The Alabama League of Municipalities
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Serving Municipalities since 1935. rganized in 1935, the Alabama League of Municipalities has repeatedly Odemonstrated that the unified voices and collective actions of dedicated municipal officials are a compelling force in articulating the concerns, solving the problems and achieving the goals of its member municipalities. For 80 years, the League has served as the recognized voice of Alabama’s cities and towns. Through the years, the League has grown steadily and now serves 452 member municipalities. This voluntary membership brings officials of cities and towns together in a fellowship of public service which strengthens and guides local government in a progressive, responsible fashion. The League conducts continuing studies of the legislative, administrative and operational needs, problems and functions of Alabama’s municipal governments; holds conferences and meetings at which views and experiences of officials may be exchanged; encourages in the people of Alabama a sympathetic appreciation of the duties, responsibilities and rights of both municipal government and the citizen; and works to secure enactment of legislation which will enable all cities and towns to perform their functions more efficiently and effectively. The League continually strives to promote the understanding and importance of municipal government and administration, thereby advancing the welfare of the people of Alabama. For more information about the League, visit www.alalm.org. Welcome to the Alabama League of Municipalities’ 80th Annual Convention! Officials Spouses May 16-19, 2015 Tuscaloosa, Alabama City of Tuscaloosa Welcome Letter ................................4 General Information ...................................................5-6 The League’s New Convention App ............................7 Clerks Quick Guide to the Convention .................................7-8 Saturday, May 16 .......................................................9-11 Sunday, May 17 ......................................................11-14 Monday, May 18 ....................................................15-17 Tuesday, May 19 ....................................................17-18 Passport Prize Program Info .........................................20 Convention Sponsor List ...........................................21 AAPPA Program for Spouses/Guests of Registrants..............23-24 2015 Municipal Flag Showcase Participants .............24 Program for Municipal Clerks ..............................25-27 Program for AAPPA ................................................28-29 League Past Presidents .........................................30-31 Executive Committee 2014-2015 .........................32-33 League Staff ...............................................................33 Exhibitors Active League Members ......................................34-35 Celebrating 80 Years ............................................36-39 Exhibitors ...............................................................40-43 Future Convention Date ............................................42 General & Concurrent Session Speaker Bios ..........44-54 Al Walker, Humorist .................................................55 3 Welcome to Tuscaloosa! Friends, On behalf of the citizens of Tuscaloosa, it is with great anticipation that I welcome you to the City of Champions. After a five decade absence, we are proud to host the 2015 Alabama League of Municipalities Convention, and look forward to making the next few days fun and exciting. Tuscaloosa was born beside the Black Warrior River nearly 200 years ago; however, our spirit is young at heart and energized by the transformation taking place across our City. Downtown has seen a public/private investment of over $100 million, which has created a Central City where you can live, work and play. While Tuscaloosa is famous for its gridiron action, the City of Champions is also home to the original Dreamland Barbeque and a multitude of historic homes, museums and parks. You can take a stroll along the RiverWalk, shop our River Market and visit downtown for a variety of restaurants and exciting nightlife. Our riverfront has experienced its own renewal, with the addition of new recreational trails, businesses and restaurants. In 2011, the City opened a 7,500-seat riverfront amphitheater, which is a state-of-the-art venue hosting major performances and countless community events such as the symphony, theater and choral music. We hope you will join us for a night of Spotlights and Sweet Bites at the amphitheater, Saturday, May 16th at 8:00 p.m. Again, we are excited you are here and welcome you to Tuscaloosa! Sincerely, Walter Maddox Mayor 4 ATTENTION!! The League cares about the safety of everyone who attends our Convention. All attendees at League Convention functions are reminded that some facilities this year are being used for purposes other than their intended purpose. Those attending League Convention functions assume all risk and are expected to exercise due care while in and around these and other facilities. Additionally, some areas of these facilities are off limits and must NOT be entered for ANY reason. General Information Welcome to the League’s 2015 Annual Convention! The following suggestions are offered to help you make the most out of your attendance – to aide you in learning invaluable information that will be useful in governing your city. • Look for new ideas by talking to officials from other cities. • Take notes to help you remember key points. • Participate in discussion groups and ask questions. • Visit the EXPO Hall to network with more than 140 vendors and state agencies • Enjoy yourself – take advantage of the social festivities and make new friends. As in previous years, the 2015 convention offers a positive, realistic look at critical issues facing cities and towns and also provides an excellent opportunity for you to meet with officials from across the state to share ideas, experiences and concerns. Registration Desk Hours • Saturday, May 16 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. • Sunday, May 17 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. • Monday, May 18 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. • Tuesday, May 19 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. continued next page 4 5 Badges – Please wear your convention badge. Badges must be worn for admittance to meal functions. If your badge is lost, obtain a new one from the registration desk. Message Board – Messages for delegates will be posted near the Convention Registration Desk. Please check the Message Board throughout the Convention for messages and special announcements. During registration hours listed above, the telephone number for the League Registration Desk is: 205-348-8602 Policy Development – The Resolutions Committee meeting on Saturday morning presents an opportunity for officials to participate in developing a proposed statement of municipal policy for consideration at the Business Session on Monday. Meal Tickets – Your convention badge will serve as your ticket to all meal functions. Exhibits – The exhibit area will be in the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility and will be open on Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday’s breakfast will be served in the Expo Hall to allow more time for delegates and guests to visit with vendors and state agencies. Disabilities – If special arrangements are needed, please contact the League staff at the Convention Registration Desk located in the Bryant Conference Center Concourse. Smoking – All facilities are non-smoking. Attire: Casual dress is appropriate for all meetings. Business attire is appropriate for the Monday evening banquet. NOTE: All attendees are reminded that any form of harassment, sexual or otherwise, is inappropriate and constitutes unacceptable conduct under policies adopted by the Alabama League of Municipalities. This type behavior will NOT be tolerated. Attendees must be aware that their behavior affects others and reflects on them and their local government. 6 Convention Quick Guide * These sessions qualify for credit in the Certified Municipal Officials Training Program – See main program for details. Download our FREE convention app! Convention schedules, speaker bios, Expo Hall vendors – all at your fingertips! To download, search for “ALM Events” in the App Store with iTunes or Google Play. Convention Info also Available Online! For a Convention schedule, Expo Hall information and any pertinent handouts, visit our website at alalm.org and select “Convention 2015 Online Program” under Quick Links. The website is mobile friendly and should easily adjust to fit your mobile and tablet screens. Saturday, May 16 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration Bryant Conference Center 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Municipal Clerks Conference Hotel Capstone 11 a.m. Resolutions Committee* Bryant Conference Center 1 p.m. AMIC Annual Meeting Bryant Conference Center 3 - 5 p.m. OPENING SESSION* Bryant Conference Center 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. ABC-LEO Reception Bryant Museum 8 p.m. City of Tuscaloosa Dessert Reception Tuscaloosa Amphitheater (see p.11 for details) continued next page 6 7 Sunday, May 17 7:30 a.m. Annual Municipal Golf Outing Ol’ Colony Golf Complex, Tuscaloosa 8, 9:30 or 11:30 a.m. Church of the Highlands Bryant Conference Center 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Registration Bryant Conference Center 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions* 3:30 - 4:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions* see pp. 13-14 for locations 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Exhibitors Showcase & Reception** Hank Crisp Indoor Facility Monday, May 18 8:00 - 10:30 a.m. Breakfast in the EXPO Hall Hank Crisp Indoor Facility