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99 Results

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    Get the latest on today’s political landscape and its impact on township authority. Hear from MTA’s Government Relations team on the governor’s budget proposal, MTA’s legislative priorities, the impact of an election year and more!

    2024 Spring Legislative Insights

    Join MTA's Government Relations team as they share the latest on today’s political landscape and its impact on township authority. You'll get the inside scoop on the current measures being debated, how you can make a difference and what’s on the horizon for local governments. We'll outline key measures in the governor’s executive budget proposal, MTA’s legislative priorities, the impact of an election year and 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.**

    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.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    This course covers the "next level" Board of Review topics for supervisors, assessors and more experienced BoR members, with a focus on management of the Board of Review. *Does NOT qualify for the required training mandated under PA 660.*

    MTA's "Advanced" Board of Review training offers a wealth of information helpful for supervisors, assessors and more experienced BoR members. In this class, you'll learn more about: 

    •  Procedural changes
    •  Best practices for minutes and agendas
    •  Administration of paperwork and forms
    •  The impact of the Open Meetings Act
    •  How to respond and when to punt to your assessor
    •  2024 trouble-spots and hot topics
    •  Key points of the P.A. 660 audit

    PLEASE NOTE: This course does NOT qualify to meet the STC training requirement. You must attend an in-person or live online "Board of Review Training" (or PA 660 Required Training) course to receive your certificate of attendance to meet the mandate.

    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’s 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.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    Get be basics on the role of the FOIA coordinator and how others at the township can assist in responding to FOIA requests.

    Role of the FOIA Coordinator

    All townships must comply with the Freedom of Information Act regarding access to township records. But who does what when a FOIA request comes in? STOP—Don’t just hand this off to the clerk! Nobody is “off the hook” even in the smallest township. (Spoiler alert: It’s not automatically the clerk’s job to handle FOIA requests.) Listen in as MTA Staff Attorney Catherine Mullhaupt discusses what can only be done by the FOIA Coordinator, and how everyone else should assist the FOIA Coordinator in responding to requests.

    **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.**

    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.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    Get an overview of the recent renewable energy siting laws and how they impact your township.

    Renewable Energy Siting: What's Next?

    The new laws impacting solar, wind, and battery storage utility-scale renewable energy siting left a great number of questions and uncertainty among townships and their residents. What is the new process for state siting approval? When does a developer still need to go through the township? What is a compatible renewable energy ordinance—and what needs to be in it?

    Listen in as MTA legal counsel provides an overview of the legislation, how it impacts your township’s existing ordinances, public safety and infrastructure considerations, and 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.**

    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. 

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    Hear the latest from Lansing with MTA's Government Relations team in our 2023 legislative wrap-up.

    2023 Legislative Wrap-up

    Join MTA’s government relations team for a one-hour recorded webinar covering the latest on what passed and remains pending in an end-of-the-year legislative wrap up, plus insights into what’s in store for 2024. Get the inside scoop on what’s shaping the political landscape, what issues may be considered and its impact on townships--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.**

    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.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    This half-day class offers insights into financial policies and procedures, from avoiding fraud and embezzlement to top tips for ensuring the clerk and treasurer are on the same page.

    Oversight of your township’s financial affairs is a critical function that protects you from serious pitfalls, including fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds and more. Don’t miss this review of effective solutions for outlining (and communicating) your township’s approach to financial matters.

     Gain insights into effective financial policies and procedures that not only make your life easier, but that can be adapted for your township’s specific circumstances. Delve into the “do’s and don’ts” for enhancing and implementing financial policies that work for any size township, and learn best practices for how the clerk and treasurer can work together to safeguard your township’s finances.

    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.

  • Contains 9 Component(s)

    This package includes recorded content from MTA's 2023 Clerks Retreat.

    As a township clerk, you are expected to have solutions for a wide variety of challenges. How do you ensure you’re equipped to anticipate and develop strategies to overcome virtually any situation that arises in your community? MTA can help! Get the education you need, in a convenient and affordable online format with our on-demand Clerks' Professional Development Retreat package! Topics included are:

    • Update from the Michigan Bureau of Elections
    • Practical Payroll Procedures
    • Insights into Internal Controls
    • Gotcha! Don’t Take the Bait
    • Out of Order! Managing Meeting Hot Potatoes
    • Who's the Boss? 
    • Why Isn’t THAT on Your Website?

    Note that due to audio issues during recording, we've replaced some sessions on the original program with recordings from other retreats, or with alternate sessions on similar topics. In addition to the topics above, registrants for the virtual Clerks' Retreat also get access to: 

    • MTA Election Update (recorded 10/18/23)
    • Financial Reporting: From Revenue to Red Flags (recorded version coming soon)
    • 2023 MTA Legislative Wrap-up (join live on Dec. 1 or watch a recorded version later)

    Sarah Jennings

    Principa,l Director

    Maner Costerisan, PC

    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.

