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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits
MTA's legal counsel breaks down everything from contracts to fees to what's negotiable in your township's franchise agreements. Counts as full credit for Red Book Ready Chapter 14: Franchises (1 credit).
What Your Township Needs to Know about Franchises
What is a franchise? Does it require an ordinance, or can we just vote on it? What’s the process for renewal? A franchise agreement is a contract between your township and a public utility provider (from electric to cable, gas and oil pipelines, sewer and water, yes, even the METRO Act). Your township gives consent to public utilities so they can install infrastructure in a public right-of-way. Franchise agreements are put in place to allow them to utilize that infrastructure and conduct a local business from that space.Spend an hour with MTA Legal Counsel Rob Thall from Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches P.C., to learn more about these agreements, including fees and what considerations are negotiable. Counts as full credit for Red Book Ready Ch 14: Franchises (1 credit).
**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. You may need to click "Activate" to begin viewing the recording.**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.
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Contains 5 Component(s), Includes Credits
This two-part webcast covers the processes of assessment & taxation from assessment to board of review meetings, all the way to tax collection, as well as other revenue sources townships deal with. Fulfills TGA F-105 requirement (must pass quiz and submit PAC form & summary for credits to be applied). Fulfills Red Book Ready Ch. 10 requirement.
Property taxation and assessment administration are two cornerstones of township operations. From assessment and board of review meetings, all the way to tax collection— it's essential that board members have an understanding of how the process works. Learn more about the Headlee Amendment and Proposal A, as well as truth in taxation, assessing and equalization. Delve into a variety of revenue sources coming into the township, including millages, administrative fees and special assessments.
This course is divided into two webcasts segments. To receive TGA credit, candidates must view both webcasts segments, complete and pass the post-webcast quiz, and complete and return a Practical Application Commitment (PAC) form (download here) to MTA.
Shila Kiander, MAAO
Director, Mecosta County Equalization Department
Shila Kiander is a Michigan Advanced Assessing Officer with more than 20 years’ experience in the assessment administration field. She has served as the Equalization Director for Mecosta County since 2007, and before that was the assessor for three units in northern Kent County. She also teaches assessor continuing education courses around the state, including the MTA Board of Review Training sessions and other courses for MTA.
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- Non-member - $160
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Learn how to evaluate complaints, distinguish problems from noise and proactively channel the "squeaks" into constructive input before they become distractions.
Squeaky Wheel Maintenance: Using Policies to Turn Complaints to Constructive Input
We all know “the squeaky wheel gets the grease”—but should it? When a single board member, vocal resident or small group dominates the conversation, how can you tell whether you’re facing a legitimate issue or simply a well-oiled squeaky wheel? Explore how clear policies, consistent procedures, mission statements and a shared understanding of who does what can serve as your first line of defense. We’ll review techniques for evaluating complaints, distinguishing problems from noise and proactively channeling the squeak into constructive input—before it turns into a distraction.
**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. You may need to click "Activate" to begin viewing the recording.**Cindy Dodge
MTA Consultant
Cindy Dodge joined MTA in 2006 as a Member Information Liaison, hailing from Williamstown Township in Ingham County where she served as Clerk since 2005. She had been involved with the township since 2003 in other roles, including assistant to the supervisor, planning commissioner, and assistant to the planning commission. She is currently a Michigan Certified Assessing Officer. Now an MTA Consultant, Cindy provides township officials and employees with information and resources via phone and email regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She also assist in developing resource materials, and presents workshop and Conference sessions as well as teaching live and recorded webinar courses.
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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits
Get ahead of "Not in My backyard" zoning situations with a quick history of why zoning exists, along with an intro to how your Planning & Zoning team can be prepared for (and respond to!) the next new thing. Valid for Red Book Ready Chapter 15 (1 credit).
Now You Know Lunchtime Webinar - P&Z: NIMBY is Not an Option, Now What?
New and different land uses emerge over time, and some spark more “Not in My Backyard” (NIMBY) concerns than others. But a township cannot simply exclude or prohibit a use. The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act requires that a township that zones must allow a land use that is lawful and for which there is both a “demonstrated need” and “appropriate” land in the township. Don’t panic: At its core, zoning is a system to put land uses where they are compatible and to minimize nuisances from incompatible uses. We’ll give a quick history of why zoning exists and an introduction to how, by using the master plan and the zoning ordinance together, a township board and planning commission can be prepared for the next new thing.
**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. You may need to click "Activate" to begin viewing the recording.**
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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Contains 4 Component(s)
Also known as "Managing HR in the Township", this four-part series will cover human resources issues all townships face -- from hiring and firing to discipline, compensation and managing volunteers. Valid for 6 TGA credits. Updated 2025.
