Session I Class Information - indianatownshipassoc.org · Session VI Class Information Contracts,...

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Session I Class Information SBOA Report "Hot Topics" Session I Presented By: Chase Lenon Director of Audit Services [email protected] 317-232-2512 https://www.in.gov/sboa/4445.htm Jonathan Wineinger Director of Audit Services [email protected] 317-232-2512 https://www.in.gov/sboa/4445.htm Grants From Beginning to End Session I Presented By: Christi Southerland 317-650-7069 continued on next page ITA Annual Educational Conference September 21 & 22, 2020 The State Board of Accounts (SBOA) has released several memos on accounting for and complying with State/Federal guidelines regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and operating during a public health emergency. SBOA would like to present information related to Federal Stimulus Grants proactively rather than you being surprised in your next audit! In addition, SBOA will go over other hot topics and frequently asked questions they have received this year. Some of these topics include SBOA compliance requirements, Indiana Code sections, virtual auditing procedures, and common audit findings, along with other relevant compliance topics from a state/federal agency perspective. Chase was born and raised in Kokomo, Indiana, where he attended Northwestern High School. He graduated from Ball State University with a Masters in Accountancy. Chase began his career with the State Board of Accounts in June of 2013. Chase worked on State audits and in the procured audits divison. Beginning in September of 2016 Chase moved to the role of advising Schools and Townships. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife Rebecca and his two Australian cattle dogs. Jonathan was born and raised in Salem, Indiana, where he attended Salem High School. He graduated from Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Indiana in 2003. Jonathan began his career with the State Board of Accounts in November of 2003. Jonathan worked in the field for over fifteen years leading audits of Schools, Counties, Cities, Towns, Townships, and other special districts. Beginning in February of 2019 Jonathan moved to the role of advising Schools and Townships. He continues to live in Salem, IN with his wife Amber and his two children, Reece, and Reagan. A multitude of grant opportunities are available for townships but determining project eligibility for the various programs can be daunting. In this session we will cover grant basics, how to search for grant programs, define eligibility, and give tips for successful applications. Information on grants related to COVID19 will be included in this presentation. Page 1

Transcript of Session I Class Information - indianatownshipassoc.org · Session VI Class Information Contracts,...

Page 1: Session I Class Information - indianatownshipassoc.org · Session VI Class Information Contracts, Policies & Agreements - Working Within the Lines. Session VI continued on next page.

Session I Class Information

SBOA Report "Hot Topics"Session I

Presented By: Chase Lenon Director of Audit Services [email protected] 317-232-2512

https://www.in.gov/sboa/4445.htm

Jonathan Wineinger Director of Audit [email protected] 317-232-2512https://www.in.gov/sboa/4445.htm

Grants From Beginning to EndSession I

Presented By:Christi Southerland 317-650-7069 continued on next page

ITA Annual Educational Conference September 21 & 22, 2020

The State Board of Accounts (SBOA) has released several memos on accounting for and complying with State/Federal guidelines regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and operating during a public health emergency. SBOA would like to present information related to Federal Stimulus Grants proactively rather than you being surprised in your next audit! In addition, SBOA will go over other hot topics and frequently asked questions they have received this year. Some of these topics include SBOA compliance requirements, Indiana Code sections, virtual auditing procedures, and common audit findings, along with other relevant compliance topics from a state/federal agency perspective.

Chase was born and raised in Kokomo, Indiana, where he attended Northwestern High School. He graduated from Ball State University with a Masters in Accountancy. Chase began his career with the State Board of Accounts in June of 2013. Chase worked on State audits and in the procured audits divison. Beginning in September of 2016 Chase moved to the role of advising Schools and Townships. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife Rebecca and his two Australian cattle dogs.

Jonathan was born and raised in Salem, Indiana, where he attended Salem High School. He graduated from Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Indiana in 2003. Jonathan began his career with the State Board of Accounts in November of 2003. Jonathan worked in the field for over fifteen years leading audits of Schools, Counties, Cities, Towns, Townships, and other special districts. Beginning in February of 2019 Jonathan moved to the role of advising Schools and Townships. He continues to live in Salem, IN with his wife Amber and his two children, Reece, and Reagan.

A multitude of grant opportunities are available for townships but determining project eligibility for the various programs can be daunting. In this session we will cover grant basics, how to search for grant programs, define eligibility, and give tips for successful applications. Information on grants related to COVID19 will be included in this presentation.

