2018 Nebraska Clerks Institute and Academy Program

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

2018 erks l C a k s a r Neb demy a c A d n a Institute

Nebraska Municipal Clerk Institute & Academy March 20 - 24, 2017 l Kearney, Nebraska

Welcome

to the 2018 Nebraska Municipal Clerks Institute & Academy

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Sunday, March 25, 2018 9:00 AM -- 10:45 AM

Institute Check In

10:45 AM -- 11:00 AM

Welcome

11:00 AM -- 1:00 PM

Jump Start

1:00 PM -- 1:15 PM

Break and Welcome

1:15 PM -- 3:15 PM

Parliamentary Procedure

3:15 PM -- 3:30 PM

Break

3:30 PM -- 5:30 PM

Parliamentary Procedure

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Monday, March 26, 2018 7:00 AM -- 7:30 AM

Check In

7:30 AM -- 9:30 AM

Cultural Blind Spots

9:30 AM -- 9:45 AM

Break

9:45 AM -- 11:45 AM

Sessions

11:45 AM -- 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

1:00 PM -- 3:00 PM

Sessions

3:00 PM -- 3:30 PM

Break

3:30 PM -- 5:30 PM

Sessions

5:30 PM Networking

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Tuesday, March 27, 2018 7:00 AM -- 7:30 AM

Morning Refreshments

7:00 AM -- 1:00 PM

Academy Registration

7:30 AM -- 9:30 AM

Sessions

9:30 AM -- 9:45 AM

Break

9:45 AM -- 11:45 AM

Sessions

11:45 AM -- 1:15 PM

Networking Lunch

1:15 PM -- 3:15 PM

Keynote | Stress Management

3:15 PM -- 3:30 PM

Break

3:30 PM -- 4:30 PM

Keynote Continued

6:30 PM -- 8:30 PM

All-Conference Event

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Wednesday, March 28, 2018 7:00 AM -- 7:30 AM

Morning Refreshments

7:30 AM -- 9:30 AM

Sessions

9:30 AM -- 9:45 AM

Break

9:45 AM -- 11:45 AM

Sessions

11:45 AM -- 1:15 PM

Association Lunch

1:15 PM -- 3:15 PM

Sessions

3:15 PM -- 3:30 PM

Break

3:30 PM -- 5:30 PM

Sessions

5:30 PM -- 6:30 PM

Annual Meeting

7:30 PM -- 10:00 PM

Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Thursday, March 29, 2018 7:00 AM -- 7:30 AM

Morning Refreshments

7:30 AM -- 9:30 AM

Sessions

9:30 AM -- 9:45 AM

Break

9:45 AM -- 11:45 AM

Sessions

11:45 AM -- 12:30 PM Lunch 12:30 PM -- 2:30 PM

Millennial Management and Hiring

2:30 PM

Conference Closing

SUNDAY SESSIONS 11:00 AM -- 1:00 PM

Jump Start

Jump Start

During this session, seasoned clerks from varying sizes of municipalities, will present to novice clerks, or those wanting a refresher on critical duties pertaining to a clerk day to day operations.

Topics include, but not limited to, parliamentary rule, open meetings act and working with the council members.

Take Aways: Participating Clerks will walk away with skills to help them perform their duties more efficiently and with confidence.

SUNDAY SESSIONS 1:15 PM -- 3:15 PM

Sessions

Meetings, Minutes & Motions, Oh My!

This session is designed to create efficiencies before during and after City Council meetings.

Understanding basic Parliamentary Procedures, experience from other clerks and examples of several helpful forms will give attendees the resources needed to make their offices and meetings more efficient.

Take Aways: Attendees will learn helpful hints in preparing agendas and attending City Council meetings. The most used parliamentary procedures will be reviewed for better understanding and efficiency in meetings. Discussion among the participants of experiences, examples and expectations will further the knowledge of attendees.

Take Advantage of your Utility Billing Software and Its Capabilities

We will present ways of taking advantage of their current utility billing software. There are many paperless options available for utility bills and utility billing payments. Best Practices and practical tools to make their jobs easier. Policies, Procedures, and collection procedures.

Take Aways: A better understanding of how utility billing can be made easier with software, and all the possibilities it can bring, making the process easier and less time consuming.

3:30 PM -- 5:30 PM

Sessions

*Attend the session not yet attended from above.

