Many communities have prime properties that are underutilized due to real or perceived contamination issues. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Assessment Program is designed to help revitalize these sites by covering costs for evaluating the presence and extent of contamination—a first step in the redevelopment process. Come learn about Brownfields programs administered by the NH Department of Environmental Services and two regional planning commissions plus case studies that might apply to your community.

• Speakers:
• H. Keith DuBois, P.G., Brownfields Program Administrator, NH Department of Environmental Services Hazardous Waste Remediation Bureau
• J.B. Mack, Senior Planner, Southwest Region Planning Commission
• Theresa Walker, Brownfields Program Manager, Rockingham Planning Commission
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Association of Regional Planning Commissions

This session features a discussion and perspective on present indications of future market trends for both commercial and industrial properties.

• Speakers:
• John Ryder, Senior Consultant, Marvin E. Poer & Company

Hosted by NH Association of Assessing Officials

This session covers statutory requirements for certificates of occupancy the NH State Building Code. It addresses what potential liabilities exist for a community issuing “building” permits without performing inspections and issuing Certificate of Occupancies when no inspections are conducted. Options available to communities related to ensuring compliance will also be discussed.

• Speakers:
• Richard Canuel, Code Official, Town of Londonderry
• Wayne Richardson, Code Official, Town of Bedford
• David Connell, Legal Services Counsel, NH Local Government Center
• Paul Sanderson, Staff Attorney, NH Local Government Center
• Presentation 1
• Presentation 2

Hosted by NH Building Officials Association

Many organizations want to form an Information Technology (IT) Steering Committee to better align their IT investments with business priorities but don't know where to start. This session covers how an IT Steering Committee can benefit your IT governance. The importance of setting clear objectives and strong executive participation to keep your committee effective and long lasting will also be addressed.

• Speakers:
• Dan Kaplan, Chief Information Officer, NH Local Government Center
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

In every New Hampshire legislative session, there are hundreds of bills that have the potential to affect municipal government. Most legislators will listen carefully to local officials on issues that affect cities and towns. But, for legislators to do so, you have to talk to them! This session can help local officials understand the best ways to communicate with legislators. Come learn how to be most effective at influencing the development of laws impacting your city or town.

• Speakers:
• Cordell Johnston, Government Affairs Counsel, NHMA,
  NH Local Government Center
• Timothy Fortier, Government Affairs Advocate,
  NHMA, NH Local Government Center
• Judy Silva, Deputy Director for Legal Services & Government Affairs,
  NHMA, NH Local Government Center
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Municipal Association

Conference participants are invited to attend the LGC Annual Meeting to elect new Board members and hear an update about LGC activities.

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

Local planning boards and other officials increasingly realize that the land use impacts of their planning efforts plus permitting decisions affect public health outcomes. Come learn the current thinking on the relationship between land use planning and public health. This session reviews evidence and recommendations for local analysis and regulatory action. A survey of national trends and suggestions for New Hampshire communities will also be covered.

• Speakers:
• Benjamin Frost, Esq., AICP, Director of Public Affairs, NH Housing Finance Authority
• Cindy Heath, Executive Director, GP RED
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Planners Association

Forty New Hampshire water bodies are reportedly impaired by chloride, with more likely that remain undocumented. Four watersheds in the I-93 corridor account for the first documented impairments. This session addresses what typically happens when salt contaminates a water body, challenges faced by those trying to deal with the problem, and new tools and strategies for becoming more salt efficient.

• Speakers:
• Eric Williams, Program Coordinator, NH Department of Environmental Services
• Patrick Santoso, Project Manager, Technology Transfer Center, University of New Hampshire
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Public Works Association

It takes a collaborative effort from both legal and risk reduction perspectives to maintain community volunteer programs that are safe and operate within the letter of the law. Come learn how to get the most out of your volunteer efforts in a manner that protects all involved.

• Speakers:
• Wynette DeGroot, Health and Safety Advisor, NH Local Government Center
• C. Christine Fillmore, Staff Attorney, NH Local Government Center
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

Annual meeting of the New Hampshire Municipal Management Association. Meeting includes annual election of officers and bylaw changes.

Hosted by NH Municipal Management Association

The federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment jointly pose critical issues for land use regulation by local government. This session provides a framework for analyzing these issues, updates recent case law, and offers guidance to negotiate and settle relief claims. Practical tips to avoid RLUIPA issues and claims will also be offered.

