion of your projects and can be combined with other nancing methods to mitigate the impact of the current high interest rate environment.
Laura Kurtz, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC
Lauren Zumbrun, Financial Services Project Manager, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc.
Afternoon Workshops
Afternoon Workshops Afternoon Workshops
4:15-5:25 p.m. — Workshop Session #4
Establishing A Pavement Management System For Local Agencies
Magnolia B (lower level)
Category: Public Works (NOTE: Ends at 4:45 p.m.) is workshop will describe the various data collection methods and pavement condition evaluation techniques used for establishing a pavement management system and how it can bene t local agencies. It will also describe the basic principles of a pavement management system and how it can be used to develop annual or multi-year capital improvement plans.
Laxmikanth Premkumar, Group Leader, ARA, Inc.
INFLATION, RECESSION & COVID HANGOVERS: TRENDS IN BARGAINING
Cocoa Terrace (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Administration
With in ation reaching levels not seen in 40 years, unions have not been shy in making unreasonable wage and bene t demands and claiming that these demands can be paid with American Recovery Act funds. is workshop will discuss how to respond to union demands, essential employer bargaining, and Act 111 issues. It will also review trends in bargaining and interest arbitration involving wage increases, health care, pensions, and other critical issues.
Richard Miller, Patrick Harvey, John McLaughlin, and David Mitchell, Esqs., Campbell Durrant, P.C.
LEAD AND COPPER RULES REVISIONS: WHAT TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS NEED TO KNOW
Wild Rose B (lower level)
Category: Public Works
SPONSOR WORKSHOP
Updates to the Lead and Copper Rule require Public Water Suppliers (PWS) to document their water service line inventory by October 2024. A new DEP program will require PWS to identify if their public distribution system and service lines are lead free (this may mean you need to provide historical documents to your PWS). Your constituents will be coming to you for answers. is presentation will o er an overview of what you need to know as the program is initiated in your township.
Ed Overberger, Assistant Vice President and Business Development Director, ARRO Consulting, Inc.
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Afternoon Workshops
4:15-5:25 p.m. — Workshop Session #4
Ms4 Outfall Monitoring With Penn State Extension Volunteers
Empire D (lower level)
Category: Public Works (NOTE: Ends at 4:45 p.m.)
MS4 permittees are required to conduct annual dry weather screenings of stormwater outfalls. Penn State Extension has developed a volunteer program to help communities perform this inspection task so staff and consultants don’t need to. This presentation will outline DEP’s outfall inspection requirements, describe Penn State Extension’s volunteer outfall inspection program, and highlight case studies showing how volunteers are helping communities with their IDDE permit requirements.
Bethany Ayers-Fisher, Sustainability Manager and MWS Volunteer, City of Reading
Scott Bachman, Inspector and MWS Volunteer, City of Reading
Matt Evans, P.E. Water Resources Civil Engineer and MWS Volunteer, Reilly Associates
Jennifer Fetter, Educator, Penn State Extension
Erin Frederick, Master Watershed Steward Coordinator, Penn State Extension
Duane Kerzic, Master Watershed Steward Volunteer, Penn State Extension
James Vogt, Master Watershed Steward County Coordinator, Penn State Extension
Andy Yencha, Water Resources Educator, Penn State Extension
Penndot Traffic Calming Policy Update
Magnolia A (lower level)
Category: Public Works (NOTE: Ends at 4:45 p.m.)
Traffic calming measures, such as curb bulb-outs and speed humps, are used by municipalities throughout the state to manage vehicle speeds on roads without limiting access. In 2001, PennDOT issued Pub. 383, Pennsylvania’s Traffic Calming Handbook, which has been widely used by both municipalities and PennDOT. In 2023, PennDOT will publish an update to this guide as a new chapter for Pub. 13M, Design Manual Part 2. This workshop will provide an overview of this new guidance and include Q&As.
Robert Pento, Manager, Traffic Engineering and Permits Section, Bureau of Operations, PennDOT
Afternoon Workshops
4:15-5:25 p.m. — Workshop Session #4
PLGIT 101: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Tower Suite 1 (take the elevator to the rst oor)
Category: Administration
Sponsor Workshop
PLGIT was created in 1981 to meet the investment needs of local governments and school districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a cooperative trust and rst of its kind in Pennsylvania, PLGIT is owned and operated by its members. is session will review PLGIT’s investment options and services and will also brie y discuss the history of local government investment pools (LGIPs) and some general best practices for public entities to manage their investments and liquidity needs.
