Wednesday, August 13th:

9 – 10:00 a.m.: Breakfast Buffet, Conference Registration, Networking, & Visit with Sponsors

10 – 10:30 a.m.: Conference Welcome/Introductions

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.: Keynote – “Building a Winning Culture”

Presenter: Ben Barr, Head Coach, Men’s Hockey, University of Maine - Orono

Culture is the heartbeat of every successful organization. In this dynamic session, we’ll explore the essential elements of building and sustaining a high-performance culture that drives results, fosters collaboration, and attracts top talent. Participants will learn proven strategies to align values, inspire leadership at every level, and create an environment where individuals and teams thrive.

Whether you're a leader looking to energize your team or a change agent aiming to transform your organization, this session will equip you with actionable insights to shape a culture that wins—consistently and authentically.

(1.25 MTCMA Human Resources or Leadership credits)

11:45 – 1:15 p.m.: Awards Luncheon Buffet & Annual Meeting Sponsored by Franklin Savings Bank

1:15 – 2:30 p.m.: AI Best Practices, Policies, and Real-World Lessons for Responsible Implementation

Presenter: Brian McDonald, Director of IT & Administration, Maine Municipal Association

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, organizations must adopt thoughtful strategies to ensure responsible, ethical, and effective AI implementation. This session explores the essential best practices and governance policies you should establish when deploying AI systems—from data privacy and transparency to risk assessment and bias mitigation. Through real- world case studies and examples participants will gain insights into both the challenges and successes of AI adoption. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for aligning AI initiatives with organizational values, regulatory requirements, and long-term goals.

(1.25 MTCMA Finance or Legal credits)

2:35 – 3:35 p.m.: Concurrent Sessions

Mental Health De-Escalation Techniques

Presenter: Robert Doherty, Associate Instructor, Verbal Judo Institute

For over 40 years, the Verbal Judo Institute has taught organizations and individuals worldwide how to de-escalate tense encounters verbally. We show our students how to safely and efficiently gain voluntary compliance with poise and professionalism. This training is especially critical when dealing with the community and each other. We help your team implement verbal strategies that empower and respect all parties involved. Additionally, our concepts promote positive communication between team members and departments within the organization. Often, adverse incidents begin with verbal encounters gone wrong. One of the many benefits of Verbal Judo is that it increases personal safety by decreasing the likelihood of negative outcomes.

(1.0 MTCMA Human Resources or Leadership credits)

Capital Planning for All Sizes

Presenter: Marc Roy, CPA, Blue Star Accounting & Advising and Danielle Berube, Finance Director, City of Old Town

Whether you're from a small town just starting to formalize capital planning or a larger municipality managing complex infrastructure and financing, this session is for you. We'll walk through the fundamentals of capital improvement planning and budgeting, then explore more advanced tools and strategies—like multi-year financing, project prioritization, and effective communication of your capital plan to your board and the public. No matter your town's size or experience, you'll leave with practical steps to create a capital plan that fits your community’s needs and resources.

(1.0 MTCMA Leadership or Legal credits)

3:40 – 4:40 p.m.: Concurrent Sessions

The Local Property Tax Struggle: Why Bad Land Use Policy Equals Bad Municipal Financial Policy

Presenters: Kevin Sutherland, Town Manager, Town of Newcastle & Jim Tischler, Development Director, Michigan Land Bank Authority, State of Michigan

Crumbling infrastructure, budget deficits, deferred maintenance, strained budget negotiations… These are symptoms of a chronic lack of funding that comes to a head annually during the municipal budget process. Breaking the cycle requires a fundamental rethink of the relationship between infrastructure, finance, and land use. Join this session and learn about the ‘whole-life’ cycle municipal budgeting model. When applied systemically, this alternative approach provides a platform for municipal budgeting that is based on a land use pattern that strengthens rather than erodes the tax base, positioning Maine communities for greater financial and land use security.

(1.0 MTCMA Elected Relations, Finance, Human Resources or Leadership credits)

Hot Topics with MTCMA Ambassadors

Presenters: MTCMA Ambassadors - Jay Feyler, MTCMA Senior Advisor & Retired Town Manager; Ryan Pelletier, Aroostook County Administrator; Andy Hart, Town Manager, Town of Carmel; Stu Marckoon, Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard, Town of Lamoine; Peggy Daigle, Retired Manager. This session will be moderated by Christine Landes, Town Manager, Town of Chelsea This session mirrors the popular web series “Hot Ones” with a local government spin.

Join a few of the Maine Ambassadors as they are placed in the ‘hot seat’ to answer questions that will impact Maine municipalities in the future.

The panel of Ambassadors will provide their insight on addressing these ‘hot topics’ while also progressively eating spicier hot sauces.

Want in on the action of putting some ‘heat’ on these experienced managers?

