Tuesday, August 23, 2022
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
CSDA Board Meeting
7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Exhibitor Showcase Open
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall (Raffle)
8:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Opening General Session and Keynote
The Courage to Go Together: Three Questions to Change How You Work, Live and Lead
Shola Richards
CEO and Founder of Go Together Global and best-selling author, Shola Richards presents “The Courage to Go Together: Three Questions to Change How You Work, Live and Lead”
In his inspiring flagship keynote, Shola will introduce the transformative concept of Ubuntu (pronounced, “oo-BOON-too”) which translates to “I am, because we are.” The Ubuntu philosophy, along with three powerful questions, will provide the audience with actionable strategies to transform their work culture, amplify team civility, and inspire themselves and others to consistently bring their best to their work.
The audience will leave with:
- The three key questions that they need to ask themselves to increase the likelihood of civil, engaged, and productive work culture.
- The answers to the most common objections to beginning the important (and challenging) work of positively transforming their work culture.
- The self-awareness to become mindful of how their words, actions, and behaviors affect others.
Awards
GM of the Year, Board Member of the Year and Staff Member of the Year, New and Renewing CSDM and
Certificate in Special District Governance
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
It’s All About the Projects
Probolsky Research, Orange County Sanitation District, Santa Margarita Water District
Special Districts spend billions of dollars every year on infrastructure projects from pipe replacements and building retrofitting to treatment plants and new trail systems. The public likes to know where their tax and ratepayer dollars are going.
- Learn how to gain public trust by promoting your projects, big and small
- See how other agencies have successfully highlighted infrastructure projects
- Get unique insight from recent research on how to best communicate your infrastructure successes with the public
Violence in the Workplace—Mitigating Risk and Proactively Responding to Threats
Renne Public Law Group
This session will address how special districts can develop policies and procedures aimed at both preventing workplace violence from occurring and responding promptly to threats that do arise. Attendees will learn:
- The legal standard for obtaining a workplace violence temporary restraining order (TRO) and related court procedures.
- How or whether a special district may respond to threatening behavior from an employee at work.
- What type of threatening behavior (i.e., on or off duty) warrants a response from the special district; and
- Guidance on developing workplace violence and related policies to mitigate and manage risk.
Lessons Learned from a Disrupted Redistricting Process
Best Best & Krieger LLP and Goleta Sanitary District
The 2021 Redistricting Cycle saw challenges at every turn. From delayed data releases to a lack of qualified demographers to handle the increased workload due to changes in the California Voting Rights Act, Redistricting 2021 has taxed teams and organizations across the state. Participants in this informative session can share their own stories while hearing the good, bad, and ugly about how this massive statewide endeavor unfolded. Revisiting this topic will provide insight into how agencies may plan for other future projects that involve collaboration with a limited number of vendors, as well as how they can interact with other agencies going through the same process, share resources and solve problems with creativity and optimism.
In this session, participants will learn about:
- redistricting strategies that do or do not work
- how to leverage successful strategies from redistricting to solve other agency problems
- how the legislature impacted key decision making at the local level
- what to plan for in the future
Change of Course: Master Plan Mini-Updates Using Internal Knowledge
Monte Vista Water District
Staff has first-hand knowledge of a district’s infrastructure needs and vulnerabilities. In 2020, Monte Vista Water District put this knowledge to use in reevaluating and updating its capital improvement strategy. Through a series of structured workshops with field and administrative staff, MVWD developed a water system master plan “mini-update,” including a prioritized five-year capital improvement and pipeline replacement program. Staff then developed and presented to the Board of Directors funding options based on prioritized needs, resulting in an updated five-year financial master plan. Finally, the results of these updated plans were integrated into MVWD’s annual budget and five-year strategic plan, ensuring consistency between near- and long-term goals. The presenters will demonstrate how conducting a structured re-evaluation of master plans using internal knowledge led to a successful reorientation of its capital program.
Learning outcomes:
- Re-evaluation of capital and financial master plans
- Use of internal staff knowledge
- Near- and long-term planning integration
Social Media Issues: Free Speech, Public Records, and Public Meetings
Meyers Nave
The use of social media by public entities, elected officials, and employees presents significant legal and regulatory issues. The session will address the three most important social media issues facing Special Districts:
- First Amendment – Does a public official violate First Amendment rights by blocking someone from the official’s social media account?