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Township Assistance AdministrationSession I

Presented By:Debbie DriskellITA Executive Directorddriskell@indianatownshipassoc.org317.813.3240www.indianatownshipassoc.org Debbie Driskell is serving her 30th year as the Delaware Township Trustee in Hamilton County (Fishers) and her 15th year as the ITA Executive Director. She has worked to live out her passion to see others be the best they can be in a job that is vital to the fabric of our communities.

Jeffrey M. [email protected] and Managing Shareholder of Thrasher, Buschmann & Voelkel, P.C. and ITA General Counsel. Jeff is a practicing government services, real estate and litigation attorney based in Indianapolis, Indiana and serves as general and special counsel to Township’s throughout the State of Indiana. Jeff has represented Townships in Court on boundary disputes, fence law, land use, construction, and tax levy matters. He has also counseled on Fire

Christi Southerland is the Managing Partner at Prosperity Ag, working with clients throughout the United States. Christi offers over nine years of experience in the energy and agriculture sector. With a passion for agriculture and rural communities, she enjoys helping clients find solutions and navigating them to success.

Walk through the required and recommended components of township Assistance Administrative Standards / Guidelines. Understand the statutes by which we must operate. Ideal for new trustees and township board members!

Territory formation and Fire District operations. He regularly counsels Townships on purchasing, personnel, borrowing, construction, land sales, township assistance, indigent burial, cemeteries, and all manner of legal and practical issues that Trustees face. Jeff was recognized in 2013 and 2014 as a Super Lawyer “Rising Star” by his profession for quality legal work and integrity. He is a graduate of Indiana University McKinney School of Law. He is a native of Pike County, Indiana and resides in Fishers, Indiana with his wife Jessica and their three children.

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Session II Class Information

The Open Door Law & Public RecordsSession II

Presented By:Luke BrittIndiana Public Access [email protected]/pac

Generating Revenue for Fire & EMSSession II

Presented By:Curt CoonrodCertified Public [email protected]

Ben RoegerCertified Public [email protected]

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A comprehensive look at government transparency in Indiana and how it affects township government.

Luke H. Britt was appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve as Indiana's Public Access Counselor in August of 2013, a non-partisan office dedicated to preserving the access rights of the public and educating government officials on their responsibilities under Indiana’s access laws. Now the longest-serving PAC in state history, he previously served as an attorney and operations manager for the Indiana State Department of Health and as an attorney for the Indiana Department of Child Services after beginning his career in private practice in Johnson County, Indiana. Britt received his undergraduate B.A. degree in Journalism from Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana (2002); an M.B.A. from the University of Indianapolis (2015); and a J.D. from the University Of Detroit Mercy School Of Law in Detroit, Michigan (2005) and is admitted to the Indiana bar. He regularly guest lectures on journalism, civics and law at Indiana universities and colleges.

During these difficult times, it is imperative that your local government makes use of all resources available. This discussion panel-style session focuses on practical ideas to maximize revenue for your township's fire and emergency medical services.

Mr. Coonrod is a certified public accountant whose practice involves services to Indiana local governmental financial management. His work involves helping clients understand and deal with the regulatory framework within which local government operates in Indiana. His clients are Indiana municipalities, counties, and townships. His work includes budgeting and planning for these entities.

Mr. Roeger’s practice involves services to local government financial management. He helps his clients better understand how they will be fiscally impacted by Indiana regulatory measures. His clients are Indiana municipalities, counties and townships. He also stays active in government serving as the Treasurer for several political committees across the State of Indiana.

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Stephanie LillyFiscal [email protected]

Administering Township Assistance Part ISession II

Presented By:Debbie DriskellITA Executive Directorddriskell@indianatownshipassoc.org317.813.3240www.indianatownshipassoc.org Debbie Driskell is serving her 30th year as the Delaware Township Trustee in Hamilton County (Fishers) and her 15th year as the ITA Executive Director. She has worked to live out her passion to see others be the best they can be in a job that is vital to the fabric of our communities.

Session III Class Information

Township Fire Protection Duties: Hear from the ExpertsSession III

Presented By:

[email protected] continued on next page

Ms. Lilly provides services to local units of Indiana government. Her clients are primarily Indiana townships, municipalities and special districts. She collaborates with her clients to help them best deal with the both the intricacies of the state regulation of local government in Indiana and the practical carrying-out of unit policies and procedures.

