file:///c:/inetpub/wwwroot/mmlnew/documents/bulletins/bulletin htm

Transcription

1 1 of 8 1/18/2011 9:53 AM If you can't read this newsletter or the formatting seems incorrect, click here to view our online version. January 17, 2011 IMPORTANT DATES: Eastern Shore Association of Municipalities (ESAM) Legislative Dinner January 18, 2011 Free Webinar - New Social Security Reporting Requirements January 27, 2011 Mayors' Association Winter Conference February 10-11, 2011 Officials - Eastern Shore Feb. 22, 2011 Officials - Prince George's & Montgomery March 1, 2011 Officials - Southern Maryland March 30, 2011 Officials - Carroll & Frederick April 6, 2011 Officials - Cecil & Harford April 27, 2011 Officials - Allegany, Garrett & Washington May 18, 2011 Officials - MML Annual Convention June 27, 2011 DEADLINES: Mayors' Conference Hotel Reservation Discount Deadline January 18, 2011 In This Issue: General Assembly Session Convenes in Annapolis The Maryland General Assembly convened on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 to begin their annual 90-day legislative session in Annapolis... (more) MML's 75th Anniversary Highlighted in Maryland Life Magazine A special commemorative insert detailing MML's 75 year history is included in the January/February issue of Maryland Life magazine and the January issue of Municipal Maryland... (more) First Legislative Committee Meeting of the Session In conjunction with the first day of the 2011 General Assembly session, the MML Legislative Committee held their first meeting on Wednesday, January (more) MML to Participate in Upcoming Legislative Briefings As is the custom during the first few weeks of a new legislative session, the Maryland Municipal League has been asked to brief numerous legislative bodies with regard to the League's legislative priorities and the fiscal condition of Maryland's municipalities... (more) Maryland Municipal League Meets with Washington Post Editorial Board As part of the League's ongoing campaign to educate both the general public and members of the legislature about the plight of cities and towns grappling with the ongoing loss of Highway User Revenues and Police Aid, MML was invited to meet with members of the Washington Post Editorial Board last week to discuss the situation... (more) REMINDER: 2011 Maryland Mayors' Association Conference & Dues The last day to book a room at the Loews Hotel, within the discounted MMA bloc, is Tuesday, January (more) Member Program Alert: Introducing Orientations for Municipal Officials Job one at MML is to provide our members with services, benefits and programs that will help them better serve their constituents... (more) MML Convention Hotel Reservations MML ed information to all member municipalities on January 14 regarding hotel accommodations in conjunction with MML's annual convention which will be held June 26-29, 2011 at the Convention Center in Ocean City... (more) Submit Your Award Entries MML is now accepting entries for MML's Achievement Awards and Lifetime Achievement Award... (more) Schedule and Locations for Phase II WIP Workshops The Environmental Protection Agency has just released data related to Phase II of the new Federal Watershed Implementation Program (WIP)... (more) Free Webinar on New Social Security Reporting Requirements Do you as a municipal official know... (more) Legislative Status Link Jobs & Equipment

2 2 of 8 1/18/2011 9:53 AM MML Achievement Award Entry Deadline Noon, March 1, 2011 MML Lifetime Achievement Award Entry Deadline Noon, March 1, 2011 Geocache Update: Geocachers will likely take advantage of visiting family and friends over the winter months to discover the municipal geocaches in the area. Ask your local merchants for discount coupons that will entice them to spend some time and money while they are in town. Provide your merchants and geocachers with an opportunity for some winter fun. General Assembly Session Convenes in Annapolis The Maryland General Assembly convened on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 to begin their annual 90-day legislative session in Annapolis. In conjunction with opening day, MML held its fourth annual opening day legislative reception at the Maryland Inn in downtown Annapolis. The reception not only welcomed both returning and newly elected legislators to Annapolis, the League also kicked off its year-long celebration of MML's 75th anniversary at the reception. The reception was attended by two former governors, many MML past presidents, and over 150 legislative, administrative, and municipal representatives. MML would like to thank the sponsors of this event: Allegheny Power, City of Aberdeen, City of Frederick, City of Gaithersburg, City of Rockville, Environmental Finance Center of the University of Maryland, Funk & Bolton, Prince George's County Municipal Association, Town of Ocean City and Van Eperen & Company. Without their support, this event would not have been possible. MML's 75th Anniversary Highlighted in Maryland Life Magazine A special commemorative insert detailing MML's 75-year history is included in the January/February issue of Maryland Life magazine and the January issue of Municipal Maryland. This 16-page insert tells the story of MML from its founding in 1936 by former Annapolis Mayor Louis N. Phipps, Sr. to the strong organization it is today with all 157 cities and towns and 2 special taxing districts as members. You can also view this special anniversary publication by visiting this direct link on MML's website, Special thanks to the following municipalities and friends of MML who made this 75th anniversary insert possible by purchasing advertising space: Aberdeen Bel Air Carroll County Tourism/Main Street towns - Hampstead, Manchester, Mount Airy, New Windsor, Sykesville, Taneytown, Union Bridge, Westminster Cecil County Municipalities - Cecilton, Charlestown, Chesapeake City, Elkton, North East & Perryville Cumberland Family of Louis N. Phipps, Sr. Funk & Bolton Greenbelt Havre de Grace La Plata Local Government Insurance Trust North Beach Noyes Children's Library & Jayne Plank Rockville First Legislative Committee Meeting of the Session of the Session In conjunction with the first day of the 2011 General Assembly session, the MML Legislative Committee held its first meeting on Wednesday, January 12. In addition to working through some 'housekeeping' items on the agenda, the Committee heard from Ms. Kim Coble, Executive Director and Ms. Alison Prost, Counsel of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation about the Environmental Protection Agency's tightened water quality regulations under the just released

