Want to know what the 2010 SDA Annual Conference has to offer on fire district issues? Here are some of the topics of interest:

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

10:45-Noon-   Looking Back… After a Merger, Redefining the Process - Chief Dan Qualman, South Metro Fire Rescue Authority;  and Chief Doug McBee, West Metro Fire Protection District

Sponsored by T. Charles Wilson Insurance Service

What are the pros and cons of a successful merger? What are the things you need to consider when planning a collaborative effort, or a district consolidation?

Noon-12:50-   Workforce Development: Colorado’s Community Colleges Partnering With Special Districts- Dr. Michele Haney, President, Red Rocks Community College, and Dr. Geri Anderson, Vice President and Provost, Colorado Community College Systems.

New tools and techniques to assist special districts in hiring qualified workers and training current employees.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

9:45-10:30am- Top 10 Mistakes By Fire District Boards – Jeff Dyar, Board President, Upper Pine River Fire Protection District

Sponsored by Statewide Internet Portal Authority

There is a common list of challenges that are present in the majority of Fire District Boards. This session addresses the Top 10 and ways to avoid them.  

10:45-11:45am-Procedures for Hiring and Firing Employees- S. Lorrie Ray, Esq., Director of Membership Development, Mountain States Employers Council

If an employer knows the pitfalls in beginning and end of employment - hiring and firing – many of their problems can be solved.  Come to this fun and informative session to find out the best processes for the beginning . . . and the end.

1:45- 3:00 pm- SDA Annual Business Meeting and Informational Panel on Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101

Sponsored by CSAFE/Davidson Fixed Income Management; Colorado PERA and All Copy Products

Presenters include:  Peter Whitmore, Esq., Sherman & Howard L.L.C.; Rick Kron, Esq., Shareholder, Grimshaw & Harring; and Rick Reiter, (Don’t Hurt Colorado) Campaign

The proposed Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101 appearing on the November ballot would severely impact special districts if they were to pass.  This expert panel will share information about these ballot initiatives and the concerns for special districts.

3:15- 5:00 pm -Standards of Coverage-A Systems Approach to Fire Resource Development- Chief Chris Riley, City of Pueblo Fire Department & President of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs Association

Standards coverage is a written plan determining the distribution and concentration of fire department resources. The standards of coverage process uses a systems approach to deployment rather that a one-size-fits-all prescriptive formula. It includes reviewing community expectations, setting response goals and establishing a system of measuring performance. Through informed public policy deliberations, the District Board of Directors determines the level of fire and EMS protection the community needs (based on risks and expectations) and can afford.

Friday, September 24, 2010

9:45-10:30am-Hiring a Manager/Chief Under Open Meetings & Open Records Acts- Richard Lyons, Esq., Shareholder, Lyons Gaddis Kahn & Hall, P.C.

Does a district need to publish an ad when searching for a new CEO? Can it simply hire from within? Does it need to establish deadlines and qualifications? Does it need to release the names of all applicants? Can the Board ask citizens to participate in the decision making process? How soon after the finalist is selected can a contract be offered? Richard Lyons will answer all these questions regarding the legal requirements for hiring a chief executive officer for your district.

10:45-11:45am-Is Your Retirement Plan in Compliance?- John McNally, Esq., Of Counsel, Hamilton, Faatz and Waller, P.C.; David Kolhoff, Esq., Senior Counsel, Lincoln National Life; and J. Pat Gregory, President, Gregory and Associates

Sponsored by Gregory & Associates

Learn what your district needs to know about offering employee retirement plans, including applicable state and federal laws and identifying out-of-compliance plans.

1:45-3:00pm-What Every Tom, Dick and Mary Jane Should Know About Medical Marijuana in the Workplace-Catherine Tallerico, Esq., Special Counsel, Lyons Gaddis Kahn & Hall, P.C.

Answers to your questions and concerns regarding medical marijuana in the workplace. This is an important session, handling a complicated topic.

To register for the SDA Conference and attend these great sessions, click HERE