Massachusetts Municipal Management Association Fall Conference

Thursday, November 16, 2023 – 9:00am to
Friday, November 17, 2023 – 1:00pm

Agenda

Thursday, November 16

8:30-9:45 a.m.
Full Breakfast
Registration

9:30 a.m.
Conference Welcome
Steve Bartha, Danvers Town Manager and MMMA President

Respect and Civility Even When it’s Hard
Craig Freshley, Good Group Decisions
Given the increase of disrespect in municipal meetings, this workshop focuses on how to maintain respect, civility, and decorum even in the most trying circumstances. We will discuss how to set the stage for civility and prevent challenging situations in the first place, and also discuss how to handle disruption when it happens. We will discuss techniques for both in-person and online. We will discuss how municipal managers can coach and support their elected officials.

12:30-1:30 p.m.
Lunch

1:30-2:30 p.m.
Roundtables: Collaboration, Civility & Communication
Retired Town Administrator Jeff Nutting will facilitate this opportunity for members to share their experiences and best practices.

2:30-2:45 p.m.
Break

2:45-3:30 p.m.
The Legal Fine Print
John Davis, Attorney, Pierce, Davis & Perritano
Attorney Davis will address the legal questions surrounding the use of a Code of Conduct for public meetings following the Supreme Judicial Court decision in the Barron v. Kolenda case.

4-5:30 p.m.
Reception

Friday, November 17

8-9:30 a.m.
Registration, Breakfast

9:15-9:30 a.m.
MMA Update
Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director

9:30-10 a.m.
MMMA (and ICMA) Code of Ethics: Why It’s So Important To Us
Ethics Chair Heather Harper will share a brief video that highlights the tenets of the Code and its day-to-day importance for all members.

10-11 a.m.
Manager Contract Update
John Clifford, Attorney, Clifford & Kenny

11 a.m.-noon
Getting Your Financial House in Order
Kate Fitzpatrick, Town Manager, Needham
Molly Fitzpatrick Kean, Assistant Town Administrator, Westwood
Understanding your current financial situation – even if it’s not ideal – will reduce your stress level and put you in a position to start planning ahead. This session will provide information and strategies to help participants of all ages assess their current financial state and understand options to meet their overall long-term goals.

Noon
Lunch and Depart

Location
AC Hotel, Worcester

Contact
MMA Senior Member Services Coordinator Denise Baker, dbaker@mma.org