Numerous state statues grant municipalities the authority to create and manage public cemeteries. This e-letter explores concepts related to municipalities operating local cemeteries, including legal principles relating to burial space ownership and new case law concerning legal liability in the event of burial mistakes. MUNICIPAL CONTROL OF CEMETERIES Michigan treats the purchase of a cemetery…
Michigan Public Cemeteries: Municipal Control & Liability
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Are cemeteries owned and operated by municipalities subject to registration and auditing under the Cemetery Regulation Act, Act 251 of 1968, MCL 456.521 et seq.?
No. MCL 456.530(1) states that a cemetery owned and operated by a municipal corporation is exempt from the Act. The Act defines a “municipal corporation” to include a county, city, village, or township. MCL 456.522(n).
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Review Your Tips Processes Now or Pay Later, Part 2: Diving into the Tip Pool
In Part 1 of our 3-part series reviewing tipping rules under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) and Depart of Labor’s (“DOL”) Tip Rule, we discussed when payments to employees constitute “tips,” when an employee is considered a “tipped employee,” and an employer’s related minimum wage obligations. In Part 2 of the series, we…
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Review Your Tips Processes Now or Pay Later
Introduction As of the DOL’s fiscal year ended September 31, 2022, the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor (“DOL”) recovered over $27 million in back wages and illegally retained tips for more than 22,000 workers in the food service industry.[1] The reason? Employers improperly withheld and distributed tips that rightfully belonged to…
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Can a township employer discipline or terminate an employee who makes a false accusation of discrimination or hrassment?
Employees should not be subject to discipline or termination for filing a complaint in good faith. In other words, if the employee had a legitimate belief that discrimination or harassment occurred, they should not be retaliated against even if their complaint is not substantiated in an investigation. If the employer has overwhelming evidence that an…
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What Every Township Employer Should Know About Discrimination, Harassment, and Hostile Work Environments
Nearly everyone has heard the term “hostile work environment,” and just about everyone has some idea what harassment and discrimination are. But those terms and how they work in the employment setting is very commonly misunderstood by employees, department heads, and elected officials. This confusion can result in misunderstandings, inconsistent application of rules, and, at…
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Can local governments receive cash back from the federal government for investing in clean energy?
Yes and additional guidance is coming. Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 local governments may receive direct payment of tax credits as cash subsidies to fund clean energy-related assets. Three sections of the Inflation Reduction Act grant federal support for some assets contributing to solar fields, geothermal heating, and clean fuel for commercial vehicles….
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Special and Conditional Use Permits – The “Do’s” and the “Don’ts”
In this month’s E-Letter we will consider conditional use permits, also known as special use permits, and how your township can create clear decisions in which you can place confidence. First, we will quickly discuss what a conditional use permit is. Then we will cover several best practices to “Do” while also highlighting common pitfalls…
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Zoning Litigation – Enforcement in Circuit Court
Introduction As we have explained at length in prior E-Letters, the enforcement of zoning violations is often best accomplished through the streamlined municipal civil infractions process. This process is simple, cost-effective, and quick. However, due to its simplicity and the limited nature of the proceedings before the district court, civil infractions are not always the…
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Can I issue a 10-business day extension under the FOIA in response to a received request without the approval or consent of the requestor?
Yes. MCL 15.235(2) lists the options for responding when in receipt of a request made under the FOIA. The FOIA permits a public body to respond by “[i]ssuing a notice extending for not more than 10 business days the period during which the public body shall respond to the request.” There is no requirement that…
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FOIA Denials: Common Basis Further Explored, Including the Privacy Exemption, Personal or Non-Public Records, and the Failure to File a Proper Request
We have discussed the Freedom of Information Act (the “FOIA”), Act 442 of 1976, MCL 15.231 et seq., before in other e-letters, including the processing of good-faith deposit requests and election-related requests. Now, this e-letter focuses on and explores further some of the more common basis claimed by municipalities or public bodies for purposes of…
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Pressing Pause: Answers to Seven Frequently Asked Questions About Moratoriums
Although townships will often navigate “routine issues,” every so often a township will be faced with a unique issue that may not be adequately addressed by a township ordinance. For example, there may be new development trends for a particular land use in a region that is not provided for in a township’s zoning ordinance….
