First-Time Attendee

Monday, November 6, 2023

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

Pre-Conference Workshop #1: Tips for Managing the Records Retention Lifecycle *optional/additional fee

Christine Wood and Jennifer Ransom, Best Best & Krieger, LLP

There are specific events that can trigger a record’s movement to the next phase of the records lifecycle and help to define retention needs and requirements. Examples of these events can include, but are not limited to, expiration of a contract, termination of employment, completion of an audit, and settlement of a legal matter. These events help in determining the value the record continues to bring to the agency, and when to consider the matter “closed” for retention purposes as the value diminishes. Join us to learn about these triggers and how to handle them when they arise.

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

Pre-Conference Workshop #2: How to Get Started with a DEIB Program *optional/additional fee

Jacques Whitfield, CPS HR Consulting

This course will provide a comprehensive approach to identifying key components of a well-versed and robust diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) program. Participants will learn how to develop and implement a sustainable program to support diversity, promote a positive culture of inclusion, raise awareness, and diversify collaboration in their workforce.

  • Understand the benefits of a DEIB program
  • Learn how to generate buy-in and approval
  • Create a committee
  • Determine possible training and coaching connected to DEIB
  • Outline events and timelines
  • Create a rough draft of a DEIB program plan

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

CSDA Benefits Trivia: There’s Nothing Trivial About CSDA Benefits!

True or False: CSDA has sample meeting agendas online?
Choose the right answer: Members receive (a) free car washes (b) car rental discounts

We will be handing out plenty of prizes at this CSDA Trivia Challenge

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Registration and Opening Reception

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

8:30 - 9:45 a.m.

General Session: Change Chose Me…Now What?

Merlyna Valetine

Staying positive in tough times means learning to embrace change. Merlyna’s presentation will teach your group that life is more than just what happens to you. How you respond is what matters most. Merlyna teaches you how to live a purposeful life, believe in yourself, embrace change, and succeed in life.

9:45 - 10:15 a.m.

Break, Networking with the Exhibitors

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.

Refreshment Break with Exhibitors

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Advanced Training in the California Public Records Act

Christine Wood, 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 - 7:30 p.m.

Reception

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

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 take 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, 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.

Networking Luncheon

1:15 - 2:30 p.m.

Website Compliance 101: Everything Board Secretaries Need to Know

Mac Clemmens, Streamline; Derek Cole, Cole Huber

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, the speakers 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, Networking with the Exhibitors

2:45 - 4:00 p.m.

Understanding Board Member & District Liability Issues (with 30-minute Ask the Experts wrap-up)

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.

First-Time Attendee Graduation, Certificates Awarded. (Do not plan to leave before 4pm)