Showing posts with label MML bulletin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MML bulletin. Show all posts

Monday, January 16, 2012

Jan 16 2012 MML bulletin: Update on New Ethics Law Requirements, MML Launches Highway User Revenue Public Service Announcement and more


Maryland Municipal League
1212 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401  410/268-5514  800/492-7121



January 16, 2012
IMPORTANT DATES:
Maryland Mayors Conference
February 9 -10, 2012
NLC Congressional City Conference
March 10-14, 2012
  DEADLINES:
MML Achievement Award Nominations Due
March 1, 2012
MML Lifetime Achievement Award Nominations Due
March 1, 2012
In This Issue:
MML Launches Highway User Revenue Public Service Announcement
As we kick off the 2012 Maryland General Assembly, MML will be working hard on the League's statewide legislative priorities... (more)

Update on New Ethics Law Requirements
New ethics regulations that were effective on October 1, 2011 now require significant additional financial disclosure for municipal elected officials and those running for an elective office in those jurisdictions not currently exempted from Maryland's ethics regulations... (more)

MML's Opening Day Legislative Reception
MML's Opening Day Legislative Reception held at the historic Maryland Inn on January 11 was another huge success... (more)

MML Convention Hotel Reservations
MML e-mailed information to all member municipalities on January 16 regarding hotel accommodations in conjunction with MML's annual convention which will be held June 24-27, 2012 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)

Congrats to Havre de Grace
The City of Havre de Grace was recently named as one of the country's 12 semifinalists in the Great American Main Street Award program, sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation... (more)

Seeking Sponsors for the 2012 MML Convention
MML staff is busy preparing for the annual Summer Convention held June 24-27 in Ocean City... (more)

State Highway Administration Proposes Speed Camera Appeal Process
Counties and municipalities currently have the authority to deploy automated speed enforcement (ASE) in school zones on both county and state roads... (more)

Free Mediation & Facilitation Services for Maryland Municipalities
Are interpersonal conflicts hampering your town's ability to get its work done?... (more)

LED Streetlight Settlement Pending
Baltimore City and BGE have a settlement agreement pending before the Public Service Commission (PSC) concerning LED streetlight installation... (more)

Legislative Status Link

Jobs & Equipment
MML Launches Highway User Revenue
   Public Service Announcement
As we kick off the 2012 Maryland General Assembly, MML will be working hard on the League's statewide legislative priorities:
  1. Restoration of Highway User Revenues for municipalities. This funding has been reduced by 90 percent in recent years, as the State has used this revenue source to offset its own budget deficit.