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If an existing parcel is subject to a special assessment, what happens to the special assessment if the parcel is split?
When a parcel with an existing special assessment is split, the Michigan Land Division Act authorizes a township assessor to apportion unpaid assessments between the newly created parcels under Section 53 of the Michigan General Property Tax Act. See MCL 560.109(1)(i)(ii). Similar to before any division, the apportioned special assessments are treated as liens on…
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The Corporate Transparency Act: Its Applicability to Your Business & The Importance of Compliance
If you currently own an interest in a corporation, limited liability company, or similar entity, OR if you plan to create and/or organize such an entity in the future, OR if you acquire ownership in such an entity in the future, this expansive legislation applies to you. Introduction The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was passed…
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Should Your Township Use “Self-Help”?
In this month’s E-Letter we discuss whether a township can enforce its ordinances without involving a court. Often zoning ordinances, nuisance ordinances, and other police powers will purport to contain a “self-help” provision stating that a township can enforce an ordinance violation simply by giving notice to a landowner and an opportunity to be heard….
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Can a general law township have more than five members on its Township Board?
Yes. A township board typically consists of a supervisor, treasurer, clerk, and two trustees. However, if your township has a population greater than 5,000 at the most recent census (or more than 3,000 registered electors) then two additional trustees may be added, bringing the board total to seven individuals. See MCL 41.70.
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Our Township’s master plan is 11 years old. Should the Township look at reviewing its master plan?
Yes. The Michigan Planning and Enabling Act seeks to have municipalities that have exercised their zoning powers to conduct a review of their master plans every five years. Thus, it will be of value for you to look at reviewing your master plan consistent with the Planning and Enabling Act. Many townships conduct this process…
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Township Law Legal Update: January 2023 Caselaw Update
Throughout the last year, the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court have decided several decisions that will have a notable impact on townships and municipalities in general. Given the large number of recent municipal cases, this E-Letter could not cover all recent municipal as a whole. However, our December 2022 E-Letter addressed…
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Are all special use permits approved by a Township’s Planning Commission?
No. Whether a special use permit is approved by the Township Planning Commission or recommended by the Planning Commission with approval by the Township Board depends on a Township’s own zoning ordinance. The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, Section 504, only requires that the approval standards be set forth in the Township zoning ordinance. Section 502…
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Township Law Legal Update: Top Five 2022 Municipal Law Cases To Not Forget
In the last year, the Michigan Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court have issued multiple decisions that impact townships. Although this month’s E-letter could not cover all of those decisions, the E-Letter discusses five very notable decisions based on their substantial impact on townships not only in 2022, but in future years to come….
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New Paid Sick Time Requirements That Will Impact Your Business
Federal law does not mandate any amount of paid leave for employees, but Michigan’s paid leave obligations may change in dramatic fashion. In 2018, you may recall there were two employment-related ballot initiatives set to appear on the general election ballot. One of them, the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (“IWOWA”), aimed to raise the…
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Election-Related Freedom of Information Act Requests: Common Examples and Best Practices
Municipalities have a clear statutory duty to respond to Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) requests related to public records concerning the administration of an election. By appropriately responding to such requests, municipalities can build trust between their residents and local government leaders while avoiding unnecessary litigation. This E-Letter specifically explores election-related FOIA requests by discussing…
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Is it correct that the Township’s zoning board of appeals can decide the meaning of a provision in the Township zoning ordinance?
Yes! Many townships consider the Zoning Board of Appeals to primarily handle variances. Variances are an individual’s request to ask for flexibility in the township’s strict application of the zoning ordinance so that a certain use can commence or structure can be constructed that would otherwise violate the zoning ordinance. A ZBA’s sole purpose, however,…
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What is the difference between a SUP, CUP, and SLUP?
