program guidemicountyroads.org/portals/0/event documents/2018highwayconference/cra... · accounting...

PROGRAM GUIDE

WELCOME

Welcome colleagues, business partners and other local road supporters to the 2018 Highway Conference! This event culminates a year-long celebration of the CountyRoad Association of Michigan’s 100th anniversary and continues our mission topromote and maintain safe, efficient county road and bridge systems and right-of-way.

Michigan’s county road agencies and partners have a rich tradition of collaboratingfor the benefit of the communities we serve. This was very evident over the past yearas we attended CRA’s sectional association and district council meetings acrossthe state. We found that each meeting was underscored by two specific values:The dedication of our members and the collegial spirit that transcends differences among our agencies.

Unfettered by geographic diversity – from north to south, urban to rural – our members gather with the common goals of sharing perspectives, discussingchallenges and defining viable solutions. It is through this type of informationsharing and teamwork that we have addressed and will continue to address challenges like the increased demand on public rights of way and regulations thatrestrict our agencies’ ability to successfully deliver services.

The 2018 Highway Conference continues this legacy of education and collaboration.The expertise and resources available provide participants with countless learningopportunities. General sessions address timely issues that impact us all, while smaller break-out sessions allow members to focus on areas of special interest.The Road Show features vendor booths, equipment, and educational productdemonstrations that showcase innovative practices and materials.

Welcome, once again, to the 2018 Highway Conference. We look forward to thisopportunity to celebrate the past, appreciate the present and strategize for thefuture. Together, let us embrace the Road Ahead.

Steve WarrenCRA President andManaging Director,Kent County Road Commission

Denise Donohue, CAE, APRCRA Director

Denise Donohue, CAE, APRDirector

Steve WarrenCRA President

Managing Director, Kent County

Road Commission

2017-2018 Board of Directors

President, Steven A. Warren, Kent Vice President, Joanna I. Johnson, KalamazooSecretary-Treasurer, Dorothy G. Pohl, CPA, IoniaJohn H. Daly, III, PhD, GeneseeJohn M. Hunt, HuronJames M. Iwanicki, PE, MarquetteDennis G. Kolar, PE, OaklandBradley S. Lamberg, PE, Barry

Michael A. Maloney, PE, OntonagonDouglas J. Mills, PE, BaragaLarry Orcutt, AlpenaDave Pettersch, GladwinDouglas E. Robidoux, MasonWalter J. Schell, PE, MacombBurt R. Thompson, PE, AntrimRichard B. Timmer, ChippewaJoyce Whisenant, Muskegon

“A credible, unified and effective voice for a safe and efficient county transportation infrastructure system in Michigan, which includes stewardship of the public’s right-of-way.”

- Vision Statement, County Road Association of Michigan

2 | CRA 2018 Highway Conference

HOTEL INFORMATION

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SHUTTLE HOURSComplimentary shuttles to and from the Radisson Hotel, Lansing Center and Hyatt Place.

Tuesday, March 13 – Noon to MidnightWednesday, March 14 – 7 a.m. to MidnightThursday, March 15 – 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Radisson Hotel Lansing at the Capitol111 N. Grand Ave., Lansing MI 48933 | (517) 482-0188

Hyatt Place Lansing/Eastwood Towne Center2401 Showtime Dr., Lansing, MI 48912 | (517) 679-7600

Lansing Center Parking$7/entry

CASH ONLY

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N

Hyatt Place

5 Miles NE

They may have a waiting list if sold out. (You-pay parking)

(free parking)

The Road Ahead


SILENT AUCTION, HOSPITALITY SUITES AND GALLERY OF ENTRIES

Roads+™ Silent AuctionThe 5th Annual Roads+™ Silent Auction will be held in the Lansing Center Exhibit halls Tuesday and Wednesday.New for 2018, the Silent Auction will place bid items at vendor booths.Also new for 2018, counties will donate baskets of local items and see which county has the highest selling price!Items are now being accepted for the Silent Auction. To donate, complete the form at micountyroads.org/Taking-Care/Roads-Plus.For more information, contact:Cindie Dulaney at [email protected] or at 517.482.1189.

Evening Hospitality SuitesOn Tuesday following the Road Show, and Wednesday after the 100th Anniversary Banquet, several CRA Associate Members will host hospitality suites at the Radisson Hotel. Shuttles will run from the Radisson to the Hyatt Place Lansing until midnight both evenings. Kick off your shoes and relax in the hospitality suite! A list of hospitality locations will be available at conference check-in.

NEW! Grant Avenue New for 2018, finding information on grants has never been easier!Come take a stroll down Grant Avenue where representatives from all over the state will be distributing materials and answering questions on grants available to county road agencies!10 a.m. – 12 noon, Wednesday, at the Road Show

IMPRESS AwardsDuring CRA’s Annual Awards Breakfast, county road agencies will receive IMPRESS Awards for best practices in Operations, Communications and Collaboration.See great ideas at the Gallery of Entries Showcase at the Road Show, and vote for the “People’s Choice Award,” to be presented Thursday morning.

The Road Ahead

Contact Christina Strong

EXHIBITOR or SPONSOR INFORMATION?

517.482.1189 | [email protected]

2018 CRA ROAD SHOW

SILENT AUCTION HOURS TUESDAY 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. | WEDNESDAY 9 - 11 a.m.

ROAD SHOW HOURS TUESDAY 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. | WEDNESDAY 9 a.m. – NOON.

More Diverse Vendors! CRA is proud to continue the indoor heavy equipment show. More than 80 vendors are expected representing:• Equipment, parts dealers • Suppliers of snow, ice control

systems• Suppliers of traffic control

devices, bridges, culverts and pipes

• Benefits, insurance providers• Retirement, investment advisors• Government software and IT

programs• Law firms• Engineers, architects and

planners• Federal, state and nonprofit

organizations and programs• And many other transportation

service providers

The County Road Association’s award-winning trade show – “The Road Show” – takes place March 13 and March 14, 2018. The show includes heavy equipment. A main stage on Wednesday will feature educational product demonstrations. Contact CRA to participate at 517.482.1189.

Meet with Vendors! The Road Show will run from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 14. All county road agency managers, commissioners and staff are invited. Other public agencies including township, city and village representatives are encouraged to attend.Door prizes will be drawn throughout the Road Show on Tuesday and again on Wednesday.

Main Stage Area! Hit the stage during the Road Show on Wednesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Speakers will give short presentations about new technologies, products and services.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018 • LANSING CENTER LANSING, MICHIGAN


GENERAL SESSION7:30-8 a.m. BREAKFAST

8-8:55 a.m. Crystal-balling the Legislature Media Panel In a few months the Legislature will appropriate the first $350,000 in General Funds to the roads. With a healthy “rainy day” fund and teacher unfunded liabilities addressed, will the pols be able to come up with Year #1 GF? What’s the impact of the 2018 Governor’s race? State capitol reporters predict the future.

Zach Gorchow, Gongwer News ServiceKyle Melinn, MIRS News ServiceJonathan Oosting, Detroit NewsModerator: Kevin Lavery, WKAR Public Radio

9-9:30 a.m. This guy loves Michigan winter!In 1999, meteorologist-for-hire John Dee left behind the Chicago ‘burbs for Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, because “it is basically ground zero for snowfall in the Midwest.” From the Keweenaw, Dee works as a private meteorologist providing custom weather forecasts, including for the agricultural futures market, UP radio and the Keweenaw County Road Commission. Dee will talk about the weather he’s observed over 20 years in Michigan’s snowiest county.

John Dee, Chief Meteorologist, Snow Central

9-11 a.m. SILENT AUCTION

9 a.m. - 12 noon 2017 CRA ‘ROAD SHOW’ GALLERY OF ENTRIES SHOWCASE10-11:30 am MAIN STAGE

12 noon-1:30 p.m. LUNCH & KEYNOTE SPEAKER“9/11/2001: What I Learned Leading During Trying Times” Lt. Commander, USN (Ret), Chip Lutz has 27 years of leadership experience in the US Navy, and as Director of Security for Naval District Washington, DC, including on September 11, 2001, when the Pentagon was attacked.

CONCURRENT SESSION #1 (1:30-2:15 p.m.)

ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENT TRACK

Mapping your assets. What direction are you going?Almost 20 years into the 21st century, it’s clear that local road agencies must embrace asset mapping to track Michigan’s complete infrastructure system and to collaborate with many public and private interests. But what direction to go? Learn what some county road agencies and MDOT are already doing to track infrastructure above and below the ground.

Wayne Harrall, Deputy Managing Director-Engineering, Kent County Road CommissionNick Lefke, Utility Coordinator Specialist, Michigan Department of Transportation

Introducing: The new CRA 100 (Work in the ROW Permit)Permitting work in the public road right-of-way (ROW) is one of the most common and most challenging actions sanctioned by a county road agency. Increasingly, public utilities or quasi-utilities seek access to the ROW, sometimes involving the Legislature. To assist in transparency and uniformity, CRA’s Permit Subcommittee has just completed work updating the CRA 100, along with guidelines for its use.

Jim Johnson, PE, Engineer, Leelanau County Road Commission and Chair of CRA Permit SubcommitteeSteve Puuri, PE, Engineering Specialist, County Road Association of Michigan

CEU Credit

CEU Credit


The Road Ahead

COMMUNICATION TRACK

Storytelling about infrastructure: Begin with the pictureData shows that people are visual learners. When strong images and graphics are paired with related information, readers remember over 50 percent of the material. Learn how to start with an audience-engaging photo, build on it with easy-to-understand infographics and colorful data graphs.

Bill Wilson, Editorial Director, Roads & Bridges Magazine

Skip the rumor mill by improving your internal communications It’s been said that when people are missing information, they fill in the blanks – and usually not in the most positive light. This session will underscore why it's important to quickly share key info from top to bottom in your road commission. Dr. Bender gives communication pointers, while Marquette and Kalamazoo tell how they disseminate information through mid-size organization.

Dr. Lew Bender, Lewis G. Bender Consulting & Training ServicesTravis Bartholomew, Operations Director, Road Commission of Kalamazoo CountyMary Herman, Director of Finance & Administration, Marquette County Road Commission

FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES TRACK

Changes in the 2019 Accounting Manual CRA’s Finance & Human Resources Committee has had a team working to revise the Accounting Manual for the last year. With the Manual nearly completed, team members of the team will top-line key changes and impacts for your county road agency.

Jennifer Rosser, Director of Finance/Clerk, Shiawassee County Road CommissionAndrea Herman, Finance & Business Manager, Wexford County Road Commission Ann Simmons, Finance Director, Road Commission of Kalamazoo CountyModerator: Kristin Dronchi, Chair of CRA Finance & Human Resources Committee, Office Manager & Clerk, Newaygo County Road Commission

Putting a constructive spin on annual performance evaluationsThe dreaded performance evaluation. It can be a time to lock horns, deflate a valued worker’s ego or be viewed as a waste of time. In reality, performance evaluations are a critical opportunity to motivate staff members and re-set expectations. Consider different strategies for a better performance evaluation.

Todd Surline, President, Hiring Solutions, LLCAlex Gardner, Sr., Human Resources Consultant, Hiring Solutions, LLC

BOARD MANAGEMENT TRACK

Empowering your team!Are you getting the full benefit of your team? Or are staff protecting their turf and staying inside their silo? This session offers creative approaches for getting a team to pull in the same direction with bigger results.

Kelly Petrock, President, The LEAD Institute

Should interns be part of your county road agency?When it comes to interns there are two schools of thought. One, interns are valuable assets, priced below the market salaries they’re about to draw. On the flip side, who has time to manage an intern? Three road commissions explain how they benefit from college interns and the process for setting up an internship program.

Dennis Kolar, Managing Director, Road Commission for Oakland County and CRA Board MemberDoug Tomasoski, PE, Superintendent Manager, Iron County Road CommissionNicole Peterson, Human Resources Manager, Washtenaw County Road CommissionModerator: Chris Sholander, Chair, Iron County Road Commission


ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENT TRACK

Mapping your assets. What direction are you going?

CEU Credit

CEU Credit



The new Local Agency Wetland Mitigation Bank ProgramMiWB is up and running, with a combined board representing county road agencies and Michigan municipalities, and a few million dollars for creating wetland banks. These banks are necessary to mitigate wetland impacts as local road agencies take on road improvements. The MiWB manager and board chair talk you through the process of applying for a grant to develop a local or regional wetland mitigation bank.

Jeff Silagy, Manager, MiWB Steve Puuri, PE, Engineering Specialist, County Road Association of Michigan

COMMUNICATION TRACK

Storytelling about infrastructure: Begin with the picture

Beyond “like:” More power from your social mediaMost county road agencies are now utilizing social media, which has proved an ideal low-cost option to get county infrastructure news directly to residents. But are you listening? This session will give pointers on making constructive use of feedback, including ensuring employees don’t give you a “black eye” in social media.

Jeff DeHaven, CEO, Digital Mitten

FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES TRACK

Changes in the 2019 Accounting Manual

Michigan State Police speak on the CDL Medical Waiver Review BoardLast winter, county road agencies were surprised by the unintended consequences of a bill that passed during the “lame duck” Legislature. The bill – since reversed – said that certain federal medical requirements for CDL drivers would be waived in Michigan. A Michigan State Police representative and attorney Mike Kluck discuss their points of view on who should be reviewing medical waivers.

Insp. Randy Coplin, Assistant Commander, Motor Carrier Division, Michigan State Police

Joe Austin, Motor Carrier Specialist Sergeant, Michigan State PoliceMike Kluck, Attorney at Law, Michael R. Kluck Associates

BOARD MANAGEMENT TRACKPutting an Asset Management Plan on your shelf So you’re one of the 90 percent of Michigan county road agencies following asset management principles. Should you step it up a notch and create an Asset Management Plan? Two county road commissions talk about why they turned their asset management principles from rhetoric into a report. And how they’re using it to make specific spending decisions and recommendations to townships and other stakeholders.

Cory Wale, PE, Civil Engineer, Bay County Road CommissionRoy Townsend, PE, Managing Director, Washtenaw County Road CommissionModerator: Joanna Johnson, Chair of the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council, and Managing Director, Road Commission of Kalamazoo County

Empowering your team!

Part II: Advancing Michigan’s Timber Industry While Protecting Local RoadsMichigan’s timber industry – which hopes to grow 50 percent over the next decade – and the perpetually underfunded local road network are beginning to find common ground. Both sides are finding new ways to work together, as the Michigan timber industry achieves growth in a global market and county road agencies strive to hold together fragile paved and unpaved roads. Learn what progress has occurred in finding common ground. Bring your questions!

Henry Schienebeck, Executive Director, Great Lakes Timber ProfessionalsScott Robbins, Director of the Sustainable Forest Initiative and Public Affairs, Michigan Forest Products CouncilKarl Hanson, PE, County Highway Engineer, Wexford County Road CommissionModerator: Burt Thompson, PE, Engineer-Manager, Antrim County Road Commission and CRA Board Member

CEU Credit

CEU Credit

CEU Credit

CEU Credit


The Road Ahead


ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENT TRACKMI Invasives: Local government vs. invasive species From Phragmites to spotted knapweed, and Japanese knotweed to garlic mustard, invasive species are growing wild in less manicured parts of Michigan, including the road right-of-way. What responsibility does a local road agency have in controlling invasives? How can a smaller entity develop a monitoring program? And how to pay for it?