  2. Restoration of Police Aid for municipalities. These funds have also been significantly reduced in recent years to offset the state's budget deficit.
With another difficult budget year ahead, it is extremely important that municipal officials are strong and unified in advocating for the restoration of these critical funds when talking with State legislators and policymakers.
To generate awareness among our municipal constituents, MML has prepared a 60-second video public service announcement (PSA) which can be used on city or town websites, in online communication vehicles (such as an e-newsletter), and on a municipal cable television channel, if applicable. We invite you to view the PSA here.
The link above can be used for the purposes of directly accessing the video from your website or e-newsletters. A broadcast quality file of the video can be downloaded directly from the following "DropBox" site:http://dl.dropbox.com/u/13859574/restoring%20highway%20funds%2060.mov.
If you are unable to utilize the links and would like a CD version of the PSA, please contact Jessica Barnes at MML. The PSA, a suggested e-mail to be sent to your legislators, and supporting information is also on MML'swebsite. We hope you are as pleased with the final product and especially want to thank the Mayor and Council of the City of Rockville and the City of Rockville cable television office for their assistance with the PSA production.
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Update on New Ethics Law Requirements
New ethics regulations that were effective on October 1, 2011 now require significant additional financial disclosure for municipal elected officials and those running for an elective office in those jurisdictions not currently exempted from Maryland's ethics regulations. In response to recent concerns voiced by municipal officials, MML's Legislative Committee Chairman Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams has convened a subcommittee to evaluate the new requirements and develop a range of possible legislative responses. Once the Legislative Committee has provided feedback, the League will work with interested legislators to introduce legislation intended to address concerns expressed by municipal officials.
PLEASE NOTE - NEW FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS DO NOT APPLY TO MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSIONS, BOARDS OF APPEALS MEMBERS AND OTHER APPOINTED BODIES UNLESS A MUNICIPALITY INDEPENDENTLY CHOOSES TO EXTEND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS TO THOSE BODIES.
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MML's Opening Day Legislative Reception
MML's Opening Day Legislative Reception held at the historic Maryland Inn on January 11 was another huge success. Many municipal officials took advantage of the opportunity to travel to Annapolis to interact with members of the General Assembly and members of the O'Malley-Brown Administration to discuss issues of importance with State officials. Special thanks to our sponsors who made this event possible:
  • AARP
  • City of Aberdeen
  • City of Gaithersburg
  • City of Greenbelt
  • City of Rockville
  • Constellation Energy
  • Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.
  • Funk & Bolton, P.A.
  • Musco Lighting
  • Optotraffic
  • Potomac Edison
  • Utility Service Partners, Inc.
  • Van Eperen & Company
Based on the continued success of the reception, MML is already planning next year's event!
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MML Convention Hotel Reservations
MML e-mailed information to all member municipalities on January 16 regarding hotel accommodations in conjunction with MML's annual convention which will be held June 24-27, 2012 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 here.
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Submit Your Award Entries
MML is now accepting entries for MML's Achievement Awards and Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2012 theme for the Achievement Awards is Just a Darn Good Idea!. Awards are given in three population categories, and will honor cities and towns that are filling their municipality's needs with programs spawned by a simple, great idea. The Lifetime Achievement Award will recognize 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 2012 issue of Municipal Maryland. The deadline for entries is 12 noon on March 1, 2012.
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Congrats to Havre de Grace
The City of Havre de Grace was recently named as one of the country's 12 semifinalists in the Great American Main Street Award program, sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The five winners will be announced during the National Main Streets Conference in Baltimore on April 2. According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Havre de Grace was chosen for "its strong business incentives, façade programs that created a domino effect with property owners, and its special events and marketing efforts." Congratulations to the City of Havre de Grace for receiving this prestigious national recognition!
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Seeking Sponsors for the 2012 MML Convention
MML staff is busy preparing for the annual Summer Convention held June 24-27 in Ocean City. Don't miss your opportunity to be a part of this important event! Please contact Steve Lopes at stevel@mdmunicipal.orgfor details on how your municipality, chapter, company or organization can participate as a sponsor. For more information on how to be a sponsor, go to MML's website.
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State Highway Administration Proposes
   Speed Camera Appeal Process
Counties and municipalities currently have the authority to deploy automated speed enforcement (ASE) in school zones on both county and state roads. However, a permit for deployment must be obtained from the State Highway Administration (SHA) for ASE deployment on state roads. In response to requests from counties and other local jurisdictions, SHA has been working on developing a clear appeals process if an ASE permit is denied. A draft of the appeal process may be found here for your review. Please provide any comments to Mr. Matthew GarbarkMGarbark@sha.state.md.us by Friday, January 27. After that date, they will officially adopt the policy.
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Free Mediation & Facilitation Services for
   Maryland Municipalities
Are interpersonal conflicts hampering your town's ability to get its work done? Perhaps you're concerned that this year's budget hearings may be particularly contentious? Experience has shown that having professional, third party dispute resolution assistance can help to mitigate and resolve organizational and community conflict. Now, thanks to a grant from the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO), the Maryland Municipal League will be offering free mediation and facilitation services to interested municipalities. For more information on this program contact MML Education Services Director Tom Reynolds at 410/268-5514 or via e-mail at TomR@mdmunicipal.org.