MONDAY SESSIONS 7:30 AM -- 9:30 AM

Discover Diversity

Discover Diversity

A workshop designed for anyone wishing to focus on the diversity which exists among us. Our increasingly diverse society is reflected in growing workplace diversity. Working with others who do not share the same background, beliefs or traditions must be a top priority in today’s workplace.

Take Aways: How to embrace the diversity around you.

9:45 AM -- 11:45 AM

Sessions

Using Data from the Census Bureau and Preparing for the 2020 Census

This session will show the clerks what information is available from the Census Bureau for their communities. This session will tell the clerks what they need to know about the upcoming 2010 Census: how it is conducted, what will be asked on the questionnaire, when and how the information will be available, and how the clerks can use the information.

Take Aways: Participants will gain knowledge of the availability and use of Census data. Knowledge of the impact of the 2010 Census on Nebraska communities from allocation of funds to redistricting.

MONDAY SESSIONS 9:45 AM -- 11:45 AM

Sessions (continued)

Professional Writing for Municipal Clerks

This hands-on, interactive workshop will provide participants the information needed to improve writing effectiveness on and off the job. Participants will learn about The Five C’s of good business writing: clear, concise, correct, complete, compelling; Writing for your audience (tone, style, structure, length); Employing the Basics (spelling, punctuation and grammar); and Understanding the need to review, revise and proofread.

Take Aways: Upon completing this interactive, hands-on workshop, you will understand what constitutes effective business writing and how to improve the quality of your correspondence and documents. You will be better equipped to write in a clear, concise manner that conveys information and elicits results.

Employee Handbooks for Small Municipalities

This session will provide an overview of essential topics of consideration when a clerk may be tasked with developing a new employee handbook, or revising an extremely outdated employee handbook, for the first time.

Take Aways: Participants will receive an introductory overview on how to map out an employee handbook – an extremely valuable communication resource for his or her organization – including the identification of key policies, organization of essential information, proper references to important but less permanent policies, and methods of publication and distribution to employees and stakeholders.

11:45 AM -- 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

MONDAY SESSIONS 1:00 PM -- 3:00 PM

Sessions

Council Orientation

This course will provide information for conducting newly elected council orientation. It will outline the information and materials needed in order to prepare for their new role in city government. Council members will aid with communication and education of the public on city issues.

Take Aways: This course will provide the tools to train new council members with confidence.

Using Data from the Census Bureau and Preparing for the 2020 Census See description on previous page.

Professional Writing for Municipal Clerks See description on previous page.

3:30 PM -- 5:30 PM

Sessions

Council Orientation See description above.

Employee Handbooks for Small Municipalities See description from 9:45 AM to 11:45 AM session.

5:30 PM -- 6:30 PM Networking Sessions

Networking

Three concurrent sessions will be held with the following topics: Networking for Villages, Networking for First Class Cities, and Networking for Second Class Cities.

TUESDAY SESSIONS 7:30 AM -- 9:30 AM

Sessions

Ethical Decision Making and Blind Spots

Participants will determine the difference between ethical dilemmas and ethical commitment issues.

Formulate better ethical decisions by using a decision making model. Access and identify blind spots in real life ethical scenarios.

Take Aways: A better understanding of ethics and ways to overcome blind spots.

Social Media for your Community (and how to do it well)

Likely you’ve been asked to help promote your community on social media, but then what? This session will address best practices for launching a social media presence and how to be successful in conveying your information to the public.

Take Aways: You will walk away with a knowledge of best practices for creating, launching and managing a municipal social media presence with an emphasis on doing so with limited resources.

Risk Management (TENTATIVE) Forthcoming.

TUESDAY SESSIONS 9:45 AM -- 11:45 AM

Sessions

Ethical Decision Making and Blind Spots See description on previous page.

Social Media for your Community (and how to do it well) See description on previous page.

Risk Management (TENTATIVE) See description on previous page.

11:45 AM -- 1:15 PM

Networking Lunch

TUESDAY SESSIONS 1:15 PM -- 3:15 PM

Keynote

Put Your Life Vest On: Stress Management for Municipal Clerks

In today’s fast pace world, stress is an inevitable part of life; there are no ways to completely avoid it.

Nor would we want to‌it motivates us to plan ahead and to accomplish things. But, too much stress can lead to illness and death.