A comprehensive walk through the processes involved in providing the service of Township Assistance. This two-part class will teach what is permissable, what is forbidden and what makes practical sense. We will cover everything from the client's first call or visit through an appeal. The ITA Township Assistance Handbook and ITA Sample Administrative Standards will be referenced and are available on the ITA website for download. This class is highly recommended for all township personnel who are involved in the assistance delivery system: Trusteees, caseworkers and investigators.

This seminar covers the legal obligations and authority of Townships to provide Fire Protection, which includes EMS and Rescue. It will provide a general overview of methods for providing fire protection, including; operating a career department, inter-local agreements, and contracting with volunteer fire companies. Acquiring and organizing equipment ownership in these relationships will be addressed. The seminar will also address volunteer fire contract and insurance requirements, funding and paying for fire protection, determining your fire levy, buying fire protection equipment, borrowing for equipment or housing purchases, public purchasing requirements, and borrowing risks.

Jeffrey M. Bellamy, President and Managing Shareholder of Thrasher, Buschmann & Voelkel, P.C. and ITA General

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Joel ThackerState Fire [email protected] (317) 232-2226 https://www.in.gov/dhs/4211.htm

Don HodsonTrustee of Washington Township-Hendricks [email protected] (personal) or 317-272-1835 officeWashington Township, Hendricks County

and Wabash College earning a BA majoring in political science and speech. He has been registered with the Boy Scouts for 60 years and is an Eagle Scout, former Scoutmaster and Council Camping Chairman. He is charter founder and past president of the Avon Heritage Festival. While Trustee, the Township built a new Township Government Center/Fire Headquarters; developed a second township park that has a nature center, campgrounds, outdoor classroom, and pond; remodeled the oldest fire station; is currently in the process of developing a fire training grounds and purchased 10 acres for a new fire station and 46 acres for a third park. All of this was done paying cash that was saved in RAINY Day Funds. The Township is also in the beginning stages of building a new Fire Station with an anticipated completion at the end of 2021.

Thacker began his career as a first responder in 1992 as an EMT and volunteer firefighter in central Indiana. Five years later, he became a career firefighter serving in Brownsburg and then Johnson County’s White River Township. Thacker served in Brownsburg as assistant chief before moving to Plainfield in 2015 to become the division chief of fire prevention and administration. He was sworn in as Plainfield fire chief in 2017. Thacker earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in criminal justice and public safety from IUPUI.

Don Hodson has served as the Trustee of Washington Township, Hendricks County since January 1, 2011. He has lived in Avon, Indiana since 1984. He is a widower with three grown children and 8 grandchildren- ages 5- 22. He is a graduate from Plainfield High School

Jeff Bellamy is a practicing government services, real estate and litigation attorney based in Indianapolis, Indiana and serves as general and special counsel to Township’s throughout the State of Indiana. Jeff has represented Townships in Court on boundary disputes, fence law, land use, construction, and tax levy matters. He has also counseled on Fire Territory formation and Fire District operations. He regularly counsels Townships on purchasing, personnel, borrowing, construction, land sales, township assistance, indigent burial, cemeteries, and all manner of legal and practical issues that Trustees face. Jeff was recognized in 2013 and 2014 as a Super Lawyer “Rising Star” by his profession for quality legal work and integrity. He is a graduate of Indiana University McKinney School of Law. He is a native of Pike County, Indiana and resides in Fishers, Indiana with his wife Jessica and their three children.

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Unraveling the Mysteries of the 1782 NoticeSession III

Presented By:Paige SansonePartner, Baker Tilly Municipal [email protected]

Administering Township Assistance Part IISession III

Presented By:Debbie Driskell ITA Executive [email protected] is serving her 30th year as the Delaware Township Trustee in Hamilton County (Fishers) and her 15th year as the ITA Executive Director. She has worked to live out her passion to see others be the best they can be in a job that is vital to the fabric of our communities.

This session will walk through each page of the DLGF’s preliminary budget document (1782 Notice) and provide guidance on the critical items to review and what changes can be requested during the 10-day review period. If possible, have your township's 2019 Certified Budget documents (the 1782) in front of you for this class.