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LED Streetlight Settlement Pending
Baltimore City and BGE have a settlement agreement pending before the Public Service Commission (PSC) concerning LED streetlight installation. Part of this agreement depends on PSC approving certain changes to BGE's Street Light tariff that affects all BGE local jurisdiction customers. These changes, among other things, allow for LED streetlight installation on locality-owned, BGE-powered light poles and the unbundling of reactive and preventive maintenance services provided by the utility. PSC staff has expressed concern that local jurisdictions have not responded to the public notice announcing these changes.
It is recommended that any public works departments currently utilizing BGE to power street lights take a look at the proposed tariff changes and offer comments if applicable. All comments to the Public Service Commission are due on January 18. Local officials interested in viewing the proposed tariff changes or that have questions about this filing may contact Barbara Zektick, City of Baltimore, at 410/396-6854 orBarbara.zektick@baltimorecity.gov.
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Jobs and Equipment
Brentwood - Town Administrator/Manager
The Town of Brentwood, a municipal corporation located in Prince George's County, Maryland, seeks an experienced professional possessing the skills, expertise, ability and education to serve as Town Administrator to the Mayor and Town Council. Responsibilities include management of town functions, supervision of staff, financial management and oversight, grant and proposal writing and administration, tracking of legislation, development of policies, administration and oversight of contracts. Applicant must possess the ability to work under pressure, achieve tangible results, work effectively with people to address their needs, make decisions, develop and track budgets and work plan, problem solve, organize, and delegate to others. Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred. Minimum qualifications include Bachelor's degree in public administration or related field, with Master's degree preferred; five years senior management experience (preferably in municipal government); or equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must reside in and pay income taxes to the State of Maryland while employed by the Town. Job description available by calling 301/927-3344 or e-mailtown_bwood@hotmail.com Salary range is mid $50's to $60's based on experience. Town of Brentwood offers excellent employee benefit package. Application deadline is close of business Monday February 6, 2012. E-mail to jobs@brentwoodmd.gov or fax resume to 301/927-0681. Attn: Mayor and Town Council
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Ocean City - City Manager
The Mayor and Town Council of Ocean City, Maryland, one of the East Coast's premier seashore resort communities, invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of City Manager. Ocean City, with a year round population of 7,100 and a summer population which grows to 335,000 during peak periods operates under the Council-Manager form of government with seven part-time council members elected at large to staggered four-year terms and a part-time Mayor elected at large every two years. The City Manager, appointed by the Council, manages the daily operations of the Town, develops the Town's annual budget request, implements Council approved policy and serves as the Town's Chief Financial Officer. Ocean City provides an expanded range of well-developed services to care for the community and the annual influx of visitors to the Town and operates with an adopted FY 2012 operating and capital budget of $73.8 million and a full-time staff of 508 that grows to 1,400 during peak summer periods. Requirements include a Master's degree in public or business administration, finance, planning or a related field and ten years related public sector experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must show a high level of understanding of the operations and challenges of a community with a tourism-based economy and interest and success in a range of areas including: managing budgets, delivering high quality services efficiently, redevelopment and revitalization, working with and understanding the needs of existing businesses, working effectively with a variety of community based groups and building Council and community consensus. A progressive record of strong professional, administrative leadership and developing high performance organizations is an important consideration. ICMA Credentialed Managers are preferred and encouraged to apply. The salary for the position is negotiable, based on qualifications and experience and is supplemented by an excellent benefits package. Residency within the Town of Ocean City is required. The deadline is February 12, 2012 and review of résumés will start immediately. To apply please send a letter of application, detailed résumé, salary history and five (5) work-related references to John Anzivino, Senior Vice President, Springsted Incorporated, 1564 East Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228, Fax 804/726-9752 or richmond@springsted.com. Electronic submissions are preferred. For more details visit www.springsted.com. EOE.
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Rockville - City Clerk/Treasurer
The City seeks a Clerk/Treasurer who is a proven leader and manager to perform complex professional and administrative work. This highly organized and professional individual will also serve as the City's elections official. Under the general direction of the Mayor and Council, the Clerk works independently subject to the policies and general management guidelines that impact the City, its officials, and its citizens according to the laws of the City of Rockville. The City Clerk/Treasurer serves at the pleasure of the Mayor and Council, and maintains close working relationships with the City Manager, City Attorney and the City's department directors. The position requires a strong daily commitment to the important work of the office that includes regular attendance at Mayor and Council evening and occasional weekend meetings. The Clerk must be skilled at handling people, sensitive situations, and meeting deadlines and have a talent for taking care of details. The Clerk/Treasurer provides supervision over the Mayor and Council's professional and clerical staff, and performs all other office duties as may be required. Salary is $85,000, DOQ. For more information and to apply for this position please visit our website at www.rockvillemd.gov. and click "City Careers"
