PSATS Centre 2023 Regional Forum - 10/3/23 - State College

PSATS’ Regional Forums are back! This series of full-day educational sessions is scheduled for multiple locations statewide. Learn more about issues that matter to your community, discuss common interests with other local leaders, earn PMGA and other professional credits, and attend specialized workshops designed for township officials. This educational event will be the perfect opportunity to hear from experts on the local issues that matter to you and your municipality.

Eligible for 5 PMGA Administration points

Agenda:

8:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Networking

9:00 – 9:10 a.m.

Welcome and Introductions

David M. Sanko, Executive Director, PSATS, and Scott E. Coburn, Esquire, Education Director & Counsel, PSATS

9:10 - 10:05 a.m. (choose one)

* Local Regulation of Grid-Scale Solar Projects (1 PMGA Planning/Zoning Point)

Many townships in this region of the commonwealth are experiencing an increase in permit applications from solar project developers. This session will share insights about solar projects, common elements in zoning ordinances, and communication strategies for community discussion of proposed solar projects.

Tom Murphy, PSATS Solar Educator

* Planning for Recreation, Parks, and Public Spaces (1 PMGA Planning/Zoning Point)

This session will address the opportunities and challenges associated with providing quality recreational facilities and programs. Representatives from DCNR and the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society will discuss various available funding and program options, and provide you with links, contacts, advice on how to tap into these resources, and real-world examples. There will also be time for participants to ask questions and receive information specific to their situation.

Dan Hendey, CPRP, CPSI, Education Manager, Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, and Wes Fahringer, Regional Advisor, Northcentral Regional Office, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

10:15 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. (choose one)

* Hot Button Issues in the Volunteer Fire Service (1 PMGA Public Safety Point)

We will discuss several key issues currently impacting municipalities and volunteer fire companies. These include volunteer fire training, standards of cover, fire relief, junior firefighters, and recruitment and retention. There will be opportunities for attendees to share their successes and challenges.

Tracie Young-Brungard BS, EMTP, RRC, Administrator, Recruitment & Retention, Office of the State Fire Commissioner

* Tackling Blight (1 PMGA Planning/Zoning Point and/or 1 CLE)

Blight is a challenge for every municipality. From dilapidated structures to poorly maintained properties, blight reduces property values and forces municipalities to divert resources from other beneficial areas. In this session, learn ways that your municipality can better tackle blight, including through more effective preventative measures.

David Gaines, Esquire, Miller, Kistler & Campbell

11:20 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (choose one)

* Developing and Implementing a Stormwater BMP Inspection Program (1 PMGA Public Works Point)

This session will cover everything from creating and maintaining a stormwater BMP inventory to developing and implementing an inspection program and procedures. The presenter will also share compliance, enforcement, and outreach strategies for privately owned BMPs and maintenance and training tips for municipally owned BMPs.

Beth Uhler, Pennsylvania Director, Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.

* Difficult Communications with Employees (1 PMGA Admin Point and/or 1 CLE) 

This session will feature discussion of some of the most common, yet challenging, communications that municipal employers must have with their employees, including conducting interviews and making employment offers, documenting disciplinary actions, and terminating problem employees. Get tips that you can immediately implement. 

Morgan Madden, Esquire, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott

12:15 - 1:00 p.m.

* Lunch

1:00 – 1:55 p.m. (choose one)

* The Ethics Act: A Short Guide on How to Stay Out of the News (1 PMGA Admin Point and/or 1 CLE)

This session will provide attendees with real-world examples of Ethics Act violations and help attendees spot, address, and avoid such violations.

Scott E. Coburn, Esquire, Education Director & Counsel, PSATS

* The Implementable Comprehensive Plan, From Top to Bottom (1 PMGA Planning/Zoning Point)

This workshop will give participants a thorough overview of the implementable comprehensive plan, including what they are and how they differ from traditional comprehensive plans, why municipalities should implement them, descriptions of success stories, and information available resources for funding them.  

Honey Stempka, Local Government Policy Manager, Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

2:05 - 3:00 p.m. (choose one)

* Code Enforcement Best Practices (1 PMGA Admin Point and/or 1 CLE)

If your township has trouble enforcing its township ordinances or is just looking to make sure that its ordinances put it in the best position to succeed, then you will want to attend this session.

TBD

* Getting Ready for Budget Season? (1 PMGA Admin Point)

It’s that time of year when everyone is thinking about next year’s township budget. In this session, you will learn ways to better prepare for the remainder of budget season, including organizing relevant data, making projections, and communicating goals to the public.

Terri Cunkle, Local Government Policy Specialist, Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

3:10 – 3:40 p.m.

* The Second Class Township Code and How to Best Navigate It (.5 PMGA Admin Point and/or .5 CLE)

In this session, learn about sections of the Second Class Township Code that come up all the time, but that you may not know how to readily navigate. We will test your knowledge of these important aspects of township government so that you are better prepared to lead and manage your townships.

Scott E. Coburn, Esquire, Education Director & Counsel, PSATS

3:40 – 4:00 p.m.

* Q&A and Open Discussion

David M. Sanko, Executive Director, PSATS

Date:

               October 3, 2023

Time:

                9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location:

                Centre County
                Wyndham Garden State College
                310 Elks Club Road
                Boalsburg, PA 16827
 

Registration Fee:   - Each Regional Forum registration is partially funded through a scholarship provided by the Pennsylvania Leadership Institute.   

                Member* -  $ 99.00

                Non-Member –  $149.00                                            

        *PSATS Member = Registrant has paid current annual membership dues to PSATS or one of its professional associations (e.g., Township Emergency Management Association, Township Engineers Association, Township Planners Association, Township Solicitors Association, or the Pa. Assoc. of Zoning Officials).

CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS / NO SHOW POLICY:

Cancellations must be in writing, and can be sent to us by email to cancellations@psats.org; by fax to (717) 763-9732; or by mail to PSATS Education Program, 4855 Woodland Drive, Enola, PA, 17025. Refunds will be determined by the sent date of the notice.
Refunds for cancelling a webinar at any time will be subject to a $10 processing fee. 
For classes, (in-person and virtual), refunds for a cancellation sent to us between 10 and 2 business days before the class you are registered for will be subject to a $20 processing fee. Those who cancel within two business days of the class you are registered for, or do not attend, forfeit the full registration fee which, if unpaid, will be invoiced.

ACCESSIBILITY & OTHER NEEDS:

If you require alternate format, sign language, or have other needs, please contact PSATS directly (717) 763-0930, x-159.