February 4, 2012

Summer Conference Schedule

 

August 18 – 21, 2010 - Roland Powell Convention Center, Ocean City

The conference schedule below is updated as topics, speakers, and meetings are confirmed for the program. Be sure to visit here often to see the most current schedule.

Wednesday, August 18

 

7:00 am - 3:00 pm         Registration Open/ Exhibits Move-In

7:30 am - 4:00 pm         Golf Tournament

9:00 am - 12:00 pm      Training for Planning Board Members

MDP , in cooperation with MACo, is offering a free training to assist planning commission and board members and members of boards of appeals comply with 2009 legislation (SB280 and HB297) that requires an education course to be completed.  Seating is limited, so you must register to reserve your seat by visiting Planning.Maryland.gov.  Contact MDP if you need assistance at (410) 767-4500 or (877) 767-6272, toll-free.

 

11:00 am - 12:00 pm   ICC Connector Briefing & Update

In late 2010/early 2011 the first segment of the Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200 will open to traffic. The ICC will be the first “All Electronic Toll” facility in the state. MD Transportation Authority (MDTA) officials will discuss how the road will be operated, how E-ZPass has developed of the past 10 years, and how E-ZPass will be instrumental in the success of the ICC.

Speakers:

Thomas Gugel, Deputy Director, E-ZPass Operations

Robert Michael, ICC Project Manager, Maryland Transportation Authority

 

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm        The Chesapeake Bay TMDL:  Preparing for the Coming Storm

EPA will issue the Chesapeake Bay’s restoration and protection plan, called the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), in December of 2010.  The Maryland Departments of the Environment (MDE), Natural Resources (DNR), Agriculture (MDA), and Planning (MDP) have been working on an EPA required  Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to detail what local governments will be required to do to meet clean up and protection requirements.  That could mean new or strengthened stormwater regulations, greater coordination with the agricultural community, and more careful planning at the local level.  Funding to meet these needs must also be considered.  In this workshop, MDE and county officials will describe the status of the first phase of the WIP to be completed this year and two pilot projects in Anne Arundel and Caroline counties, where the agencies are working closely with local government officials to develop the second phase of the WIP, to be completed in 2011.

Moderator:

The Honorable Mary Ann Lisanti, Harford County Council Member and Chair,

Local Government Advisory Committee to the Chesapeake Executive Council

Speakers:

Robert M. Summers, Ph.D., Deputy Secretary, MD Department of the Environment

Ronald Bowen, Director, Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works

Kathleen Freeman, Director of Planning and Codes, Caroline County

 

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm        Cybersecurity & BRAC – Bringing It All Together

BRAC is not only bringing jobs here, but presents opportunities for Maryland to become the nation’s cybersecurity epicenter, benefiting all counties, private industry, and the general public. Panelists will discuss how the BRAC move to Maryland is progressing and what’s in store for counties, the workforce, and industry.

Moderator:

The Honorable David R. Craig, President, MACo and Harford County Executive

Speakers:

The Honorable Anthony Brown, Lt. Governor (Invited)

Christian S. Johanssen, Secretary, MD Department of Business and Economic Development

Fred Ferrar, Director, Information Decision Dominance/Cyberspace, ARINC

James Gowans, Ph.D., Director of Computational and Information Sciences Directorate of the Applied Research Lab

 

Thursday, August 19

 

6:30 am - 7:30 am         Sunrise Yoga - Sponsored by MACWellness

7:00 am - 4:00 pm        Registration Open

7:30 am - 9:30 am         Minority-Owned Business Fair, Workshop, and Continental Breakfast

Enjoy continental breakfast while you visit tabletop exhibits from certified minority owned business vendors. Then, cross the hall at 9:30 am to hear Robert Wallace share his published framework for using strategic partnerships to improve performance. He will share his recommended framework and 12 step methodology for properly identifying, developing, expanding, managing, and exiting strategic partnerships and alliances.

7:45 am - 9:45 am         Academy Core Session: County Financial Management

Understanding and using the governmental budget process is a necessity for county elected officials.  Veteran public administrators will discuss the budget process and financial reports, offering practical tips for the new and seasoned county official.

