Home 
Workshops Annual Meeting Workshops Friday, First Session
1. Complying with the New Open Meeting Law
Presented by the MMA’s Policy Committee on Municipal and Regional Administration and the City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association
More than a year has passed since the attorney general’s office assumed jurisdiction over enforcing the state’s open meeting law. Since then, the Division of Open Government has issued hundreds of regulations, decisions and opinions related to the new law. This workshop will explore the impact of these developments on cities and towns.
PANELISTS
Amy Nable is director of the state’s Division of Open Government.
Thomas Urbelis serves as town counsel to Andover and North Andover.
MODERATOR
Loretta Lillios is the chief legal counsel with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
Workshop eligible for MIIA Rewards points
• The Open Meeting Law Complaint Process (136K PDF)
2. Down the Drain: Dealing With New Stormwater Permits
Presented by the MMA’s Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment
The cost of meeting proposed federal standards for reducing pollutants in stormwater could be exorbitant. This workshop will highlight the most important things you need to know about the proposed standards and explain how preventive maintenance can reduce stormwater runoff.
PANELISTS
Joseph Delaney is the deputy director of the State Revolving Fund Loan Program at the Department of Environmental Protection.
Bethany Eisenberg is the director of stormwater services at the engineering firm Vanasse Hangen Brustlin.
Robert Moylan is the commissioner of public works and parks in Worcester.
MODERATOR
Alan Cathcart is the water and sewer superintendent in Concord.
• Down the Drain: Dealing with New Stormwater Permits (2.1M PDF)
3. Everybody’s Talking: Effective Use of Social Media in Local Government
Presented by the Massachusetts Municipal Association
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are part of the everyday lives of a growing number of residents and businesses. Given their surging popularity, social media represent an effective way for local government to reach constituents. This workshop will discuss strategies for getting established in social media, using it effectively, and avoiding pitfalls.
PANELISTS
Colleen Corona is the chair of the Board of Selectmen in Easton and a former President of the Massachusetts Selectmen’s Association.
Amy Shollenberger is the CEO of Action Circles, which helps clients with political strategy, organizational capacity building, and meeting facilitation.
Stephanie Zierten is deputy general counsel with the state’s Informatioin Technology Division.
MODERATOR
John Ouellette is the MMA’s publications editor and web director.
• Tips and Pitfalls of Social Media (904K PDF)
• Five Tips for Successful City and Town Social Media Efforts (880K PDF)
4. House of Pain: New Tools to Target Problem Properties
Presented by the Massachusetts Municipal Association
This workshop will focus on steps municipalities are taking to combat the consequences of neglected or abandoned properties. Panelists will discuss polices designed to hold banks and other property owners accountable.
PANELISTS
Kendra Amaral is the deputy director of the Division of Development Services in Lowell.
Adam Baacke is the planning and development director in Lowell.
Dion Irish is the housing inspections director in Boston.
Devin Quirk is senior project manager for performance in Boston.
MODERATOR
Michael O’Brien is the city manager in Worcester.
• City of Lowell Vacant and Foreclosing Properties Ordinance (200K PDF)
5. Implementing the New Municipal Health Insurance Reform Act
Presented by the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association’s Health Benefits Trust
This session will examine the state’s 2011 Municipal Health Insurance Reform Act and clarify what the new law means for cities and towns.
PANELIST
Paul Mulkern is a privately practicing municipal labor law attorney.
MODERATOR
Al Jones is president of Jones Financial Management.
• Highlights of the 2011 Municipal Health Insurance Reform Legislation (3.4M PDF)
6. Liquor Licensing and Innovative Policies to Reduce Underage Drinking
Presented by the Massachusetts Municipal Association
This workshop will explore the alcohol-related challenges facing municipalities, including drunken driving, over-serving, and the lure of potent, highly flavored products. Panelists will discuss liquor licensing and legal limits on local policy, as well as innovative measures to reduce underage drinking and promote responsible alcohol use.
PANELISTS
Steve Keel is director of prevention services in the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Services.
Ted Mahony is chief investigator in the Investigative and Enforcement Division of the Department of Public Health.
Ralph Sacramone is executive director of the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
MODERATOR
D.J. Wilson is the MMA’s public health liaison.
• Substance Abuse Prevention (3.5M PDF)
• ABCC’s Regional Outreach Training Seminar (4M PDF)
• Liquor Licensing and Innovative Policies to Reduce Underage Drinking (3M PDF)
8. Property Tax Relief Is Alive and Well
Presented by the Local Officials Human Services Council
Most communities are feeling the pinch of an unfriendly economy and are hesitant to offer much in the way of property tax relief. This workshop will explore means by which relief can be provided for seniors, veterans and lower-income residents. These include tax work-off programs and tax-relief funds raised through voluntary contributions. Sample warrant articles will be discussed.