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Takoma Park - Community Development Coordinator
The City of Takoma Park, known for its progressive politics, is seeking a creative, dynamic individual to serve as its new Community Development Coordinator. The successful candidate must be creative, have a passion for the principles of smart growth, be able to recognize and take advantage of even the smallest of opportunities, be comfortable advocating on behalf of the City, and have the skills needed to develop, manage, and complete a mix of diverse projects, often with limited funds. A strong pragmatic streak, level head, sense of humor and ability to get along with others is helpful. Equally important is the ability to function simultaneously at the macro and micro level. This is an opportunity to work with a small but engaged community on a variety of neighborhood initiatives; facilitate public and private investment; further the multi-modal transportation goals of the City; assist small businesses; and nurture partnerships with the State of Maryland, Montgomery and Prince George's Counties and other agencies too numerous to mention. One of the primary focuses of the position is implementation of the recommendations of the Takoma Langley Crossroads Sector Plan and the New Hampshire Avenue Corridor Concept Plan. Aiding in this effort is a small but dedicated and talented planning staff, who the selected candidate will supervise. Salary range is $67,330 to $74,797 per year (Grade 36). Competitive benefits package provided. Detailed information on the basic qualifications and required skills required of the successful candidate are available on the City of Takoma Park website. Application submissions include letter of interest, resume, City of Takoma Park employment application, two writing samples (total length not to exceed five pages), and a supporting portfolio of projects may also be submitted; web based portfolios are preferred with images provided at a legible size. Open until filled. First review is January 23, 2012. E-mail, fax or mail materials to: City of Takoma Park - Human Resources, Attn: Johnathan Edmund, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912, JohnathanE@takomagov.org Fax 301/270-8794.
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St. Mary's County - Recreation and Parks Director
The Director is responsible for planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the Recreation & Parks Department and supporting the Board of County Commissioners with the County's strategic objectives. The candidate must be politically astute and an effective communicator, both orally and in writing. This position requires a strong commitment to continuous quality improvement, customer service, and performance management. We are seeking a proactive individual with a strong work ethic who will anticipate challenges, prepare innovative solutions, and deliver results. Competitive candidates will possess the ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, business and community leaders, advisory boards, state and federal agencies, the news media and the general public. Candidates will have the skills to develop comprehensive long and short range strategies designed to achieve County and departmental goals and objectives and the ability to manage a broad-range of recreational activities, maintenance of County parks, and County museums. Individuals will be able to develop comprehensive operating and capital budgets; make recommendations regarding parkland acquisitions, and work with County property managers on purchase options with property owners. Candidates will also have the ability to coordinate the development of park master plans and oversee the design, improvements and construction of County parks, public landings, recreational facilities, museums, and golf course. Job qualifications inlcude Bachelor's degree in relevant field: Master's degree preferred; seven years or more of related professional experience, at least four of which should be in a supervisory/managerial capacity. Salary is $90,000 - $105,000 (B.O.E.) plus excellent fringe benefits. Closing date is February 1, 2012. Please refer to our website at www.stmarysmd.com for detailed job descriptions. 2008 A application and job description is available from: Department of Human Resources, (Potomac Building), Leonardtown, MD 20650. E-mail:smchr@stmarysmd.com, Phone 301/475-4200 x 1100. Jobs Line 301/475-4200 x 1109. Fax 301/475-4082. EOE.
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St. Mary's County - Deputy Director, Land Use and Growth
St. Mary's County Government is seeking a Deputy Director to assist in coordinating and directing the work of the department with a staff of thirty-seven individuals. The Deputy Director works under the general direction of the Department Director with latitude for independent action and judgment. Responsible for the processing and coordination of all applications for major County zoning changes. Supervises the review of all development-related proposals for conformance with the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Critical Area requirements, Forest Conservation, other land use regulations, and the Comprehensive Plan. Responsible for all Planning Commission agendas, to include review of technical reports, coordinating comments and requirements from other agencies, and making recommendations to the Planning Commission. Ensures that all appropriate agencies have approved plans prior to Building Permits being issued. Responsible for the overall preparation and subsequent amendment of land use plans and ordinances, Reviews State and Federal proposals for impact on the County. Job qualifications include Bachelor's degree in planning or related field; seven years or more of related professional experience, at least three of which should be in a supervisory/managerial capacity. Salary is $65,728 - $75,504 (B.O.E.) plus excellent fringe benefits. Please refer to our website atwww.stmarysmd.com for a detailed job description. Application and job descriptions are available from: Department of Human Resources, (Potomac Building), Leonardtown, MD 20650. E-mail:smchr@stmarysmd.com. Phone 301/475-4200 x 1100, Jobs Line 301/475-4200 x 1109, fax 301/475-4082. Applications due in the Human Resources Department on or before closing date of February 1, 2012 regardless of postmark date. Resumes without a County application will not be considered. EOE.
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MML's eBulletin provides an excellent means for advertising these positions at no charge. If you would like to advertise a job opening, e-mail 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 nexteBulletin is 12 noon, January 20, 2012.

1212 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401    410/268-5514    800/492-7121  
Website:  www.mdmunicipal.org    E-mail:  mml@mdmunicipal.org

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