3 3 of 8 1/18/2011 9:53 AM Watershed Implementation Program. The Committee also had a visit from the newly elected President of the Maryland Association of Counties, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, who expressed his interest in again working closely with MML this legislative session on such issues as Highway User Revenues and environmental legislation. The Committee will meet six additional times during the 2011 legislative session. MML to Participate in Upcoming Legislative Briefings As is the custom during the first few weeks of a new legislative session, the Maryland Municipal League has been asked to brief numerous legislative bodies with regard to the League's legislative priorities and the fiscal condition of Maryland's municipalities. During the week of January 17, League membership and staff will brief the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the Board of Public Works. MML will also be holding an 'alumni breakfast' to brief former municipal officials who are now members of the General Assembly about municipal issues and seek their assistance in their roles as legislators. During subsequent weeks, MML will also be briefing the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Environmental Matters Committee. Maryland Municipal League Meets with Washington Post Editorial Board As part of the League's ongoing campaign to educate both the general public and members of the legislature about the plight of cities and towns grappling with the ongoing loss of Highway User Revenues and Police Aid, MML met with members of the Washington Post Editorial Board last week to discuss the situation. Members participating in the briefing included Chevy Chase Village Chairman and former Maryland Secretary of Transportation David Winstead, Berwyn Heights Mayor Cheye Calvo, Frederick City Alderman Pro Tem Karen Young, MML Executive Director Scott Hancock and Director of Government Relations Candace Donoho. During the 90-minute meeting, MML participants discussed the importance of restoring municipal Highway User Revenues, the significant reliance on the property tax by municipalities, the loss of municipal staff and services in some areas of the state as a result of the cuts in state aid, and the need for additional sources of revenue to plug holes left by lost state funding. As important as it is to gain statewide media attention, it is equally important that local municipal officials schedule meetings with their local newspaper leadership to ensure that the public is aware of the critical nature of local transportation funding. If you have not already done so, call your local newspaper and schedule a time when municipal officials can meet with editors and reporters and tell your story. Remember, legislators religiously read their local newspapers. We cannot afford to miss an opportunity to spread the word throughout the State. REMINDER: 2011 Maryland Mayors' Association Conference & Dues The last day to book a room at the Loews Hotel, within the discounted MMA block, is Tuesday, January 18. If you plan to attend the conference and stay overnight, please reserve a room before rates go up. Book online at using Code: MMS210 or call 888/ It's not too late to pay your MMA dues. Send a check payable to: The

