2016 MTA Conference
Registration is now open for this year’s Michigan Townships Association Annual Educational Conference and Expo held Jan. 19 through Jan. 22. Four Foster Swift attorneys will be speaking at the conference in Detroit.
The educational sessions they are speaking at include:
Behind Closed Doors: What can Be Discussed in Closed Session? | Attorney Anne Seurynck
There are many questions and common misperceptions about what can be discussed - and how to discuss these topics - in closed session. Get an in-depth look at each permissible closed session and discuss what the courts have ruled on challenges to closed sessions. Identify common mistakes public bodies make and how to avoid them. Walk away with specific procedural requirements for closed sessions.
New Legal Trends in Zoning and Land Use Regulation | Attorney Brian Goodenough
Can a township regulate drone activity? What happens if residents put a “tiny house” on their property? How can the township address citizen complaints over a composting operation? Dig into these and other emerging land use issues and learn techniques to effectively regulate and address these new uses.
Why Can’t We Get Along? How to Avoid Legal Issues by Working Together | Attorney Michael Homier
Not all board members agree and this often leads to lively discussions at board meetings. Sometimes the disagreement results in legal problems for the township. Delve into common legal issues, including how “split” boards may find themselves in Open Meetings Act problems. Ethical and fiduciary duty issues will be addressed, along with how email communications between board members may be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
Social Media Policies for Townships | Attorney Karl Butterer
Townships are facing new challenges with the use of the Internet and social media. Discover policies you can put in place to reduce litigation arising out of the use of social media. Learn strategies to enforce your township’s policies and join the discussion on whether the use of social media may be taken into account in the hiring and firing process.
Register for the upcoming conference here.
We look forward to seeing you at the conference. Stop by booth 521 at the expo and say hi to our municipal team.
