Episodes
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Texas Government Code Section 2054.5191 mandates cybersecurity training for local government employees, elected officials, and appointed officials who have access to a local government computer system or database and use a computer to perform at least 25 percent of their duties. The training must be certified by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) â both this podcast and the YouTube video linked to the left are DIR-approved.
This episode isnât some boring episode. Instead, join the Risk Pool Cyber Guy â Ryan Burns â and his buddy â Hacker Hank â as they discuss ways that âHank Hacksâ trick local government employees into sending money, downloading ransomware, and more!
A local government has two ways to track and report completion of the training: (1) a local government can keep track of participants internally and certify its compliance by August 31, 2024, using the Cybersecurity Training Certification for State and Local Governments form; or (2) DIR has developed an optional tool, Texas by Texas (TxT), for a local government to track compliance of participantâs training compliance.
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In this episode, Scott talks about Robert Greenleafâs seminal essay âThe Servant as Leader.â Servant leadership is not about a personal quest for power, prestige, or material rewards. Instead, from this perspective, leadership begins with a true motivation to serve others. Scott is joined by a special guest â his Dad (hey, the price was right) â who speaks about one manâs experience practicing the philosophy over 50 years in business.
Further Information
The Servant as Leader Download (Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership - $4.99)
Ten Principles of Servant Leadership from Indeed
Business Insurance New Names TML Risk Pool to 2020 âBest Places to Workâ List
TDIndustries âWhat Does Servant Leadership Mean?â
Strategic Government Resources
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Episodes manquant?
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In this eye-opening episode, Scott interviews City of Tomball Assistant City Manager Jessica Rogers. Cyber-criminals hacked Tomball at the end of 2022, and the city is still â one year later â dealing with the aftermath. In this episode â which should be required listening for every city manager in Texas (and beyond) â Jessica explains exactly what itâs like to have essentially every computer system go down, including 9-1-1 dispatch, utility metering and billing, permitting, and everything in between. Sheâll also describe the long road to getting everything up-and-running. Donât miss this chill-inducing story.
Further Information:
Texas City Management Associationâs âTCMA Messengerâ Newsletter article: âThere and Back Again, An ACMâs JourneyâCenter for Internet Securityâs 2022 Nationwide Cybersecurity ReviewTML Risk Poolâs Cyber Liability Home Page -
The year 2023 has seen multiple city employee struck by fatalities on Texas roadways. The TML Risk Poolâs goal is to reduce that to zero in 2024, and weâve developed a program to do just that. R.O.A.D. Ready is a Risk Pool program designed to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect property by raising member awareness of dangers on and near roadways, and January is R.O.A.D. Ready month. Listen in to learn how you can participate and stop one of your employees from being a statistic.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
R.O.A.D. Ready Web Page
Find You Safety and Loss Control Consultant
Safety @ Your Fingertips Sign Up
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In this episode, Scott interviews Dripping Springs City Attorney and Texas City Attorneys Association Board Member Laura Mueller. In it, Laura explains how the law limits the circumstances in which a city or other local government can drug test its employees. Lots of entities are improperly drug testing employees, and this short interview can help set them straight. Check out the podcast as usual or watch the interview by clicking on the video to the left of this episode.
Further Information:âWeeding Out Bad Employees: Random Drugs Testing and Cities 2023 Updateâ prepared by Laura Mueller and recently presented to the Texas City Attorneys Association.
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In this special, abbreviated episode, Scott welcomes you back from the TML Annual Conference and Exhibition and explains more about the TML Risk Pool and what we offer our Members. He describes a few of the Poolâs most important Member benefits and encourages elected officials to learn more by reviewing the 50th Anniversary Pamphlet. In it, youâll learn about why TML created the Pool, why weâre the best value proposition for cities, and our coverages and loss prevention services. Reach out to Scott at [email protected] with questions or comments!
Further Information:
TML Risk Poolâs 50th Anniversary Pamphlet
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In this episode, Scott introduces the second of several short cyber security training videos. This isnât some boring webinar. No way. Instead, join the Risk Pool Cyber Guy, Ryan Burns, and his buddy Hacker Hank as they continue to educate you about all sorts of cyber perils. These videos are hilarious! You can listen in traditional podcast format, but youâll be missing out if you donât watch the nine-minute YouTube video version linked here! If you can identify which pool employee plays Hacker Hank, email Scott at [email protected] for the chance to win a prize!
Further Information:
DIR Cyber Incident Reporting Requirement -
In this episode, Scott explains State of Texas code enforcement officer certification and training and he interviews City of Irving Assistant City Manager Teresa Adrian, Code Enforcement Director Shain Diller, and Deputy City Attorney Janet Spugnardi about practical and legal challenges related to code enforcement.
Further Information:
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation New Code Enforcement Officer in Training Registration.Texas Department of State Health Services Code Enforcement Certification and Training Website.Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Basic Code Enforcement Officer Training. -
Ănase al anfitriĂłn invitado especial VĂctor Flores, abogado de la ciudad de Mission y miembro de la Junta de SĂndicos del Grupo de Riesgos de TML, mientras explica en español: (1) que el Grupo de Riesgos de TML proporciona propiedad, responsabilidad civil, compensaciĂłn laboral y cobertura cibernĂ©tica; (2) que el departamento de prevenciĂłn de pĂ©rdidas del Pool puede proporcionar capacitaciones para mantener seguros a los empleados mientras trabajan.
Join special guest host Victor Flores, Mission City Attorney and TML Risk Pool Board of Trustees member, as he explains (in Spanish): (1) that the TML Risk Pool provides property, liability, workersâ compensation, and cyber coverage; (2) that the Poolâs loss prevention department can provide resources to keep employees safe while at work.
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Explains preliminary forecasts, lessons from Floridaâs Hurricane Ian last year, SynergyNDS (one of the Poolâs turnkey recovery partners), and more.
Further information:
Are You Prepared: Before, During and After the Storm Workshop Recording
Are You Prepared: Before, During and After the Storm PowerPoint Presentation
Top 10 Components of a Continuity of Operations Plan
Individual Building Continuity of Operations Plan Worksheet (PDF)
Individual Building Continuity of Operations Plan Worksheet (Excel spreadsheet)
SynergyNDS Flyer
Synergy/TML Risk Pool Hurricane Harvey Recovery Video
Synergyâs TML IRP Website
TML Emergency Management Resources
TDEM Preparedness
TML Risk Pool Member Portal
TML Risk Pool's Preparing for Natural Disasters and Emergencies -
Posted March 3, 2023
In this episode, Scott introduces the first of several short cyber security training videos. This isnât some boring webinar. No way. Instead, join the Risk Pool Cyber Guy, Ryan Burns, and his buddy Hacker Hank as they discuss âHankâs Hacks,â which are the most common ways a hacker tricks local government employees into sending money, downloading ransomware, and more. This video is hilarious! You can listen in traditional podcast format, but youâll be missing out if you donât watch the nine-minute YouTube video version linked next to this episode! If you can identify which pool employee plays Hacker Hank, email Scott at [email protected] for the chance to win a prize!
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Explains: (1) that the Texas Municipal League prepares an outstanding edition of Texas Town and City Magazine in January of legislative years called âHow Cities Work;â and (2) reviews ways a city official can use the magazine to educate legislators and others.
Further materials links:
Texas Town & City Magazine (January 2023 Edition)
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Updated and Reposted December 23, 2022
Explains: (1) the law related to a local governmentâs liability for raw sewage backups into customersâ homes or businesses; and (2) the Poolâs opt-out and supplemental sewage backup coverage.
Further information:
Sewage Backups: Know Before You Go (Q&A)
Sewage Backups: Know Before You Go (Cheat Sheet) -
Explains: (1) the three most common human resources challenges and opportunities for local government employees; (2) training provided by the Pool to address behaviors that cause unhealthy conflict in the workplace.
Further materials links:Risk Pool Loss Prevention Department (Training and More)
TML Risk Poolâs âCall Before You Fire Programâ
Employment Law Manual for Texas Cities
Texas Municipal Human Resources Association
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Explains: (1) several criminal offenses for which a local official can be indicted; (2) criminal offenses that can be perpetrated against a local government; and (3) various crime coverages offered by the Pool.
Further materials links:Understanding Your Liability as a City Official: A Primer
Legal Q&A â Bribery and Prohibited Gifts
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