Nomenclature. A SUP is a “Special Use Permit.” A CUP is a “Conditional Use Permit.” A SLUP is a “Special Land Use Permit.” Each name captures the same idea. These various “extra” land uses are authorized in the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, MCL 125.3502(1), however, there is no explicit definition or requirement to use a…
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Industrial Hemp: What It Is and What You Can Do
In this E-Letter we will explore the new and expanding area of industrial hemp. Along with the growth of medical and recreational marihuana products, there has been a rekindling of interest in new and traditional uses for hemp plants, in large part due to the popularity of CBD products. We will cover the different state…
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Is It Time to Refresh the Privacy Notice? Potential Legal Implications of Failing to Provide An Accurate and Compliant Website Privacy Notice
Introduction A common staple of any business’s website is the business’s website privacy notice or privacy policy. In a landscape of increasing enthusiasm for openness about businesses’ collection and use of personal information from regulators and consumers alike, businesses must stay cognizant of the content of their privacy notices. Not only do Federal and state…
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How an Expanded Paid Sick Time Leave May Impact Your Township
Presented by Attorney Chad Karsten on October 20, 2022
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Can an individual abandon the right granted in a variance that was issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals?
Yes, but abandonment is a fact-by-fact basis. Many zoning ordinances will address the principle of abandonment at least with respect to lawful nonconforming uses. The discontinuance of nonconforming uses is often commonplace because of explicit authorization for local municipalities to address such circumstances in the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act: “(2) The legislative body may provide…
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How an Expanded Paid Sick Time Law May Impact Your Township
A change to state law may soon mean that Michigan employers of all sizes (including townships!) will be required to provide paid sick time to employees. For many Michigan townships, this will be the first time that a state-mandated paid leave will apply to their operations. This E-Letter will discuss a recent Michigan Court of…
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Is it true that a Township may respond to a request for records under the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) by providing a website link/address to responsive records maintained on the Township’s website in lieu of providing physical or electronic copies?
Yes. The FOIA states that “if the FOIA coordinator knows or has reason to know that all or a portion of the requested information is available on its website, the public body shall notify the requestor in its written response that all or a portion of the requested information is available on its website.” The…
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The First Amendment Revisited: Municipal Regulation of Speech, Censuring Board Members, and Regulation of Art
While local governments have constitutional and statutory authority to regulate matters within their jurisdictions, those powers are not without limits. Governmental regulations can be called into question when they implicate the First Amendment. This E-Letter will discuss recent court decisions dealing with the First Amendment and how those cases could pertain to your municipality. Those…
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Can an at-will employee be terminated for any reason at all?
Not exactly. At-will employment is the default form of employment in Michigan and applies to almost all non-union employees in the state. At-will employment allows either the employer or the employee to terminate the relationship at any time and for almost any reason. Employers may not terminate employees (even those who are at-will) for unlawful…
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Free Speech and Township Employees: A Breakdown of Public Employee Speech Rights
Public employers (like townships!) are more limited than private employers in the ability to discipline or even terminate their at-will employees, including for what they say or post on social media outside of work hours. The 1st and 14th Amendments to the US Constitution guarantee that federal, state, and local governments will not interfere with…
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Common Township Special Assessment Mistakes
Presented by Attorney Kyle A. O’Meara on July 21, 2022
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Employee Classification – Understanding the Differences between an Employee and an Independent Contractor Under Michigan Law
The distinction between employees and independent contractors continues to be hotly discussed in both business and legal circles – and with good reason. Though the line separating these classifications may not always be clear, the consequences for misclassification can be disastrous, ranging from failure to pay minimum wage, failure to pay employment taxes, carry or…
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Does our township have to proceed with a special assessment project under Act 188 if we receive a property owner petition for the project?
