Wednesday, August 04
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Municipal Case Law Update
Speaker: Dave Greene, Esq., Executive Director
Agency: PA Local Government Commission
In addition to changing federal and state laws, municipalities must also be knowledgeable on precedential court decisions that affect operations. This session will review recent and notable court decisions that municipal officials and solicitors should be aware of.
12:15 PM
Developing and Implementing a Strong Social Media Policy
Speakers: Adam Santucci, Esq. and Austin Wolfe, Esq.
Firm: McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
Social media has its benefits as a communication tool, but it can also be a legal albatross for municipalities. This session will review what a good social media policy should have and the dos and don’ts of social media usage in a municipal setting.
Lunch Break
Best Practices in Police Management Recruitment and Hiring
Speakers: Scott Blissman, Esq. and Ryan Cassidy, Esq.
Firm: Eckert Seamans
This session will review best practices in police department supervision and recruitment discussion will include important procedures used to ensure you are hiring the best candidates.
Municipal Legal Jeopardy
Speaker: Samuel E. Wiser, Esq.
Firm: Salzmann Hughes, P.C.
This interactive, game show‐themed presentation will encourage participants input while reviewing different categories of municipal law.
Thursday, August 05
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Attorney-Client Privilege in a Municipal Setting
Speaker: Michael M. Miller, Esq.
Firm: Eckert Seamans
This session will examine the unique challenges of maintaining the attorney‐client privilege in the municipal setting, the appropriate purposes underlying the privilege, the privilege in the corporate setting as contrasted with the privilege in the governmental setting, as well as the attorney‐client privilege in criminal proceedings that involve municipal employees.
12:15 PM
The Latest on Zoning and Land Use Regulations
Speaker: Susan J. Smith, Esq.
Firm: Law Office of Susan J. Smith
This session will include comprehensive review of current land use issues, recent federal and state court decisions on land use regulations, and land use legislation plus other legislative initiatives.
Lunch Break
Conducting a Proper Internal Affairs Investigation
Speakers: Christopher P. Gerber, Esq., & Ashley Heiberger
Firm: Siana Law & Retired Police Captain
This session will review the circumstances of a complaint which determines who will be investigating the complaint. Review will include the investigation of a police department or police officer(s) misconduct which can be conducted by the internal affairs unit, executive police officer, or any other outside agency.
Right-to-Know Law Update & Proposed Amendments
Speaker: George Spiess, Chief of Outreach and Training & and Nathan Byerly, Deputy Director
Agency: PA Office of Open Records
This session will review new developments and cases that impact the administration of the Right‐to‐Know Law along with an update on the law’s application to certain police records.
