ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
EXPO REGISTRATION

VIEW SUMMARY (updated 10-1-24)

UNFUNDED MANDATE & LIABILITY EXPOSURE

The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed significant changes to the OSHA Fire Brigade Standard (1910.156). If approved in its current form, the rule will impact all fire departments (volunteer, combination, and paid) across New York and the country.

The 608-page document outlining the proposed changes would incorporate costly health and safety standard mandates and expose municipal fire departments to litigation and costly settlements. It could also cripple already fiscally strapped departments and further negatively impact the recruitment and retention efforts of struggling volunteer fire departments. NYCOM fully supports measures that will protect first responder safety. However, there needs to be a balanced approach that takes into consideration the realities of each department.

As a result of the over 4,000 comments that were submitted to OSHA during the public comment period (NYCOM’s joint letter can be found here), OSHA has scheduled an informal public hearing on the proposed rule beginning on November 12, 2024. 

Additional information about the proposed rulemaking can be found here.

The OSHA Emergency Response Standard Proposed Rule Can Be Found Here: Emergency Response Standard; Proposed Rule | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
U.S. Department of Labor Information: Emergency Response Rulemaking | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
Information Webinar By OSHA Training Institute: Webinar: Emergency Response Rule
Federal Register – Submit A Comment: Federal Register :: Emergency Response Standard

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 (10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. (VIA ZOOM)

REGISTER HERE

On Friday, November 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., NYCOM will host a meeting (via Zoom) to establish our Legislative Priorities for 2025. 

As local officials, your perspectives on the issues that impact your communities are crucial in shaping NYCOM's priorities and ensuring that our legislative efforts align with your needs and those of the residents you serve. Your experience, insights and expertise are invaluable to this process.

There is no fee for this meeting and all pre-registrants will receive an email in advance with the policy proposals to be discussed.

If there is a particular legislative initiative that you would like to have addressed, please contact NYCOM's Legislative Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

NYSLRS Announces Increased Employer Contribution Rates for 2025-26

VIEW UPDATE

Consistent with the final rule issued by the US Treasury, all ARPA funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024. The information below will clarify the amended definition of "obligation" and several related issues.

Obligate it or Lose it! Preparing for the Upcoming ARPA SLFRF Obligation Deadline

WEBINAR: U.S. Department of the Treasury: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds: New Obligation FAQs

WEBINAR QUESTIONS AND SLFRF FAQ REFERENCES
The updated obligation-related FAQs are found in the new Section 17: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/SLFRF-Final-Rule-FAQ.pdf

• What is an obligation? Please refer to Section 17 of the SLFRF FAQs for the latest information on the obligation requirement and how to meet the obligation deadline of December 31, 2024.
• Do subrecipients have an obligation deadline? No. Refer to FAQ 17.18.
• Are revenue loss funds automatically obligated? No. Refer to FAQ 17.15.
• Questions about personnel costs in 2025 and 2026: Refer to FAQs 17.6, 17.7, and 17.9.
• Questions about flexibilities for contracts after the obligation deadline: Refer to FAQs 17.16, 17.17, and FAQ 17.19.
• What if I have questions about legal and administrative costs after the obligation deadline? For more information on these expenses, refer to FAQs 17.10, 17.11, 17.12, and 17.13.
• What if my community has already obligated all of our SLFRF funds?  Please see FAQ 17.3 and 17.14.  Remember that all SLFRF recipients are required to continue to submit reports to Treasury as outlined in the SLFRF Compliance and Reporting Guidance.

PLANNING & ZONING AND SEQRA | 10-17-24 (5:00-7:00 P.M.)

Presented by: Wade Beltramo, NYCOM General Counsel
Hosted by the City of Olean: Jamestown Community College, Cattaraugus Campus, The Cutco Theater, 305 N. Barry Street, Olean, NY

This presentation is designed to introduce new and seasoned officials to the fundamentals of planning and zoning and will address core topics including how ZBA’s and planning boards are structured and operate, the basics of traditional Euclidian zoning, area and use variances, special use permits, site plan approvals, and the subdivision process. The basic requirements of the NYS Open Meetings Law will also be covered. The second half of the presentation will focus on the State’s Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). While the SEQRA statute and regulations are a bit convoluted and weirdly structured, SEQRA’s requirements are fairly straightforward. This presentation will provide a clear explanation of the SEQRA process, highlighting the basic requirements of SEQRA and explaining the differences between Type I, Type II, and Unlisted Actions. The presentation will conclude with a brief discussion of drafting decisions. This is a free event, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees must register by contacting Michiko McElfresh at 716-376-5615 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This workshop will qualify for two hours of training credit for ZBA and Planning Board members. 