No. The common township special assessment statute, Act 188 of 1954 (“Act 188”), allows property owners to submit petitions to a township for the purposes of proceeding with a project (e.g., road paving, sidewalks, and streetlights, among many others). See MCL 41.723(4). Unlike other statutes that mandate action upon receipt of a petition (e.g., the…
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Top Seven Township Special Assessment Mistakes
In Michigan, townships often use special assessments to fund a myriad of improvements ranging from building sidewalks, treating inland lakes for invasive aquatic weeds, and improving roadways to providing police and fire protection. The most common statute for township special assessment projects is Act 188 of 1954, MCL 41.721 et seq., (“Act 188”) which authorizes…
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I received a Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request and sent a 10-day extension as an initial response. How do I calculate my new deadline to respond?
The rule of thumb is 15 business days from the date the request is deemed received under the FOIA, Act 442 of 1976, MCL 15.231 et seq. The FOIA requires a public body to respond to a request for public records within 5 business days after the public body receives the request by either: (1)…
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Regulating Off- and On-Premises Signs: Can it be Done?
Does your municipality’s Zoning Ordinance regulate off- and on-premises signs? The constitutionality of these types of signs has been an open question since 2015 when the United States Supreme Court issued a decision regarding content-based restrictions on signage in Reed v Town of Gilbert. The Supreme Court recently clarified the scope of its holding in…
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We are in the process of reviewing the constitutionality of our sign ordinance. Can we make a decision between on-premise and off-premise signs?
That’s excellent that you are working on reviewing your sign ordinance. Many ordinances still contain content-specific regulations that would not pass constitutional muster, and townships should be reviewing and considering how to revise current provisions to align with First Amendment protections. The constitutionality of on-premise and off-premise sign distinctions has been an open question since…
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Five Things to Know About Adult-Use Marihuana Establishments in 2022
Almost four years have passed since Michigan voters approved the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (“MRTMA”), which became effective December 6, 2018. The MRTMA authorized adult-use marihuana within Michigan, including licensure to operate adult-use marihuana establishments. Since the enactment of the MRTMA, the legal landscape continues to change as municipalities work to implement…
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Getting the Most Out of Civil Infractions
Download the presentation slides here
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Avoiding Shareholder Liability for Corporate Actions Under Michigan Law
Corporations are generally treated as their own “legal persons,” separate and distinct from their individual owners. A primary feature of this separate treatment is that corporations’ debts and obligations belong to the entities themselves – not their individual owners. Courts refer to this legal distinction between the business entity and its owners as the “corporate…
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Attorney Mark J. Burzych Named to 2022 Franchise Times Legal Eagles
Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes is proud to announce that Mark J. Burzych, current president of the firm and head of its Franchise practice group, has been recently named to the 2022 class of ‘Legal Eagles’ by Franchise Times magazine. He has been recognized as a Franchise Times ‘Legal Eagle’ for the last four consecutive years,…
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Getting the Most out of Civil Infractions: Violation Notices, Informal Hearings, Warning Letters and Consent Judgments
Many townships have adopted municipal civil infractions ordinances to provide for the streamlined enforcement of township ordinances in district court. However, even with this simplified process, enforcement can be an uphill battle. This E-Letter explores a few lesser-known tips and strategies that can save time and money while still getting results. A Quick Primer on…
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Will the Right to Farm Act prevent my township from enforcing bans on farm animals in residential districts? What about regulations on farm equipment?
The RTFA will only preclude enforcement against the animal or equipment in question if several factors are met, and it is unlikely that these factors would be met in a residential neighborhood. The Right to Farm Act’s (“RTFA”) protections only attach if a supposed “farm” meets the following requirements: qualifies as a “farming operation;” is…
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Brittany M. Nichol Named a “Top 5 Under 35” Attorney by the Ingham County Bar Association
Attorney Brittany M. Nichol of Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC has been selected as one of the “Top 5” attorneys under the age of 35 in Ingham County for 2022. She will be recognized at the Association’s Thirteenth Annual Barristers Night on March 10, 2022. This prestigious award honors young attorneys who have distinguished themselves…
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When does one of our Planning Commission members have a conflict of interest?
