In partnership with the National League of Cities and the Iowa League of Cities, the Center for Public Democracy at Drake University will host the first annual National Civility Summit for Local Government on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.

Employers take note that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a new poster intended to replace its long running “EEO is the Law” poster. Entitled "Know Your Rights," the new poster includes updated language and clarifications that more clearly inform employees and applicants of their right to be free from unlawful workplace harassment and discrimination under federal law. Covered employers are urged to update their posters as soon as possible. 

Dislocated worker grants available for residents of Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, Sagadahoc, or York County who have been impacted by the opioid crisis. 

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry announces upcoming events including Browntail Moth Mitigation Fund Rulemaking.

The Maine Attorney General is announcing the first meeting of the Maine Recovery Council.  Municipal officials are urged to attend the meeting, which will take place on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 1:00pm in the Maine State House, Room 228 (Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs). 

Southern Maine Community College's "Seven Keys to a Successful Negotiation" workforce training blends leading academic principles with lessons learned from a successful business career. The training is free to employees of MMA member municipalities and will take place fully online.

The Maine Connectivity Authority last week released the application for its Connect the Ready grants, intended to encourage proactive partnerships and collaborative efforts to design, fund, and build broadband infrastructure projects in eligible areas. Eligible applicants for this $20 million in grants include internet service providers, or broadband utility districts, and other governmental entities that have chosen ISP partners.

The Maine CDC, Division of Public Health Systems has large quantities of PPE available for donation to municipalities, including surgical masks, Tyvek suits, and disinfecting wipes.  Supplies are available on a first come first serve basis and must be picked up in Augusta by appointment.

If you are interested in placing an order, please contact Steven Boucouvalas at Steven.Boucouvalas@maine.gov.  

Most are aware of last year’s amendment to Maine’s Right to Know Law that permanently authorized remote participation at public proceedings by board and committee members.  But did you know that the law was amended again this year? MMA Legal Services explains the amendments and provides an updated sample policy in the links below:

The Maine Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, through the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, and managed by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, is seeking applications for grants to fund programs offering wellness supports to agricultural populations in Maine, including improving access to physical and mental health services.  The application process closes on November 15.  Please visit this link for more information on how this opportunity could help your community. 

Up to $5,000 in grant funding for historical building energy audits is now available from the Maine Community Foundation’s Belvedere Historic Preservation and Energy Efficiency grant program.  Eligible buildings must be owned by a nonprofit or municipality and be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  For more information, visit this link.

Municipal officials are invited to attend the Accelerating Infrastructure Summit, a virtual event, on Thursday, October 13, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. The summit will feature announcements to accelerate the benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will provide resources to help rebuild roads and bridges; expand access to high-speed internet; deploy clean energy; and strengthen community resilience to climate change. 

Elaine Aloes, Solon Selectboard Chair, was sworn in as MMA President during the Maine Municipal Association’s 86th Annual Convention last week.

In addition to serving her community for nearly three decades, Aloes has served on MMA’s governing board for six years and in 2022, chaired the Association’s Legislative Policy Committee which establishes MMA’s position on state legislation of municipal significance. Prior to acting as its chair, Aloes was an elected member of the policy committee for 21 years.

“When I was first elected to office, I sure didn’t know what I was getting into,” she admitted. “However, I was fortunate to have an experienced selectman on our board who valued MMA and the services and training provided to municipal leaders.”  In her acceptance speech, Aloes went on to praise the numerous municipal officials who volunteer to serve on the Association and affiliate groups’ committees, noting that “each of us is what makes our towns, MMA, and the State great.

Judy Akers, Poland Town Clerk, received the prestigious 2022 Ethel N. Kelley Award during the Maine Municipal Association’s 86^th Annual Convention on Wednesday evening.

Akers, who has served as the community’s town clerk for 46 years, is believed to be one of the longest serving clerks in Maine. She is widely respected for her ability to bring Poland’s residents together to resolve difficult and contentious problems in a thoughtful and respectful manner. True to the traits of a longtime clerk, Akers is firm in her adherence to established municipal rules and procedures to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and respectfully.

Sutherland Weston, a Maine-based marketing agency, is hosting the Maine-Stay Conference which will be held at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on Oct. 19 and 20, 2022.  The program is targeted at tourism and hospitality industry leaders seeking information on how to use marketing to transition their businesses into tourist-attracting/customer-retaining entities.  Interested municipal leaders, community economic development officials and planners are also welcomed to participate in the conversations.  Additionally, scholarships are available to help cover the cost of the program.  For more information, please click on this link.