PANELISTS
Norma Simons Fitzgerald is the Council on Aging director in Sharon.
Linda Swadel is the assessor in Westborough.
Pat Carty-Larkin is the Council on Aging director in Westwood.
MODERATOR
Sue Baldauf is the youth and family services director in Bedford and the president of the Local Officials Human Services Council.
• Property Tax Relief For Seniors (Part 1) (6MB PDF)
• Property Tax Relief For Seniors (Part 2) (7.5MB PDF)
9. State and Local Economic and Budget Outlook
Presented by the Division of Local Services
This workshop will cover important issues in municipal finance and administration. The outlook for the state economy and its impact on cities and towns will be discussed, as well as the need for accurate forecasting and capital budgeting in today’s uncertain economy.
PANELISTS
Jay Gonzalez is the secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance.
Amy Pitter is the commissioner of the Department of Revenue.
MODERATOR
Robert Nunes is deputy revenue commissioner in the Division of Local Services.
10. The Candidate Experience
Presented by the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association
This session will help prepare town administrator and assistant town administrator candidates for interviews with boards of selectmen and to understand the job expectations from a selectman’s point of view. The role of consultants in the recruitment process also will be explored. Lessons learned from recent candidates will offer practical advice to those putting their toes in the job pool.
PANELISTS
Betsy DeWitt, the chair of the Brookline Board of Selectmen, was a member of the town’s 2010 town administrator screening committee.
Jill Goldsmith is the town manager in Chatham.
Mel Kleckner is the town administrator in Brookline.
Kristi Williams is the assistant town manager in Westborough.
MODERATOR
Reginald “Buzz” Stapczynski is the town manager in Andover and chair of the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association’s Future Managers Committee.
Workshops Annual Meeting Workshops Friday, First Session
Annual Meeting Workshops Friday, First Session
1. Complying with the New Open Meeting Law
Presented by the MMA’s Policy Committee on Municipal and Regional Administration and the City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association
More than a year has passed since the attorney general’s office assumed jurisdiction over enforcing the state’s open meeting law. Since then, the Division of Open Government has issued hundreds of regulations, decisions and opinions related to the new law. This workshop will explore the impact of these developments on cities and towns.
PANELISTS
Amy Nable is director of the state’s Division of Open Government.
Thomas Urbelis serves as town counsel to Andover and North Andover.
MODERATOR
Loretta Lillios is the chief legal counsel with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
Workshop eligible for MIIA Rewards points
• The Open Meeting Law Complaint Process (136K PDF)
2. Down the Drain: Dealing With New Stormwater Permits
Presented by the MMA’s Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment
The cost of meeting proposed federal standards for reducing pollutants in stormwater could be exorbitant. This workshop will highlight the most important things you need to know about the proposed standards and explain how preventive maintenance can reduce stormwater runoff.
PANELISTS
Joseph Delaney is the deputy director of the State Revolving Fund Loan Program at the Department of Environmental Protection.
Bethany Eisenberg is the director of stormwater services at the engineering firm Vanasse Hangen Brustlin.
Robert Moylan is the commissioner of public works and parks in Worcester.
MODERATOR
Alan Cathcart is the water and sewer superintendent in Concord.
• Down the Drain: Dealing with New Stormwater Permits (2.1M PDF)
3. Everybody’s Talking: Effective Use of Social Media in Local Government
Presented by the Massachusetts Municipal Association
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are part of the everyday lives of a growing number of residents and businesses. Given their surging popularity, social media represent an effective way for local government to reach constituents. This workshop will discuss strategies for getting established in social media, using it effectively, and avoiding pitfalls.
PANELISTS
Colleen Corona is the chair of the Board of Selectmen in Easton and a former President of the Massachusetts Selectmen’s Association.
Amy Shollenberger is the CEO of Action Circles, which helps clients with political strategy, organizational capacity building, and meeting facilitation.
Stephanie Zierten is deputy general counsel with the state’s Informatioin Technology Division.
MODERATOR
John Ouellette is the MMA’s publications editor and web director.
• Tips and Pitfalls of Social Media (904K PDF)
• Five Tips for Successful City and Town Social Media Efforts (880K PDF)
4. House of Pain: New Tools to Target Problem Properties
Presented by the Massachusetts Municipal Association
This workshop will focus on steps municipalities are taking to combat the consequences of neglected or abandoned properties. Panelists will discuss polices designed to hold banks and other property owners accountable.