• Speakers:
• Daniel Mullen, Attorney, Ransmeier & Spellman
• Daniel Crean, Attorney, Crean Law Office
• David Connell, Legal Services Counsel, NH Local Government Center
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Local Government Center and NH Municipal Lawyers Association

This session is designed to help municipal managers understand current best practices related to managing Information Technology (IT) and leveraging it for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Come learn how best-practice municipalities use IT to keep budgets low and efficiency high.

• Speakers:
• Ryan Barton, President, Mainstay Technologies

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

It takes a collaborative effort with the NH Department of Labor (DOL) to assist local governments in successfully completing a DOL audit. Come learn how your group can maintain accurate information in order to remain in compliance with DOL requirements.

• Speakers:
• Wynette DeGroot, Health and Safety Advisor, NH Local Government Center
• Kenneth O'Shaughnessy, Labor Inspector, NH Department of Labor
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

A dispersed development pattern and lack of public transportation in many New Hampshire communities create barriers for citizens to access medical care, grocery stores, employment and other basic needs. This is especially true for the state’s rapidly growing senior population. This session highlights two New Hampshire initiatives with volunteer drivers who help transport disabled persons. Come learn about Transportation Assistance for Seacoast Citizens, serving eight Rockingham County communities, and the Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation's North Bus, serving five communities in northern Strafford and southern Carroll counties.

• Speakers:
• Dianne Smith, Manager of Coordination Planning & Operations, Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation
• Carol Gulla, Executive Director, Transportation Assistance for Seacoast Citizens
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Association of Regional Planning Commissions

Knowing numbers like your blood pressure and cholesterol is a good way take an active role in your health—and could save your life! It also helps you identify risks for developing chronic conditions and learn how to live a long, healthy life. This session overviews LGC’s 2012 Slice of Life health management program and how overall health is impacted by personal numbers for blood pressure, total cholesterol plus HDL, LDL and triglycerides, blood glucose and body mass index.

• Speakers:
• Kerry Horne, Health and Safety Advisor, NH Local Government Center
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

Hosted by NH Association of Assessing Officials

NH citizens are mobilizing in greater numbers and with greater success every year to help their municipalities and schools save energy and save money. The formation of local energy committees is a testament to this trend. In 2009 the NH Legislature passed HB189 enabling legislation for the formation of local energy commissions to help communities address energy issues and costs. There are now over 100 energy committees in NH, actively tackling these issues. This interactive session will highlight the kinds of projects municipalities are implementing and outline some of the management challenges they face. Presenters will share their strategies for success based on strong collaboration with existing municipal and school authorities.

• Speakers:
• Julia Dundorf, Manager of Community Relations,
  Clean Air-Cool Planet
• Bill Knight, Facilities Committee, Town of Plainfield
• Troy Brown, Town Administrator, Hollis
• Chris Heiter, Chair, Hollis Energy Committee
• Presentation 1
• Presentation 2

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

Municipalities, schools and counties are replete with irreplaceable historical documents, records and artifacts. Some materials are kept by local historical societies; others are scattered in remote rooms, closets, attics, basements and vaults. This session provides guidance on preserving important historical materials with physical (e.g., natural disasters) and electronic perspectives in mind.

• Speakers:
• Paul Sanderson, Staff Attorney, NH Local Government Center
• Ron O'Keefe, Health and Safety Advisor, NH Local Government Center
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

Comprehensive changes to the NH Retirement System were adopted during the 2011 legislative session. Come hear knowledgeable speakers provide an overview of the changes and get answers to your related questions.

• Speakers:
• Barbara Reid, Government Finance Advisor, NHMA, NH Local Government Center
• Kim France, NH Retirement System
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Municipal Association

This session addresses some of the Right to Know Law's thornier issues like non-public sessions, communications outside a meeting, exemptions from public disclosure and legal counsel consultation. Whether or not you've faced these issues as a public official, this session's discussion should be thought provoking. (NOTE: This session does not include a general overview of the Right to Know Law; basic familiarity with it is a plus for attendees.)

• Speakers:
• Cordell Johnston, Government Affairs Counsel, NHMA,
  NH Local Government Center
• Presentation 1
• Presentation 2
• Presentation 3

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

See a live demonstration of the NH Department of Revenue Administration’s (DRA) updated property tax equalization software! It features streamlining plus modernization of existing software and procedures while retaining time-tested methodologies of the equalization process. Web-based, the DRA system enables rolling sales validation and multi-user functionality for municipalities.