Matthew P. Conlin, Senior Managing Consultant, PFM Asset Management, LLC
Paul M. Robinson, Senior Managing Consultant, PFM Asset Management LLC
Public Safety Collaboration With Your Local School District
Cocoa Suite 6 (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Public Safety is workshop will provide real-life guidance on the bene t of rst responders having an open dialogue with the local school district as a partner in township emergency management. Open communication is critical during an emergency, and this session presents practical examples used during drills and meetings. Presenters will share a reuni cation plan that they developed and practiced to unite students with their parents after a school evacuation due to an emergency.
Ed Boyle, Director of Operations, Cetonia Ambulance Corps, Allentown
Glen Dorney, Director of District Safety and Security, Parkland School District, Allentown
Andrew Garger, Chief, Greenawalds Fire Department, Allentown
Je Kelly, Emergency Management Coordinator, South Whitehall Twp., Lehigh Co.
Anthony Naradko, Ed.D., Director of District Safety, Parkland School District, Allentown
Afternoon Workshops
4:15-5:25 p.m. — Workshop Session #4
SEARCHING COSTARS CONTRACTS: WHERE’S WALDO?
Cocoa Suite 2 (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Administration
Procuring goods and services is often like a game of Where’s Waldo?. In procurement, however, you don’t have the clues of a red-and-white-striped shirt and hat or black glasses to help in your search. In this session, attendees will learn the art of searching COSTARS-exclusive and statewide COSTARS-participating contracts to find the Waldo in need. It will also explore some statewide contracts that offer valuable products and services that many COSTARS members may not know about.
Felicia Campbell, Marketing Manager, Pa. Department of General Services, Bureau of Procurement, COSTARS
THE ABC’S OF PROCESSING A SEWAGE PLANNING MODULE
Empire B (lower level)
Category: Planning/Zoning
Sewage Planning Modules are stress-free when you understand the simple steps of the process. This workshop will guide you through when they are needed, explain the components, and then give you step-by-step flow charts to easily process this paperwork through submission to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Kelly Boettlin, Sewage Planning Specialist 2, Pa. Department of Environmental Protection
Carol Schuehler, Municipal Engineer, Value Engineering, Inc.
Afternoon Workshops
4:15-5:25 p.m. — Workshop Session #4
Using Drones For Emergency Management
Cocoa Boardroom (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Public Safety
Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), better known as drones, are becoming a large part of public safety operations. As this trend continues, township o cials and emergency managers need to understand the capabilities and strategies for UAS use for emergencies. is presentation will provide the information needed when considering deployment of a new UAS program.
William Howard, Tra c Emergency Management Specialist, Pa. Turnpike Commission
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES
Empire C (lower level)
Category: Administration is workshop reviews which volunteer re department members are covered by workers’ compensation and under what circumstances. is includes the 2020 change to the Workers’ Compensation Act regarding re company members. e session will also review the presumption of cancer law, special re police, and junior volunteer re ghters and discuss billing surrounding municipalities for re service.
Andrew DiProspero, Vice President, H.A. omson
Wrench To Wallet
Tower Suite 2 (take the elevator to the rst oor)
Category: Public Works
Investing strategically in infrastructure can be a far-o dream. Townships lack tools to understand the overall conditions of their assets, how much funding is needed to maintain them, and when it is most cost-e ective to replace them. As a result, townships are constantly overpaying to maintain infrastructure or, worse yet, risking failing assets. In this workshop, learn about a tool that tracks asset condition, maintenance, and costs and how to invest in your riskiest assets.
Scott Coble, Solutions Engineering Director, OpenGov
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7-9 p.m.
JOIN US FOR A VERY SPECIAL EVENING EVENT!!
ROAD TO THE FUTURE RECEPTION*
Chocolate Ballroom (upper level) Note: $35 per person.
Enjoy food, fellowship, and music while taking a walk down memory lane among photos from PSATS conferences dating back to 1922. Far from an ending, this 100th conference is just the beginning of PSATS’ road to the future. Come along for the ride!