Speakers:

Ray Wacks, Director of Budget and Management, Howard County

Elaine Kramer, Chief Financial Officer, St. Mary’s County

 

8:30 am - 9:30 am         Rural Counties Forum

8:30 am - 8:45 am         Coffee Break

 

9:45 am - 10:30 am       Strategic Partnerships Workshop

The author of “Strategic Partnerships: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Joint Ventures and Alliances,” will discuss harnessing the power of effective business alliances and partnerships as the easiest way to navigate through turbulent economic and social currents.

Moderator:

Luwanda Jenkins, Special Secretary of Minority Affairs, Office of Minority Affairs, State of Maryland

Speaker:            

Robert L Wallace, Ph.D., BITHGROUP Technologies Inc.

 

10:00 am - 4:00 pm     Exhibit Halls Open

Please visit our vendors in Halls A/B and in Hall C who support MACo through their participation at the conference.  Stop by to say thank you s and talk some business.  

 

10:30 am - 11:30 am    Human Resources Session: 

The New Reality:  The Face of County Government Employment in the Future - A speaker and panel of  Human Resources Directors will discuss what has happened in our governments regarding cutbacks, impact of fewer employees, and reductions in benefits. What lies ahead for county government employment?

Speakers:

Carole Hammen, Director, Department of Human Resources, Carroll County

Scott Gibson, Director, Department of Human Resources, Harford County

 

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm 

PlanMaryland: A Forum on the State’s Growth Plan

Since the early 1970s, the Annotated Code of Maryland has authorized the Secretary of Planning to prepare a state development plan containing recommendations for land use, major public works, circulation, and areas of critical state concern.  Since that time a broader recognition of the costs of unsustainable types of land use has grown to the point where such a plan is now urgently needed.  PlanMaryland is now being built to create a better and more sustainable future for the state. MDP invites you to participate in this special forum designed for county leaders to provide input.

 

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm      Buffet Lunch - Exhibit Halls

Center Stage - C.A.I.S.O. Steel Drum Band for your listening pleasure in Exhibit Hall C.

 

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm      Human Resources Lunch Session: 

How Will The New Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Affect Counties? 

With the passage of the comprehensive Health Care Reform bill, Counties are experiencing significant changes in regulation compliance and the necessity for extensive usage of outside consultants to fully understand and implement the new law.  Changes that may seem minor could move a plan from grandfather to non-grandfather status, which adversely affects your plan.  

Moderator:

Carole V. Hammen, Director, Department of Human Resources, Carroll County

Speaker:

Kay Moran, CEBS, Senior Benefits Consultant, Bolton Partners

 

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm        Affiliate Sessions:

 

Aging:

Workforce Development: Issues & Resources for Older Workers

Older workers who lost their jobs during the economic downturn have had a more difficult time finding new jobs and have sustained longer periods of unemployment. This session will identify trends in older adult labor force participation and highlight resources that provide training and job-search assistance for workers aged 50+ who want to reenter the workforce after losing a job or to return to their former career.

Speakers:

Ilene Rosenthal, Deputy Secretary, MD Department of Aging

Tony Sarmiento, Executive Director, Senior Service America, Inc.

Joanne Williams, Director, Baltimore County Department of Aging

Public Safety and Corrections:

Keeping Our Kids Safe at School

As highlighted by a recent tragedy in Anne Arundel County, gang activity and violence can occur in any school.  While bullying has always been a concern, cell phones, the Internet, and social networking websites now allow for more invasive harassment.  Speakers will discuss the issues of gangs and bullying in schools, the 2010 Safe Schools Act, and steps that can be taken to minimize gang and bullying incidents.

Speakers:

Charles J. (Chuck) Buckler, Chief, Student Services and Alternative Programs Branch, MD State Department of Education

John Frederickson, Ph.D., Superintendent, Wicomico County Public Schools

Patricia C. Jessamy, State’s Attorney, Baltimore City

 

Parks and Recreation:

Utilizing our Blue Infrastructure for Economic, Recreational and Environmental Benefits 

Increasing demands on Maryland’s blue infrastructure (aquatic resources), open spaces and their surrounding landscapes are becoming a reality as our state experiences continued growth.  In order to ensure that the state’s blue infrastructure continues to provide environmental, economic, cultural, and recreational benefits, it is important to collectively work to protect, restore, and manage these areas and resources. Panelists will discuss how partnerships with regional, state and private entities can make great strides in conserving and managing our blue infrastructure.