This interactive workshop is designed to provide techniques to help municipal clerks to combat the negative effects of stress; while staying at the top of their game.

Take Aways: Minimize internal and external barriers to stress management in the work place.

Develop habits to reduce stress and enhance mental acuity.

3:30 PM -- 4:30 PM

Keynote (continued)

Put Your Life Vest On: Stress Management for Municipal Clerks Session continued.

6:30 PM -- 8:30 PM

All-Conference Event

WEDNESDAY SESSIONS 7:30 AM -- 9:30 AM

Sessions

The Aging of the Public Sector Workforce in Nebraska

Over the past several years, private business and government entities have had to face the reality that key employees in their workforce are approaching retirement age, and qualified replacements have not been identified. Nebraska’s public sector is no different than that of more densely populated areas throughout the United States.

To confront this challenge, it is imperative that we come to understand the impact that retirement of key employees will have on our communities and that we engage in a concerted effort to prepare for the days when those employees walk out of the door for the final time.

Take Aways: Participants will gain knowledge about the level of pending loss of experience that Nebraska Cities and towns are facing with the aging workforce. They will also gain basic knowledge about succession planning, including the need to identify possible successors to those departing and marketing of public service as an honorable profession and legitimate career choice.

The Legislative Process, AKA: How an Idea Becomes a Law

This session will outline the steps in the process of how an idea for a law can become a law. It will outline the several offices within the Nebraska Legislature that provide support for citizens and senators in the legislative process. In addition, to provide an overview of committee work, and the three readings necessary for a bill to be passed by the Legislature and sent to the Governor for signature.

Take Aways: The session should provide the student with an understanding of the entire legislative process in Nebraska.

WEDNESDAY SESSIONS 7:30 AM -- 9:30 AM

Sessions (continued)

Floodplain Management for the Village Clerk

Remaining in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can be vital to your resident’s ability to get home loans, insurance, and disaster relief. Yet, a village clerk may go years without ever issuing a floodplain development permit. Chuck will discuss the basics a clerk needs to know in order to properly implement the community’s floodplain program and provide tools and resources to manage more advanced issues if they arise.

Take Aways: Clerks who attend this class will leave with an understanding of their duties as the community’s floodplain administrator. They will confidently be able to understand and implement the basics of the program when floodplain development occurs in their community. Furthermore, they will know who to call and what to ask when issues arise that are more advanced than basic floodplain management.

9:45 AM -- 11:45 AM

Sessions

TIF, Zoning and Blighted Areas

This course will cover the basics of declaring an area blighted and substandard and the mechanics of tax increment financing along with a basic primer on zoning and the comprehensive development plan and how it relates to both TIF and zoning.

Take Aways: A basic knowledge of how Tax Increment Financing works in Nebraska and how it is impacted by the Comprehensive plan for the community.

WEDNESDAY SESSIONS 9:45 AM -- 11:45 AM

Sessions (continued)

The Legislative Process, AKA: How an Idea Becomes a Law See description under 7:30 AM -- 9:30 AM sessions.

The Aging of the Public Sector Workforce in Nebraska See description under 7:30 AM -- 9:30 AM sessions.

11:45 AM -- 1:15 PM

Association Lunch

1:15 PM -- 3:15 PM

Sessions

TIF, Zoning and Blighted Areas See description on previous page.

ADA

Forthcoming.

Planning for Disaster Recovery

Looking at the emergency management cycle of Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation as it pertains to local governmental entities, to include strategies to help local entities recover from disaster more efficiently and effectively.

Take Aways: A student will be able to walk away from this course with a better idea of what disaster recovery programs are available to local governmental entities and the federal/state requirements associated with those programs.

WEDNESDAY SESSIONS 3:30 PM -- 5:30 PM

Sessions

AD

See description on previous page.

Planning for Disaster Recovery See description on previous page.

Floodplain Management for the Village Clerk See description under 7:30 AM -- 9:30 AM sessions.

5:30 PM -- 6:30 PM

Annual Meeting

7:30 PM -- 10:00 PM

Banquet

THURSDAY SESSIONS 7:30 AM -- 9:30 AM

Sessions

Civilian Active Shooter Tactics

Participants in the CAST program will be presented information to why people behave a certain way in a disaster situation and techniques to overcome or limit the effects of extreme stress. Participants will learn how to develop and implement a productive response in this type of situations, which can also be useful in other stressful events.