* Special thanks to our sponsors, the Pennsylvania Townships Health Insurance Cooperative Trust, the U.C. Group Trust, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Pension Trust, and Pizza Boy Brewing Co.
Pennsylvania Townships Health Insurance Cooperative Trust
Pennsylvania Municipalities Pension Trust
PSATS Unemployment Compensation Group Trust
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Afternoon Workshops
7 a.m.-5 p.m.
CONFERENCE CHECK-IN
Chocolate Lobby (upper level)
All delegates must get their badge and welcome packet at the check-in area before participating in any conference activities.
Psats Conference Information Desk Open
Chocolate Lobby (upper level)
Do you have questions about the conference, the mobile app, or how to get around the Lodge and Hershey? e PSATS sta at the information desk can help point you in the right direction.
7 a.m.-5 p.m.
PSATS STORE AND MEMBER LOUNGE*
Cocoa Suites 4 and 5 (down the ramp or escalator)
Be sure to stop by the PSATS Store and Member Lounge, where you can grab a comfy seat, enjoy light refreshments, charge your phone, use one of the complimentary computers, get your PSATS ID card photo taken, and buy PSATS-themed gear and 100th Anniversary memorabilia.
* Special thanks to our sponsor:
FIRST TIME AT THE CONFERENCE?
CHECK OUT THE NEW-BEE HIVE
First-time attendees are encouraged to visit the New-Bee Hive in Cocoa Suite 4 (down the ramp or escalator). Meet other rst-timers, ask questions of the PSATS sta , and enjoy light refreshments. Look for the bee!
7 a.m.-11 p.m.
HOTEL SHUTTLE BUSES
Chocolate Lobby Portico (upper level)
(A PSATS shuttle runs between the Hershey Lodge and sponsoring hotels and a satellite parking area near the Giant Center. e Giant Center shuttle runs continuously from the Lodge to the Trolley Stop #2 guest house, marked by a “PSATS” banner.)
BREAKFAST IS SERVED!
BREAKFAST WITH THE EXHIBITORS*, 7:30 A.M.
Great American Hall (upper level)
Stop by the exhibit hall to talk with our vendors, and while you’re there, enjoy a continental breakfast.
* Special thanks to our sponsors:
FOOD TRUCK, 7:30-10 A.M.
Outdoor exhibit area, near the Hershey Grill
Stop by the specialty food truck, which will be open rain or shine.
More details about this and other dining options in and around the Lodge appear on page 20.
7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Great American Hall and Lobby, and Outside
8:30-11:30 a.m.
Township Engineers Seminar
Magnolia A (lower level)
Note: e registration fee for this two-day event is $95 for members and $165 for non-members. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Topics:
• Subsurface Utility Engineering: Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later!
• Dirt & Gravel Road Program’s Updated Stream-Crossing Policy
• What’s Hot in Asphalt Mix and Pavements!
Speakers:
Steve Blosser, Director, PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
Charles C. Goodhart, Executive Director, Pa. Asphalt Pavement Association
Mary Robbins, Ph.D., P.E, Director of Technical Services, Pa. Asphalt Pavement Association
Todd Stager, P.E., Associate Vice President, Pennoni
Bill Steinhart, Senior Geophysicist, RETTEW
* Special thanks to Pennoni Associates Inc. for being the 2023 Township Engineers Association sponsor. 8:30
8:30-11:30 a.m.
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Karen Shipton, Secretary, Finley Twp., Mercer Co.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A.J. Boni
INVOCATION
Greg Molter, Supervisor, Derry Twp., Montour Co.
REP. JOANNA MCCLINTON
Pa. Speaker of the House
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR‘S MESSAGE
David M. Sanko, PSATS Executive Director
SEN. SCOTT MARTIN
Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee
NEIL SHERIDAN
President, NATaT
AUSTIN DAVIS
Pa. Lieutenant Governor
TREASURER’S REPORT
Chuck Stowe, PSATS Secretary-Treasurer
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Charles Wilson, Chair
RULES COMMITTEE REPORT
Jack Hines, Chair
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
Jim Patterson, Chair
RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
Cory Adams, Chair
ADJOURNMENT
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CHECK OUT THESE LUNCH OPTIONS!
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
FOOD TRUCKS — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Food trucks, stationed in the outdoor exhibit area, will be serving specialty sandwiches, beverages, and snacks, rain or shine.
