“Collective Bargaining Strategies for F.S. Chapters 175 and 185 Pensions”
There may be no 21st Century employee benefit that has impacted local governments in Florida more than the rising cost of funding Chapters 175 and 185 (Fire and Police) Pension Plans. In addition, the legal opinions from the State regarding these plans has consistently evolved over the last decade. Some local governments have taken dramatic steps to curb these rising costs and some have been challenged in their attempts to modify retirement options for the employees affected. In Florida, Chapters 175 and 185 pension plans are subject to collective bargaining, with some constraints. Attorneys Jim Linn and Glenn Thomas, of the law firm Lewis Longman Walker, will review these constraints and identify strategies that local governments should consider during the collective bargaining process. This is excellent opportunity to maximize an hour of your time for training on this topic with your HR Director and other key staff
"CDBG (Small Cities) Regulations and FEMA Regulations: A Review of the Latest Rules and Regulations That Impact Florida Local Governments"
Complying with state regulation when handling state funding is a requisite. One of the biggest challenges local officials have is to fully understand the changes and application of these regulations. This FCCMA regional training will bring two very important state agencies together to informally discuss the requirements for the CDBG Small Cities program and the updated FEMA regulations. This is a rare opportunity for local managers in the region to come together with their key staff members and join their peers in an informal discussion with experts on these two important state-run services.
SPEAKERS
Roger Doherty, FCCM, CLEP, Planning Manager for the Small Cities CDBG Program at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
Evan Rosenberg, Bureau Chief of Recovery, Florida Division of Emergency Management
“Planning and Human Resources Issues That Local Governments Must Consider with Medical Marijuana”
Medical Marijuana is now a reality in Florida. In order to prepare, some local governments have passed temporary moratoriums and some have engaged special legal counsel to navigate the evolving legal issues that their local governments are sure to face. As a follow-up to the previous FCCMA training last fall (before voter approval), this special FCCMA training will focus on how governments are handling the temporary moratorium follow-up, as well as other key planning considerations, and how they are/should be handling personnel issues relative to the use of marijuana. Again, this is an evolving issue in Florida. This is an excellent opportunity to receive the latest information affecting your agency in an informal setting with legal experts in the planning and human resources fields.
SPEAKERS
Susan Trevarthen, Attorney, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole and Bierman
Allison Smith, Attorney, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole and Bierman
“Local Incidents Creating International Attention: The Punta Gorda Experience Involving the Police Shooting of a Police Citizen Academy Attendee”
Today's social media environment has dramatically changed the way citizens receive their news and how government officials disclose and respond to news. It's created new definitions of what news is and how its reported, including the degree of accuracy and expediency. Today, local incidents can receive international attention within minutes of the occurrence, creating havoc for those agencies involved. Punta Gorda City Manager Howard Kunik, Sun Newspapers Publisher Robert Lee, and Sun Newspapers Executive Editor Jim Gouvellis will discuss the Punta Gorda incident involving the police shooting of a senior citizen attending a police citizens’ academy.
What happened? How was it handled? What lessons were learned. etc.? Managers, Police Chiefs, other key staff members, and students of public administration are encouraged to attend this session and take advantage of this excellent opportunity to learn from those who were involved in the response to this incident. This is an informal program and attendees will be encouraged to ask questions and offer perspectives on this evolving trend in today's public agencies.
