Training opportunities covering a variety of topics important to Ohio townships.
OTA Educational Workshops
The OTA is committed to providing resources and training opportunities that cover topics of general importance and broad interest to Ohio townships. In March 2022, the OTA began hosting monthly workshops to further educate township officials and employees on pertinent subjects.
Please be sure to frequent this page for dates for upcoming trainings.
Click on the buttons inside the tabbed menu to view:
March Trainings
Conducting Meetings as a Township Official March 19, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Trustee Speaker: Joe Lucente, Associate Professor, OSU Extension Description: Gain an understanding of the different types of public meetings and how to manage them. Types of meetings include work sessions, special meetings, executive sessions, and more. Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Site Plan Reviews: When They are Needed and How to Process Them March 20, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Zoning Inspectors Group Speaker: Jacob Barnes, Planning Director, Springfield Township, Lucas County Description: This session will discuss the importance of an efficient site plan review process for townships of all sizes. We will look at the process and share tips to make it beneficial for the applicant and the township. Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Easy as 1, 2, 9.03: Legal & Ethical Requirements for Township Communications March 21, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: General Township Speaker: David Moser, Attorney, Fishel, Downey, Albrecht & Riepenhoff LLP Description: This session will review ORC 9.03 as well as 9.03(D). We will discuss the relationship of the ethics laws to campaigns and how it relates to newsletters and websites, then wrap up with a look at the newer ORC 503.70 (commercial advertising on township websites). Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
How to Organize Your Files March 22, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Fiscal Officer Moderator: Michael Zaky, Director of Education & Events, Ohio Township Association Description: This pre-recorded webinar will share some organizational tips to get your office streamlined from daily work, to audit, then to storage. If you are new to the office and are having trouble determining the best way to organize, these filing methods will make your job easier. Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Emotional Intelligence: The Foundation of DE&I April 17, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: OTAN Speaker: Kate Hornyak, Program Coordinator, OSU Extension Description: Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is important to interacting with officials, employees, and residents. Learn how EQ comprises the awareness and regulation of one's emotions, as well as the capacity to understand and manage the emotions of others. This fundamental understanding and how it can benefit your township sets the stage for its correlation with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Township Legal Compliance Checklist April 18, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Law Directors Group Speaker: TBD Description: Gain invaluable insights and practical guidance as we navigate through a comprehensive township compliance checklist, ensuring your legal framework remains robust and up-to-date in today's ever-evolving regulatory landscape. Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Regional Water and Sewer Districts: How They Help Townships April 23, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Trustee Speaker: TBD Description: This webinar will delve into how regional water and sewer districts serve township interests. The conversation will include an overview of regional districts across the state, their powers, and the formation process. Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Track: Zoning Inspectors Group Moderator: Michael Zaky, Director of Education & Events, Ohio Township Association Description: This roundtable will offer an opportunity to openly discuss common issues that come up within your townships and how you handle them. Price: Free
Is Your Fire Department Prepared for an Electric Vehicle Fire? April 25, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: General Township Speaker: Luke Ricketts, Live Fire Instructor, Jackson Township, Stark County Description: In this webinar, we'll identify the essential considerations and preparedness measures needed to handle emergencies involving electric and hybrid vehicles. Attendees will explore the unique challenges posed by these vehicles and leave equipped with practical insights and strategies to ensure the safe and effective response of your township's fire department. Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Fiscal Officer Roundtable April 26, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Track: Fiscal Officer Moderator: Michael Zaky, Director of Education & Events, Ohio Township Association Description: This roundtable will offer an opportunity to openly discuss common issues that come up within your townships and how you handle them. Price: Free
Building the Trust of Your Citizens May 21, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Trustee Speaker: Mark Morris, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Miami University Description: The U.S. was founded on a healthy distrust of centralized government. Despite this base level, trust in government has seen further sharp declines since the 1960s. How can we explain this and rebuild our citizens' trust? Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Development Disasters and How to Defend Against Them May 22, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track: Zoning Inspectors Group Speaker: Jacob Barnes, Planning Director, Springfield Township, Stark County Description: Vacant, failed, or fledgling development projects can create countless issues for townships, including poor maintenance, incomplete infrastructure, stormwater management impacts, and declining property values in the surrounding community. This session will explore how an approved, compliant land development plan can fail and what townships can do to protect themselves. Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Navigating Drug and Alcohol Regulations for Township CDL Holders (Part I) May 23, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Track: General Township Speaker: Sherry Harvan, Drug & Alcohol Program Educator, Mercy Health Description: With recent changes to recreational drug use in Ohio, how does the township maintain Federal CDL compliance? Explore best practices, regulatory requirements, and practical tips to ensure adherence to compliance regulation when your drivers are in a safety sensitive function and operating township vehicles. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and uphold the highest standards of professionalism on the road. Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Track: Fiscal Officer Speaker: Joe Violand, Portfolio Manager, RedTree Investment Group Description: This webinar will provide information for decision makers on investing funds in today's markets. It will include a discussion on changes in the economic environment and its related changes in the fixed income markets. Price: $20 member / $30 non-member
Dates are subject to change. Please check this page closer to the event for the most updated information. For any questions, please contact Michael Zaky.
Webinar Archive
Click below to view a catalogue of past webinars available to view in our Resource Center.