LUNCH FOOD BAR — 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Great American Hall Lobby (upper level)
More details about these and other dining options in and around the Lodge appear on page 20.
Noon-1 p.m.
SECRETARIES-MANAGERS THANK-YOU LUNCHEON
Empire Ballroom (lower level) e cost for the luncheon is $15 for township secretaries and managers and $25 for all others. Preregistration was required.
Note: e luncheon will be followed at 1:15 p.m. by the always-popular Secretaries-Managers Q&A, part of Workshop Session #5, also in Empire A. (See page 73 for more details.)
* Special thanks to COSTARS and MRM/HUB for sponsoring this event.
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Afternoon Workshops
1:15-2:25 p.m. — Workshop Session #4
2023 UPDATE: LATEST IN POLICING & POLICE DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT
Cocoa Suite 6 (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Public Safety is workshop will tell public o cials what they need to know about what’s changed, what’s new, and what’s coming in policing to team effectively with their police chief and provide for public safety in their community. Ever wonder what police professionals are talking about at their conferences, training sessions, and police chief association meetings? We have the “inside baseball,” plus the legal updates and latest management issues to keep o cials on top of this year’s hot-button issues.
Andrew Rongaus, Esq., Partner, Siana Law
Steven Wheeler, Principal, SRW Strategies, LLC
BACK TO BASICS; PENNDOT’S POSTED AND BONDED ROADS PROGRAM
Wild Rose A (lower level)
Category: Public Works is presentation will be a refresher on how PennDOT handles posted roads and what municipalities can do to adapt these procedures to their own operations. Posting and bonding fragile roads protects them from damage by overweight hauling, relieves stress on public resources, and keeps drivers safe. PennDOT presenter Halley Cole will discuss how to post a road, roadway hauling permit types, vehicle exemptions, weatherrelated restrictions, and PennDOT policy updates.
Halley Cole, Chief Pavement Testing and Asset Management, PennDOT
Balancing Your Insurance Needs
Tower Suite 2 (take the elevator to the rst oor)
Category: Administration is workshop will explain health care programs o ered through PSATS.
Gary Calaman, Director of National Accounts, National Vision Administrators, LLC
Jacqueline DePolo, Account Director, Specialty Products/Dental, Aetna
James Russell, Account Director, Public and Labor Segment, Aetna
John Seay, Client Manager, Unum
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Afternoon Workshops
1:15-2:25 p.m. — Workshop Session #4
COMMUNICATING WITH RESIDENTS: CAN ONE PERSON DO IT?
Trinidad Room (part of Chocolate Ballroom)
Category: Administration
Municipal administrators are busy people, and without a dedicated sta member or public information o cer, municipal communications can often take a back seat. is workshop o ers tips for e ciently managing digital and print communications for residents, including website content, social media posting and monitoring, and digital newsletters.
Linda Rooney, Founder & CEO, DandeLions Digital
Demystifying Addressing Dilemmas
Cocoa Suite I (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Public Safety
Has an addressing situation ever left you stumped? Let’s talk about it! Addressing coordinators have the thankless task of ensuring addresses are assigned in a logical manner, but sometimes that requires out-of-the-box thinking. In this workshop, nd out the best tips and tricks for successful address assignments. Presenters will share some of their own encounters with di cult addressing issues, and participants are encouraged to bring their own examples.
Kristy Desicher-Eddy, Executive Assistant, Honey Brook Twp., Chester Co.
Louise Wennberg, GIS/9-1-1 Senior Research Analyst, Chester County
Afternoon Workshops
Evolving Best Practices In Bid Management
Tower Suite I (take the elevator to the rst oor) Category: Administration
Sponsor Workshop
While today’s bidding environment is beginning to normalize, several factors continue to evolve and present challenges to townships, such as material and labor shortages, supply chain logistics, and availability of quali ed bidders. is thought-provoking session will review core requirements of bidding and procurement best practices and introduce several “forward-thinking” ideas that produce real results for successfully managing bids in today’s changing environment.
Freddy Lutz, Director, Strategic Planning & Client Development, PennBid
FIRE & EMS ISSUES IN YOUR TOWNSHIP: A PANEL DISCUSSION
Aztec Room (part of Chocolate Ballroom)
Category: Public Safety
Many townships continue to struggle to provide adequate re and emergency medical services. is session will allow attendees to hear from and question a panel of re and EMS leaders about trends, best practices, and other public safety issues. Topics will include funding, volunteerism, consolidation, and more.
