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91 Results

  • Now You Know - The Art of the Agenda
    Contains 1 Component(s)

    This one-hour webinar reviews guidelines for meeting agendas, from who creates it to what goes on it, adding items, distribution and more!

    Now You Know - The Art of the Agenda

    While having an agenda is not required by law, it’s one of the most important tools for creating successful meetings. After all, how can your township hold an effective meeting if nobody knows what’s up for discussion until they get there? MTA’s Member Information Services Director Mike Selden shares who’s responsible for creating the agenda, what goes on it, how items get added, when it should be distributed and 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.**

    Michael Selden

    Director of Member Information Services

    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.

  • Now You Know - Spending Public Money
    Contains 1 Component(s)

    This one-hour webinar reviews the general guidelines and specific examples of lawful and unlawful expenditures.

    Now You Know - Spending Public Money

    Wondering whether your township can spend money on an activity? Townships need statutory authority to spend public money. Why all the restrictions? Because it’s ‘other people’s money’. If you can’t point to a law authorizing the use of public funds on a particular activity then it’s an “unlawful expenditure”. This webinar, featuring MTA Staff Attorney Catherine Mullhaupt, will review the general guidelines and offer specific examples of lawful and unlawful expenditures—all in just one hour!

    **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

    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.

  • Financing & Hot Topics in Township Fire Departments
    Contains 1 Component(s)

    Get a handle on the potential financial emergencies in your township fire department with this two hour webinar that delves into funding, cost recover, fire ordinance "must haves", joint authorities and much more.

    Providing emergency and fire protection services for your community may be one of the more complicated—and expensive—services your township provides. This class can help board members and fire officials get a handle on financial emergencies in your township fire department. We’ll examine funding and cost recovery, provide insights into joint authorities and review must haves for your fire ordinance. You’ll walk away armed with a better understanding of the legalities and financials that can help turn down the heat on some of the hot issues facing your fire department.


    Steve Mann

    Attorney/Principal

    Miller Canfield

    Steve Mann is an attorney with Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, PLC. He practices in the area of municipal finance, including municipal bonds, special assessments, tax increment finance, economic development, Brownfield redevelopment, and intergovernmental transactions.

    Steve currently serves his community as a trustee for Plymouth Charter Township in Wayne County and previously served a term as township supervisor.

    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. 

  • Now You Know - Summer Legislative Update
    Contains 1 Component(s)

    This one-hour webinar offers the inside scoop on what is happening in the legislature, from election changes to revenue sharing and more.

    Now You Know - Summer Legislative Update

    Hear the latest on today’s political landscape from MTA’s Government Relations team as they break down the first six months of the legislative session. Get the inside scoop on legislative priorities, latest actions, and the state’s budget as well as what is likely on tap for summer and fall action. You’ll walk away with insights on election changes, revenue sharing, local authority, solar and much more—and more importantly—how you can help!

    **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.

  • Now You Know - Who Can Talk to the Township Attorney, and When?
    Contains 1 Component(s)

    This one-hour webinar delves into the relationship between your township attorney and the board, as well as other related issues.

    Now You Know - Who Can Talk to the Township Attorney, and When?

    Your relationship with your township attorney is important, but equally important is setting (and communicating) expectations so your entire board understands the process. Delve into this question and other related issues with MTA Legal Counsel Seth Koches.

    **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. 

  • Emerging Issues in Planning & Zoning
    Contains 4 Component(s)

    Includes four expert-led webinar sessions, now available on-demand, covering a variety of topics including preparing for solar, mining operations, short term-rentals, an intro to planning and zoning for solar and wind, and utility-scale solar arrays. Recorded in 2020. Bonus: MTA Online Plus & Premium Pass subscribers now have free access! Simply click the webcast title to get started now!

    Part one of this three part series will dig into mining operations and short-term rentals and gain insights into how townships can mitigate the legal issues while addressing the concerns of its residents. Review the fundamentals of planning and zoning for both wind and solar energy and learn more about utility-scale, non-residential solar arrays. This entire series combines a how-to guide with real-life practical experiences. 

    Not only has it gone virtual, our ever-popular workshop has been divided into three separate hour-long webinars. The segments include:

    • Mining Operations & Short-Term Rentals
    • Intro. to P&Z for Wind and Solar Energy 
    • P&Z for Utility-Scale Solar Energy 
    • Preparing for Solar Energy (NEW for 2023!)

    Is your township subscribed to MTA Online at the Plus or Premium level? Then this series is FREE to you! Simply login, then click on MY WEBCASTS then search for this title to start watching now.

    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.

  • Breaking the Zoning Code
    Contains 2 Component(s)

    This two-part course is designed to help you understand the legalities (and controversies!) that come with balancing private property rights with public interest and your township’s authority to regulate land use.

    Zoning is an ever-changing field, frequently altered by new laws, court decisions and the evolving nature of its practice. Lack of knowledge about zoning procedures and laws that your township is required to follow is one of the biggest challenges facing planning commission and zoning board of appeals members. Zoning decisions must be based on the health, safety and welfare of your community, as well as the requirements, regulations and review standards of the zoning code. MTA has teamed up with land use expert Steve Langworthy (author of MTA’s Township Guide to Planning & Zoning and Township Planning & Zoning Decision-Making books) to bring you this comprehensive class designed to help you understand the legalities (and controversies!) that come with balancing private property rights with public interest and your township’s authority to regulate land use. 

    Participants will: 

    • Explore why zoning regulations exist, what they are intended to accomplish, and how they may be used.
    • Examine strategies that foster cooperation and help apply the zoning ordinance’s standards to your decisions. 
    • Dissect a zoning ordinance and walk away with the background necessary to understand (and explain it) to those affected.

    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.

  • Now You Know - Meeting Requirements
    Contains 1 Component(s)

    This one-hour webinar covers the differences between a variety of township meeting types, along with the requirements for each.

    Now You Know - Meeting Requirements

    Township board meetings, special meetings, annual meetings, workshop meetings, joint meetings … so many meetings, so little time. Are you confused by the variety of meetings (and requirements) your township board is involved in? Learn from MTA’s Member Information Services Director Mike Selden as he provides clarification on the differences. 

    **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

    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.

  • What Every Township Needs to Know about Investments
    Contains 1 Component(s)

    Learn more about investment strategies for townships, plus potential changes to PA 20 and more.

    You won’t want to miss this discussion on municipal investments, including a basic overview on strategies for rising and falling interest rate environments. We’ll review investment options available to townships, potential changes to Public Act 20 and more! 

    Speaker: Jeff Anderson, Director of Investment Services, Michigan CLASS, and former Finance Director/Deputy Treasurer for Delta Charter Township (Eaton Co.)

    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.

  • Here Comes the Sun: What Your Township Needs to Do to Prepare for Solar Energy
    Contains 1 Component(s)

    Hear from a panel of experts on the opportunities and challenges that solar energy brings, along with tips for planning for the future.

    As the state’s climate plan continues to drive renewable energy standards, it’s important that you understand both opportunities and challenges for your community. From siting and taxation to ensuring your zoning decisions weigh all the options, we’ll help you get a handle on all the considerations and why you should plan now. Walk away with practical, first-hand advice from our panel of experts.

    Speakers: Catherine Kaufman and Seth Koches, MTA Legal Counsel, Bauckham, Thall, Seeber, Kaufman & Koches, PC; and Sarah Banas Mills, PhD, Senior Project Manager, Graham Sustainability Institute, Lecturer, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan

    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.