Paige Sansone is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and a Masters of Professional Accountancy. In 2008, Paige successfully completed the requirements to become licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Indiana. Paige joined Umbaugh (now Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors) in September 2003 as the Budget Services Coordinator. Since 2003, Paige has been involved with several professional engagements including financial studies for municipalities that often involved the determination of the impact of levies, tax rates and assessed values based on various scenarios arising from local or legislative initiatives. Prior to joining the firm, Paige was employed as the Assistant Budget Director for the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF). Over the five years Paige spent with the DLGF, her primary focus was on local government budgeting. She started as a Budget Field Representative where she gained a vast knowledge of local government budgeting policies and procedures assisting all types of local taxing units with budget preparation and problem solving. Originally from Lawrenceburg, Paige now resides with her husband in Zionsville, Indiana.

A comprehensive walk through the processes involved in providing the service of Township Assistance. This two-part class will teach what is permissable, what is forbidden and what makes practical sense. We will cover everything from the client's first call or visit through an appeal. The ITA Township Assistance Handbook and ITA Sample Administrative Standards will be referenced and are available on the ITA website for download. This class is highly recommended for all township personnel who are involved in working with township assistance clients: Trusteees, caseworkers and investigators.

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Session IV Class Information

The Roles of the Trustee & Board in Fulfilling the Duties of OfficeSession IV

Presented By:Jeffrey M. [email protected]

Debbie Driskell ITA Executive [email protected] is serving her 30th year as the Delaware Township Trustee in Hamilton County (Fishers) and her 15th year as the ITA Executive Director. She has worked to live out her passion to see others be the best they can be in a job that is vital to the fabric of our communities.

Financing Essential EquipmentSession IV

Presented By:Mark WuellnerExecutive [email protected](317) 233-0093http://inbondbank.com continued on next page

Specific duties which are assigned to township government will be presented and explained. This class will: differentiate between the roles of the Trustee and Township Board (an often misunderstood relationship); give an overview of statutes related to carrying out the responsibilities of office; and provide a solid checklist to maintain in order fulfill your comittment to office.

President and Managing Shareholder of Thrasher, Buschmann & Voelkel, P.C. and ITA General Counsel. Jeff is a practicing government services, real estate and litigation attorney based in Indianapolis, Indiana and serves as general and special counsel to Township’s throughout the State of Indiana. Jeff has represented Townships in Court on boundary disputes, fence law, land use, construction, and tax levy matters. He has also counseled on Fire Territory formation and Fire District operations.

He regularly counsels Townships on purchasing, personnel, borrowing, construction, land sales, township assistance, indigent burial, cemeteries, and all manner of legal and practical issues that Trustees face. Jeff was recognized in 2013 and 2014 as a Super Lawyer “Rising Star” by his profession for quality legal work and integrity. He is a graduate of Indiana University McKinney School of Law. He is a native of Pike County, Indiana and resides in Fishers, Indiana with his wife Jessica and their three children.

The class session will cover affordable ways in which Townships can finance equipment like firetrucks, ambulances and really any equipment under the sun. In addition to our staff, IBB will bring in external professionals (attorneys, financial institutions, other state partners, etc.) to discuss the different nuances and benefits of financing when it comes to essential equipment purchases.

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Ron MangusDirector of [email protected](317) 233-0091http://inbondbank.com

Brian CarmanProgram Development [email protected](317) 233-0090http://inbondbank.com

Indiana Social Services: What Trustees Might Want to Know Session IV

Presented By:Peggy Welch, Moderator Thomas Hartnett-RussellChief Advocacy Officer, FSSA Community Programs Manager--EAP, [email protected] [email protected] Halleck Rachel LaneDeputy Director and Chief of Staff, Division of Mental Health and

Chief Transformation Officer, FSSA

[email protected] [email protected] Ferren Tara Morse, DirectorDeputy Director, IN211, FSSA IN211, FSSA and Director of ISDH Contract Tracing

[email protected] [email protected] Gilbert Adrienne ShieldsChief Science Officer, FSSA Director, Division of Family Resources, [email protected] [email protected]

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Ron Mangus is the Indiana Bond Bank’s Director of Operations. In this role, he is responsible for the oversight of the daily operations and programs of the Indiana Bond Bank and has been with the Bond Bank over 20 years. Ron has a MPA from Indiana University, Indianapolis and a BA from Purdue University.

As Program Development Director, Brian is responsible for marketing, communications, outreach, programmatic analyses, development, and evolution of programs. Brian has an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and a Masters in Business Administration from the IU Kelley School of Business.

Indiana’s township trustees and providers of social services are closely connected as both groups come alongside Hoosiers to assist them when they are in need. A panel of Indiana state government social service leaders have come together to provide updates on programs and issues that are of interest to trustees: Project Food; Hoosier Health and Well-Being Atlas; Be Well Indiana website and hotline; Indiana Community Connect; Energy Assistance Program; SNAP, TANF, and HIP; and COVID contact tracing.

As the Executive Director for the Indiana Bond Bank, Mark is responsible for the overall performance of the IBB. In this role, Mark provides vision, purpose, strategy, coaching and direction to the IBB staff team, the IBB Board of Directors and involved stakeholders.

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Session V Class Information

Employee Benefits: Indiana Township Opportunity Review 2020 Session V

Presented By:Jaren HornbeakBenefits Advisorjaren.hornbeak@jabenefits.com812.329.6053www.jabenefits.com

Megan MartinSBU Benefits [email protected]

Cory JohnsonBenefits [email protected] 812.329.6051www.jabenefits.com

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Megan brings a fresh perspective and strong community ties to JA. Megan received her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Indiana University. In 2017, she obtained her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).

Cory is an experienced Benefits Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry. With his strong entrepreneurship and professional skills in Asset Management, Start-ups, Financial Structuring, Health Insurance, and Risk Management, he hopes to help companies take back control of their benefits. As for education, Cory received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, graduating from DePauw with honors and distinction in the Management Fellows Program. He later pursued and received a Masters of Business Administration degree from University of Chicago Booth School of Business, focusing on Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship.

Have you explored all of your employee benefits possibilities? It is no secret that the cost of healthcare, particularly here in indiana, has been rising at alarming rate. Join the experts from JA Benefits for a comprehensive review on where Indiana stands amongst other states in overall healthcare cost, an overview of different opportunities available to townships outside of the traditional fully-insured model, and a sample strategic plan for benefits.

Jaren brings a fresh perspective on effective communication, problem-solving and strong listening skills to team JA. In 2018, Jaren received his Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Hanover College where he was a member of the Business Scholars Program. Jaren is also a Licensed Producer of Life, Accident, and Health Coverage and has his Health Plan Navigation Certification and HIPAA Privacy Certification.

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Public Funds: Permissible Investments and Avoiding FraudSession V

Presented By:Mike FrickChief Deputy Treasurer and Portfolio Manager for the State of [email protected]

Kim LoganDeputy Treasurer of [email protected]

Ryan LockeDeputy Treasurer & Executive Director of the Indiana Board for [email protected]/tos/deposit/

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Learn how Indiana Code allows you to invest tax dollars and key steps to identifing internal fraud.

Mike is a Deputy Treasurer and the Portfolio Manager for the Indiana State Treasurer’s office. He has been employed by the Indiana State Treasurer’s office since 1990.

One of his first roles with the Treasurer’s office was that of Chief Accountant. He held that position until assuming the role of the Portfolio Manager in 1999.He has served as a Deputy Treasurer since 1992. As Deputy Treasurer, he assists in the administration of the Treasurer’s office and serves as a designee/appointee for the Treasurer, who serves, by virtue of the office, on various Boards and Commissions. Prior to joining the State Treasurer’s office, he started his employment with the state in 1986 working as a Field Examiner for the Indiana State Board of Accounts. Mike graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business, majoring in accounting, from Indiana University. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1996.

Kimberly Logan is Deputy Treasurer of Operations for the Office of the Indiana State Treasurer. In 1985 she joined the Treasurer’s office as assistant cashier, while in that role Kim had the ability to learn and take on additional tasks for the office. Although primarily focused on fiscal operations and banking services, Kim has held several positions over the years. She has set up processes for such banking services as ACH, Charge Cards, E-check, remote capture, and positive pay for State warrants. Kim manages the receivable module for the State of Indiana and is a member of the Executive Steering Committee for PeopleSoft Financial. She also serves as Proxy for the Treasurer on the Financial Assurance Board. In Kim’s current position, she handles HR, payroll, and office management for the office. Kim attended Indiana Business College.

Ryan joined the Office of the Indiana Treasurer of State in July of 2017. He serves as Deputy Treasurer and General Counsel for the Treasurer's Office as well as Executive Director for the Board for Depositories. Prior to joining the Treasurer’s Office, Ryan was legal counsel to the Indiana State Police where he focused on privacy, pensions, procurement, and marijuana. He earned his B.A. from IUPUI and his J.D. magna cum laude from Valparaiso University Law School.