 Speakers:

Catherine McCall, Chesapeake and Coastal Program, MD Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Christine Conn, Ph.D., Office for a Sustainable Future, DNR 

Andrew Becker, Resource Assessment Services, DNR

 

Human Services:

The Ever Changing Role of Local Management Boards

Local Management Boards (LMBs) serve as a coordinator of youth and family services by bringing together government and service providers to comprehensively meet the needs of families and children in the community.  Fiscal constraints have challenged LMBs to streamline operations. This session will discuss how two communities  restructured to provide services to children and families in light of recent budget reductions.

Speakers:

Pamela Brown, LMB Director, Anne Arundel County

Candy Edwards, LMB Director, Kent County

Linda Wilson, Deputy Health Officer, Kent County

 

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm        Health Break - Lowfat Fruit Smoothies

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm        Affiliate Sessions:

 

Parks and Recreation:

The Future of Land Preservation & Open Space Funding

State and local funding resources are drying up, creating a challenge to conserve land and create public recreational opportunities. Planning for the future, and preserving our outdoor heritage will require innovative funding and new approaches, such as non-profit partnerships.  Experts from the state, private organizations, and non-profits will discuss successful models and new opportunities for conservation, preservation and recreation.

Speakers:

Meredith Lathbury, Director, Land Acquisition and Planning Unit, MD Department of Natural Resources

John Kortecamp, Ph.D., CEO, Home Builders Association of Maryland,  Founder, 100 Year Horizon Group

 

Aging:

National and State Trends Shifting the Focus of Long Term Care to Home and Community-Based Settings

A disproportionate amount of Maryland’s long-term care dollars is spent on institutional care and pressure is increasing to shift the focus to home and community-based settings.  Panelists will review State and Federal initiatives designed to transform the long term care landscape, and how local offices on aging are involved in this process.

Speakers:

Stephanie Hull, Chief, Long Term Care, MD Department of Aging

Lorraine Nawara, Project Director, Money Follows the Person, MD Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Catherine Willis, Director, Queen Anne’s County Department of Aging

 

Public Safety and Corrections:

The Importance of Prison Intel and Inmate Surveillance

Inside prison walls, disaffected prisoners are being sought for recruitment by terrorists,  among gangs that are far more structured and sophisticated than ever before. Adding to that danger, “Smart” phones enable inmates to conduct criminal activities in our society. These dangerous components speak loudly of the challenges of prisoner surveillance.  Panelists will discuss best practices for gathering intel and the new threat of Smart phones.

Speakers:

Gary D. Maynard, Secretary, MD Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

Phil Apanovitch, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, IC Solutions

Jack Kavanagh, Director, Department of Corrections, Howard County

 

Human Services:

Effectively Dealing with Sexual Predators

The 2010 Session yielded legislation designed to strengthen child sex offender laws, focusing on sharing of information between law enforcement, the school system, and child protective services; supervision and parole of sex offenders; and sex offender registries.  Panelists will discuss the roles and responsibilities of government and related entities as detailed in these new laws for protecting our children.

Speakers:

Tammy Bresnahan, Director of Government, Corporate and Community Affairs, MD Department of Human Resources

Elizabeth Bartholomew, Manager, Sex Offender Registry, MD Department of Public Safety and  Correctional Services  (DPSCS)

David Dawkins,  Acting Regional Administrator, Region 1, Division of Probation and Parole, MD DPSCS

Stephen Berry, LCSW-C, Manager, Child Protective Services, MD Department of Human Resources

 

4:00 pm - 6:30 pm        Public Safety Reception 

Sponsored by the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association, the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, Motorola, Sprint, and MACo.  Enjoy your favorite beverages, cool music by The C.A.I.S.O. Steel Drum Band, yummy appetizers and a visit by a mystery guest!