This is a great question! The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MZEA) and Michigan Planning Enabling Act (MPEA) both specify that a conflict of interest will require a Commission member to abstain from voting on a matter. See e.g. MCL 125.3601(7) (stating that a member of a Zoning Board of Appeal may be removed for malfeasance…
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A Township’s Guide to Protecting Attorney-Client Communications
Townships are public governmental entities. As such, Townships have practical and legal implications that require them to transact business in the open and with transparency. In transacting Township business, Townships frequently are advised by their township attorneys. These attorneys provide advice through various communications, which may include emails, letters, and texts. Townships may then internally…
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Update on Remote Participation in Public Meetings
Today, the Attorney General released an opinion determining that Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires public bodies subject to the Open Meetings Act (“OMA”) to provide reasonable accommodations to allow elected officials and members of the general public with a qualifying disability to fully participate in meetings if the requirements of…
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Wage and Hour Violations Can Cost You
Keeping track of all the Department of Labor’s (DOL) wage and hour rules can be challenging. But, if a DOL investigation determines that your workplace failed to follow the rules set out by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the outcome can cost you big time! Since 2016, the DOL has conducted over 25,000 investigations…
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Can the County require a Township to pay the assessed value of foreclosed property rather than the amount owed in back taxes?
Yes, recent cases and legislation have impacted the foreclosure process. In a published Court of Appeals decision, the Court analyzed the retroactive application of changes to the tax foreclosure process that occurred under the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision in Rafaeli, LLC v Oakland Co, 505 Mich 429 (2020). Under Rafaeli, our Supreme Court explained foreclosing…
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Municipal Caselaw Update
There is something for everyone this month as our E-letter recaps several cases of interest to municipalities. We review the taxes available for levy to charter townships, the importance of zoning definitions and when a land use may become abandoned, the proper determination of when plaintiff must file a sewer overflow case, how to properly…
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Federal Vaccine Mandate Update & More Changes to COVID-19 Protocols
One federal vaccine mandate has recently been reinstated by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Read on to learn more about the new effective dates for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing; Emergency Temporary Standard for employers with 100 or more employees OSHA (Rules); and new standards from Centers for…
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Will COVID Continue to Impact My Township in 2022?
Unfortunately, all indications suggest that COVID-19 will continue to play a major role in your township’s operations in 2022, from conducting meetings to setting employment policies. Read on for more information about how you can best prepare to deal with these ongoing, ever-changing developments. Open Meetings Act: Limitations on Meeting Electronically The Open Meetings Act…
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The DOL Adds a New Tip Pool Option
Tip pooling is the practice of tipped employees to contributing their tips into one collective pool shared and divided evenly among that group. Previously, there were only two legally acceptable options for tip pools. On April 30, 2021, the DOL opened the door a bit wider for a new variation! Now that the DOL has…
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True or False? In December 2021, the Michigan Legislature voted to extend amendments to the Open Meetings Act (“OMA”) to provide public bodies discretion on whether to host open meetings electronically.
False. As presently written, after December 31, 2021, public bodies subject to the OMA may only accommodate the absence of members who qualify for military duty accommodation.
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Check Yourself: The 80/20 Rule for Tipped Employees is Back
The US Department of Labor (DOL) published a final rule on October 28, 2021, that brings back the 80/20 rule that was used by the DOL until 2018 for confirming tipped employees’ eligibility for the tip credit. This rule measures the amount of side work a tipped employee could perform without impacting your ability to…
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Our township is in the process of adopting a blight ordinance and civil infractions ordinance. Do we have to hold a public hearing prior to adoption of either?