Tom Cook, Acting State Fire Commissioner, O ce of the State Fire Commissioner
William Jenaway, Supervisor, Upper Merion Twp., Montgomery Co.
Jerry E. Ozog, MPA, EFO, CAE, FirstNet Manager (Pa. and Del.), Pa. Fire and Emergency Services Institute
1:15-2:25
Afternoon Workshops
p.m.
— Workshop Session #4
FLOODPLAIN & DRAINAGE: WHAT A PUBLIC OFFICIAL NEEDS TO KNOW
Cocoa Boardroom (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Public Works
Drainage issues are complex and can be di cult to x. Areas that are prone to consistent pooling and ooding aren’t necessarily located in a oodplain; often it is a result of insu cient drainage design in low-lying areas. is workshop will teach participants about the factors that contribute to problematic drainage issues in their communities and give them the knowledge to make smart decisions for their community.
Rock Stahovic, Engineer in Training, Barry Isett & Associates, Inc.
Stanley Wojciechowski, P.E., CME, Department Head, Municipal Engineering, Water & Wastewater, Barry Isett & Associates, Inc.
Grant Writing And Process
Cocoa Suite 2 (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Administration is workshop will provide an overview of the grant writing process to include grant writing, cost estimate preparation with in ation, permitting, right-of-way acquisition, utilities, and the federal consultant selection process using PennDOT Publication 93, Policy and Procedures for the Administration of Consultant Agreements, and Publication 9, PennDOT Liquid Fuels Policy and Procedures.
John Pecze, Municipal Services Supervisor, PennDOT District 9-0
How To Handle The Injured Public Employee
Cocoa Terrace (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Administration
Too many times, public employers resign themselves to being spectators when an employee is injured, needlessly exposing themselves to additional short- and long-term liability, which can either be avoided or possibly minimized. is session is designed to give public employers the information they need to make smart and informed nancial decisions concerning injured employees.
Scott Blissman and Ryan Cassidy, Esqs., Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott
Afternoon Workshops
1:15-2:25 p.m. — Workshop Session #5
MANAGING OPEN SPACES: GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS
Magnolia B (lower level) Category: Planning/Zoning
As the use of natural landscapes has become more common, so have the issues associated with improvements and long-term maintenance of open spaces. is workshop will discuss how a municipality is using guidelines to help streamline the transition, from permitting to implementation to maintenance, to ensure long-term success of natural areas in increasingly urbanized areas.
Brian Harris, Manager, Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co.
Kelly Gutshall, President, LandStudies, and Supervisor, Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co.
MOCK CONDITIONAL USE HEARING: THE DO’S AND DON’TS
Crystal A (down the ramp or escalator) Category: Planning/Zoning
Conducting a conditional use hearing requires a substantial amount of time and e ort, although there are some aspects of a conditional use hearing that you cannot prepare for. is workshop will be presented as a mock conditional use hearing and will explain 1) how to run an e cient hearing; 2) parties to a hearing and public comment; 3) conditional use case law; and 4) expert testimony, among other matters.
Jonathan Andrews, Chair, Real Estate Group, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
Esch McCombie, Esq., Real Estate Group, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
James Strong, Esq., Real Estate Group, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
PRE-DISASTER LOCAL CAPABILITY IDENTIFICATION TO AID RECOVERY
Wild Rose B (lower level) Category: Planning/Zoning is workshop will use the Capability Assessment requirement within the hazard mitigation plan development process to review, identify, and establish existing or desired local risk reduction capabilities. is assessment can expedite the use and implementation of state and federal postdisaster mitigation responsibilities and resources.
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Matt McCullough, Community Planner, FEMA
Ernie Szabo, Pa. State Hazard Mitigation Planner, PEMA
1:15-2:25
Afternoon Workshops
p.m.
— Workshop Session #4
RECYCLING IN PA: SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES, AND THE FUTURE
Magnolia C (lower level)
Category: Public Works
Since 1988, recycling has had significant environmental, social, and economic impacts. This session will focus on the the last five years: What have been the benefits, the challenges (China’s National Sword policy, COVID pandemic, etc.), and what future initiatives/opportunities may mean for townships and all communities. Recent studies of waste composition and material recycling facilities (MRFs) will be discussed to help guide near-term and long-range decision making.
