9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. - Athenian
IMFOA will again be hosting an Athenian Leadership Dialogue in conjunction with the conference. The book selection is The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama. The dialogue will be facilitated by Susan Frost of Frost Communications and  is eligible for IMFOA and IIMC education credits. Separate registration materials are available on the website at www.imfoa.com.  

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Registration Desk Open

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. –Navigating Current Trends in Public Sector HR: Strategies for Effective Management
This interactive session will cover the current trends facing public sector HR. These topics will include managing FMLA leaves, accommodating persons with disabilities (including how to handle an employee who has a medical cannabis card), the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act, the Police Officer's Bill of Rights and as time permits, overall discipline/discharge procedures. Presenting this session will be Amy Reasner and Holly Corkey, Attorneys with Lynch Dallas. 

5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Vendor Party

The theme is “Celebrate the Night in Black & White” – dress in all white, all black or a mixture.
There will be games to play, a photo backdrop, door prizes to win, and lots of wonderful hors d’ oeuvres. So come and enjoy this opportunity to sit back and network with vendors and fellow clerks. 

7:30 a.m. – Registration Desk Open

8:11 a.m. – First Timer’s Mini-Meet
The Board invites those attending an IMFOA conference for the FIRST TIME to attend a brief orientation. This is your opportunity to meet other First Timers, receive a welcome bag, and learn about important resources to help you navigate City Government and more! 

9:00 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies and Welcome by President Tricia Maiers

9:15 - 10:15 a.m. – League Update
Staff with the Iowa League of Cities will provide an update on Iowa Legislature laws that were passed in the 2024 Legislative Session pertaining to cities, along with the implementation updates. League staff will also provide a review of potential Legislation and League priorities. 

10:15 -10:30 a.m. – Break – Cookies, Water, Soda

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – How to Enter/Exit Succession Planning
Employee turnover is continuously occurring at city hall due to retirement and those moving on for a new opportunity. This session will include a panel discussion with current and former City Officials who will provide their insight into how they have managed succession planning and employee turnover. Change is inevitable and being ready for the twists and turns can help you manage those changes. Members of the panel will be: Patrick Callahan, Callahan Municipal Consultants; Denise Hoy, Retired City Clerk, Ankeny;  Tawnia Kakacek, Retired City Clerk, Swisher; and Brian Weuve, Finance Director, Pella.

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. - Lunch

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Drama/Trauma in the Workplace
Many organizations today desire to create cultures of psychological safety, defined as cultures where individuals feel included, safe, and willing to speak out and challenge the status quo. If your organization is struggling to effectively implement these concepts, you’re not alone. It’s difficult to implement safety and inclusion without first identifying and addressing common patterns of drama that will sabotage (intentionally or unintentionally) environments of trust, accountability, and respect. This session, by Barb Ranck, Certified Coach & Organizational Consultant, will identify common patterns of drama in the workplace, reasons these patterns persist, and strategies to consistently reduce workplace drama as part of a larger strategy to increase psychological safety in the workplace.

Learning Objectives:

1. Drama and Trauma – What Are They? What’s The Link?
2. Understanding Common Drama Archetypes and Triggers
3. The Role of Compassion as a Drama Antidote
4. Strategies to Consistently Reduce Workplace Drama
   

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. – Break - Popcorn Bar

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. – Website Compliance and Accessibility: Tips to Protect Your City
The need for website accessibility and compliance is often an afterthought in the web design process. However, it is a crucial step for public-facing websites like a city site. Accessibility needs to be addressed in the early stages of a website discussion to maximize your success. Jen Neumann and Ryan Shenefelt of de Novo Marketing will discuss best practices for providing an equitable experience for all of your residents, how users can report issues, and how to resolve issues quickly.

5:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Friendship Social Mixer
Come have a cocktail before dinner with your colleagues. 

6:00 -7:30 p.m. – Banquet and Presentation of Clerk and Finance Certifications.

7:30 – 10:00 p.m. – Entertainment – Midwest Dueling Pianos

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Grab & Go Breakfast - Burritos

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

9:00 – 11:15 a.m. – Setoff Program and W2’s and 1099’s
Michelle Ramsey and Chet Eginoire of the Iowa Department of Revenue will present this session with Michelle discussing the changes, how to sign up, and what is needed regarding the State of Iowa Setoff Program. Regarding W2’s and 1099’s, Chet will provide information on: filing requirements, helpful tips, due dates, accepted forms and file types, step-by-step filing instructions, penalty information, and available resources.  There will also be time for questions and answers.   

9:00 – 11:15 a.m. – Tax Increment Financing & Assessments
Presented by bond lawyers in the Des Moines Office of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, this session will cover the applications and requirements of Chapter 403 of the Code of Iowa - the urban renewal and TIF law. Micro-topics will include setting up and amending urban renewal areas and plans, adoption of TIF ordinances, authorization of urban renewal projects, incurrence and certification of TIF debts and related regulatory considerations. Time will also be allocated for comments and audience questions on other finance-related topics like borrowing money, special assessments, contract bid letting and property tax abatement.