Take Aways: People will gain an understanding for disaster psychology, history of work place violence & active shooter events locally, as well as internationally. In addition, they will learn some tactics and techniques to increase survivability.

Municipality Budgets

This course will go over the annual budget forms that municipalities must file with the State Auditor’s Office. Discussion will include explanation of the current restrictions placed on municipalities with the lid and levy limits.

Take Aways: This course is intended to increase the knowledge of participant understanding of the annual budget process, including the time line, forms, and lid / levy restrictions.

Managing Poor Performers

The process we use to manage poor performers are likely to be ineffective. Most employers fail to identify employees who will never meet the expectations and instead waste countless resources coaching un-coachable employees. This presentation provides practical advice on how to effectively.

Take Aways: How to handle poor performance, through coaching and performance management, avoiding a toxic environment.

THURSDAY SESSIONS 9:45 AM -- 11:45 AM

Sessions

Civilian Active Shooter Tactics See description on previous page.

Municipality Budgets

See description on previous page.

Managing Poor Performers See description on previous page.

11:45 AM -- 12:30 PM Lunch

12:30 PM -- 2:30 PM

Millennial Management and Hiring

You Can Be a Generational Genius! (Millennial Management and Hiring)

Anyone can become a generational genius in today’s hiring and management climate. The Millennials are a huge part of successful management strategy, but they present challenges that have never been faced. McDonald’s, Starbucks, Best Buy, Fiat, Target and many other corporations are attempting to reach this group in the way they uniquely hear and communicate. They use social media, are mobile in every possible instance and have distinct management needs and language. Millennials will be running your municipal office one day!

Take Aways: Attendees will learn how each generation functions and influences the others. They will develop a plan to communicate across generational lines to create a more cohesive workplace. They will increase their effectiveness and understanding of which work environments and tasks Millennials are best suited for.

SPEAKER BIOS Molly Bargmann, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency

Growing up near Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier in Western Washington, Molly always had an interest in natural disasters but it wasn’t until the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina that Molly decided on a career in emergency management and helping those in need following disastrous events. At the University of Washington, Molly studied Political Science, as well as Earth and Geosciences. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in 2010, Molly attended the University of Colorado-Denver where she was able to study public administration and emergency management exclusively and graduated in 2012. Prior to completion of her studies, Molly’s first experience in emergency management was working for Adams County Emergency Management in Hastings. It was from there that she followed the sunshine and promise of numerous Disneyworld trips—and accepted a position with Lee County Office of Emergency Management in Fort Myers, Florida as an Emergency Management Coordinator.

In 2014, Molly was hired to work for the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as a Public Assistance Planning Specialist and she was promoted to Recovery Section Supervisor in Oct 2016, and now oversees the State Public Assistance and State Hazard Mitigation grant programs.

When she is not working, her sons (Burke-3; Briggs-1), serving at Mercy City Church, and the hunt for the perfect piece of pie take up most of her time.

Mitch Beaumont, Community Relations Coordinator, La Vista

Community Relations Coordinator for the City of La Vista since December 2009. Prior to that worked in Public Affairs at AAA Nebraska and as a newspaper editor. Live in Ralston with my wife and two boys, ages 10 and 6.

Pam Bourne, Attorney, Woods & Aitken LLP

Pam Bourne represents management exclusively on workplace legal issues. Her main focus is on preventative employment law issues. Pam’s goal is to help clients prevent employment claims from arising and to advise on HR strategies that will result in a sound defense position should a claim occur. Pam earned both her law degree and MBA degree in 2000 from the University of Nebraska. Her educational background allows her to deliver practical, results driven advice to her clients.

SPEAKER BIOS Chuck Chase, NFIP Specialist and Outreach Coordinator, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources

Chuck Chase is the Floodplain Outreach Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and a Certified Floodplain Manager. Chuck presents training & outreach programs that help local communities implement the National Flood Insurance Program. Chuck is a retired Coast Guard Chief and formerly an Exercise Training Officer for the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. He is on the board for the Nebraska Floodplain and Storm water Manager’s Association. Chuck has a BS in Education (go Peru Bobcats), an MS in Quality Systems Management, and is a member of the State of Nebraska Speakers Bureau. Chuck enjoys meeting new people and getting to know their communities.