No. Neither a general law nor charter township is required by law to hold a public hearing for the adoption of a general police power ordinance. Both of these ordinances would be considered that type of ordinance. Instead, a general law township can introduce and adopt such an ordinance at a single meeting without a…
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Top 5 Insider Tips for Townships Buying or Selling Property
Approximately 13% of the land in Michigan is owned by State and local government units. With Townships being among those owning a vast amount of property, it is not uncommon for Townships to engage in the purchase of property for the benefit of their local communities or the sale of property not needed for municipal…
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Getting to the Bottom of Federal COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published the COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing; Emergency Temporary Standard (Rules) on November 5, 2021. Along with rules for health care services and federal contractors, these new standards for private employers with 100 or more employees are the third, and most…
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Mark J. Burzych Elected as Chair of the State Bar Association’s Antitrust, Franchising & Trade Regulation Section
Mark J. Burzych, President of Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC in Okemos, Michigan and leader of the Business and Franchise Practice Group was recently elected as the Chair of the State Bar Association’s Antitrust, Franchising & Trade Regulation Section. The Section’s purpose is to promote the fair and just administration of laws and procedures pertaining…
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Does a nonconforming use run with the land and transfer to a subsequent owner who buys a property?
Generally, yes. The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act codified the principle of lawful nonconforming uses in MCL 125.3208. The Act provides: “If the use of a dwelling, building, or structure or of the land is lawful at the time of enactment of a zoning ordinance or an amendment to a zoning ordinance, then that use may…
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Protecting Your Township Boundaries
Should you be worried about annexation of your township’s territory to an adjacent city? Understanding the process of annexation and what you can do about it will help you answer that question. What is Annexation? Annexation is the process by which territory moves from a township to a city (village annexation is a separate process…
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Nine Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes Lawyers Named Among ‘The Best Lawyers in America’ for 2022
Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC is pleased to announce that 9 lawyers have been selected for inclusion in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers has earned the respect of the profession, the media, and the public…
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Can the Township handle its own code enforcement without having its Township attorney involved in each case?
Yes. Townships can explore implementing civil infraction notices and citations as penalties. Townships using civil infraction notices and citations have two potential avenues to provide enforcement without involving the Township attorney with each issue. For the first option, the Township can establish a violations bureau that allows the Township to issue municipal civil notice violations…
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The Great (Inland) Lakes State: Township Inland Lake Improvements
Michigan is blessed with abundant natural resources, many of which are located within Michigan’s townships. Of those natural resources, Michigan is home to over 11,000 inland lakes. As Michigan’s townships encompass approximately over 95% of the state’s land area, most lakes are located within townships. Inland lakes offer numerous benefits to townships. They: (1) can…
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If the Township Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on a special land use request, does the Commission also need to hold a public hearing on the related site plan?
Generally, no. The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act addresses the approval of special/conditional land uses and site plans. Within each Township that has zoning, the Township has adopted an ordinance to administer its zoning. Township zoning ordinances will always allow for a public hearing for special/conditional use approvals. However, site plans are not required to be…
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Content-Based Regulations of Signage
Recent federal court decisions have redefined the limits of the First Amendment’s protections of signs across the country and in Michigan, so municipal review of such regulations is certainly timely. In light of Reed v Town of Gilbert, Ariz, a recent sign decision, Justice Kagan of the United States Supreme Court opined that “many sign ordinances ….
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Beginner’s Guide to Conquering Large-Scale FOIA Requests
Attention FOIA Coordinators! Have you ever received an extensive Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request that leaves you wondering how you should respond? As the individuals tasked with answering your municipalities’ requests for information, you may be questioning whether you even have adequate time or resources to answer large-scale requests. This e-letter will address how…
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What is attorney-client privilege? Are communications subject to attorney-client privilege only if they contain an explicit notice notifying as much?
(1) What is attorney-client privilege? Attorney-client privilege protects certain communications made between the Township and your Township attorney from disclosure to members of the public, hostile individuals or outside entities. Not all communications between the Township and the Township attorney are subject to attorney-client privilege. The communication must be intended to be confidential, and concern…
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ADA in the Township Hall
The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and its Michigan counterpart, the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (“PWDCRA”) are well-known but often misunderstood laws that can have serious impacts on your township’s operations. From employment law landmines to the confusion surrounding service animals, the ADA is filled with pitfalls that can all too easily result…
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How much can our Township charge for adult-use license types, such as a retailer or microbusiness license?