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Cindy BargerDirector of TrustINdianacbarger@tos.in.gov317-519-9845www.trustindiana.in.gov

Tips of the Trade: Investigator/ Caseworker Panel DiscussionSession V

Presented By:Danielle Tolan, ModeratorWestfield Washington Township [email protected] (317) 574-9490 https://www.westfieldwashingtontwp.us/

Charity Wilder

[email protected] 317-936-2131

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She serves on the following organizational boards within the state and locally: Indiana Rural Caucus, Indiana Women in Agriculture, AgrIInstitute, Downtown Westfield Association, and many more Danielle is a successful entrepreneur and enjoys tackling issues utilizing creative approaches. With her strong agricultural background she isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Danielle enjoys collaborating with other government sectors to make local government more efficient.

Adams Twp Trustee & Washington Twp Clerk, Decatur County

Charity Wilder is a married mother of five children and has real-life experience which makes her uniquely qualified for her position in Township government. Having lived a short time during her early adult years in a car with her children and barely enough to feed them, Charity relies on her life experience to serve as the Trustee for Adams Township. She also serves as the

Prior to moving to the Treasurer’s office in September of 2014, she served as a staff accountant for the Indiana Finance Authority. For over six years, she worked as the Office Manager/Lease Purchase Coordinator at the Indiana Bond Bank. Cindy began her work in public service and accounting by volunteering for various campaigns. She later transitioned into an accounting role for the Indiana Republican State Committee. She earned an A.A.S. in Business Administration from Ivy Tech Community College and a B.S. in Accounting from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Join trustees and township assistance employees, each responsible to see that an appropriate and thorough investigation takes place on each application and request for assistance. These panelists are from differing demographics which allows for a good discussion on things such as: what are the best questions to be asked in interview? what are your favorite go-to investigative tools? how do you discover whether or not an applicant is being forthcoming on the application?

Danielle Carey Tolan was elected as the Washington Township Trustee in 2014 and took office January 1, 2015. Trustee Tolan comes from a 5th generation farming family, one of the few operating farms still in Westfield, and has become an active steward of the land and community.

Cindy Barger serves as the Director of TrustINdiana, Indiana’s state sponsored local government investment pool. She travels the State of Indiana meeting with local government officials to offer a safe investment option for public funds.

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Connie LongshoreTownship Assistance Supervisor - Center Township - Kokomo (Robert Lee, Trustee)[email protected]

Laura BlakerTownship Investigator - Richland Township, Monroe County (J. Martin Stephens, Trustee)[email protected]

Tarra MartinDirector of Intake & Investigations - Wayne Township, Allen County (Austin Knox, Trustee)[email protected] (260) 449-7000 ext. 335

Session VI Class Information

Contracts, Policies & Agreements - Working Within the LinesSession VI

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Laura was born and raised in Monroe County and has worked for townships for over 14 years. She graduated from Indiana University in 2005 with a degree in Communication & Culture and Sociology. She recently completed the Leadership Bloomington Monroe County Program and she is a member of various groups: Ellettsville Council for Youth; Monroe County Community Organization Active in Disaster Relief; Advisory Council for the Community Voices for Health; and the ITA Forms committee. When she began working for townships in 2006, she realized this was the line of work she wanted to be a part of. One of Laura’s favorite things about townships is the help they provide to residents, which in return creates a better quality of life. Her goal for the future is continue in community service and to be a Township Trustee.

This class will cover most of the legal documents that are involved in provided township services. Learn what policies and contracts MUST be in place in the trustee’s office and which MUST involve the township board. This presentation will include community service contracts and travel policies.

Connie is a former Township Trustee and has worked for Center Township of Howard County for the last 30 years. She has held a variety of positions within the Center Township Trustee’s office, from working the front office, workfare, billing to investigator and finally the Township Assistance Supervisor. She has been on the ESFP board for the last 20 years and was the assistant to the Director of Goodfellows , a program to provide Christmas for underprivileged children, for 25 years.

Investigator/Clerk for the Washington Township Trustee, both in Decatur County, IN. A staunch volunteer in her community, Charity has built strong relationships throughout the entire community. She is empathetic, practical, and resourceful. In her position, Charity offers hand ups, encouragement, and education to her friends and neighbors.

Tarra serves as Director of Intake and Investigations at the Wayne Township Trustee office. Tarra has been an integral part of the Wayne Township team over 7 years, serving first in the Payee program before transitioning to Investigations and working her way to Lead Investigator. Now as Director of Intake and Investigations, Tarra enjoys her work in motivating and assisting her team while providing crucial resources to her fellow community members. Tarra is a mother of two young men and enjoys spending time with family in her downtime.