Kellie Crowell, City Clerk/Treasurer, Ravenna

I have been with the City of Ravenna for 17 years, first serving as Deputy City Clerk for 7 years and as City Clerk/Treasurer for the past 10 years. Over the years, I have also had the titles that included Zoning Administrator, Safety Director, Cleanup Committee Chairperson and Flood Plain Administrator.

In July 2008 I earned my Certified Municipal Clerk designation. I have presented roundtable discussions and sessions at Clerk’s Institutes and Academy’s. I have served on the NMCA Executive Board and Heartland Clerks Association. In 2011 I was honored to receive the distinguished honor of Outstanding Clerk of the Year.

Jerome Deichert, Director Center for Applied Research, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Jerry Deichert is the Director of the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Mr. Deichert is an expert on small-area data for the state. He has published numerous articles analyzing data for the state and annually makes dozens of presentations across Nebraska. His goal is to make demographic and economic information more useful for decision making. One of his current projects is working with the Nebraska Legislature’s Planning Committee to put together a planning database for the state. In addition to his duties at UNO, Mr. Deichert currently is Chair of the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board.

SPEAKER BIOS Andrew Devine, City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer, Albion

Andrew Devine has been the City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer of Albion, Nebraska since August 2007. He was formerly a project manager for a large Nebraska trucking firm. Andrew has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Communications from Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska. Andrew also obtained the Nebraska Certified Public Manager designation from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2011. Andrew’s professional specialties are in Administration, Strategic Planning, and Capital Improvement Planning. Human Resources and Project Management.

Andrew and his wife Michelle were married in August 2002. They have two sons Jacob (2004) and Nathan (2006); and two daughters, Makenna (2009) and Adelynn (2013). His interests include go-cart racing, football, playing cards, reading, hunting/fishing and he volunteers his time to various school and community organizations in the Albion area.

RaNae Edwards, City Clerk, Grand Island

City Clerk RaNae Edwards has been involved with county and city government for over 35 years. She was the Howard County Clerk in St. Paul, Nebraska for 16 years, being elected at the age of 23. She is a Certified Municipal Clerk and a Master Municipal Clerk. She received her Associates Degree in Business Administration in 2005 and her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 2010. She was named the 2010 Outstanding Clerk of the Year. She currently serves as Region VIII Director on the IIMC Board. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, riding her Harley, deet hunting, fishing and traveling.

Deann Haeffner, Assistant Deputy State Auditor

Deann Haeffner is the Assistant Deputy State Auditor. She has been with the office for 30 years and oversees the local government subdivision area. Her duties include prescribing the forms that are used by the 2,500 local governments across Nebraska to file their annual budgets.

SPEAKER BIOS Mike Henke, Mike Henke Inc.

Mike Henke’s passion for building strong teams led to the creation of Mike Henke Inc., and he works with organizations throughout the Midwest in the areas of Leadership Training, Generational Differences, and Recruiting & Retention. Mike was appointed by the Governor to be a Nebraska Diplomat, and has served on the Board of Directors for: Hastings Chamber of Commerce, St. Francis Hospital Foundation, College Park, and the Central Nebraska HR Association.

Linda Jensen, City Clerk/Treasurer, Central City

Linda Jensen has been with the City of Central City for 35+ years. She was hired to be the Treasurer in 1982, then became the Clerk/Treasurer in 2009. She has an Accounting Specialist degree and two Associate Degrees, one in Accounting and one in Computer Technology from Northeast Community College. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management form Bellevue University. She received her Master of Municipal Clerk in 2002.

Melissa Johnson, Village Clerk/Treasurer

Melissa has been with the Village of Waterloo for almost 12 years, initially as the utility clerk and becoming the Village Clerk in July 2013. She graduated from UNO in 2006 after studying Biology, Math and Chemistry and ended up in Public Administration. Melissa loves her position with the Village, and learns something new every day.

Janelle Kline, City Clerk, Columbus

Janelle began her public service career with the City of Columbus in August 2000 as an Account Clerk/ Records Clerk in the Water Billing and City Clerks Office. She was promoted to Assistant Clerk in 2002, and was appointed City Clerk in November 2012. Janelle has a certificate in Supervisory Management, and has received her Certified Municipal Clerk designation.