PANELISTS
Kendra Amaral is the deputy director of the Division of Development Services in Lowell.
Adam Baacke is the planning and development director in Lowell.
Dion Irish is the housing inspections director in Boston.
Devin Quirk is senior project manager for performance in Boston.
MODERATOR
Michael O’Brien is the city manager in Worcester.
• City of Lowell Vacant and Foreclosing Properties Ordinance (200K PDF)
5. Implementing the New Municipal Health Insurance Reform Act
Presented by the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association’s Health Benefits Trust
This session will examine the state’s 2011 Municipal Health Insurance Reform Act and clarify what the new law means for cities and towns.
PANELIST
Paul Mulkern is a privately practicing municipal labor law attorney.
MODERATOR
Al Jones is president of Jones Financial Management.
• Highlights of the 2011 Municipal Health Insurance Reform Legislation (3.4M PDF)
6. Liquor Licensing and Innovative Policies to Reduce Underage Drinking
Presented by the Massachusetts Municipal Association
This workshop will explore the alcohol-related challenges facing municipalities, including drunken driving, over-serving, and the lure of potent, highly flavored products. Panelists will discuss liquor licensing and legal limits on local policy, as well as innovative measures to reduce underage drinking and promote responsible alcohol use.
PANELISTS
Steve Keel is director of prevention services in the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Services.
Ted Mahony is chief investigator in the Investigative and Enforcement Division of the Department of Public Health.
Ralph Sacramone is executive director of the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
MODERATOR
D.J. Wilson is the MMA’s public health liaison.
• Substance Abuse Prevention (3.5M PDF)
• ABCC’s Regional Outreach Training Seminar (4M PDF)
• Liquor Licensing and Innovative Policies to Reduce Underage Drinking (3M PDF)
7. Making Money While the Sun Shines
Presented by the MMA’s Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment
Solar energy is hot. In this workshop, experts will walk you through a project pipeline, from conception to construction, including municipal contracting issues, state and federal grants, tax credits and other incentives, and local siting. You will hear about challenges faced by cities and towns as they pursue solar installations on schools and landfills.
PANELISTS
Paul Sleeper is the director of renewable initiatives at Constellation Energy.
Erin Sweet is a senior analyst at The Cadmus Group.
Michael Tautznik is the mayor of Easthampton.
MODERATOR
Robert Bois is the environmental compliance officer in Natick.
• Oliver Street Landfill Solar Project (588.78 kB)
• Making Money While the Sun Shines (7.12 MB)
• Cadmus - Making Money While the Sun Shines (5.87 MB)
8. Property Tax Relief Is Alive and Well
Presented by the Local Officials Human Services Council
Most communities are feeling the pinch of an unfriendly economy and are hesitant to offer much in the way of property tax relief. This workshop will explore means by which relief can be provided for seniors, veterans and lower-income residents. These include tax work-off programs and tax-relief funds raised through voluntary contributions. Sample warrant articles will be discussed.
PANELISTS
Norma Simons Fitzgerald is the Council on Aging director in Sharon.
Linda Swadel is the assessor in Westborough.
Pat Carty-Larkin is the Council on Aging director in Westwood.
MODERATOR
Sue Baldauf is the youth and family services director in Bedford and the president of the Local Officials Human Services Council.
• Property Tax Relief For Seniors (Part 1) (6MB PDF)
• Property Tax Relief For Seniors (Part 2) (7.5MB PDF)
9. State and Local Economic and Budget Outlook
Presented by the Division of Local Services
This workshop will cover important issues in municipal finance and administration. The outlook for the state economy and its impact on cities and towns will be discussed, as well as the need for accurate forecasting and capital budgeting in today’s uncertain economy.
PANELISTS
Jay Gonzalez is the secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance.
Amy Pitter is the commissioner of the Department of Revenue.
MODERATOR
Robert Nunes is deputy revenue commissioner in the Division of Local Services.
10. The Candidate Experience
Presented by the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association
This session will help prepare town administrator and assistant town administrator candidates for interviews with boards of selectmen and to understand the job expectations from a selectman’s point of view. The role of consultants in the recruitment process also will be explored. Lessons learned from recent candidates will offer practical advice to those putting their toes in the job pool.
PANELISTS
Betsy DeWitt, the chair of the Brookline Board of Selectmen, was a member of the town’s 2010 town administrator screening committee.
Jill Goldsmith is the town manager in Chatham.
Mel Kleckner is the town administrator in Brookline.
Kristi Williams is the assistant town manager in Westborough.
MODERATOR
Reginald “Buzz” Stapczynski is the town manager in Andover and chair of the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association’s Future Managers Committee.
