November 9, 2018

I.   State Issues
II.  Federal Issue
III. League Conference

Municipal Clerks: Please forward to Mayor, Governing Body and Department Heads.

We hope to see you all at the League’s 103rd Annual Conference next week. There will be no weekly update next Friday, November 16 or on Friday, November 23. The next weekly recap will go out on Friday, November 30. We will, however, continue to update you on emergent matters.

I. State Issues

a. NJ Department of Labor Issues FAQs on New Earned Sick Leave Law

As you know, the State’s new earned sick leave law went into effect on October 29. Additional guidance is forthcoming as many of the law’s accompanying regulations have yet to be adopted. Until then, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued a set of Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”) that help to answer some common questions from employers and employees.

The FAQs are not official guidance and therefore should not be relied upon as such. You should speak to your labor attorney for more information and further guidance to be sure your municipality complies with the new requirements.

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., League Staff Attorney, FMarshall@njslom.org, 609-695-3481 x137.

b. State Announces Shared Services Portal

Earlier this week the Department of Community Affairs announced the launch of a new shared services web portal. This web portal is designed to assist municipalities and counties in connecting with the Shared Service Czars on potential projects. It also includes a survey to submit information on potential shared service projects, and other useful resources.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Senior Legislative Analyst, lbuckelew@njslom.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

II. Federal Issue

a. SCOTUS Rules Age Discrimination in Employment Act Applies to All
Public Employers

On Tuesday, The United States Supreme Court issued its first opinion of the new term and it is one that will have an impact on municipal employers. In Mount Lemmon Fire District v. Guido, et al., the Court was asked to interpret the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”). The question presented was whether or not the act applied to all political subdivisions regardless of the number of employees or, only to those with 20 or more employees, similar to private employers.

The Court ruled unanimously, 8-0 (Justice Kavanaugh did not participate because the case was argued prior to him being sworn in) that the ADEA applies to all state and local employers regardless of the number of employees. The ruling essentially creates two categories of employers subject to the Act; private employers with 20 or more employees, and all state and political subdivision employers.

The impact of this ruling for NJ public employers is blunted a bit considering the State’s Law Against Discrimination has similar if not more protective provisions than the ADEA, and already applied to all public employers. You should review this decision with your municipal attorney for further information on how it may impact you.

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., League Staff Attorney, FMarshall@njslom.org, 609-695-3481 x137.

III. League Conference

a. League Ticketed Function Events

Meal Function Ticket forms will no longer be accepted by mail. Tickets can be purchased while they last onsite at the AC Conference beginning Tuesday, November 13, by visiting the registration desk. Seating is limited and each year many delegates, unfortunately, have been turned away. Do not be disappointed by waiting until the last minute.

As a reminder, all League ticketed function events require a conference badge. The badge registration fee is a separate fee from the ticketed function fee. If you have not registered for a conference badge, you can register onsite in Atlantic City.

Onsite Registration Hours
Tuesday, November 13             9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 14        8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 15            8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Ways to register onsite for a badge
Cash, Checks, or Purchase Orders (POs will be returned to municipalities with signature & invoice after the conference.) We do not accept Debit or Credit Cards.

Governor Phil Murphy will again keynote the Delegates Luncheon at the League’s Annual Conference. The luncheon will be held Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the Sheraton Convention Center Hotel, Crown Ballroom at 12:00.

b. Unauthorized Hospitality Functions

The 103^rd Annual League Conference will soon be upon us and we know you are looking forward to a productive and educational week.

Numerous exhibitors and groups have scheduled receptions and hospitality functions during the evening hours in Atlantic City. However each year there are a few commercial entities that schedule hospitality function such as brunches and lunches which conflict with the Conference programming. These unauthorized functions should not be confused with legitimate business luncheons sponsored by our affiliated associations and their members. The League urges you not to attend daytime hospitality functions offered by commercial firms.

Instead, plan your daytime activities so you can derive the greatest educational benefit from attending the League Conference. League Education sessions begin at 9:00 AM, break at noon when there are informative Exhibitor Learning Sessions, resume at 2:00 and finally adjourn at 5:15.

As always, the League is available to answer your questions on any aspect of the annual conference and we strive to make your participation both enjoyable and highly productive.

Contact: Michael J. Darcy, CAE, Executive Director, mdarcy@njslom.org, 609-695-3481 x116.

c. Exhibits at the Annual Conference

Be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall at the Conference next week where there will be over 700 exhibitors displaying products and services for local government. The exhibitors are eager to offer their knowledge, expertise and guidance to assist you and your municipality. The full exhibitor list is on the League website or on the conference app.

d. Don’t Forget! CEU Tracking System Procedures for 103^rd Annual NJLM
Conference

Badge Scanners will be used to track CEU Credits and Attendance at the NJLM 103^rd Annual Conference.

For Sessions that Have CEU credit Available
• All Attendees looking to earn credit must scan-in and scan-out of these qualifying sessions* to earn their CEU credits.
• Attendees will claim their certificates after the conference via the League website www.njslom.org/confceu/

For more information or for a complete list of procedures please visit the Conference Website.

* Please note, the procedures described above only apply to educational sessions. Business Meetings and Exhibitor Learning Sessions are not included in the scanning system.