4 4 of 8 1/18/2011 9:53 AM Maryland Mayors' Association to MML c/o MMA, 1212 West Street, Annapolis, MD Dues will also be accepted during registration at the conference. Member Program Alert: Introducing Orientations for Municipal Officials Job one at MML is to provide our members with services, benefits and programs that will help them better serve their constituents. For many years, Newly Elected Officials Orientations (NEOs) were offered to municipal governing bodies that had experienced a significant turnover in their elected official ranks. However, after assessing member needs, NEOs will now be replaced with Orientations for Municipal Officials (OMOs). What's the difference, you ask? Same great service with a broader appeal. Like NEOs, OMOs will still: Provide insight into municipal government and structure Introduce new members to MML's resources However, to increase networking opportunities between the municipalities across districts and counties, Orientations for Municipal Officials will be offered on a regional basis. And while NEOs primarily focused on newly elected officials, OMOs are open to all members. Whether you are new to municipal government or a long-time elected or appointed official who simply has not been active in MML, our Officials will bring you up to speed on what your member association does for you. They'll also provide an opportunity for members to identify how they would like to be active in MML. Each session will consist of a broad overview of MML benefits and services, introduction to programs and committees members may want to take part in, and an Academy elective course, for which participants will be given credit if they choose to enroll in the Academy. For more information about OMOs please contact Paula Chase Hyman, Manager, Member Relations at paulah@mdmunicipal.org or 410/ Orientations for Municipal Officials Feb. 22, p.m. Eastern Shore Orientation Hurlock branch of Dorchester Public Library March 1, p.m. Prince George's & Montgomery Orientation Takoma Park City Hall March 30, p.m. Southern Maryland Orientation North Beach Town Hall April 6, p.m. Carroll & Frederick Orientation Westminster City Hall April 27, p.m. Cecil & Harford Orientation Elkton Branch of Cecil County Library May 18, p.m. Allegany, Garrett & Washington Orientation Cumberland City Hall

5 5 of 8 1/18/2011 9:53 AM June 27, :15-9:45 a.m. MML Annual Convention Orientation Ocean City Convention Center MML Convention Hotel Reservations MML ed information to all member municipalities on January 14 regarding hotel accommodations in conjunction with MML's annual convention which will be held June 26-29, 2011 at the Convention Center in Ocean City. MML made arrangements for blocs of rooms at reduced rates at nine hotels (Clarion Fontainebleau, The Grand, Hilton Suites Ocean City Oceanfront, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Holiday Inn Oceanfront, Princess Bayside, Princess Royale, Quality Inn Oceanfront, Quality Inn & Suites Beachfront). We recommend that you make your reservations now to be assured of a room in your preferred hotel. Remember to mention that you are with the Maryland Municipal League convention when making your reservation so that you will receive the reduced room rates. You will find links to these convention hotels on MML's website, Hotel Information Submit Your Award Entries MML is now accepting entries for MML's Achievement Awards and Lifetime Achievement Award. The Achievement Awards, given in three population categories, honor cities and towns that demonstrate ways that their municipalities have worked together either internally (council and municipal departments) or externally (with the business community, civic groups, schools, neighborhood associations, etc.) to achieve a goal. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an elected or appointed official who has demonstrated outstanding service to Maryland municipal government. Nominees can be current or former municipal officials. Details about these award programs can be found in the January 2011 issue of Municipal Maryland. The deadline for entries is 12 noon on March 1, Schedule and Locations for Phase II WIP Workshops The Environmental Protection Agency has just released data related to Phase II of the new Federal Watershed Implementation Program (WIP). This endeavor will likely impact all cities and towns in some fashion, regardless of whether they have a wastewater treatment plant and/or manage their own stormwater program. To hear directly about costs and requirement of the new Phase II WIP, the Harry Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology has scheduled a series of regional workshops developed specifically for local government officials. To register for the appropriate workshop, locate the workshop closest to you (listed below) and log on to to register. Scroll to the Natural Resources and Water Quality category. Once there, locate the appropriate Phase II WIP Workshop on the drop down menu. If you have trouble registering, please contact Jean Hopkins at 410/ , ext Phase II WIP Workshop - Western Maryland Allegany, Frederick, Garrett & Washington counties Wednesday, January 19, 2011 Williamsport Banquet Hall, 2 Brandy Drive, Williamsport, MD Phase II WIP Workshop - Central Maryland Baltimore City, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard & Montgomery Friday, January 21, 2011 Padonia Park Club, Jenifer Road, Cockeysville, MD Phase II WIP Workshop - Lower Western Shore Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George's & St. Mary's counties