There will be some time at the end for a rapid-‘fire’ session of questions submitted by the audience. (1.0 MTCMA Elected Relations, Ethics, Human Resources or Leadership credits)

5 – 6:15 p.m.: Pre-Banquet Reception – Sponsored by Preti Flaherty

6:15 – 8:30 p.m.: Dinner & Awards Banquet** Sponsored by Northeast Bank

Please make sure to choose your meal and add it to your cart. The meal is an additional cost, separate from the conference registration cost.

Thursday, August 14th:

8:30 – 9:30 a.m.: Breakfast Buffet & Conference Registration

9:30 – 10:30 a.m.: Emotional Intelligence - Strategies for Navigating the Post Pandemic Workforce

Presenter: Emily Howe, President, Elemental Consulting

How do you plan your harvest outcome? In this session attendees will:

Assess, evaluate, and teach their team how to identify and prioritize meaningful interventions.

Discussion around identifying the goal moving forward

Action items for immediate implementation will be generated by discussion

Strategies for prioritizing focus of energy and clear/open communication with the team Intervene with intention through consistent and meaningful actions.

Make a plan

Plan your follow up

Plan your success and how to measure

How can we tell if we are doing well and why does it matter

Sustain the change: plan for the long game by setting up success for legacy. The old answer is still the right answer, consistency is key to success

What are you willing to consider changing about your thinking for the growth of… If happiness is the key to success, we have an individual responsibility

(1.0 MTCMA Elected Relations, Ethics, Human Resources or Leadership credits)

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Concurrent Sessions

Proactive Strategies for Addressing PFAS Contamination: From Firefighting Foam; Fires, Controlled Burns, Firefighting training areas, Handling practices & Chloride from Salting Roads

Presenters: John Pond, Executive Vice President and Northeast Environmental Division Director, Haley Ward and Andrew Hart, Town Manager, Town of Carmel

As awareness of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) grows, municipalities must consider the potential impacts of past firefighting practices, including fires, controlled Burns, firefighting training areas, handling practices that may have inadvertently contaminated properties. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and public concern, town leaders must take a proactive approach to understanding and mitigating these risks.

This session will provide municipal officials with insights into the potential presence of PFAS in their communities, the importance of early assessment, and practical steps for sampling and risk management. Attendees will learn how to develop a strategic approach that minimizes financial and environmental liabilities while ensuring transparency with residents.

Haley Ward will share expertise on coordinating evaluation processes, sampling plans, interpreting results, and implementing cost-effective mitigation strategies and working with Regulatory agencies. A case study with the Town of Carmel will illustrate how municipalities have navigated these challenges, including becoming aware of additional concerns related to chloride and PFAS legislation an “Act to Establish the Municipal PFAS Mitigation Assistance & Protection Program.” By staying ahead of emerging concerns, local leaders can protect public health, manage taxpayer exposure, and position their communities for long-term resilience.

(1.0 MTCMA Finance or Legal credits)

Ethics

Presenters: Jessica Cowles, ICMA Senior Ethics Advisor & Panel Discussion with Tom Hall, Town Manager, Town of Scarborough; Shiloh LaFrenier, Town Manager, Town of Jay; & Maria Greeley, Town Manager, Town of Wilton. Session Moderator, Phil Crowell, City Manager, City of Auburn

This session will begin by covering the current issues being seen at ICMA and best practices for state associations in navigating these types of inquiries and/or investigations. The session will conclude with a rapid-fire panel discussion with seasoned Town/City Managers.

(1.0 MTCMA Ethics or Legal credits)

11:30 – 12:30 p.m: Lunch Buffet*

2:00 – 5:00 CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES – Low Cost! Register early, space is limited, times may vary depending on the activity chosen. Activities are an additional low cost to your registration. Don’t forget to add an activity to your cart!

Golf – One of the most spectacular and scenic courses in New England, the Sunday River Golf Club is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design featuring an 18-hole champion course that winds through the Maine woods and overdramatic elevation changes in a stunning mountainside setting.

Overlooking the Sunday River Valley with the Mahoosuc range towering above, the course follows the natural topography of the landscape while striking the perfect balance between challenge and playability. Facilities include a clubhouse, restaurant and bar, pro shop, and practice range. Golf cart included. Make sure to register for golf early, counts are provided 10 days prior to event!

Bowling – Shoes and beverage ticket included. RIVER LANES is an Entertainment Center built from the ground up in 2019. We have 10 Lanes of State-of-the-Art Brunswick Ten Pin Bowling, Largest Arcade in the Area, 3 Pool Tables, Darts, Cornhole, Foosball, 17 Televisions, Private Party Room, and a Full Restaurant and Bar. Offsite at River Lanes in Bethel, transportation on own.

Sponsored by Androscoggin Bank!

Axe Throwing - The 60-minute Axe Throwing gives you the opportunity to hone your skills with optimal accuracy and precision. All necessary equipment is provided.

