First-Time Attendee

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Pre-Conference Workshop #1: Tips for Managing the Records Retention Lifecycle 

Diane Gladwell, Gladwell Governmental Services

What are current best practices for managing electronic records in other special districts? What practices should your agency avoid? Diane R. Gladwell, MMC has assisted over 250 local government agencies in California and has assisted many agencies in implementing best practices and getting control over their electronic records and will share not only best practices and worst practices but legal compliance for special district electronic records.

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Pre-Conference Workshop #2: Policy and Procedure Writing

Antoinette Joy, CPS HR Consulting

This workshop offers practical, relevant, and effective tools to help organizations improve their rules and instructions so employees can actually use them.

During this course, participants learn to:

• Avoid the most common policy-writing mistakes.
• Distinguish between policies and procedures.
• Organize, write, and edit “reader-friendly” policies, procedures, and tasks.

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Pre-Conference Workshop #3: Supervisory Skills for the Public Sector*

*Qualifies toward the completion of the SDLF Essential Leadership Skills Certificate Program

Michael Grabow, CPS HR Consulting

This course for supervisors will discuss and explore the supervisory skills necessary to work with people in the public sector environment. The course will cover what is expected of a supervisor; how to monitor and evaluate employees; and how to coach, mentor, and motivate employees. Through interactive exercises and engaging dialogue you will learn how to create effective, productive and successful teams; describe the various roles of a supervisor; understand the Emotional Maturity Continuum and how to apply it in the workplace; list best practices for effective performance management; practice defining performance standards; explain the GROW model of coaching; identify what motivates people; list strategies for boosting motivation.

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

CSDA Benefits Bingo

We love maximizing the benefits we offer. You love winning prizes! Let’s all do what we love at the Board Secretary / Clerk Conference. We start with an exploration of membership benefits to make sure your district is taking full advantage of all we provide. Along the way, you’ll win prizes!

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Registration and Opening Reception

8:30 - 9:45 a.m.

General Session: The 10¢ Decision: How Small Change Pays off Big

Laurie Guest

Service is at the core of special districts. From staff and board culture to interactions with the public, the choices we make day in and day out have the potential to create exceptional experiences for everyone involved. Sure, some decisions are big ones. But more often, it’s the “10¢ decisions”—the ones a barely cost a dime but have a massive impact––that can transform service from so-so to stellar. With decades of firsthand experience to draw from, Laurie shares her insights into making smart, effective choices to improve guest encounters and staff satisfaction.

10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Board Secretary / Clerk Foundations

David Aranda, CSDM

The board secretary in a special district plays a multifaceted role that is also one of the most highly visible in the district. Board members, the public, and staff turn to the board secretary as a resource for information and assistance. The board secretary must ensure the district’s compliance with extensive legal requirements, handle contentious situations, respond to the needs of board members and the public, document board activities and decisions, and meet multiple deadlines. Start your first-time attendee journey here and together we'll explore the job description and role of the clerk, as well as policies and procedures needed for your district to effectively serve its community.

12:15 - 1:15 p.m.

Networking Luncheon

1:30 - 2:45 p.m.

Staying in Compliance (part one)

Jeff Hoskinson, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

As times change, so does the need to re-interpret and review the laws governing special districts. This workshop covers crucial areas of the law as they relate to all types of special districts. Those areas include general compliance, answering specific questions about items such as communications through email, special meetings, economic conflicts of interest, and much more.

2:45 - 3:15 p.m.

Break and Networking with the Exhibitors

Sponsored by Umpqua Bank

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Advanced Training in the California Public Records Act

Darren Ziegler, Best Best & Krieger LLP

If you are involved with a special district, you need to understand the scope and application of the California Public Records Act (CPRA) to your agency’s records, including best practices for records retention as well as responding to public records requests. This training is primarily intended for public agency personnel who have some knowledge of and experience with the CPRA, and who are seeking to expand their understanding of the law.  We will cover advanced concepts in the CPRA, including when an applicable exemption may give an agency the right to withhold a particular record or a portion of a record. The presenters will use case studies to take you through the entire process from the initial records request to response options. There will also be updates on recent developments in the interpretation and application of the CPRA.

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Networking Reception

8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Staying in Compliance (part two)

Jeff Hoskinson, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Keeping up with laws that pertain to special districts is not for the faint of heart, but takes courage, today we continue our journey with the Ralph M. Brown Act. You'll learn all there is to know, ranging from the basics to recent developments in the law. This session will end with ample opportunity to ask questions from parts one and two.

10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Break and Networking with the Exhibitors

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Best Practices for Taking & Processing Meeting Minutes

Stephanie Smith, Best Best & Krieger LLP

“I Want It On The Record!!!” Every clerk dreads hearing those words when taking meeting minutes and clerking a Board of Director’s Meeting. In this fast-paced and fun session, learn best practices for taking and processing minutes according to Robert’s Rules of Order, and how the clerk can intervene when essential content is missing from the motion. We’ll also cover what should and should not be included in minutes (Hint: Not everything is important) and lastly, how to handle those loquacious Board Members who want every word ever spoken to be recorded for posterity. *Note that this session does not cover the mental task of listening and scribing minutes, but rather, it describes problems that the presenter has encountered in her three decades of working as a Municipal Clerk and training other Clerks throughout California, Oregon, and Alaska.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Luncheon

Sponsored by SDLF

1:15 - 2:30 p.m.

Website Compliance: Everything Board Secretaries Need to Know

Mac Clemmens, Streamline, Jennifer Mizrahi, Cole Huber LLP

SB 929, AB 434, AB 2257, SB 272, oh my! The list goes on and on. With so many requirements for special districts, staying compliant can be a bear. Not to worry—in this session, Derek from ColeHuber LLP and Mac from Streamline will walk you through everything you need to know to stay compliant in California. You'll leave with a checklist and learn where to go if you have more information or questions.

2:30 - 2:45 p.m.

Break and Networking with the Exhibitors

2:45 - 4:00 p.m.

Understanding Board Member & District Liability Issues

Alison Bassett, Best Best & Krieger LLP

Having a complete understanding of the potential liability issues in your district can prevent problems in the future and even assist with efficiency and communication protocols. This webinar is a discussion of the legal role of the board in the management and operation of a public agency, and the role of individual board members acting within the course and scope of their official duties.

4:00 p.m.

Graduation: Certificates Awarded

Event Concludes - Must complete all sessions to receive your certificate of completion.