6 6 of 8 1/18/2011 9:53 AM Thursday, February 3, 2011 Patuxent River 4-H Center Queen Anne Road, Upper Marlboro, MD Phase II WIP Workshop - Lower Eastern Shore Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico & Worcester counties Monday, February 7, 2011 Salisbury University, Guerrieri University Center 1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD Phase II WIP Workshop - Upper Eastern Shore Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's & Talbot counties Wednesday, February 9, 2011 Krystal Q Banquet Hall, 9630 Technology Drive, Easton, MD Free Webinar on New Social Security Reporting Requirements Do you as a municipal official know why some municipalities pay social security and others do not? why some government workers pay into social security, others pay into a state retirement system and others pay into both systems at the same time? why some government workers pay Medicare and not social security tax? The IRS office of Federal State and Local Governments (FSLG) wants to make sure you have the answers. Accordingly, Maryland's city and town officials and staff are invited to join a FREE WEBINAR about "218 agreements" on January 27. These 218 agreements are voluntary arrangements between governmental entities and the Social Security Administration to provide social security and Medicare coverage for groups of employees in addition to, or in place of, coverage by a public retirement system. Among the topics that will be discussed are the legislative history of section 218, coverage rules, tax compliance issues, and modifications to agreements. The webinar will also include an introduction to a new FSLG Self-Assessment Compliance tool designed for use by government entities. Enrolled agents may receive Continuing Professional Education credit for participation. For more information, and to register on-line, go to /reg.asp?id= You can also find answers to many questions about how tax laws affect government entities by visiting the FSLG website at or contacting Communications Specialist Terry Welch at 202/ or Terry.L.Welch@irs.gov. Jobs and Equipment Capitol Heights - Police Chief Seeking Police Chief for progressive 12-member department, including code enforcement and administrative staff, for a town of approximately 4,100 in Prince George's County. Responsible for patrol and investigative functions, code enforcement, grant writing, and department budget of over $700,000. Must be self-motivated and able to work well with the public, town officials and staff. The incumbent will report to the Mayor and work at the pleasure of the Mayor and Council. Qualifications include: must be certified or certifiable with the MD Training Commission, have a valid driver's license, BA in police administration, criminal justice, or related field with current experience in community policing, officer training and at least 5 years in command position, or an equivalent combination of education and

7 7 of 8 1/18/2011 9:53 AM experience. Must pass physical, psychological, drug screening, and background check. Benefits package includes take home car, health, leave and retirement. Salary is negotiable. To apply, send resume with cover letter, references and salary history to: James Booth, Town Administrator, Town of Capitol Heights, One Capitol Heights Boulevard, Capitol Heights, MD 20743; or fax to 301/ ; or JBooth@capitolheightsmd.com. Application review will be ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. La Plata - Senior Planner The individual selected must be an effective project manager, strategic thinker, customer service-focused, and have strong communication, organizational development, and team-building skills. The position oversees all aspects of plan review and development, including, but not limited to, infrastructure review, zoning enforcement, and comprehensive plan implementation. This position is responsible for administering all areas of development within the Town, including subdivision, permits, zoning, and construction. The position participates in staff support to the Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, and Design Review Board. Qualifications include: graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, architecture, engineering, or related field; plus five (5) years of progressively responsible planning experience in a local government or private sector organization. The ideal candidate will have AICP certification. Salary range is $57,391 to $86,944. Excellent benefits package including a no cost health care insurance option. Submit a Town application ( and resume to Town of La Plata, c/o Assistant Town Manager, P.O. Box 2268, La Plata, MD Applicant review will begin February 1, 2011, the position will remain open until filled. E.O.E. Seat Pleasant - City Administrator The City of Seat Pleasant, Maryland a "City of Excellence" population 5,000 is seeking to hire an individual to serve as City Administrator. Minimum qualifications include: three years experience in public management, a Bachelor's Degree in public administration or related field from an accredited university, and displays evidence of progressive, stable career progression. The preferred qualifications for the position include: five years experience in local government management as a manger or administrator, or assistant manager or administrator, a Master's Degree in public administration or related field from and accredited university, professional experience in an urban community, work experience with economic development programs, and ICMA (International City and County Management Association) membership. Position will be open until filled. Salary range is $58,500 - $68,500 with benefits package. Employment will be contingent upon satisfactory background check. To request an application package please contact Dashaun Lanham, City Clerk, 6301 Addison Road, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743; dashaun.lanham@seatpleasantmd.gov, or facsimile directly at 301/ Seat Pleasant - Economic Development Coordinator Please Contact Lauren M. Hayes, Human Resources Officer for more information at lauren.hayes@seatpleasantmd.gov , 301/ telephone, 301/ facsimile. MML's ebulletin provides an excellent means for advertising these positions at no charge. If you would like to advertise a job opening, your ad, 250 words or less, text only, word doc to SteveL@mdmunicipal.org. MML reserves the right to modify ad copy as necessary. The ad deadline for the next ebulletin is 12 noon, January 21, 2011.

8 8 of 8 1/18/2011 9:53 AM 1212 West Street, Annapolis, MD / / Website: mml@mdmunicipal.org To unsubscribe send a blank with the word unsubscribe in the Subject line to mml@mdmunicipal.org.