Lawrence Holley, Program Manager, Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection
Todd Pejack, Group Manager, Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection
Mark Vottero, Program Specialist, Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection
SECRETARIES-MANAGERS Q&A
Empire A (lower level)
Category: Administration
This annual presentation gives township secretaries, managers, and other administrators a chance to ask questions and share ideas with their peers. Attend this workshop to learn more about your role.
Judy Lizza, Manager, Thornbury Twp., Chester Co.
Kalman Sostarecz Jr., Assistant Manager, Director of Community Development, Upper Macungie Twp., Lehigh Co.
Elizabeth Tolan, Office Manager, Sugarloaf Twp., Luzerne Co.
Linda D. Zerfoss, Manager, Penn Twp., Butler Co.
Afternoon Workshops
1:15-2:25 p.m. — Workshop Session #5
UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR: CURRENT TRENDS, FUTURE ORDINANCES
Nigerian Room (part of Chocolate Ballroom)
Category: Planning/Zoning is session will highlight case studies of Pennsylvania solar ordinances deployed in the past 18 months. It will explore the siting of utility-scale solar, how a municipality can stay in front of the discussion, and tools municipalities can use to guide solar development while lessening land use impacts, such as the new Solar Guide for Municipal O cials. It will also review options for solar ordinances, particularly those impacting diminishing amounts of open space, such as prime farmland. omas Murphy, Retired Director, Outreach and Research, Consultant, PSATS
WATER PROBLEMS? NEED FINANCING?
Magnolia A (lower level)
Category: Public Works is workshop will explain PENNVEST program nancing for wastewater, drinking water, stormwater, and non-point source projects with a focus on additional funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Robert Boos, Deputy Executive Director of Project Management, PENNVEST
2:45-3:55 p.m.
— Workshop Session #6
20 Secrets Of The Second Class
TOWNSHIP
CODE (& OTHER LAWS)
Trinidad Room (part of the Chocolate Ballroom)
Category: Administration is workshop will be an engaging and lively discussion about 20 littleknown laws and regulations that can a ect your role as township o cials. Some of the laws, when used properly, can help o cials become more e cient and e ective leaders, and others can help o cials stay out of trouble! e session will allow plenty of time for questions and answers.
Tommy Ryan, Manager, East Cocalico Twp., Lancaster Co.
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Afternoon Workshops
2:45-3:55 p.m. — Workshop Session #6
Case Studies In Code Enforcement
Nigerian Room (part of Chocolate Ballroom)
Category: Administration is presentation includes case studies for real-world code enforcement matters. e proper enforcement of municipal codes, such as nuisance ordinances, property maintenance codes, and building codes, is a very important task that many townships grapple with daily. It is important for township o cials to understand all the options available to them when dealing with noncompliant properties.
Zachary Rice and Samuel Wiser, Esqs., Salzmann Hughes, P.C.
Defining Public Spaces Using An Asset Management Lens
Magnolia C (lower level)
Category: Administration is workshop is designed to emphasize the importance of parks and open space as essential elements for community resilience. e session will outline a strategy for municipal leaders to rede ne the use of public spaces and highlight available resources to guide the process.
Brian “BK” Koehler, Director, Park Maintenance Institute, Pa. Recreation & Park Society
Ev Charging For Municipalities
Tower Suite 2 (take the elevator to the rst oor)
Category: Public Works
Sponsor Workshop
With the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), it is crucial for municipalities to prepare their infrastructure to accommodate the future needs of residents, commuters, and the traveling public. Proper planning and engineering are essential to positioning a municipality as a leader in this rapidly evolving industry. With the growth of EVs, municipalities must proactively prepare for the engineering challenges that come with this new technology.
Isaac Kessler, Engineer, Remington Vernick Engineers
Afternoon Workshops
2:45-3:55 p.m. — Workshop Session #6
FIRSTNET PRIORITY: KEEPING PUBLIC SAFETY CONNECTED
Tower Suite 1 (take the elevator to rst oor)
Category: Public Safety
Sponsor Workshop
is workshop will provide education on FirstNet for public safety representatives and share updates on the positive impact
FirstNet is having on public safety. e presentation will include examples of use cases from planned and emergent events where FirstNet Priority and/or FirstNet Communications on Demand have served public safety. ere will also be a Push-to-Talk update and demonstration.
