Build a Strong Foundation at #MACoCon with Employment and Open Meetings Act Courses

MACo’s Winter Conference on December 8-10, 2021, will feature nearly 35 educational sessions focusing on preparing for Maryland’s future. 2 Core classes from the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance will highlight foundational concepts that all elected officials need to know about employment and the Open Meetings Act.

MACo’s Winter Conference will feature 2 Academy Core Courses: Employment Issues and the Open Meetings Act.

academylogoThe 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.

At MACo’s Winter Conference, December 8-10, 2021, the following 2 Core Courses will be offered (5 Elective Courses are also scheduled):

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
  • Moderator: The Honorable Jessica Haire, Council Member, Anne Arundel County
  • Date/Time: Friday, December 10, 2021; 8:00 am – 9:30 am

Open Meetings

  • Description: 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.
  • Speakers:
    • Frank Johnson, Deputy City Attorney, Gaithersburg, MD
    • April Ishak, AC Ishak Law LLC
  • Moderator: The Honorable Chris Burkett, Commissioner, Washington County
  • Date/Time: Wednesday, December 8, 2021; 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Learn more about MACo’s Winter Conference: