8:00 – Registration
8:30 – 1:00 - Program
PMAA Government Relations Update - PMAA legislative staff will present a legislative/regulatory outlook for 2017. This includes DEP’s proposed drinking water regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act, proposed drinking water fee increases, and other anticipated issues that may impact municipal authorities.
Mechanics and Pitfalls of Financing and Constructing Capital Projects – Representatives from Pennvest & Saul Ewing LLP will provide a presentation on securing and protecting project funding. This presentation will include discussion on the legal and administrative process of delivering authority projects from conception to completion, including the selection of professionals, the evaluation of project risk, the preparation of bidding documents and the administration of the project during the construction phase.
PHFA/Pennvest - Pennvest and PHFA have implemented major changes to the Pennvest Homeowner Septic Loan and are eager to share these improvements with municipal authority staff and leadership. The “big one” for PMAA is the loans can now be used to pay for first-time connections to public sewer as well as the repair and replacement of on-lot septic systems. Additional changes include household income limits that have previously restricted homeowner participation.
Understanding the Key Elements of Public Official Ethics - Attorneys from the Ethics Commission will provide an overview of ethical standards and recent Ethics Commission rulings impacting Municipal Authority officials.
Municipal Solicitors’ Panel - Local solicitors will address attendees on various issues and topics including the Municipality Authorities Act, employees and medical marijuana, and social media policies. Attendees are urged to come prepared with questions for the panel. This segment of the program has been approved for PA CLE and municipal solicitors are encouraged to attend.
1:00 – Luncheon