Brad Knight, Environmental Concerns Coordinator, Road Commission for Oakland CountyHannah Hudson, Weed/Tall Grass Inspector, City of KalamazooJennifer Muladore, Ecologist, Northeast Michigan Cooperative Weed Management Area Coordinator, Huron Pines

The new Local Agency Wetland Mitigation Bank Program

COMMUNICATION TRACKSkip the rumor mill by improving your internal communications

Beyond “like:” More power from your social media

FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES TRACKPutting a constructive spin on annual performance evaluations

The “Top 10” most common errors in an OCA AuditWhen the Michigan State Transportation Commission’s Office of Commission Audit visits, they’re assessing the use of state and federal funds. Learn more about the most common discrepancies between the OCA and your road agency, and how to prevent them.

Jack Cotter, CPA, Office of Commission Audit, Michigan State Transportation CommissionModerator: Kimberly Kimmel, Finance Director/Board Secretary, Clare County Road Commission

BOARD MANAGEMENT TRACKShould interns be part of your county road agency?

Putting an Asset Management Plan on your shelf

LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION 4:30-5:30 p.m. Outlook by the River – NEW LOCATION!Mingle with your Representatives and Senators in a new location! Join us in the Lansing Center Riverfront Concourse overlooking the Grand River!

CRA 100th Anniversary Banquet*

SPECIAL EVENT!6-8:30 p.m. Radisson Hotel BallroomThis special banquet observes the 100th anniversary of the founding of the County Road Association of Michigan – or the Michigan Association of Road Commissioners and Engineers, as it was once known. All past presidents have been invited to be guests of honor. Come talk with your road friends from now and years past.

*Advance tickets required!

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018 RADISSON LANSING, MICHIGAN

AWARDS BREAKFAST 7:30-8:45 a.m. A Word from the State CapitolA great deal has happened over the last 18 months pertaining to connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and Michigan’s leadership on the issue of asset mapping. Director Steudle fills CRA members in on new technology in the transportation world, and highlights MDOT’s work on the Ambassador Bridge among other topics.

Kirk Steudle, PE, Director, MDOT

IMPRESS Awards, Member Awards and Annual Business Meeting to follow.

CEU Credit

CEU Credit

CEU Credit

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!


2018 Highway Conference March 13-15, 2018

Radisson Hotel & Lansing Convention Center

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION QUESTIONS?Contact Cindie Dulaney at: 517.482.1189 [email protected]

REFUND POLICY• Cancellation received by March 1

will be 100 percent refunded.• March 2-7, 50 percent refunded• No refunds after March 8.

micountyroads.org/Events/Highway-Conference

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE $$$Conference Registration

CRA Member/ Associate MemberGuest/Spouse

Non-Member

Road Show Only (preregistration recommended)

Early Rate

$220

$125

$285

After Feb. 23

$265

$150

$335

100 Year Banquet

$60

$60

$75

No charge - Free to county road agencies, state and local governments

TO REGISTER VISIT:

CRA is using online registration. If you require assistance registering, please call Cindie Dulaney at 517.482.1189.

COMMITTEESThe County Road Association offers a big THANK-YOU to our committees who have worked diligently over the past year to advance the goals of the Association. Please thank our 2017-2018 committee chairs:

Association committees and sectional organizations will meet on Tuesday, March 13, starting at 8 a.m. at the Radisson. Watch for complete schedule on CRA's website.

Executive - Steven A. Warren, KentGeneral Policy - Darren Pionk, PE, GogebicAudit Committee - Melissa Williams, OaklandCanvassing - Mary E. Herman, MarquetteCommissioners - Frank Fiala, BarryEducation - Joanna I. Johnson, KalamazooEngineering - Robert L. Lindbeck, PE, Alger

Finance & Human Resource - Kristin Dronchi, NewaygoLegislative Review - John H. Daly, III, PhD, GeneseeNegotiating - Darryl Heid, PE, OaklandNominating - Walter J. Schell, PE, MacombPublic Relations - Lawrence B. Hummel, PE, Van BurenResolutions - Christopher Sholander, IronS.A.M. - Travis Bartholomew, Kalamazoo

County Road Association of Michigan417 Seymour Ave., Suite 1, Lansing, MI 48933

Phone 517.482.1189www.micountyroads.org

Follow CRA on social!

facebook.com/micountyroads

@micountyroads

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