Police Negotiations In The Current Economy
Cocoa Terrace (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Administration e current economic environment presents unique challenges for public employers negotiating collective bargaining agreements with their public safety unions. is session is designed to not only explore these challenges but also provide practical insight and strategy to address them in the context of negotiations. Participants will learn how to identify and respond to the strategies employed by public safety unions and keep their municipality in the driver’s seat in negotiations.
Afternoon Workshops
2:45-3:55 p.m. — Workshop Session #6
RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW AND SUNSHINE ACT UPDATE
Empire A (lower level)
Category: Administration
This workshop will provide an overview of significant decisions under the Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act in the last year from both the courts and the Office of Open Records. It will also cover legislative changes and how they affect townships and their open records officers’ and officials’ procedures, determinations of what are and are not public records, and open meetings requirements.
ROADS? WHERE WE’RE GOING, WE DON’T NEED ROADS!
Cocoa Suite 1 (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Public Works
This workshop is designed to give participants a better understanding of the terminology, timing, and process for laying out, opening, vacating, and dedicating roads in a township of the second class. It will cover how a township takes dedication of a road, whether intentionally or unintentionally, road-related legal issues to consider, and best practices to save the township time and money when vacating or accepting dedication of roads.
John Walko, Esq., Township Solicitor, Kilkenny Law
Sealing Pavements And Waterproofing Bridges
Wild Rose A (lower level)
Category: Public Works
This workshop will explain how to leverage several web tools for understanding the advantages of pavement preservation treatments. A panel of Pa. Association of Asphalt Material Applicators (PAAMA) members will present technical information, best practices, and tips to use preservation treatments on the right roads at the right time to prolong service life.
Rich Bagenstose, Regional Business Manager, FPT Infrastructure
Stacy Cleary, Product Manager, FPT Infrastructure
Timothy Montag, Sales Manager and Training Coordinator, FPT Infrastructure
Joshua Bonn and Craig Staudenmaier, Esqs., Nauman, Smith, Shissler & Hall, LLP Turn
Afternoon Workshops
2:45-3:55 p.m.
— Workshop Session #6
SHORT-TERM RENTAL UPDATE
Aztec Room (part of the Chocolate Ballroom)
Category: Planning/Zoning
The polarizing land use of short-term rentals is here to stay, especially in this housing market. This workshop will address the current status of short-term rentals, including a recent decision issued by the Third Circuit in Nekrilov v. City of Jersey, and give municipalities ways to manage the prolific rentals.
Brett Flower and Michael Miller, Esqs., Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC
SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE SOCIAL MEDIA: TIPS FOR MUNICIPALITIES
Crystal A (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Administration
This workshop is designed to enlighten and entertain by covering issues facing municipalities in the age of social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. The session will explore the pros and cons of using social media and how to avoid potential pitfalls, while encouraging participants to share their experiences.
Thomas McDermott, Michele McPeak Cromer, CharLee Rosini, and Vincent Tucceri, Esqs., GTN Law
SOLAR POWER PURCHASING AGREEMENTS: REDUCE ELECTRICITY COSTS
Magnolia A (lower level)
Category: Administration
With escalating electricity costs, accelerating climate change impacts, and rising concern about both, the necessity to investigate energy alternatives is vital. This workshop provides an example of a 15-member intergovernmental working group investigating and pursuing an aggregated solar power purchase agreement. This workshop will present background, goals, data, processes, and lessons learned from a project underway in Pennsylvania’s Centre Region and Centre County.
Pam Adams, Sustainability Planner, Centre Region Council of Governments
Peter Buck, Sustainability Planner, Centre Region Council of Governments
Dennis Hameister, Supervisor, Harris Twp., Centre Co.
Afternoon Workshops
2:45-3:55 p.m. — Workshop Session #6
Successfully Navigating The Succession Transition
Cocoa Suite 6 (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Administration
In this workshop, we will discuss the post-pandemic challenges of generational leadership given the majority-Millennial workforce and the number of individuals reporting to a younger boss. He will discuss career growth and succession issues that impact high-potential employees and retiring leaders alike, including the human reasons driving this generational hando .