• Speakers:
• Stephan Hamilton, Director, Property Appraisal Division,
  NH Department of Revenue Administration
• David Salzer, Project Manager, Technology Transfer Center,
  University of New Hampshire

Hosted by NH Association of Assessing Officials

By improving energy efficiency, local governments and school systems can decrease energy consumption, reduce operating costs and improve cash flow. An innovative ENERGY STAR® financial analysis tool will be demonstrated that will quantify the cost of delaying your municipal or school energy saving project. Attendees will leave with a sound understanding of existing funding mechanisms and resources available to municipalities and school systems that can be used to implement energy cost saving and renewable energy projects.

• Speakers:
• Tom Rooney, TRC Energy Services
• Bob Barton, Catalyst Financial Group, Inc.
• Presentation 1
• Presentation 2
• Presentation 3

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

Based on the best-selling books Eat This, Not That! and The Culprit & The Cure, this session will leave you with expert knowledge on how to transform your current lifestyle habits from bad to good to great. As Dr. Steven Aldana, author of The Culprit & The Cure notes, “If you gain only a little weight every year, it doesn’t take too many years before you become obese.”

• Speakers:
• William Byron, Health and Safety Assistant Manager, NH Local Government Center

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

This session focuses on the new fund balance reporting standard and how it will impact governmental fund financial statements. Bookkeepers, accountants and finance directors who will be implementing the standard are encouraged to attend.

• Speakers:
• Stephen Plodzik, PA, Director, Plodzik & Sanderson, PA
• Sheryl Pratt, CPA, Director, Plodzik & Sanderson, PA

Hosted by NH Government Finance Officers Association

This session will explore the connection between municipal economic development and the various ways a municipality might use broadband technologies to foster the local economy. Come participate in an interactive discussion and help develop a wish list of potential web-based applications that might be developed to support municipal applications.

• Speakers:
• David Foote, Director, Communications and Information Technology, UNH Cooperative Extension
• Charlie French, Extension Associate Professor, Community and Economic Development, UNH Cooperative Extension/Department of Natural Resources and the Environment
• Fay Rubin, GRANIT Project Director, UNH Complex Systems Research Center
• Scott Valcourt, Director of Project Management and Consulting Services, UNH Information Technology Department

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

This session offers both legal and risk reduction perspectives on hiring practices for local governments, schools and counties. Attendees will gain an appropriate focus on getting the right people on board with the best qualifications plus the importance of building an optimally functioning team.

• Speakers:
• Wynette DeGroot, Health and Safety Advisor, NH Local Government Center
• C. Christine Fillmore, Staff Attorney, NH Local Government Center
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

Business Data Solutions, in conjunction with the NH Local Welfare Administrators' Association, will demonstrate NH-GAP, the new online system available to New Hampshire municipalities for globally tracking general assistance.

• Speakers:
• Jim Smith, Business Data Solutions
• George Humphrey, Business Data Solutions
• Presentation 1
• Presentation 2

Hosted by NH Local Welfare Administrators Association

This session focuses on the key components of a successful risk management program for schools. It also offers strategies for getting risk management buy-in from your organization.

• Speakers:
• Kevin Flanagan, MPH, Health and Safety Advisor, NH Local Government Center
• Lara Cole, MS, CSRM, Health and Safety Advisor, NH Local Government Center

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERTS) are becoming more popular these days in assisting communities during times of need. This session covers liabilities along with DOs and DON’Ts when using CERTS while promoting this volunteer group within your community.

• Speakers:
• Domenic DiNatale, Director, NH Citizen Corps
• Ron O'Keefe, Health and Safety Advisor, NH Local Government Center
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Municipal Management Association

Concerns over speech arise not just in the context of municipal employees but also in regard to comments by local government officials. This session examines this evolving area of local government law, including overview, analysis and discussion of litigation, and practical approaches to minimizing adverse effects when problems arise.

• Speakers:
• Daniel Crean, Attorney, Crean Law Office
• Charles Bauer, Gallagher, Callahan and Gartrell
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Municipal Lawyers Association

This session focuses on strategies for eliminating negative attitudes within schools. It also covers tactics for encouraging and promoting positive behaviors.

• Speakers:
• Wynette DeGroot, Health and Safety Advisor, NH Local Government Center
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

This session focuses on the measurement of financial health based on financial ratios used by rating agencies and creditors. Measurement guidelines will be provided to assist communities with analyzing their financial health.

• Speakers:
• Sheila St. Germain, Executive Director, NH Municipal Bond Bank
• Cynthia McNerney, Managing Director, First Southwest Company
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Government Finance Officers Association

The NH Board of Tax and Land Appeals consists of three full-time board members appointed by the Supreme Court. Board members will provide an update on hot topics and court legislation related to New Hampshire's assessing community.

