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Governor's Grants Office Stimulus Training | |
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The Governor's Grants Office and its partners are devising Technical Workshops throughout the State to train local governments and registered 501(c)3 non profit organizations in managing the lifecycle of an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant. The workshop agenda will include information on how to complete the organizational capacity analysis for preparation of the grant application process as well as details on Recovery Act reporting and management requirements that differ from those of typical grants.
Whether you will be applying for or have already been awarded Recovery Act funds, attendance is strongly encouraged for both state and local government department directors, grants managers, budget and fiscal officers, and compliance and audit officers. Workshops will be held as follows: | ||
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Speed Camera Legislation Resurrected | |
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MML priority legislation to permit the use of speed cameras in residential areas and school zones was amended in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee so that it was applicable only to highway work zones. It was further amended on the Senate floor last Wednesday evening to allow local governments to place speed cameras within a half mile radius of a school. Unfortunately the bill failed to win approval by one vote and appeared destined for failure once again this year. The following day, a motion for reconsideration was made and the bill eventually passed by a four vote margin. The bill will now move to the House for consideration and hopefully final passage prior to the end of the 2009 General Assembly session on April 13. Language was also added on the Senate floor to limit local government speed camera revenues to 10% of a local jurisdiction's total revenues after covering the costs of a local speed camera program. All excess local government revenues will then directed to the State. Because the existing Montgomery County speed camera program was grandfathered into the bill, Montgomery County and all Montgomery County municipalities will retain the authority to place cameras in both school zones and residential areas. Assuming final passage of the statewide bill, Montgomery County and all municipalities will come under the revenue restrictions in the statewide bill when it goes into effect on October 1, 2009. (top) | ||
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Municipal Highway User Revenues Still in Play | |
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MML staff has been involved in intense discussions with Senate and House budget committee members in an attempt to recoup a portion of the estimated 30% of municipal Highway User Revenues (HURs) diverted to the State General Fund under a proposal from both the House and Senate in an attempt to fill an increasingly large hole in the FY '10 and FY '11 State budget. Although county and municipal HUR cuts appear similar on paper, because the counties will receive almost the entire $62 million in the second round of federal transportation stimulus monies, the municipal cut remains disproportionately large in comparison to county and Baltimore City reductions. MML has identified several options where reductions in various funds differ between the House and Senate such that monies would potentially be available to fill a void left if budget conferees agree to replenish at least a portion of the municipal HUR budget cut. The League has continued to advocate relief for municipalities, but not at the expense of county or Baltimore City revenues. (top) | ||
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Smart Growth Indicators Legislation Stripped of Amendments | |
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Legislation to establish growth indicators in State law and require local governments to report on selected indicators in their annual growth report passed the House and moved to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee last week. HB 295/SB 297 was originally amended in the House Environmental Matters Committee to include a statewide growth goal of 80% inside Priority Funding Areas (PFAs) and 20% outside PFA's and to require counties to establish their own local growth goals and make incremental progress toward meeting their goals. Counties not meeting their goals within a certain number of years would have been subject to possible withholding of certain State environmental permits. After deliberating on the amendments added in the House, the Senate Committee elected to remove those amendments and pass the bill with administration amendments only, which were previously agreed upon by MML and the Maryland Association of Counties. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for consideration and likely passage. (top) | ||
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MML Convention - Premiere Training Opportunity | |
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MML's convention is the premiere training opportunity for Maryland's city and town officials, with education programs designed especially for municipal officials. This year's schedule includes timely workshop topics such as MEA grants and loans available through the federal stimulus package, the impact of foreclosures on code enforcement, and managing the bottom line during this fiscal crisis. Convention attendees will also have opportunities to meet key state officials at the cabinet secretaries forum and network with other municipal officials to learn how they are coping with the economic downturn. Please follow this link Preliminary Schedule to see the complete schedule for MML's convention which will be held June 28 - July 1, 2009 at the Ocean City Convention Center. You will save money if you register by April 17. Registration fees and social event tickets will increase in price after that date. You can register on-line Online Registration or by using the form that is in the March issue of Municipal Maryland or by printing out this form from MML's website Registration Form. All of the promotion materials for MML's convention are posted on MML's website at Convention Brochure and printed in the March issue of Municipal Maryland. (top) | ||
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Attending this Workshop Could Save You Money | |
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Can you be sued? Did you know that although municipal officials are immunized from legal liability under federal and state laws for some of their actions, in many instances municipal officials do not enjoy immunity, and can be sued in their personal capacities for consequential or punitive damages due to their official actions? Even budgetary decisions can impact liability. Plan to attend the workshop Municipal Officials Liability: The Danger Zone that takes place during MML's convention on Monday, June 29 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. The speakers will review actual Maryland cases in an effort to identify the "danger zone" of official conduct, and to sensitize municipal officials regarding the need to consult their attorney whenever their official actions approach or invade the "danger zone." This session has been approved for Academy for Excellence in Local Governance elective credit. (top) | ||
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Hotel Reservations for MML's Convention | |
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MML made arrangements for blocs of rooms at reduced rates for MML convention attendees at the seven hotels listed alphabetically below. 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. All MML sponsored convention events, except the seafood buffet at Phillips Crab House, will be held at the Ocean City Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway. Please use the following links for more information about the hotels. | ||
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MML's Geocache Trail Second Enrollment | |
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The second enrollment period to participate in MML's Geocache Trail project is now open. Information was sent or e-mailed to those cities and towns that are not yet participating. Has the Trail been successful so far? You bet! Since its debut on January 1, there have been over 4,300 discoveries of municipal caches! That's a lot of visitors eating in local restaurants, staying in local lodging and visiting local shops and attractions. This is a rare opportunity for your city/town to create a big bang for very few bucks! During these times of fiscal challenges, it is important to use new and innovative methods to stimulate your local economy. Please join the 78 cities and towns that currently comprise the Maryland Municipal League Geocache Trail and use your cache to "CASH" in on the opportunity to draw visitors and their dollars to your community. The city/town mayor and council must adopt the Geocache Trail Participation Resolution and a copy must be received by MML no later than May 15 in order to be added to the Trail. If you have questions, contact Linda Burrell at MML. (top) | ||
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MML Board Nominations | |
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Nominations materials for the MML 2009-2010 Board of Directors were mailed to chief municipal elected officials and to MML chapter presidents and secretaries early in March. The following nominations for MML's 2009-2010 Board of Directors have been received at the League office: | ||
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MEDA Spring Conference | |
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The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) will conduct their 2009 Spring Conference entitled "Electricity in Maryland's Future" on Thursday, April 16, 2009. The conference will address the complex issues surrounding our demand for more energy and the limits to the current supply. They will also discuss options for the future. Included in the discussion will be representatives from corporations and organizations that are working to meet demand for electricity that is clean, available, and affordable. Business retention, attraction and expansion are all affected by this issue. Don't miss it. Thursday, April 16, 2009, Rod N Reel Restaurant. Networking continental breakfast from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Program begins at 9 a.m. ending with lunch where Public Service Commissioner Douglas R. M. Nazarian will address the audience. Christian Johansson, newly appointed Secretary of Business & Economic Development will also be on hand. To register visit www.medamd.com or call 410/575-6027. (top) | ||
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