Section 6.4 of Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (“MRTMA”) states “[a] municipality may charge an annual fee of not more than $5,000 to defray application, administrative, and enforcement costs associated with the operation of the marihuana establishment in the municipality.” Many municipalities apply this section of the MRTMA to the application and review…
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Offering Vaccine Incentives to Employees
When the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) initially provided guidance outlining how employers could manage employee vaccination back in December, it remained unclear whether (and to what extent!) employers were permitted to offer their employees incentives to encourage vaccination. On May 28, the EEOC finally released guidance clearing this up: employers may offer vaccination incentives….
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Can an overlay zoning district exist as a distinct district for uses within a zoning ordinance?
Yes. An overlay district sits on top of an existing zoning classification and permits additional uses. Overlay districts are particularly helpful in providing specialized zoning requirements for unique land uses from utility scale solar or windfarms to intensive livestock or commercial farming operations to marihuana facilities or establishments. With a renewable energy overlay placed in…
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Regulating Caregivers: What Your Township Can Do
Recent cases from the Michigan Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals have affirmed the authority of townships to regulate Primary Caregiver growing operations under the original Michigan Medical Marihuana Act from 2008 (“MMMA”). Under the MMMA, a caregiver can grow up to 72 plants with minimal state regulation on their activity. Although less intensive…
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Election Law Briefing: Key Points to Consider in Overseeing the Local Ballot Initiative Process
On its face, a local ballot initiative seems like a straightforward process: petitions are circulated, signatures are counted, and ballot language is approved; in reality, there are many factors to consider. Local ballot initiatives are created by individual statutes that do not share uniform processes and requirements. Further, the Michigan Election Law (“Election Law”) imposes…
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Can a township board adjust compensation of board members whenever it chooses?
No. While townships without a compensation commission may increase a board member’s compensation at any time, board compensation can only be decreased during the current term if the board member consents in writing and there is a corresponding reduction in responsibilities and requirements of the job. Board compensation can be decreased to be effective the…
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Update: MIOSHA Emergency Rules to be Extended
In an employment law update we published last week, we told you that the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) was considering extending its Emergency Rules for the workplace (available here) for an additional six months. On Monday, April 12, Governor Whitmer announced that that the MIOSHA Emergency Rules would be extended for an…
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Employment Updates: MIOSHA and Unemployment Benefits Matters
MIOSHA WORKING ON NEW COVID-19 RULES The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has started the formal rulemaking process to continue its efforts to mitigate and control the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. As you know, MIOSHA issued Emergency Rules in October 2020. Although those Emergency Rules are currently set to expire on…
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Is My Township Required to Have an Open Meetings Act (“OMA”) Policy Even If We Do Not Meet Electronically?
The OMA requires public bodies (including township boards) to establish certain procedures to accommodate the electronic attendance of a member(s) of the public body due to military duty, a medical condition, or a statewide or local state of emergency. These procedures set forth how a township will accommodate the electronic attendance, how the absent member(s)…
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Defending Tax Appeals
Now that Notices of Assessment have been issued and March Boards of Review have been completed, Townships should start preparing to defend 2021 property tax appeals. This E-Letter (and our May Webinar) will address the “what,” “when,” and “how” for Townships to be prepared to receive, handle, and defend property tax appeals that are filed…
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Renewable Energy Projects – Getting Past Go
Renewable energy projects including utility-scale wind and solar energy developments are becoming more and more prevalent in Michigan. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 in late December. This Act contains several provisions that will continue the development of renewable energy projects in Michigan….
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What can my township do with leftover Act 188 special assessment funds?