 

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm       Reception - Hosted by Energy Systems Group

4:00 pm - 6:30 pm        Exhibits Closed

6:30 pm—8:30 pm       President’s Reception - “Groovy Sixties” theme.  Music by the Charlie Parker Band   

 

 Friday, August 20

 

6:30 am - 7:30 am         Sunrise Yoga - Sponsored by MAC Wellness

7:00 am - 2:30 pm         Registration

7:30 am  - 8:30 am        County Administrators Affiliate Breakfast

8:30 am - 9:30 am         Continental Breakfast

9:00 am - 2:00 pm         Exhibits Open

9:15 am - 10:30 am       General Session: 

Maryland’s Treasure:  How the Chesapeake Bay Defines Us and How We Define It

The Chesapeake Bay is an integral part of Maryland’s heritage and plays an important role in defining us as a state.  This estuary is not only a precious natural resource, but also a vital economic engine that sustains the seafood, shipping, and tourist industries.  But, the Bay’s health has been in trouble for years, and Maryland risks losing the benefits and beauty of this unique treasure.  Speakers will discuss its ecological and economic importance, its current state of health, and actions needed to restore it to its former glory.

Speakers:

William Baker, President and CEO,  the Chesapeake Bay Foundation 

The Honorable Francis Jack Russell, President, St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners

The Honorable Maggie McIntosh, Chairman, House  Environmental Matters Committee

 

10:30 am - 10:45 am    Coffee Break  

10:45 am - 12:00 pm    General Session:

Marketing Maryland:  Selling Our Strengths

With a rich agricultural heritage and close proximity to research institutions, Maryland is in a position to grow into a biotechnology powerhouse.  With such important economic strengths, solid marketing strategies are the key to successfully promoting these and other industries.  Speakers will discuss general marketing strategies, and specific strategies designed for agriculture and the biotech industry. 

Speakers:

Tracy Gosson, President, Sagesse Inc.

Nick Place, Ph.D., Associate Dean and Associate Director, University of MD Extension

Judith A. Britz, Ph.D., Executive Director, MD Biotechnology Center

 

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm      Buffet Lunch - Exhibit Hall A/B and Exhibit Hall C

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm        Kids Event - Clowns, Snacks, Goody Bags 

 

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm        Affiliate Sessions:

Engineers and Planners:

Stormwater Management: Where Do We Flow From Here?

An increasing source of nutrient and sediment pollution into the Chesapeake Bay comes from stormwater runoff associated with development.  The State recently adopted regulations requiring treatment of runoff through environmental site design techniques, which include letting water infiltrate into the ground naturally, rather than being channeled through pipes or into storage ponds.  The regulations will require changes in how development is planned and designed.  Speakers will discuss the impact the regulations will have on the Bay, engineering and implementation challenges, and the need for revenues to cover the costs of maintaining new and existing stormwater infrastructure.

Speakers:

The Honorable Jamie Raskin, MD State Senate

Robert M.  Summers, Ph.D., Deputy Secretary, MD Department of the Environment

Fred Tutman, Riverkeeper and CEO, Patuxent Riverkeeper

Thomas R. Schueler, Coordinator, Chesapeake Stormwater Network

 

Administrators and Attorneys:

Our Public Information Act in the Digital Age

Maryland’s Public Information Act (PIA) mostly predates current State and county government technology.  Legislation to address the handling of digital files and databases under the PIA has been introduced twice.  While some updates to the PIA may be desirable, it must be carefully drafted to avoid significant costs and impact on state and local government personnel.  Speakers will discuss perceived weaknesses of the PIA, potential reforms, and metadata and database access concerns.

Speakers::

Hilary Ruley, Assistant Solicitor, Baltimore City 

Jack Murphy, Executive Director, Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association

Greg Smith, Board Member, Community Research

 

Environmental Health:

Warm, Fuzzy, and Deadly: Preventing the Spread of Rabies Through Casual Contact

Visits to local farms and petting zoos are common field trips for school children.  Even with precautions in place, exposure to infectious disease from animals to humans can occur and if it is rabies, it becomes a serious public health incident. The rapid notification and follow up process among medical, environmental health, and school officials is critical.  Experts will discuss the successful management of a recent incident in Prince George’s County and measures put into place for future prevention.

Speakers:

Katherine Feldman, DVM, MPH, State Public Health Veterinarian, Center for Zoonotic and Vector-borne Diseases, Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Adm., DHMH

Angela Crankfield-Edmond, Director, Epidemiology and Disease Control,  Prince George’s County Health Department

Katie O’Malley Simpson, Public Information Office, Charles County Board of Education

 

Health Officers:

The Role of Preventive Health Care in Health Care Reform

Federal Health Care Reform presents many opportunities to extend health care to uninsured populations, preventing illness and furthering wellness.  Panelists in this session will explore what opportunities are available and how local health departments and different populations of Marylanders will be affected.