PLANNING AND ZONING PRIMER AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS | 10-18-24 (3:00-6:00 P.M.)

Presented by: Wade Beltramo, NYCOM General Counsel
Hosted by The City of Dunkirk and The Western Southern Tier Building Officials Association: Dunkirk Fireman's Training Grounds, 665 Brigham Road, Dunkirk, NY

This presentation is designed to introduce new and seasoned officials to the fundamentals of planning and zoning and will address core topics including how ZBA's and planning boards are structured and operate, the basics of traditional Euclidian zoning, area and use variances, special use permits, site plan approvals, and the subdivision process. The basic requirements of the NYS Open Meetings Law will also be covered. The presentation will also include a brief discussion of the do's and don'ts of drafting decisions. The presentation will then turn to short-term rentals (STRs) which became a serious cause for concern for local government officials shortly after Airbnb was founded only 16 years ago. Additionally, the COVID pandemic combined with significant real estate investment and speculation have resulted in a sharp increase in the rate of converting single-family homes into STRs. The proliferation of STRs across New York is generating a host of issues for local officials, including a reduction in the supply of affordable long-term housing, as well as an increase in nuisance complaints. This presentation will provide an overview of the regulatory tools local governments have at their disposal to deal with STRs. This is a free event, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees must register by emailing Wanda Zawadzki at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before Wednesday, October 16, 2024.  This workshop will qualify for three hours of training credit for ZBA and Planning Board members. 

VIEW RESOURCES AND GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

2025

View the publication HERE.

Thank you for joining us for NYCOM's 2024 Fall Training School for City and Village Officials in Saratoga Springs. We look forward to seeing you September 15-19, 2025 in Lake Placid.

• MEETING HANDOUTS/PRESENTATIONS

• PHOTO GALLERY

• VIDEO RECAP

ARPA RESOURCES

CYBERSECURITY RESOURCES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION RESOURCES

The Equal Rights Amendment (Webinar and Articles)

WEBINAR: What Comes Next?
ARTICLES:
• The Dos and Don’ts of Advocating for Ratification
• Ensuring Equal Rights: Updating New York’s Constitution and Protecting Women’s Equality in the 21st Century

Kristin O’Neill, Deputy Director and Counsel for the Committee on Open Government, will be presenting a virtual Freedom of Information Law information session on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m. and a virtual Open Meetings Law Law information session on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. You are welcome to sign up for one or both programs. Continuing Education Credit not provided. The programs will consist of a one-hour overview of the statute, followed by 30 minutes of a question-and-answer period.

Pre-registration is required, however, all registrations will be automatically approved. You will receive a confirmation email from WebEx with instructions for joining the session. If you do not see the confirmation e-mail, please check your spam or junk folder. Committee staff is not able to provide WebEx technical support.

TUESAY OCTOBER 22, 2024 (10:00 A.M.)

Freedom of Information Law Information Session

REGISTER HERE!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024 (1:00 P.M.)

Open Meetings Law Information Session

REGISTER HERE!

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND LIVE, THE PROGRAMS WILL BE RECORDED AND AVAILABLE HERE WITHIN A WEEK OF THE PROGRAM. 

Workplace Violence and Harassment and Discrimination Webinar: October 3, 2024

9:00 am sign up with this link
10:00 am sign up with this link

This is for ALL employees who need to satisfy the New York State mandated annual training for Discrimination and Sexual Harassment and Workplace Violence. Certificates will be emailed to registered Zoom attendees ONLY. If viewing the webinar as a group, retain a sign in sheet for your municipality’s documentation of training. The link you will be provided after registration is only valid for you. It cannot be shared and used on an alternate computer.

You will need to be present for the entire presentation in order to receive a certificate of completion. You must register in advance for these webinars by clicking the appropriate link below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

THE WITCH'S BREW

BUILDING A POTENT CYBER DEFENSE AND INCIDENT RESONSE FOR YOUR MUNICIPALITY
October 30, 2024 | 9:00 a.m.

Click HERE for description and registration details.

ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS (ONGOING)

We are excited to kickstart our exclusive One-on-One Consultation service. Elisabeth Dubois, NYMIR’s Cybersecurity Risk Specialist will reach out to you in advance of your renewal, typically 2-3 months prior, to schedule a personalized meeting. During this consultation, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Navigate Cyber Applications: We will guide you through the cyber application process, ensuring all necessary information is accurately completed for a smooth renewal.
• Address Recommendations: If you have received cybersecurity recommendations, we will be on hand to clarify any questions and assist in implementing these essential enhancements.

Click HERE for a description of Cyber Security Service FREE to our NYMIR Cyber Members*