Human resource issues need to be addressed in all townships—even small townships with only a few employees or volunteers. Hiring, firing, discipline, compensation, and recruiting and managing volunteers are just a few of the human resource related issues about which all township officials must be knowledgeable. We’ll help you build your township’s personnel policies, from the basic components to how to keep it current.
This course is divided into four webcasts segments. To receive TGA credit, candidates must view all webcasts segments, complete and pass the post-webcast quiz, and complete and return a Practical Application Commitment (PAC) form (found here) to MTA.
Updated version recorded August 2025.
Stephen Schultz
Attorney
Stephen Schultz is a founding partner of the law firm Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes. The firm has been recognized as one of the “Best Law Firm’s in America” by US News & World Report. Steve is listed in the publication “Super Lawyers” as an expert in the field of Labor and Employment Law. For over 30 years, his practice has focused on representing townships in all matters. He is also frequent presenter for MTA and an instructor in MTA’s Township Governance Academy.
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- Non-member - $277
- Member - $210
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Contains 1 Component(s)
MTA's legislative experts break down the latest action and look ahead to hot topics in 2026.
Now You Know Lunchtime Webinar: 2025 Legislative Wrap-up
As the Legislature enters its final days of the 2025 session, MTA’s government relations team is ready to break down the latest legislative action. You won’t want to miss this informative, live Now You Know lunchtime webinar for an inside look at the issues—both resolved and those still in progress—including revenue sharing, public safety revenue sharing grants, election changes, tax issues, road funding and more! We’ll also review key topics expected to be addressed next year.
**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. You may need to click "Activate" to begin viewing the recording.**
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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Contains 1 Component(s)
MTA's Mike Selden breaks down the "who does what" of non-statutory duties in townships, including options for compensation.
Wait, Who's Supposed to Do That?
The law assigns township elected officials specific duties and responsibilities, and sets forth rules or guidelines for those roles. But there are many routine actions that are not governed by statute. Duties like who sets the board agenda, who serves as the Freedom of Information Act coordinator, who is the webmaster, who will oversee hall rentals/use and more.
Are these “additional non-statutory duties” that should be compensated, or are these just part of the job? Take away a better understanding of who’s doing what, and who can assign additional duties, including options for compensation—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. You may need to click "Activate" to begin viewing the recording.**
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.
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Get a better understanding of the governmental immunity protections--and limits--for townships and their officials.
Governmental Immunity: Wait, I Can Get in Trouble for That?!
Ever wonder where the line is between your responsibilities and personal liability? MTA's legal counsel Seth Koches breaks down governmental immunity in plain language—explaining what protections exist for townships (and their officials!) and where the limits are.
**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. You may need to click "Activate" to begin viewing the recording.**
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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Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits
Get an overview of township revenue sources, including the ways they may, or may not, be used.
Revenue Sources: Coins in the Couch
All townships must set their 2025 tax rates by the end of September. Are you ready? In this one-hour webinar, MTA staff attorney Catherine Mullhaupt provides an overview of revenue sources, including property taxes, and the ways different types may—or may not—be used. Counts as full credit for Red Book Ready Chapter 7: Revenue Sources (1 credit).
**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. You may need to click "Activate" to begin viewing the recording.**
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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- Non-member - $40
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Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/22/2020
This package contains all three segments of our Cemetery Management course. First, get an update on what's new and changing in cemetery management. In Part 2, learn more about writing a cemetery ordinance that promotes safety and orderliness, while also protecting the township from liability. Then, explore new types of burial services as well as proper record-keeping procedures.
This three-part series covers many of the top concerns related to township cemeteries. Part 1 kicks off with recent changes, what's new, and trends for the future. Part 2 explains why, without a cemetery ordinance, rules and regulations do not have the force of law and anyone who violates such rules or regulations cannot be prosecuted or subject to a municipal civil infraction enforcement proceeding. Learn how to develop a cemetery ordinance to promote orderliness, proper conduct, certainty, predictability, smooth procedures and minimize township liability with regard to township cemeteries. Part 3 explores all the new types of burial services and memorialization options available in the current market and how your cemetery ordinance may need to be updated to regulate these new options. Learn how to identify grave sites, ensure proper record keeping and reclaim older or abandoned burial spaces.
Cindy Dodge (Moderator)
MTA Consultant
Cindy Dodge joined MTA in 2006 as a Member Information Liaison, hailing from Williamstown Township in Ingham County where she served as Clerk since 2005. She had been involved with the township since 2003 in other roles, including assistant to the supervisor, planning commissioner, and assistant to the planning commission. She is currently a Michigan Certified Assessing Officer. Now an MTA Consultant, Cindy provides township officials and employees with information and resources via phone and email regarding the day-to-day functions of township government. She also assist in developing resource materials, and presents workshop and Conference sessions as well as teaching live and recorded webinar courses.
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- Non-member - $136
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