- Public Records – Are electronic communications through a social media account provided by a government entity, such as a Special District’s Facebook page, subject to the Public Records Act?
- Public Meetings – What social media activities do and do not comply with public notice, public access and public comment requirements of the Brown Act?
This presentation has been approved for 1 hour of MCLE credit by the State Bar of California. Meyers Nave, a Professional Law Corporation, is a MCLE licensed provider. PN #10416
Post Pandemic COVID-19 Workplace Accommodation Challenges
Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
California public employers have adjusted and adapted to the evolving workplace during the pandemic. As it becomes more likely that employers will now have to work and live side-by-side with COVID-19, employers will be challenged with the new expectations and accommodation requests from the workforce. We will begin with a refresher of the reasonable accommodation process and best practices, and move to a discussion of COVID-19 related requests for accommodations and how to navigate the process to ensure compliance, maintain productivity, and limit missteps.
How the General Manager Performance Evaluation Can Make a Real Difference for both the Manager and the Board
Rauch Communication Consultants, Inc
This session details a proven process that will improve communication and understanding between the manager and board, incorporates both subjective and objective metrics, and ensures there is policy level direction to clarify the manager’s goals for the coming year.
Learning Outcomes:
- How to plan and implement a general manager performance evaluation
- The role of the board, manager and legal counsel
- How and when to consider a 360-degree evaluation
- How to set up goals, use of forms, and more
12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch with the Exhibitors
All conference attendees are welcome to attend lunch in the exhibit hall. Enjoy your lunch while taking time to learn more about our exhibitors and the valuable services they provide. From risk management to accounting, HR, legal, banking services, and more – our exhibitors have some of the best of what you’re looking for!
Lunch is included in conference registration.
1:45 - 3:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
Required Ethics Compliance Training – AB1234 (Part 1)
Meyers Nave
AB1234 mandates agency officials receive two hours of ethics training every two years. This training covers all required topics, including conflicts, financial gain, prerequisites of office, transparency, and fair process.
This presentation has been approved for 2 hours of MCLE credit by the State Bar of California. Meyers Nave, a Professional Law Corporation, is a MCLE licensed provider. PN #10416
It’s Easier Than You Think! Building and Maintaining an Effective Investment Program for Your Special District
Public Trust Advisors / California CLASS
A comprehensive investment program for public agencies should strive to optimally balance safety, liquidity, and yield considerations. This session will explore some possible ways to evaluate and utilize the different investment vehicles and structures available to California special districts: stable $1.00 Net Asset Value investment pools; variable Net Asset Value investment pools; and separately managed accounts (SMAs). The session will discuss the application of pools and SMAs in establishing a cash management and investment program at a public agency. Attendees will leave this session with a more holistic understanding of the role that an investment adviser can fill in helping establish and operate an investment program, both through an investment pool and an SMA.
Setting Your Agency Up for Success: Building Goals and Priorities
Tripepi Smith
As new issues and challenges arise every day, agencies may find themselves shifting and changing policies, processes, service delivery, and more. To set themselves on the right track, these agencies would benefit from reestablishing organizational goals, narrowing their focus on priorities, and reviewing the progress made on current goals. By doing so effectively, agencies can identify areas for improvement and make significant progress towards success and growth.
In this session, Tripepi Smith President Ryder Todd Smith, Director Mike Egan and Director Jennifer Fitzgerald will reflect on their experiences in public service and in assisting agencies with processes such as this to:
- Consider the purpose and benefits of establishing goals for agency staff and the communities they serve
- Review how to remain effective in the goal-setting process
- Discuss accountability and goal measurement practices
- Analyze how building goals can impact the agency’s culture
Seriously? Crucial Conversations in a Stressful Environment
Best Best & Krieger LLP
Everyone has experienced a difficult conversation at work, some of their own making and some the result of another person’s behavior. This session will both entertain and educate the participants on how to handle crucial conversations, manage stressful situations without regrets and deal with various communication styles of today’s multi-generational workplace.
Brown Act: Principles, Traps and Avoiding Unintentional Violations
Lozano Smith, Attorneys at Law
This workshop will use entertaining hypotheticals to engage participants in a wide-ranging, hands-on overview of the Brown Act to help board members stay in compliance when it comes to closed sessions, public comments, serial meetings, and e-communications.