Albert Ciukska Jr., Vice President of Leadership Development, Solutions 21
THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF STREAM MAINTENANCE
Wild Rose B (lower level)
Category: Public Works
With seemingly more frequent, severe storm events occurring, public works departments are busy with culvert and bridge repairs and replacements and stream maintenance activities, which may be regulated by the state or federal government. is session will answer questions about what types of maintenance activities are allowed in streams, when to seek engineering assistance, and when a permit may be required.
Karen Cerenzia, MS4 Manager, Cedarville Engineering Group, LLC
Amanda Reitbauer, NPDES, MS4, GIS, ESA Manager, Cedarville Engineering Group, LLC
Understanding Real Estate Tax Collection In Pa
Cocoa Suite 2 (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Administration is workshop will provide an overview of the responsibility and liability of real estate tax collection in Pennsylvania. Topics covered will include setting compensation, lling tax collector vacancies, auditing tax collectors, the responsibilities of the tax collector, and legislative updates to the Local Tax Collection Act.
Janis Creason, Retired Treasurer and Instructor, Pa. Tax Collector Quali cation Course
Afternoon Workshops
2:45-3:55 p.m. — Workshop Session #6
UNDERSTANDING YOUR COMMUNITY’S STORMWATER OBLIGATIONS
Cocoa Boardroom (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Public Works is workshop, designed for newly elected township o cials, will cover the basics of municipal stormwater management, including the causes and impacts of frequent ooding and possible solutions for your community. Topics covered will be helpful to communities with and without municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). Don’t worry if you don’t know what an MS4 is ... you will by the time you leave!
Scott Arwood, Permitting Chief, Clean Water Program, Pa. Department of Environmental Protection
Anna Dale, Supervisor, Londonderry Twp., Dauphin Co.
Rebecca Davis, Director of Public Works, Lower Allen Twp., Cumberland Co.
Leo Lutz, Mayor, Columbia Borough, Lancaster Co.
John omas, Commissioner, Hampden Twp., Cumberland Co.
UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR IN PENNSYLVANIA:
WHY HERE?
Sponsor Workshop
WHY NOW?
Magnolia B (lower level)
Category: Planning/Zoning
Join three expert panelists for a discussion about utility-scale solar in Pennsylvania. e panelists have experience in electrical engineering, permitting and law, and solar development expertise. Participants can ask questions about permitting, siting, energy policy, and solar-related community bene ts and challenges.
Jon Beckman, Esq., Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Kaleb Drew, P.E., Electrical Engineer, Kimley-Horn
Leslie Elder, Vice President of Political and Regulatory A airs, Summit Ridge Energy
Afternoon Workshops
ABC’S OF LIQUID FUELS TAX FUNDS
Cocoa Suite 2 (down the ramp or the escalator)
Category: Administration is workshop is designed to give participants information on municipal liquid fuels tax funds and will cover a range of topics, including liquid fuels rules and regulations, allowable uses, reporting, most common audit ndings, and available resources.
Kristen Sims, Audit Manager, PennDOT
Active Transportation For Rural Residential Roads
Cocoa Suite 1 (down the ramp or escalator)
Category: Public Works
Sponsor Workshop
is workshop will explore the encouragement of active transportation concepts for low-volume, rural residential roads. ese roads often have limited pavement and right-of-way width but are often the only resource for residents to walk or bike. Some of these roads also provide vital links between trails/paths to key destinations and other trails. is session will present relevant examples from around Pennsylvania and explore PennDOT and FHWA guidance for solutions.
Patrick Wright, Transportation Engineer, Pennoni Associates Inc.
Donald J. Totino, P.E., Operations Manager, Transportation Department, Barry Isett & Associates, Inc.
BEDROOMS AND BARNS: RURAL/SUBURBAN COMMUNITY RISK ASSESSMENT
Wild Rose B (lower level)
Category: Public Safety
A community risk assessment is at the foundation of building a safer township, and it need not be over-complicated. e purpose is to identify risks and establish the priority in which each risk will be addressed. e ve E’s of Community Risk Reduction outlines best practices for the prevention and mitigation of risk in a township. is workshop will apply these best practices to risks commonly faced in rural/suburban townships.
Justin Eberly, Education and Training Specialist