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Presented By:Jeffrey M. [email protected] President and Managing Shareholder of Thrasher, Buschmann & Voelkel, P.C. and ITA General Counsel.

Cultivating Understanding for Those in Crisis and Helping the HelpersSession VI

Presented By:Julie HaydenChapter Administrator for NAMI Greater Indianapolis [email protected](317) 257-7517

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Jeff is a practicing government services, real estate and litigation attorney based in Indianapolis, Indiana and serves as general and special counsel to Township’s throughout the State of Indiana. Jeff has represented Townships in Court on boundary disputes, fence law, land use, construction, and tax levy matters. He has also counseled on Fire Territory formation and Fire District operations. He regularly counsels Townships on purchasing, personnel, borrowing, construction, land sales, township assistance, indigent burial, cemeteries, and all manner of legal and practical issues that Trustees face. Jeff was recognized in 2013 and 2014 as a Super Lawyer “Rising Star” by his profession for quality legal work and integrity. He is a graduate of Indiana University McKinney School of Law. He is a native of Pike County, Indiana and resides in Fishers, Indiana with his wife Jessica and their three children.

Julie Hayden is NAMI Greater Indianapolis’s Chapter Administrator and has led the local NAMI Affiliate, for the last two years, to a more sustainable, inclusive, and effective mental health support, education, and advocacy organization in the Greater Indianapolis area. She prides herself on leading, supporting, and evaluating all volunteer peer support facilitators, teachers, and mentors so they can in turn, assist those out in the community. Additionally, she personally has a lived experience of having a diagnosis of depression with suicide ideation in her youth as well as she has numerous close family members with severe mental illnesses. These life experiences give her the understanding and empathy to develop peers effectively and with compassion. Julie also is a the Lifelong Learning Deacon at her church, King of Glory Lutheran in Carmel, Indiana, is a mom of two feisty school aged daughters and she loves to hike and sing in the choir.

There's no question the mental health of our collective communities has been affected by the ongoing pandemic, uncertain economic outcomes, and rising awareness of social injustices. As servant leaders, we are called to help our family, friends, and neighbors, especially those in vulnerable populations like those living with a mental health condition. And how do we ensure we're helping the helpers and caring for the caregivers? Julie will share information about those living with mental illness -- definitions, assumptions, and perspectives -- to help grow deeper understanding and knowledge around an often misunderstood topic, dispel stereotypes and misconceptions, and help us learn the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition. Julie will also share resources to learn more about how to get involved with the mental health community and to help ensure your own well-being and of others who provide support to their own families and communities. Frontline healthcare and social workers often sacrifice their own health in the care of others and it is vital to care for themselves while in the service of others.

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A Healthy Place to Live, Learn, Work, and Play: The Role of Township Trustees in Community Health Improvement ProcessesSession VI

Presented By:Priscilla Barnes, Associate Professor812-855-4789https://rural.indiana.edu/about/faculty-affiliates/barnes-priscilla.html [email protected] Priscilla A. Barnes is an associate professor in the School of Public Health and an affiliate faculty member in the Center for Rural Engagement at Indiana University Bloomington. She has a Masters of Public Health in Community Health Education from Indiana University Bloomington and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from Western Michigan University. Her research focuses on how partnerships influence strategic health priorities of governmental and community-based organizations. Using community engagement principles, Priscilla studies operational processes involved in the development and sustainability of partnerships focused on population health improvement.

Christian RustWashington Township Trustee, Decatur County, [email protected]

Community health improvement plans (CHIPs) help communities set goals to meet a range of health objectives, from addressing gaps in services to improving preventing and treating chronic conditions. These plans, which contain goals that are SMART—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound—maximize existing resources and networks and also include interventions that address social determinants that impact the quality of life for residents. Priscilla Barnes and Christian Rust present the importance of township trustees engaging in CHIPs. Learn more about the steps toward building a healthier community in this session.

Christian Rust is the Washington Township in Decatur County. He is also the South Eastern Area Director for the Indiana Township Association. Trustee Rust, while still in his first term, has revamped the office to make it more accessible to the people of Washington Township, and he has raised the profile of the township so that the township is more involved in community matters, and more citizens are aware of what the office can do. Trustee Rust is also guiding the township in clearing areas of the township of hazards and debris for the health and safety of the residents of Washington Township.

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