• Speakers:
• Albert Shamash, Attorney, NH Board of Tax and Land Appeals
• Anne M. Stelmach, Clerk, NH Board of Tax and Land Appeals

Hosted by NH Association of Assessing Officials

This annual meeting of the New Hampshire Municipal Association (NHMA) includes a report on NHMA activities from the past year. In addition, members will vote on candidates for positions on NHMA’s Municipal Advocacy Committee and Committee on Government Affairs. (Each NHMA member municipality is entitled to one vote.) The Municipal Advocate of the Year will be recognized during the NHMA Annual Meeting.

Hosted by NH Municipal Association

The session covers a variety of tactics a community can undertake to attract potential businesses and commercial developers. It focuses on what developers and businesses are looking for plus steps a community needs to take for economic success.

• Speakers:
• Christine Davis, Business Resource Specialist, NH Department of Economic Development

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

This session provides information on various assistance programs offered through the NH Housing Finance Authority. Come learn how these programs can help you fulfill your mission of community service.

• Speakers:
• Deborah Granfield, Director, Rental Assistance, NH Housing Finance Authority
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Local Welfare Administrators Association

This panel discussion with members of the NH news media will review the elements of a good news story, including what reporters look for and what they need from you. You’ll learn how to develop relationships with your local reporters and how to get your message out quickly and accurately.

• Speakers:
• Todd Selig, Administrator, Town of Durham
• Jon Greenburg, Executive Editor, NH Public Radio
• Annmarie Timmons, Senior Reporter, Concord Monitor

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

The Assessing Standards Board traditionally holds this public forum at LGC's Annual Conference. Board members will provide updates to local officials and the public regarding their recent and ongoing work.

This session focuses on how to effectively use employee evaluations for motivating staff and being assured that you are sending them useful information in the process.

• Speakers:
• Amy Beaulieu, Member Assistance Program Consultant, Health Resources
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

The Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission is seeking community volunteers interested in being part of the Food Source Mapping Project through the Livable Communities Corps. The project aims to educate municipal leaders about the long-term health benefits of creating mixed-use village centers that accommodate healthy food choices within walking distance of diverse housing and businesses. Come learn how volunteers can become engaged and how communities may also participate to incorporate measures that enable appropriately scaled grocery stores that encourage walkable communities.

• Speakers:
• Christine Walker, Executive Director, Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Association of Regional Planning Commissions

This session covers the basics of grant budgeting. It includes information on how to write a proposal budget plus steps leading up to proper accounting once grant money has been obtained.

• Speakers:
• Timothy Parsons, MPH, Health and Safety Advisor, NH Local Government Center
• Presentation 1
• Presentation 2

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

There's a growing issue in municipal life: staff members are becoming out of shape. This can be critical to provided services, especially emergency ones, and dangerous to the employee. Come learn whether, as our workforce ages, your community should offer or require medical physicals for certain positions and what to do when a doctor tells you a staff member is no longer “fit for duty.”

• Speakers:
• Ron O'Keefe, Health and Safety Advisor, NH Local Government Center
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

NH Local Welfare Administrators Association (NHLWAA) President Robert Mack and NHLWAA Executive Board Members will review the organization's general business and offer updates on significant policies affecting municipal welfare administration.

• Speakers:
• Robert Mack, Welfare Officer, City of Nashua

Hosted by NH Local Welfare Administrators Association

The filing of bankruptcy creates an "automatic stay" to prevent creditors from seeking collection of existing obligations from a debtor. This session covers how tax collectors can protect municipal tax liens without running afoul of bankruptcy law. It also includes a discussion of important recent cases (Gaff and Doolan).

• Speakers:
• David Connell, Legal Services Counsel, NH Local Government Center
• James Raymond, Attorney, Upton & Hatfield, LLP
• Presentation

Hosted by NH Local Government Center

This session provides an overview of commonly used cleaning products, their potential health hazards and environmental effects. Come learn about available green alternatives, their cost comparability and long-term benefits. A panel of LGC group representatives will share their transition to green cleaning and how to get staff on board with using green products.

• Speakers:
• Kevin Flanagan, MPH, Health and Safety Advisor, NH Local Government Center
• Peter Johnson, District Facilities Coordinator, Concord School District
• Carol Westinghouse, President, Informed Green Solutions

Hosted by NH Local Government Center