Speakers:

Vincent DeMarco, President, MD Citizens’ Health Initiative Education Fund, Inc.

Peter Beilenson, MD, MPH, Health Officer, Howard County

Michelle A. Gourdine, M.D., CEO, Michelle Gourdine and Associates, LLC.

 

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm        Affiliate Sessions:

 

Administrators:

Creating a Leaner, Greener Local Government

Many programs are available to local governments who wish to reduce energy costs.  Some offer grants for the purchase of solar panels or upgraded HVAC systems, while others provide a more comprehensive approach through the use of an energy audit.  Panelists will discuss how to take advantage of these green programs and reduce your carbon footprint.

Speakers:

Malcolm Woolf, Executive Director, MD Energy Administration

Hatim Jabaji, Director, Office of Energy Performance & Conservation, MD Department of General Services

Karen Galindo-White, Account Manager, Energy Systems Group

Betty M. Morgan, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, Washington County

 

Attorneys and Engineers:

Lessons Learned from the 2010 Snow Storms

The record snowfall of 2010 nearly brought Maryland communities to a complete stop, challenging local government resources.  Not only was it difficult to clear  snow off streets, it was difficult managing operation centers and funding snow removal and clean up costs.  During this session, speakers will provide advice on preparing for events of this magnitude and securing federal reimbursement.

Speakers:

Russ Yurek, Director, Office of Maintenance, MD State Highway Administration

Al Foxx, Director, Bureau of Transportation, Baltimore City

Robert McCord, County Attorney, Harford County

 

Health Officers and Environmental Health:

Hoarding: A Public Health Threat

All of us have some inability to part with  belongings, especially if they have sentimental meaning. But it is an entirely different matter if people allow belongings, paper, or animals to accumulate to the extent that it creates a health risk.  This session will explore the aspects of hoarding and explain which agencies should be contacted and who is responsible for “cleaning house”.

Speakers:

John Nickerson, Director, Environmental Health, Queen Anne’s County

Anne Morse, Director, Environmental Health, Talbot County

Brian Hepburn, M.D., Director, Mental Hygiene Administration, MD Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

 

Planners: 

PlanMaryland:  The Trials and Tribulations of a State Land Use Plan

The first statewide land use plan, dubbed PlanMaryland, is in the works. PlanMaryland could be beneficial if it serves as a macro-level view for identifying growth trends and highlights land use challenges, and improves communication between State agencies and governments.   But PlanMaryland risks losing local support if it seeks to impose centralized State-controlled land use, overriding local comprehensive plans.  Speakers will discuss the process underway, whether such a plan is needed, and what PlanMaryland should and should not do.

Speakers:

Richard E. Hall, AICP, Secretary, MD Department of Planning

Kathleen Maloney, Principal, Maloney and Associates

Dru Schmidt-Perkins, Executive Director, 1000 Friends of Maryland

 

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm        Governor’s Cabinet Reception  (by invitation only)

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm        Crab Feast - Music by The Klassix (rain or shine)

 

Saturday, August 21

 

7:00 am - 8:00 am        Sunrise Yoga - Sponsored by MACWellness

8:00 am - 11:00 am       Registration Open

8:30 am - 9:30 am        Continental Breakfast 

9:00 am - 9:30 am       MACo Business Meeting

 

9:30 am  - 11:00 am      Education General Session: 

Accountability and Measuring Success

Accountability and performance measures must be weighed against concerns of teacher flexibility, differing jurisdictional needs, and the implementation of “one size fits all” approaches.  Maryland’s public school system, ranked first in the nation for the last two years, is struggling to balance these concerns as it implements reform of its measure system.  Speakers will discuss the need for such measures, benefits and pitfalls, and legislation passed as part of the State’s federal “Race to the Top” funding application. 

Speakers:

Nancy Grasmick, Ph.D., State Superintendent of Schools

Betty M. Morgan, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, Washington County

Betty Weller, Vice President, Maryland State Teachers Association

 

11:00 am - 11:15 am    Coffee Break

Governor's Address - The Honorable Martin J. O’Malley 

 

12:00 pm                      Adjourn