MAYOR'S NEWSLINE

May 2005

IMPORTANT EVENTS - PAST AND FUTURE
And staff contacts for more information
Also consult the calendar
For Seminar details, contact David Harkness ext. 18.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Scholarship Competition Annual League/Affiliate Advisory Meeting Brownfields Marketplace Conference Conference Housing Forms on the way League 2005 Federal Directory Available

FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Peter Cantu, Mayor, Plainsboro

Keeping municipal officials educated and up-to-date on timely and key issues is one of the most important service functions the League provides to its membership. The League seminar program is a year-round service in addition to the important education sessions held during the Annual Conference.

During the year, the League offers more than 30 training programs to help local officials get the information they need to meet the constantly changing issues and challenges for better local governance.

In the next few months, the League is sponsoring many seminars on crucial topics that will impact local officials and government functions. Two seminars on the "Open Public Records Act," in cooperation with the Municipal Clerks Association, will be held in May. In addition, the League has scheduled a summit to address and resolve the property tax crisis for May 6, at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville. Additional seminars for May and June include "Tools for Reclaiming Abandoned Properties" and "Revenue Allocation Districts." Officials get current information on municipal issues and important continuing education credits for professional license renewal requirements.

Plan on attending these timely sessions and be sure to send your professional staff. Additional seminar information can be found at www.njslom.org/seminars.html or contact Dawn Mirabelli at extension 11.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

LEAGUE AND AFFILIATED ASSOCIATIONS HOLD ANNUAL MEETTING
-Contact Bill Dressel ext. 22

The League held its Annual Affiliate Advisory/Pre-Conference Planning meeting on April 4, 2005 at the Holiday Inn in Jamesburg, New Jersey. More than 50 Affiliate officers and representatives heard an update from Division of Local Government Services Director Susan Jacobucci on issues of interest to municipal officials and local government. The Affiliate representatives were able to discuss any issue or concern with League staff and the Division Director.

The Conference Planning meeting provided the Affiliates with up-to-date information on housing, event services, and shuttle bus information. It provided the opportunity to exchange information on key conference-related topics and events. The meeting helped set the stage for a well-coordinated conference and better working relationship with all 19 Affiliated Associations.

LEAGUE BROWNFIELDS MARKETPLACE CONFERENCE
-Contact www.njslom.org/seminars.html or
Dawn Mirabelli ext. 11

The League, in cooperation with the US Green Building Council NJ Chapter will hold a Brownfields Marketplace Conference on May 25, 2005, at the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place Hotel, Iselin, New Jersey. Learn how municipalities are working with the private sector to redevelop Brownfields properties for new purposes and additional tax revenues. Contact the League for registration information

2005 FEDERAL DIRECTORY AVAILABLE
-Contact Becky Wright at ext. 10

The updated directory includes important contact information on all branches of the Federal Government. Contact the League to order your copy.

NJ DEP TRAINING SEMINARS
-Contact 732-932-9271 or www.cookce.rutgers.edu

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will sponsor two education programs through Cook College Continuing Professional Education Programs at Rutgers. A seminar on Underground Storage Tanks will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2005. The second program on the Industrial Site Recovery Act will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2005. Contact Rutgers for more details on these sessions.

FUTURE MUNICIPAL LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
-Contact Michael Darcy ext. 16 or mdarcy@njslom.com

Scholarship Committee Chairwoman Mayor Phyllis Marchand, of Princeton Township has been busy as more than 50 mayors participated in the annual Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition. Mayors from across the state made the competition a great success as they submitted excellent entries from high school juniors and seniors.

The top three winners will be determined and announced in early May. A full list of participating mayors is attached and the full text of the three winning essays will appear in the October issue of the League magazine. Participating students will receive a certificate and each winner is provided a $1,000 scholarship from the League, presented by the hometown mayor.

90TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE HOUSING FORMS COMING
-Contact Dee Kotch ext. 15

Municipal housing forms for the 90th Annual Conference will be mailed to all Municipal Clerks in early June. Non-municipal forms will be available in the June issue of New Jersey Municipalities magazine. Be sure to get your housing requests in early to help ensure your requirements get first consideration. For more information, contact the League office.

DIVISION OF PENSIONS RETIREMENT SEMINARS
-Contact the Division of Pensions

The Division of Pensions and Benefits has a seminar to fit your needs. Local municipal employees can attend any of the Division's seminars free of charge. If you are planning ahead, consider "The EDGE" seminar, for newer employees. If you are closer to retirement, you can choose from one-day or two-day pre-retirement seminars, or retirement workshops. The Division has seminars for both Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) members and Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) members. Staff can come to your location and present a seminar custom-tailored to meet your employees' needs.

To find out more about our seminar opportunities or to register for a seminar, please visit the Internet site, at www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/seminars.htm or call (609) 777-2111