    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. 

    Steven Joppich

    Attorney

    Rosati, Schultz, Joppich, & Amtsbuechler PC

    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.

  • Contains 1 Component(s)

    Get a thorough overview of the financial reports townships use, plus tips on recognizing any budget-related red flags.

    Financial Reporting: From Revenue to Red Flags

    This one-hour recorded webinar will provide a better of your township’s financial reports from revenue in to payables out, including which reports should be presented to the board when. We’ll help you recognize red flag warnings that indicate you should be monitoring a developing situation or preparing to amend the budget–-and much more!

    **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.

  • Contains 9 Component(s)

    This package includes all the recorded content from MTA's 2023 Treasurers' Retreat

    As a township leader, you are expected to have solutions for a wide variety of challenges. How do you ensure you’re equipped to anticipate and develop strategies to overcome virtually any situation that arises in your community? MTA can help! Get the education you need, in a convenient and affordable online format with our on-demand Treasurers' Professional Development Retreat package! Topics covered include:

    • Township Investments 201
    • Navigating Nuances of Revenue Sources
    • Who's the Boss?
    • Reconciling: How What You Do Impacts Others
    • Internal Control Insights
    • Legislative Lowdown: Local Control & Your Role
    • Out of Order! Managing Meeting Hot Potatoes
    • Why Isn’t THAT on Your Website?
    • Gotcha! Don’t Take the Bait

    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.

    Steven Joppich

    Attorney

    Rosati, Schultz, Joppich, & Amtsbuechler PC

    Sarah Jennings

    Principa,l Director

    Maner Costerisan, PC

    Mike Batterbee

    MTA Legistlative Associate

    MTA

    Jeff Anderson

    Director of Investment Services

    Michigan Class

    Jeff serves as Director of Investment Services for Michigan CLASS. Prior to joining Michigan CLASS, Jeff most recently served as the Finance Director and Deputy Treasurer for Delta Charter Township where his responsibilities included accounting, auditing, annual budget preparation, purchasing, portfolio management, and many other finance related duties for the last 15 years. He additionally served as the Accounting Manager for Neogen Corporations, a publicly traded bio-tech company in the Lansing area. Jeff received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Western Michigan University.

    Jeff is an active member of the Michigan Municipal Treasurers’ Association, the Michigan Governmental Finance Officers Association, and the Knights of Columbus. Jeff has enjoyed teaching municipal budgeting classes for the MMTA and other municipal organizations over the last several years. He previously served on the Michigan CLASS Board of Trustees for six years.

    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. 

    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. 

  • Contains 8 Component(s)

    This package includes all the recorded content from MTA's 2023 Planning & Zoning Retreat.

    Whether you’re a zoning administrator, member of the planning commission or zoning board of appeals, or part of your township’s planning and zoning team, your knowledge of the planning and zoning process is vital to your community. As new developments and projects approach your township, it’s important to be prepared to make tough decisions.  MTA can help! Get the education you need, in a convenient and affordable online format with our on-demand Planning & Zoning Team Retreat!

    Topics covered include:

    • Out of Order: Managing Meeting Hot Potatoes
    • How the Heck Do We Enforce Our Ordinances?
    • Hot Topics in Planning & Zoning
    • What You Need to Know About Renewable Energy
    • Managing All the Pieces
    • Decision-Making: By the Book
    • Gotcha! Don’t Take the Bait
    • Controversial Land Use Issues

    Steve Langworthy

    Planning & Zoning Guru

    Steve Langworth received a Masters of Urban Planning from the University of Michigan and spent 6 years as a planning director and zoning administrator for the city of Kentwood, Michigan (among others), and over 20 years as a consulting planner, most recently with LSL Planning in Grand Rapids. Prior to retiring, Steve held the position of Director of Land Use & Long Range Planning for the city of Dublin, Ohio.

    Steve has authored numerous Master Plans, Zoning Ordinances, and special studies for communities of all sizes and characteristics. He is a frequent MTA presenter and the principal author of MTA’s Township Guide to Planning and Zoning and Township Planning & Zoning Decision-making Handbook. He is also the author of MTA's latest new book, Breaking the Zoning Code.

    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.

    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.

    Carlito Young

    Attorney/Shareholder

    Rosati Schultz Joppich Amtsbuechler

    Carlito Young is a shareholder at Rosati Schultz Joppich Amtsbuechler. He specializes in representing government clients in First Amendment issues, police matters, employment cases, insurance coverage, and wrongful death cases. He has substantial experience with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

    Mallory Reader

    Attorney

    Foster Swift

    Keith Brown

    Attorney

    Foster Swift

    Sarah Banas Mills

    PHD, University Michigan (Solar Energy)