SPEAKER BIOS Jeff Kooistra, City Administrator, Gretna

Jeff has been married to Holly for 42 years. They have two daughters who are married and have three grandchildren. Jeff’s hometown is Newton, Iowa and his wife Holly is from Pella, Iowa. Jeff received his BA in Urban Studies from Central College in Pella, Iowa. His MPA is from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. His internships included working for the NE Illinois Planning Commission and the City of Marion, Iowa. Jeff has held positions as a city clerk and assistant city manager. His last seven positions have been as a city administrator in communities in Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa. Jeff was the first city administrator in Plattsmouth, NE, from 1985 to 1989. Since 1989, Jeff has been the city administrator in Boone, Clinton, and Waukee, Iowa. He started as the city administrator in Gretna, NE, on January 7, 2013.

Beverly Kracher, Ph.D., Business Ethics Alliance

Dr. Kracher is the Robert B. Daugherty Endowed Chair in Business Ethics & Society at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. She is the Executive Director and CEO of the Business Ethics Alliance, whose purpose is to promote and environment in Omaha where the discussion and practice of business ethics is encouraged and expected. She is widely published in the field and is a frequent presenter and speaker. She serves as an advisory board member of the Cary M Maguire Center for Ethics in Financial Services at the American College and was named one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders by Trust Across America. In 2013, she was named the Omaha Business Woman of the Year.

Jim Mathis, The Reinvention PRO

Jim Mathis, IPCS, CSP, MDiv., is a bestselling author, International Platform Certified Speaking Professional (IPCS), Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), and executive consultant. He has been writing, speaking and consulting for over 42 years. He helps business leaders who want to reinvent their organizations in challenging economies. Jim has much to share about business marketing strategy. He is based in Orlando, Florida and author of the best-selling book: “Reinvention Made Easy: Change Your Strategy, Change Your Results,” as well as “Reinvention 101: Bold Ideas on Reinvention.

SPEAKER BIOS Yvette Murray, President and CEO, YRM Consulting

Yvette has been providing professional seminars and consultation to local and state governments for over 20 years. Since 2007, Yvette has been an instructor for both CMC and MMC Academy courses and Athenian Dialogues for the National IIMC and several states. Ms. Murray has a strong understanding of the role of municipal clerks in local government, need for professional development and the ability to navigate their ever changing environment (and at times constraints) of their municipalities and position.

Courtney Mustoe, M.A., Business Ethics Alliance

As Creative Manager, Courtney produces content for the Alliances various programs, presentations, and marketing materials, and develops curriculum for business ethics products and services. Courtney earned her Master’s Degree in English from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, specializing in theories of rhetoric and composition. Prior to working at the Alliance, she taught composition at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Metropolitan Community College and Iowa Western Community College, and was the founder and director of the Writing Center at Iowa Western Community College.

Chad Nabity, Hall Count Regional Planning Dept./Grand Island CRA

Chad has been the Planning Director for the Hall County Regional Planning Commission since December 1999. The Hall County Planning Commission provides planning services to Hall County, the cities of Grand Island and Wood River, and the Villages of Alda, Doniphan and Cairo. He is a professional planner with a Masters of Community and Regional Planning from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He is the Immediate Past Chair of the Small Town and Rural Planning Division of the American Planning Association and Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association (NPZA). He is active in the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) Zoning Administrator Affiliate. Chad has variety of experience in planning issues in Nebraska ranging from: work relative to infectious and communicable disease prevention planning to researching affordable housing issues and strategies; to experience with county and municipal land use planning in Madison and Hall Counties. In 2016 Chad and his staff developed the TIF Game as means of providing a concrete example of how TIF works in Nebraska and where the money comes from and how it gets from the County Treasure to the CRA and eventually to the bond holder/developer.

SPEAKER BIOS Bonnie Otte, Assistant Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer/Budget & Human Resources Director

Bonnie has been employed by the City of Seward for 4.5 years as Assistant Administrator/ClerkTreasurer/Budget & Human Resources Director. Prior employment: 18 months as a Personnel Analyst for the State of Nebraska; 8 months for Southlake Village as People Development Coordinator; 13 years for City of Scottsbluff as HR Director and City Clerk/Risk Manager. Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management. Certifications include: Certified Municipal Clerk, Professional in Human Resources, and SHRM Certified Professional. Member of IIMC since 1996 and have been attending the Nebraska Municipal Clerk’s School and Academy off and on since 1996.

Dave Ptak, City Attorney, Hastings

Dave Ptak has almost 30 years’ experience as a municipal attorney for Cities of the First Class, Second Class, and Villages. He has been a frequent speaker at annual conferences and seminars on all phases of municipal law, most frequently in the areas of planning and zoning, nuisances, problem properties, and code enforcement. Dave is currently serving as the first full-time City Attorney for the City of Hastings.

Rebecca Shively Ph.D., Business Ethics Alliance

As Education and Research Manager, Rebecca is responsible for strategizing, creating, implementing and analyzing business ethics metrics, as well as developing and writing curriculum for business ethics products and services. She has worked with a variety of private and public employers, in addition to teaching courses in statistics and research methods at the College of St. Mary and University of Nebraska at Omaha. She earned her Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her research interests include motivation, goal setting and leadership.

SPEAKER BIOS Elizabeth Smith, Central Community College

Elizabeth Smith facilitates a variety of soft skill presentations, workshops and classes for Central Community College’s Training & Development team. She is certified facilitator for Emergenetics®, Situational Leadership II® and Real Colors®. Elizabeth is a Leadership Tomorrow graduate and a Top 35 Under 35 honoree.

Anne Steinhoff, President, Steinhoff and Associates

Anne Steinhoff is an award-winning writer and editor, who has been writing for publication since the age of 15. Anne has taught hundreds of people to write in a clear, concise and compelling manner.

During a 25-year career, Anne has produced an award-winning Fortune 500 magazine, written for and edited several publications, and developed and taught an upper-level writing course at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She believes people who want to improve their writing should strive for progress, not perfection.

Mark Stephenson, Owner/Director of Training, Threat Mitigation Tactics, LLC

Mark Stephenson is a 26-year veteran of law enforcement serving in Texas and Nebraska as a police officer, full time SWAT Operator, and member of an FBI Task Force. Mark attained the rank of Lieutenant before leaving the streets to become a full time law enforcement trainer. Along with founding his own company, Threat Mitigation Tactics, LLC, Mark is a Vice President of International Tactical Training Association, a company with whom he has completed two overseas training missions. Mark developed and produced the Active Shooter Training program for a law enforcement academy in Nebraska and received the employee of the year award in 2015 for his work in a collaborative effort to establish patrol rifle standards for Nebraska Law Enforcement.

SPEAKER BIOS Richard Sternadori, Instructor, University of Missouri

Richard Sternadori holds a MEd in Counseling Psychology with a focus on rehabilitation and disabilities from the University of Missouri (MU), with a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor accreditation. Richard is an Instructor and doctoral student in the MU College of Environmental Sciences, Dept. Of Architecture.

He is the Principle Investigator for accessibility research and a teacher for the MU Great Plains Disability ADA Center. Previously, Richard was a Chief Building Official for 16 years, garnering 13 Code certifications and two state licenses. Richard chaired the ICBO Contractor Licensing committee, which established licensing examinations used today in all 50 states for contractors. The ICBO also awarded him twice for his leadership of the Western Kansas chapter. Governor Joan Finney appointed Rich to the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions, which oversees state licensing, education and regulations for architects, engineers and surveyors.

Tobias J. Tempelmeyer, City Administrator/General Manager, Beatrice

Tobias Tempelmeyer attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, an MBA and a law degree. After graduation, Tobias moved to Beatrice’s to practice law and soon became the Deputy City Attorney. Tobias served as Deputy City Attorney for four years before being hired full time by Beatrice to serve as City Attorney. After serving as City Attorney for four years, Tobias was appointed City Administrator and General Manager for the Beatrice in 2012.

Al Vacanti, City Manager/Administrator, Wisner

Al Vacanti has been a city manager/administrator since 2005, and added the duties of municipal clerk in 2008 when he returned to Nebraska. Before entering public service, he practiced law in Omaha and briefly in Western Nebraska for a total of 21 years. He returned to school in 2009 and earned his MPA in December 2012. He currently serves as the City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer of Wisner, Nebraska and is President-Elect for the Nebraska City/County Management Association. He is an ICMA Certified Manager, and recently earned the Master Municipal Clerk designation from IIMC.

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Ellen Freeman-Wakefield Director of Professional Programs School of Public Administration University of Nebraska at Omaha efreemanwakefield@unomaha.edu 402.554.2625

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, relation, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.