Explore Governance Foundations with Open Meetings Act and Employment Issues Courses at Winter #MACoCon

MACo’s Winter Conference is coming up Dec 8-10, 2021, at the Hyatt in Cambridge, MD. The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance will offer to foundational Core courses at the conference: “Open Meetings Act” and “Employment Issues.”

The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is a volunteer certificate program for elected and appointed county and municipal officials. The program provides a strong background of necessary skills and knowledge for local government leaders. It was founded by MACo and MML, is facilitated by the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, and is sponsored by the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT).

Academy courses are open to ALL conference registrants – Academy Fellows must complete evaluation forms for each class to earn credit.

Academy Fellows with questions about their transcripts should contact registrar Elizabeth Hinson at ehinson@umd.edu.

Open Meetings Act

  • This class provides an overview of Maryland’s Open Meetings Act law, which guides public officials in the requirements for providing public notice of the meetings that public bodies hold to conduct public business and for closing meetings when appropriate. The presenters focus on steps that local governments can take to comply with the law’s application to Maryland local government, discuss some of the cases and complaints that have come before the Open Meetings Compliance Board, and, if time permits, address questions from the audience. All conference participants may attend, but Fellows in the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance will earn Core credit for their participation. Participating in this course satisfies the State’s requirement for Open Meetings Act training.
  • Speakers:  
    • Frank Johnson, Deputy City Attorney, Gaithersburg
    • April Ishak, AC Ishak Law LLC
  • Date/Time: Wednesday, December 8, 2021; 9:00 am – 10:30 am  

Employment Issues 

  • Description: This class provides an overview of preferred employment practices and the legal restrictions involved in hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining employees. The instructor addresses how positions should be advertised and interviews conducted. Also included are risk management techniques concerning proper supervision of employees.All conference participants may attend, but Fellows in the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance will earn Core credit for their participation. 
  • Speaker: Kevin Karpinski, Karpinski, Cornbrooks and Karp, PA
  • Date/Time: Wednesday, December 8, 2021; 9:00 am – 10:30 am 

You must register for the conference to participate in these sessions. REGISTER ONLINE.

Learn more about MACo’s Winter Conference: