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The election is over and your township may have new officials in place. What’s next? We’ll share valuable tips and tricks to help your newly elected officials hit the ground running!
Now You Know - Onboarding New Officials
The election is over and your township may have new officials in place. What’s next? This timely webinar, led by our Member Information Services team, shares what can be done, what should be done and what must be done when onboarding your newly elected officials, from the oath of office to outlining policies, and bank cards to bonding. We’ll also delve into how new officials can prepare for their new role leading the township, and how to get them "on board" with MTA so they can access all the helpful resources available as an MTA member. Get a one-hour overview of information essential for both current and new officials as we head into the new township term of office.
**MTA Online "Premium Pass" subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. To access, login then click MY WEBCASTS, then click the Premium Package link to view this webcast, or to access other webcasts included in your package.**
Michael Selden
Director of Member Information Services
MTA
Michael Selden is MTA's director of Member Information Services. As director, he supervises the development and delivery of Association member information programs and services.
Before joining MTA in November 2015, Selden served as the city manager of Wayland, Mich., for three years. In that role, he prepared and managed the city budget, supervised 22 employees, oversaw multiple city departments and served as liaison to numerous boards and commissions. Selden also served as the city manager of Bangor, Mich., from 2007-2012. He holds a master’s in public administration from the University of Michigan—Flint, where he also earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Judy Bigney
MTA Member Information Liaison
Michigan Townships Association
Judy Bigney joined MTA’s Member Information Services in August of 2023, bringing with her more than two decades of experience as a local official to share with township leaders across the state. Bigney, who served as Algoma Township (Kent Co.) clerk for 22+ years, has joined the Association as a new Member Information Services Liaison. Bigney was first elected clerk in November 2000, and earned her master municipal clerk certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) in August 2007. In addition to her service on the township board, she was also a member of the Kent County MTA Chapter, Kent County Clerks Association, Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks and IIMC. Bigney and her husband of 31 years own and operate one of the few remaining dairy farms in Algoma Township, with more than 100 cows total. Their youngest son hopes to continue with the family farm in the future.
Catherine Mullhaupt
Staff Attorney, Member Information Services
MTA
Catherine provides township officials and employees with information and resources regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She writes for the "Hello, MTA...?" and Legal Briefs columns, and other articles in the Michigan Township Focus, develops MIS Department resource materials and webpages, authors MTA publications, and presents workshop and conference sessions, as well as live and recorded online courses.
She joined MTA in 1991, spending her first nine years in MTA's Education Department writing and editing articles for the Township Focus and MTA publications. She coordinated educational workshops and the annual MTA trade show, and assisted in coordinating the annual MTA educational conference.
She was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2006 and is currently the MTA Staff Attorney.
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This one-hour recorded webinar offers an update on PA 233, including new rules and requirements just released by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). Available for MTA members only.
MTA Q&A - Renewable Energy Update October 2024
Get the latest on renewable energy reform and implementation of Public Act 233 of 2023, which takes effect in November, including the new rules and requirements just released by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). MTA legal counsel provides an overview and answers member questions in this free MTA Q&A webinar moderated by MTA Government Relations Director Judy Allen. Recorded October 17, 2024. Available for MTA members only.
Judy Allen
Director of Government Relations
MTA
As director, Judy oversees MTA’s legislative efforts to advocate on legislation impacting township government. She represents the interests of MTA members before the Legislature and the administration.
Judy began working for MTA in 2012 and has previous experience working with state and local governments. Prior to coming to MTA, Judy served as Director of Government and Community Services of Oakland Schools, where she advocated on behalf of 28 districts in Lansing and Washington, D.C. Judy has also served as Chief of Staff to the Senate Majority Leader and was later appointed by then Gov. John Engler to serve as Chairperson of the Michigan State Liquor Control Commission.
Rob Thall
Attorney & MTA Legal Counsel
Bauckham Sparks Thall Seeber & Kaufman P.C.
After receiving his law degree from Cooley Law School, Robert Thall joined the law firm of Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC, in which he is now partner. With extensive experience in municipal law, Rob serves as general or special counsel to many general townships, charter townships, as well as sewer and water authorities throughout the state. Rob is also lead counsel for MTA and is a frequent author and speaker for MTA and other municipal groups around the state.
Catherine P. Kaufman
Attorney & Partner
Bauckham, Sparks, Thall, Seeber & Kaufman, PC
Catherine P. Kaufman is an attorney and partner at Bauckham, Sparks, Thall, Seeber & Kaufman, PC. Her practice includes all facets of municipal representation, with a concentration on land use, zoning and planning matters. She has served as advisor to municipal planning commissions and zoning boards of appeal, as well as to private citizen and environmental groups. A member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, she has also worked as a land use planner and is active in statewide planning organizations. An honors graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University, she received a Masters in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from Wayne State University.
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Review the “ins and outs” of how townships handle resignations, appointments, compensation and the oath of office, as well as required meetings and dates.
Now You Know: 2024 In the Transition
MTA’s Member Information Services team—Director Michael Selden, Staff Attorney Catherine Mullhaupt and Liaison Judy Bigney—as they share what you need to know about the transition of incoming (and outgoing!) officials between now and the launch of the new township term of office. Review the “ins and outs” of how townships handle resignations, appointments, compensation and the oath of office, as well as required meetings and dates. We’ll explain what “the transition” actually is, what’s happening, how you handle “elects,” when those running unopposed can assume duties … and so much more all in just one hour.
**MTA Online "Premium Pass" subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. To access, login then click MY WEBCASTS, then click the Premium Package link to view this webcast, or to access other webcasts included in your package.**
Michael Selden
Director of Member Information Services
MTA
Michael Selden is MTA's director of Member Information Services. As director, he supervises the development and delivery of Association member information programs and services.
Before joining MTA in November 2015, Selden served as the city manager of Wayland, Mich., for three years. In that role, he prepared and managed the city budget, supervised 22 employees, oversaw multiple city departments and served as liaison to numerous boards and commissions. Selden also served as the city manager of Bangor, Mich., from 2007-2012. He holds a master’s in public administration from the University of Michigan—Flint, where he also earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Judy Bigney
MTA Member Information Liaison
Michigan Townships Association
Judy Bigney joined MTA’s Member Information Services in August of 2023, bringing with her more than two decades of experience as a local official to share with township leaders across the state. Bigney, who served as Algoma Township (Kent Co.) clerk for 22+ years, has joined the Association as a new Member Information Services Liaison. Bigney was first elected clerk in November 2000, and earned her master municipal clerk certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) in August 2007. In addition to her service on the township board, she was also a member of the Kent County MTA Chapter, Kent County Clerks Association, Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks and IIMC. Bigney and her husband of 31 years own and operate one of the few remaining dairy farms in Algoma Township, with more than 100 cows total. Their youngest son hopes to continue with the family farm in the future.
Catherine Mullhaupt
Staff Attorney, Member Information Services
MTA
Catherine provides township officials and employees with information and resources regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She writes for the "Hello, MTA...?" and Legal Briefs columns, and other articles in the Michigan Township Focus, develops MIS Department resource materials and webpages, authors MTA publications, and presents workshop and conference sessions, as well as live and recorded online courses.
She joined MTA in 1991, spending her first nine years in MTA's Education Department writing and editing articles for the Township Focus and MTA publications. She coordinated educational workshops and the annual MTA trade show, and assisted in coordinating the annual MTA educational conference.
She was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2006 and is currently the MTA Staff Attorney.
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This webinar offers lessons learned, expert insights and tips for managing election safety challenges.
Now You Know: Elections: Ready? Set. Go!
Ensuring a safe and secure election process is a top priority for every township clerk . This webinar offers lessons learned, expert insights and tips for managing election safety challenges. We’ll review the canvassing and certification process to ensure your township is prepared for possible recounts or post-election audits. But that’s not all, you’ll get a refresher on preparing officials for their oath of office and the upcoming term. Join us to strengthen your readiness and equip your township for a seamless electoral experience.
**MTA Online "Premium Pass" subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. To access, login then click MY WEBCASTS, then click the Premium Package link to view this webcast, or to access other webcasts included in your package.**
Judy Bigney
MTA Member Information Liaison
Michigan Townships Association
Judy Bigney joined MTA’s Member Information Services in August of 2023, bringing with her more than two decades of experience as a local official to share with township leaders across the state. Bigney, who served as Algoma Township (Kent Co.) clerk for 22+ years, has joined the Association as a new Member Information Services Liaison. Bigney was first elected clerk in November 2000, and earned her master municipal clerk certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) in August 2007. In addition to her service on the township board, she was also a member of the Kent County MTA Chapter, Kent County Clerks Association, Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks and IIMC. Bigney and her husband of 31 years own and operate one of the few remaining dairy farms in Algoma Township, with more than 100 cows total. Their youngest son hopes to continue with the family farm in the future.
Cindy Dodge
MTA Member Information Liaison
Michigan Townships Association
MTA Member Information Liaison Cindy Dodge joined MTA in 2006 from Williamstown Township in Ingham County where she served as Clerk since 2005. She has been involved with the township since 2003 as assistant to the supervisor, planning commissioner, and assistant to the planning commission. She is currently a Michigan Certified Assessing Officer. Via phone, fax and e-mail, Cindy provides township officials and employees with information and resources regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She is also the Association liaison for MTA county chapters, develops MIS Department resource materials, and presents workshop and Conference sessions as well as teaching live and recorded webinar courses.
Tina Barton
Senior Elections Expert
The Elections Group
Award winning, innovative, former City Clerk, Senior Program Advisor, now Senior Election Expert committed to free, fair, and accessible elections. Strong advocate for providing best practices, ample resources, and proper funding to EO’s across the country.
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Clearly defined township policies ensure incoming officials understand how (and why!) things work the way they do. In this one-hour webinar, MTA’s Member Information Services Director Mike Selden offers insights into township policies from what’s most important to the true value in providing them for incoming officials, whenever the transition may be.
Now You Know: Prudent Policies
Were you handed a nice set of township policies when you began your career as a township official? Is your township prepared to provide them to incoming officials?
Most people serve their township because they want to give back to their community. One of the best ways to do that is to leave the township better than you found it by setting up future leaders for success. Clearly defined township policies ensure incoming officials understand how (and why!) things work the way they do. What better way to leave a legacy in your township than establishing effective policies and procedures.
In this one-hour webinar, MTA’s Member Information Services Director Mike Selden offers insights into township policies from what’s most important to the true value in providing them for incoming officials, whenever the transition may be.
**MTA Online "Premium Pass" subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. To access, login then click MY WEBCASTS, then click the Premium Package link to view this webcast, or to access other webcasts included in your package.**
Michael Selden
Director of Member Information Services
MTA
Michael Selden is MTA's director of Member Information Services. As director, he supervises the development and delivery of Association member information programs and services.
Before joining MTA in November 2015, Selden served as the city manager of Wayland, Mich., for three years. In that role, he prepared and managed the city budget, supervised 22 employees, oversaw multiple city departments and served as liaison to numerous boards and commissions. Selden also served as the city manager of Bangor, Mich., from 2007-2012. He holds a master’s in public administration from the University of Michigan—Flint, where he also earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
MTA has the resources you need to succeed
Ready for the next step on your learning journey? MTA offers numerous books on a wide variety of topics, including guides for each elected office, civil infractions, planning and zoning, special assessments, fire departments, budgeting and authorities of Michigan township officials. Let MTA resources help you effectively and efficiently fulfill your duties—you can trust MTA publications to keep you up-to-date and on top of the information you need to best serve your township.
Visit the MTA Bookstore online now or download a publication order form here!
Recommended Reading
Authorities & Responsibilities of Michigan Townships
Known as MTA's "little red book," this primer for township board members and officials includes terms of office, vacancy, recall, meeting notices, minutes, elections, ordinance publication, investments and tax collections, in addition to the statutory duties of each elected official and township boards and commissions.
Introduction to Township Board Meetings
All township board members are "local legislators," and have important roles to carry out at board meetings. This publication is a handy reference to some of the most common questions or issues that arise in scheduling, conducting and participating in township board meetings.
Policy Matters! Using Board & Administrative Policies to Manage Your Township
In this hands-on book, township board members and staff will find sample policies, practical commentaries and expert tips to get your township started using a policy approach to board governance, ethics, financial procedures and controls, office and facility administration, personnel issues, purchasing, public information, records, using technology and minimizing risk.
Visit the MTA Bookstore online now to order these helpful guides, or download a publication order form here!
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Get the latest on today’s political landscape and its impact on your township from MTA's Government Relations Team.
Now You Know: Summer Legislative Update
Get the latest on today’s political landscape and its impact on your township from MTA's Government Relations team. We'll share the inside scoop on the current issues being addressed, measures being debated, as well as what’s on the horizon for local government.
**MTA Online "Premium Pass" subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. To access, login then click MY WEBCASTS, then click the Premium Package link to view this webcast, or to access other webcasts included in your package.**
Judy Allen
Director of Government Relations
MTA
As director, Judy oversees MTA’s legislative efforts to advocate on legislation impacting township government. She represents the interests of MTA members before the Legislature and the administration.
Judy began working for MTA in 2012 and has previous experience working with state and local governments. Prior to coming to MTA, Judy served as Director of Government and Community Services of Oakland Schools, where she advocated on behalf of 28 districts in Lansing and Washington, D.C. Judy has also served as Chief of Staff to the Senate Majority Leader and was later appointed by then Gov. John Engler to serve as Chairperson of the Michigan State Liquor Control Commission.
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Early voting, absent voter ballots, new storage and security requirements—oh my! Township clerks, deputies and election administrators have an awful lot of new hurdles to navigate this year when it comes to your township elections. One thing that hasn’t changed, MTA is here to help! This deep dive explores the new requirements and shares effective ways to manage your upcoming elections.
Review who can do what when it comes to election duties and other tips to “lighten the load” for township clerks. Join MTA’s resident election experts and former clerks Cindy Dodge and Judy Bigney as they explore the latest in elections and tackle hot-button topics like:
- Election workers
- Required election notices
- Record retention, storage and security of election documents
- Freedom of Information Act requests pertaining to election records
Recorded in June 2024.
Cindy Dodge
MTA Member Information Liaison
Michigan Townships Association
MTA Member Information Liaison Cindy Dodge joined MTA in 2006 from Williamstown Township in Ingham County where she served as Clerk since 2005. She has been involved with the township since 2003 as assistant to the supervisor, planning commissioner, and assistant to the planning commission. She is currently a Michigan Certified Assessing Officer. Via phone, fax and e-mail, Cindy provides township officials and employees with information and resources regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She is also the Association liaison for MTA county chapters, develops MIS Department resource materials, and presents workshop and Conference sessions as well as teaching live and recorded webinar courses.
Judy Bigney
MTA Member Information Liaison
Michigan Townships Association
Judy Bigney joined MTA’s Member Information Services in August of 2023, bringing with her more than two decades of experience as a local official to share with township leaders across the state. Bigney, who served as Algoma Township (Kent Co.) clerk for 22+ years, has joined the Association as a new Member Information Services Liaison. Bigney was first elected clerk in November 2000, and earned her master municipal clerk certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) in August 2007. In addition to her service on the township board, she was also a member of the Kent County MTA Chapter, Kent County Clerks Association, Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks and IIMC. Bigney and her husband of 31 years own and operate one of the few remaining dairy farms in Algoma Township, with more than 100 cows total. Their youngest son hopes to continue with the family farm in the future.
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Get tried-and-true strategies for dealing with blight in your township in this one-hour webinar.
Now You Know: Blight Buster
Many communities are plagued by blight. It impacts every township regardless of size or geographic location. Like any problem left unaddressed, it will grow and spread. Wondering where to begin? Start by spending your lunch hour on June 5 with MTA Legal Counsel Seth Koches from Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, P.C. You’ll learn blight busting strategies that can work for any size township!
**MTA Online "Premium Pass" subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. To access, login then click MY WEBCASTS, then click the Premium Package link to view this webcast, or to access other webcasts included in your package.**
Seth Koches
Attorney/Partner
Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC
Seth Koches is an attorney and Partner at Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, P.C. Prior to joining the firm, Seth worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney for 7 years in the Oakland County and Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s office prosecuting cases from simple retail fraud to criminal sexual conduct and assault with intent to murder. Seth’s primary practice encompasses nearly every aspect of municipal law including annexation, ordinance enforcement, planning and zoning, and amicus writing.
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Learn more about ways your township can offer updated burial services and incorporate your cemetery into your overall park plan.
Now You Know: Cemetery Services
Cemeteries were originally considered memorial parks. That changed over time and cemeteries evolved to just being a place of burial. In today’s world, families seek different options for memorializing their loved ones. They also look to cemeteries to provide other community services or interests, like historical walks, running and walking, tours, and other events. Join us as we review ways your township can offer updated burial services and learn how to incorporate your cemetery into your overall park plan.
**MTA Online "Premium Pass" subscribers: This webcast is already part of your subscription. To access, login then click MY WEBCASTS, then click the Premium Package link to view this webcast, or to access other webcasts included in your package.**
Cindy Dodge
MTA Member Information Liaison
Michigan Townships Association
MTA Member Information Liaison Cindy Dodge joined MTA in 2006 from Williamstown Township in Ingham County where she served as Clerk since 2005. She has been involved with the township since 2003 as assistant to the supervisor, planning commissioner, and assistant to the planning commission. She is currently a Michigan Certified Assessing Officer. Via phone, fax and e-mail, Cindy provides township officials and employees with information and resources regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She is also the Association liaison for MTA county chapters, develops MIS Department resource materials, and presents workshop and Conference sessions as well as teaching live and recorded webinar courses.
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Hear directly from the Secretary of State’s office and state Bureau of Elections on the hot issues in Michigan elections.
Hear directly from the Secretary of State’s office and state Bureau of Elections on the hot issues in Michigan elections. We’ll share guidance and updates on the changes and new requirements brought about by Proposal 2022-2 and its implementation statutes, early voting lessons learned from the presidential primary, and more.
Presented by Representatives from the Michigan Department of State, including:
- Lori Bourbonais (Director, Elections Administration Division, Bureau of Elections)
- Isaiah Hawkins (Departmental Analyst, Bureau of Elections)
- Lashante Hearston (Bureau of Elections)
- Danny Cook (Cybersecurity Advisor with the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency)
- Dave Tarrant (Senior Elections Analyst, Bureau of Elections)
- Dave Foster (Senior Election Specialist / Ombudsperson for Accessible Elections, Bureau of Elections)
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