Promoting Civility in Times of Heightened Partisanship and Polarization
Panel moderated by Institute for Local Government
In the wake of contentious elections, local officials statewide are faced with navigating polarization and partisanship at the federal, state, and local levels. Local governments are working hard to balance this while also managing new board dynamics, continued uncertainty resulting from the COVID crisis and a myriad of other challenges local governments face daily. Join a panel of special district officials to hear strategies and lessons learned about how to manage relationships, increase civility, continue operations, and communicate effectively with your community.
The Five Functions That Drive Team Success
David Aranda, CSDM
Special districts face unique challenges with individual board members coming together as a unified board and working as a team along with the general manager. This presentation will discuss the five best practices of an effective team, as based on Patrick Lencioni's book, "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team." The instructor will also share insights and lessons learned from over three decades of serving as a general manager and board member.
3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
Required Ethics AB1234 Compliance Training (Part 2)
Meyers Nave
AB1234 mandates agency officials receive two hours of ethics training every two years. This training covers all required topics, including conflicts, financial gain, prerequisites of office, transparency, and fair process.
This presentation has been approved for 2 hours of MCLE credit by the State Bar of California. Meyers Nave, a Professional Law Corporation, is a MCLE licensed provider. PN #10416
(Must attend both sessions for certificate)
You Need It. How Do You Do it? A Step-by-Step Guide to Building an Effective Multi-Year Strategic Plan
Rauch Communication Consultants, Inc
Whatever the challenges facing your district, it is critical to build a realistic, step-by-step, and well-supported plan to get there. This session will provide concrete guidance on evaluating the issues, challenges, and opportunities facing your district and developing clear board direction for the future. This lively session will feature sharing of actual experiences (good and bad) by the participants and seminar leader. The session will provide numerous practical tips that you can bring home to your district. It will also demonstrate how staff can develop implementation plans and successfully engage the board, executive team, staff, and the public in this process. You will also learn how to pin down clear direction in plain English, measure results, and more.
Mastering the Art of Crucial Conversations Around DEI
CPS HR Consulting
It is essential to learn how to have hard conversations that address the current environment of social justice and racial equity. We will explore topics like cultural intelligence, acknowledgment vs. agreement, Black Lives Matter vs. All Lives Matter, how to be an ally, and the best way to address employees. This session will share practical and timely guidance on how to engage employees around the complex and passionate issues related to systemic racism, the need for transparency and accountability in organizational practices, and the need for civil discourse.
The Road Ahead for Managing Rising Pension Costs
PARS
As public agencies continue to navigate through the challenges created by the COVID-19 Pandemic, rising pension costs continue to loom like a dark cloud that keeps growing. Pension systems face an uncertain economic outlook with discount rate targets that are mismatched with future expected returns. Recent changes to asset allocations also risk further increasing the gap for funding these obligations. How are agencies addressing their pension liabilities during uncertain times such as these? In this session, industry experts will discuss common questions and concerns related to this topic to help you prepare for the road ahead.
Boards Behaving Badly: How to Stay Out of Trouble
Renne Public Law Group
This session will explain the duties of trust and loyalty board members owe their district and constituents. Using real-life examples, the session will cover the topics board members need to understand to avoid allegations of misconduct, including:
- The roles of boards and individual members serving on the board
- Handling confidential material
- Safeguarding attorney-client privileged information
- Understanding public contracting requirements
- The relevance and impact of conflict-of-interest laws in the above-contexts
Special Taxes by Majority Voter Approval: How, When, and Why
Colantuono Highsmith & Whatley, PC
Based on recent court opinions, special taxes proposed by initiative may be approved by a simple majority vote (50% + 1). This is a dramatic change from prior law that required all special taxes to be approved by a supermajority (2/3rds) of voters. This session will discuss the process and law related to this change in special taxes.
10 Cybersecurity Practices to Keep Special Districts Safe
Meriplex, Streamline
Special Districts are increasingly becoming a target of cyberattacks. With insurance rates skyrocketing and cyber coverage increasingly hard to qualify for, now is the time to be ready and safe. Join our presenters as they walk you through ten easy steps that will protect you from 99% of threats. They promise to speak plain English and leave you with an easy checklist to protect yourself and the community you serve.
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Mix and “FlaMingle” in the Exhibit Hall
Stop by the exhibit hall for a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres. Be sure to enter for one more chance to win one of our fabulous prizes!
The exhibit hall closes on Tuesday, August 23rd at 6:30 p.m.