November 2, 2018

I. State Issues
II. Federal Issues
III. League Conference

Municipal Clerks: Please forward to Mayor, Governing Body and
Department Heads.

I. State Issues

a. DLGS Offers Guidance on “Best Practices”

We call your attention to the following guidance from the Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) regarding the “Best Practices” checklist, which was sent out earlier this week:

The CY2018/SFY2019 Best Practices Inventory reflects the Division of Local Government Services’ recalibration of this tool. Beyond evaluating municipalities’ core competencies, the Division strives to improve municipal data collection and enhance state services through the Best Practices Inventory.

In this vein, the Division recently met with the League of Municipalities, Municipal Managers Association, and the Government Finance Officers Association to discuss this year’s Inventory. Discussions emphasized local understanding of and responses to the current questions, and enhancing the Inventory’s potential as a means of promoting responsible governance in a productive and non-punitive fashion. To this end, future iterations of the inventory may incorporate a survey tool. The Division will continue to engage stakeholders throughout the development of the CY2019/SFY2020 Best Practices Inventory.

Particularly in this transition year, the Division strongly encourages municipalities that score below the minimum aid-receipt threshold to contact the Division before the November 12^th deadline; Division staff will review the Inventory with these municipalities to determine whether additional positive credit may be granted.

Contact: Michael F. Cerra, Assistant Executive Director, mcerra@njslom.org, 609-695-3481 x120.

b. Governor Signs Executive Order

On October 26 Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 42 creating a task force for the Continued Transformation of Youth Justice in New Jersey. This 25 member task force will be responsible for providing recommendations on strategies and actions to continue the reform of New Jersey's Youth Justice System, including but not limited to the following: Racial Disparities; Stationhouse Adjustments; Youth Services Commissions and Community-Based Programs; Residential Facilities; Reinvesting Funds into the Creation of a Community Based System of Care; Facility Closure; New Youth Facilities; and The System of Granting Juvenile Parole. The Task Force will hold no less than three public hearings throughout the State. The Task Force must issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Legislature within six months.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Senior Legislative Analyst, lbuckelew@njslom.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

II. Federal Issues

a. Water Infrastructure Funding Bills Enacted

On Tuesday, October 23, the President signed the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. This initiative was approved by Congress earlier last month. The new statute reauthorizes the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) at $50 million, and removes it from pilot program status. It also reauthorizes the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) for the first time since 2003, providing $1.95 billion by the third year of the three-year authorization. Both programs assist local governments in financing water projects, and both can be used in conjunction with one another, and with municipal bond financing.

WIFIA provides low-cost loans and loan guarantees to eligible borrowers for water and wastewater projects; it was designed to work in conjunction with municipal bonds and other funding sources and can provide up to 45% of funding for a project.

The new DWSRF authorization provides $4.4 billion over three years. It also provides for federal investment in, and natural disaster protection of, coastal and waterway infrastructure.

The revolving loan funds or SRFs in all 50 states and Puerto Rico operate as infrastructure banks. They provide low-interest loans for drinking water infrastructure projects. As money is paid back into a state’s revolving loan fund, the state makes new loans for other projects. States are authorized to utilize funds not only to provide loans, but also to guarantee local debt, purchase municipal bond insurance, and refinance projects.

At the bill signing ceremony, the President noted: “As a candidate, I called for a great rebuilding of America’s crumbling infrastructure…Today, we’re taking another major step toward that goal. Very important.”

Contact: Jon Moran, Senior Legislative Analyst, jmoran@njslom.org, 609-695-3481 x121.

b. FCC Rules Preempting Local Control of ROW Take Effect Early Next
Year

As we previously noted, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules this September that restricts the kinds and types of limitations and standards that local governments can set for wireless facilities seeking access to the ROW. This includes limitations and standards set by local governments for aesthetic, safety, and system resiliency purposes. Standards must be in writing and cannot be unreasonably burdensome. The new rules also include a “shot clock” for reviewing applications for small cell wireless facilities; for collocation on preexisting structures within 60 days, and a deadline of 90 days for new builds.

These new rules for local governments go into effect January 14, 2019. While efforts are still underway to fight implementation of the order, municipalities should begin to get their houses in order on the handling of small cells, particularly with regard to ordinance updates, application processes, and aesthetic requirements. Municipal practices should be reviewed with your municipal attorney to ensure compliance with the new FCC standards. The National League of Cities, the League’s national affiliate has published a small cell infrastructure municipal action guide, which is filled with information your municipality may find helpful when implementing the new rules.

We will be sure to update our members on this matter as it develops, but for now all municipalities should plan for the January 14, 2019 implementation date.

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., League Staff Attorney, FMarshall@njslom.org, 609-695-3481 x137.

III. League Conference

a. League Ticketed Function Events

Meal Function Ticket forms will no longer be accepted by mail. Tickets can be purchased while they last onsite at the AC Conference beginning Tuesday, November 13, by visiting the registration desk. Seating is limited and each year many delegates, unfortunately, have been turned away. Do not be disappointed by waiting until the last minute.

As a reminder, all League ticketed function events require a conference badge. The badge registration fee is a separate fee from the ticketed function fee. If you have not registered for a conference badge, you can register onsite in Atlantic City.

Onsite Registration Hours
Tuesday, November 13             9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 14        8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 15            8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Ways to register onsite for a badge
Cash, Checks, or Purchase Orders (POs will be returned to municipalities with signature & invoice after the conference). We do not accept Debit or Credit Cards.

We are pleased to announce that Governor Phil Murphy will again keynote the Delegates Luncheon at the League’s Annual Conference. The luncheon will be held Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the Sheraton Convention Center Hotel, Crown Ballroom at 12:00.

b. Unauthorized Hospitality Functions

The 103^rd Annual League Conference will soon be upon us and we know you are looking forward to a productive and educational week.

Numerous exhibitors and groups have scheduled receptions and hospitality functions during the evening hours in Atlantic City. However each year there are a few commercial entities that schedule hospitality function such as brunches and lunches which conflict with the Conference programming. These unauthorized functions should not be confused with legitimate business luncheons sponsored by our affiliated associations and their members. The League urges you not to attend daytime hospitality functions offered by commercial firms.

Instead, plan your daytime activities so you can derive the greatest educational benefit from attending the League Conference. League Education sessions begin at 9:00 AM, break at noon when there are informative Exhibitor Learning Sessions, resume at 2:00 and finally adjourn at 5:15.

As always, the League is available to answer your questions on any aspect of the annual conference and we strive to make your participation both enjoyable and highly productive.

Contact: Michael J. Darcy, CAE, Executive Director, mdarcy@njslom.org, 609-695-3481 x116.

c. Exhibits at the Annual Conference

Do you know a vendor that would be a good fit for the Annual Conference? If so, ask them about being an exhibitor or have them contact Kristin Lawrence, Exhibit Manager at 609-695-3481 x125 or klawrence@njslom.org. Information is also available on the League’s website.

d. Don’t Forget! CEU Tracking System Procedures for 103^rd Annual NJLM
Conference

Badge Scanners will be used to track CEU Credits and Attendance at the NJLM 103^rd Annual Conference.

For Sessions that Have CEU credit Available
• All Attendees looking to earn credit must scan-in and scan-out of these qualifying sessions* to earn their CEU credits.
• Attendees will claim their certificates after the conference via the League website www.njslom.org/confceu/

For more information or for a complete list of procedures please visit the Conference Website.

* Please note, the procedures described above only apply to educational sessions. Business Meetings and Exhibitor Learning Sessions are not included in the scanning system.