"Monthly news and updates from the Maine Municipal Association."

Contents:
* August Winner of a 2-Day Convention Registration
* Municipal Acceptance of Credit Cards
* Maine Digital Government Summit
* Ethel N. Kelley Memorial Award
* InforME Survey
*.State Planning Office Announces Climate Change Website
* New Members - MMA Executive Committee
* Ocean Energy Public Information Meetings
* Keep Checking the PUC Website
* Upcoming Workshops and Training
* National Interoperability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG)
* FYI: Wind Energy Conference & Crisis Leadership for Local Officials

August Winner of 2-Day Convention Registration

Congratulations to Mexico's Selectman, George Byam, as the August winner of a free two-day registration for MMA's Annual Convention, October 7 - 8 at the Augusta Civic Center.

To view the programs, special events, and to register online, go to the Attendees Area on MMA's website.

New Legislation on Municipal Acceptance of Credit Cards

A new law, effective September 12, 2009, amends the Maine Consumer Credit Code to authorize cities and towns to pass along some credit and debit card transaction fees to consumers.

However, there are a number of practical and legal issues that should be carefully considered before implementing this new authority. MMA Legal Services has begun receiving calls from municipalities interested in accepting credit card payments, and has developed some initial guidance outlining some of the major issues for municipalities considering accepting credit/debit card payments.

Careful comparison of the various service options, fees and costs is recommended. Additional information on practical and legal issues is planned for an upcoming edition of the Maine Townsman.

Click here for a document outlining some of the major issues.

Maine Digital Government Summit – October 6, 2009, Civic Center, Augusta

This event is for and about state and local government. The purpose of the event is to foster discussion and dialogue on the use of information technology as a strategic tool for managers, executives and policy makers. Municipal level representatives are active in preparing the information presented at this event.

For further information about this event please contact Lisa Leahy, State of Maine Office of Information Technology at 624-9504 or lisa.leahy@maine.gov or go to the event's website.

Ethel N. Kelley Memorial Award

The Maine Municipal Association would like to thank those of you who nominated one of your own for MMA’s most prestigious award, the Ethel N. Kelley Memorial Award. The award recognizes dedication to the cause of good local government including such attributes as selfless concern for people; demonstrated capability, efficiency and willingness to hold an organization together; as well as conscientious service and longevity.

This year’s Selection Committee of MMA Past Presidents included Michael McGovern, Candace Guerette, and Gary Brown. The Committee met on September 8, 2009 to review twelve outstanding candidates, nominated by their fellow peers. This is the 24th consecutive year the Maine Municipal Association will bestow the Ethel N. Kelley Memorial Award to a deserving individual.

The 2009 recipient will remain anonymous over the next several weeks and will be announced at the MMA Awards Luncheon during the MMA Annual Convention on Thursday, October 8, 2009.

We hope many of you will be participating in this year’s MMA Annual Convention and will be present at the Awards Luncheon to witness this special occasion.

InforME needs your feedback!

InforME, the e-government provider for the State of Maine, is conducting a survey of municipalities as part of an annual user needs study. They want to know how they can better serve you.

Please take about 5 minutes to complete the following survey before the deadline of October 1, 2009. At the end of the survey, you'll have a chance to be entered into a prize drawing for a Maine.gov stainless steel water bottle!      Go to Survey

State Planning Office Announces "Planning for Climate Change" Website

The site offers a brief list of climate change planning resources for local officials and planners. Go to website

Election & Appointment of Members to Serve on MMA Executive Committee

The Maine Municipal Association would like to thank its Municipal Members for casting their Voting Ballots to elect municipal officials to serve on the Executive Committee. The following newly elected members will formally begin their terms on January 1, 2010.

Vice President: Mark Green, Town Manager, Town of Sanford
Members: Matthew Arnett, Mayor, Town of Hampden, Joyce Maker, Councilor, City of Calais, and Peter Nielsen, Town Manager, Town of Oakland

The Maine Municipal Association is also pleased to announce that the Executive Committee recently ratified President Galen Larrabee’s appointment of Errol “Abe” Additon, Selectman for the Town of Leeds, to fill the vacant seat on the MMA Executive Committee created by the election of Mark Green as the incoming MMA Vice President for 2010. Mr. Additon will formally begin his two-year term beginning January 1, 2010.

Please join us in congratulating and thanking Mark Green, Matthew Arnett, Joyce Maker, Peter Nielsen and Errol Addition for their willingness to serve the Association.

Meetings about possible demonstration sites (map) for new offshore wind technologies will take place on the following dates, at the following locations:

September 15, Wiscasset, Wiscasset Community Center, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
September 16, Machias, UMaine Machias Performing Arts Center, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
September 22, Wells,  Wells High School Auditorium, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
September 29, Rockport, Samoset Resort, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

For more information, contact: Lorraine Lessard or call (207) 287-1486 or go to Ocean Energy Task Force website.