Archery Course – The 60-minute Archery Course is a great introduction to lifelong archery enjoyment. With tips on best practices from our instructors, you'll learn how to release an arrow with optimal accuracy and precision. All necessary archery equipment is provided.

Scenic Chair lift ride – Escape to the mountains and take a ride up to the top of North Peak on our Chondola for sweeping views of the Sunday River Valley and Mahoosuc Mountains, including the third highest peak in Maine, Old Speck. On the way up, you can choose to ride on an open chair or in an enclosed gondola cabin. Then to head back down, ride in a gondola or walk down one of our hiking trails. Rides are 12 minutes each way. The Chondola powers down at 4PM, so if you are planning to ride the lift back down to the bottom, please load before last chair at 4PM.

Want to stay close to the resort? The Jordan Hotel at Sunday River offers a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, onsite restaurants and spa and massage services at the Jordan Spa.

Visit the Sunday River website for other activities that you can purchase on your own - https://www.sundayriver.com/summer-and-fall-activities

6 – 10:00 p.m.: Dinner/Entertainment/Networking Sponsored by The Mejorando Group

Join us! We’ll start the evening with Paul Giroux who will host the Survey Says trivia game and end with networking and a dance party!

Heavy hors d’oeurvres with a carving station and action stations – something for everyone!

This event will take place at Sliders restaurant in the Jordan Hotel, entertainment and meal is included in the rate. Cash bar available. Don’t forget to add this event to your cart upon checkout!

Friday, August 15th:

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.: Breakfast Buffet

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: MMA Legislative Update

Presenter: Kate Dufour, Director Advocacy & Communications, Maine Municipal Association

Session description TBD

(1.0 MTCMA Elected Relations or Legal credits)

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Concurrent Sessions

PFMLA

Presenters: Matt Tarasevich Esq., Attorney, & Ann Freeman Esq., Attorney, Bernstein Shur

Session description TBD

(1.0 MTCMA Human Resources or Legal credits)

Understanding Property Tax Revaluation: Process, Impact, and Community Engagement Presenters: Justin Porier, Town Manager, Town of Monmouth; James Murphy Jr., Assessors Agent, Murphy Appraisal Services & Nichole Stenberg, Assessor, Town of Oakland

Join us for an insightful session on Property Tax Revaluation, where local government experts and appraisal professionals will demystify the revaluation process and discuss its impact on municipalities and taxpayers. Presenters Justin Poirier, Town Manager of Monmouth; James Murphy Jr., Assessors Agent with Murphy Appraisal Services; and Nichole Stenberg, Assessor for the Town of Oakland, will share their experiences and best practices from recent revaluations.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS:

Booking Link -https://sundayriver.com/booklodging?Group=86H16I&resultFilterValue=J&Checkin=8/12/2025&Checkout=8/15/2025&pid=44448   

Requirement for Tax-Exempt Lodging

Guests who stay with us who are Tax Exempt must provide the following via email [email protected], at the time of booking:

1. State of Maine Tax Exempt Certificate; email [email protected]
2. Credit Card MUST match the Tax Exempt Certificate; guests cannot use a personal credit card.
   1. Copy of Credit Card, both front and back - emailed to [email protected]

Please make sure to black out all Credit Card numbers other than the LAST 4 Digits

If you prefer to speak with a member of the Sunday River reservations team, call:  1-800-207-2365 and mention the MTCMA 2025 Institute when booking your accommodations at the Jordan Hotel.

Rates are as follows:

Standard $145++

Studio Deluxe $145++

Studio Superior $139++

1 Bedroom Suite $209++

2 Bedroom Suite $419++

3 Bedroom Suite $879++

ALL TAX EXEMPTION INFORMATION IS REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED UPON BOOKING. See above instructions.

++Resort service fee 12%, Lodging tax 9%

CANCELLATION POLICY – CONFERENCE FEES/MEALS:

All can­cellations received prior to August 5, 2025 will be assessed a $25.00 administrative processing fee.

Any can­cellation received after 5 p.m. on August 5, 2025 will be charged in full for registration fees, including meal and/or activity fees.

Cancellations must be submitted using this Cancellation form to cancel your registration for an event.

There are no exceptions to this policy.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: The registration fee includes Wednesday, Thursday and Friday’s sessions, breakfasts, lunches and materials. The Awards Banquet, Activities and Networking Event are priced separately from conference registration fee and overnight accommodations. Please pre-register for these meals/activities – additional meals will only be sold at the event based on availability. Any registrations received within 3 business days before the start of the Conference will be registered at the door registration rate and meal selection will be subject to availability.

ADA MESSAGE: In order to ensure your complete participation in this conference, we would appreciate your informing us of any special requirements you need in advance.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: We do our best to plan meals according to general dietary guidelines. If you have a specific dietary restriction, please call our office at least 7 business days prior to the start of the event. Please note that we are not able to accommodate onsite requests, as catering planning happens in advance of the event.