Upcoming Local Government Official Workshops

Upcoming Local Government Official Workshops

  Monday, August 05, 2013    Julie Tappendorf

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The Civic Leadership Academy (CLA), sponsored by the Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) at Northern Illinois University is a leadership skills development program designed for elected and appointed leaders and managers in government, nonprofit, and businesses working with government entities.   CGS is hosting a special series of evening workshops at the NIU Rockford Center from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, beginning in September and ending in early November.  This series of six workshops, led by attorneys from the law firm of Ancel Glink, has been crafted for new and incumbent local government officials and civic leaders.  

Registration is open, and the cost of each workshop is $49.00 per person. 

A summary of the six sessions is below:

September 4, 2013, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Governance Roles, Responsibilities, Structure 

Presented by Derke Price, Ancel Glink

This session will survey the differences in the different forms of municipal government (e.g., home rule/non-home rule, manager form of government, and commission form of government) and the different powers and responsibilities that go along with each for the executive (Mayor or President) and the legislative (aldermen, commissioners, or trustees) officials.  We will explore the relationship of various officers and directors and staff with the elected body and the roles and responsibilities of each elected official in the typical matters of public business.

September 18, 2013, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

 

FOIA, OMA, and Social Media - Keeping it Legal
Presented by Julie Tappendorf, Ancel Glink

 

Transparency in government is more than just a buzz word - it is the law.  In this session, you will learn about the Illinois "sunshine laws" (Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act) and how these laws affect local governments, officials, and employees.  The session will also explore some of the legal pitfalls in the use of technology (emails, text messages, and social networking) by local government officials and employees, and how to address, and hopefully avoid, these issues.

October 2, 2013, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Government Financial Basics 
Presented by Adam Simon, Ancel Glink

If you are like many newly elected officials, one of your first acts in office was to approve a multi-million dollar budget with only a brief opportunity to grasp the scope and contents of the document.  And that was just the beginning.  Other financial documents require your attention, including the Audit, Annual Treasurer's Report, the tax levy, and more.  This seminar will explain all the mandatory annual financial documents a public official will review and approve during one fiscal year.  In addition, you will learn how the tax cap works to limit the amount of property taxes your community can collect and how you can maximize your municipality's   flexibility to spend tax revenues.  Finally, a brief overview of the economic development tools available to municipal officials will be presented.

October 23, 2013, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Land Use, Economic Development, and Zoning 
Presented by Paul Keller, Ancel Glink

Regulation of land use is a basic and essential function of local government.  Because land use law is drawn from constitutional principles of due process and statutory limitations of local government authority, it is critical that local officials have an understanding of their power and responsibilities.  In addition, local officials want to see their communities thrive and grow.  Understanding the statutory tools available for economic development will help leaders facilitate the growth and development of their communities.

November 6, 2013, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Employment and Labor Relations 
Presented by Robert T. McCabe, Ancel Glink

This session will provide an overview of applicable federal and state employment laws which newly elected officials will need to be aware of when dealing with personnel matters.  We will discuss the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, and the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act among others.  A brief overview of Title VII actions will also be provided.  Finally, we will discuss how to deal with labor issues that arise in a union environment.