Act 188 of 1954 (“Act 188”) is a statute that many townships use to finance many improvements using special assessments ranging from lake improvements to rubbish collection. See MCL 41.722. Although Act 188 requires townships to approve project costs, there are times when a township may collect more in special assessments from property owners than…
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Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC Welcomes 3 New Summer Associates for its 2021 Summer Associate Program
Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC is delighted to announce that three new summer associates will be joining the firm for its 2021 summer associate program. Lindsey Gergel is a second-year law student (JD 2022) at Michigan State University College of Law. Lindsey received her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Michigan State University as well. …
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Year in Review: 2020 Zoning and Planning Court Decisions
Every year Michigan courts decide cases involving zoning and planning. 2020 was no different with several interesting cases deciding important zoning and planning concepts. Not all of these decisions created new law, but highlight important zoning and planning concepts that Townships deal with daily. This month’s E-Letter specifically highlights zoning and planning decisions related to…
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COVID-19 Relief: Federal and State Government Provide Economic Aid to Businesses & Individuals
On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (“COVID-19 Stimulus Act”), authorizing assistance to businesses and individuals impacted by COVID-19, including but not limited to: 1) aid to businesses through the reopening of the Paycheck Protection Plan; 2) expanded unemployment benefits; and 3) direct payments to eligible individuals. Notably, the “COVID-19…
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Governor Signs Two Bills to Update Drain Code
On December 29, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 5126 and House Bill 5504 to provide updates to the Michigan Drain Code. House Bill 5126 modernizes certain procedures in the Drain Code of 1956. That same bill also corrects internal inconsistencies within Section 135 of the Drain Code created as a result of recent amendments….
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Does a Township Zoning Board of Appeals have to do more in its final decision than simply stating whether a request is granted or denied?
Generally, yes. Typically, a Township’s Zoning Ordinance will provide for a written standard that must be applied when considering a request for a variance. Note there are certain criteria for variances established in the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, even if specifics are not provided in the Township’s Zoning Ordinance. See MCL 125.3604. The Zoning Board…
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W-2 or 1099? How to Utilize Independent Contractors Without Putting Your Township at Risk
Many townships rely heavily on independent contractors for township services. Whether the township uses independent contractors to manage and maintain its cemetery, mow its parks, or clean the township hall, independent contractors are important service providers for many townships. Independent contractors are individuals who operate their own business and offer their services to the general…
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Governor Signs Bill Extending Remote Meeting Authority
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, drain commissioners across the state have been holding meetings of their public bodies (including boards of determination and the various drainage boards under the Drain Code) remotely through the use of platforms such as Zoom. This authority was first granted by executive order from the governor and later…
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Update Regarding the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ November 15, 2020 Emergency Order
On November 15, 2020, the Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (“MDHHS”) issued an emergency “Gatherings and Mask Order” (the “Order”). The Order imposes new restrictions on residential and non-residential gatherings and closes certain types of businesses, including bars and restaurants for indoor service, entertainment venues, recreational facilities, and other workplaces…
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Michigan Legislature Passes Bill to Extend Provisions for Public Bodies to Meet Remotely under the Open Meetings Act
On December 9, 2020, the Michigan Senate voted 36-1 to pass Senate Bill 1246 (2020), a bill to amend the Open Meetings Act and extend the dates during which public bodies can meet remotely for any reason until March 30, 2021. The House voted to pass the bill on December 16, 2021, by a vote…
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COVID-19 Employment Law Update
Return to Work After Close Contact The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) recently updated its guidance regarding quarantine periods after a close contact with someone known or suspected of having COVID-19. The CDC previously recommended that those with a close contact exposure quarantine (and either miss work or work remotely) for…
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What is the relationship between Assessed Value, Taxable Value, and True Cash Value or Market Value?
True Cash Value and Market Value have been determined by Michigan Courts to be synonymous terms. The tax statute uses the term True Cash Value. True Cash Value means the price a willing buyer and willing seller would agree to through an arms-length transaction of the subject property as of tax day. Tax day is…
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2020 Property Tax Update
The State Tax Commission (“STC”) is a three-member commission appointed by the Governor. The STC is the authority charged with supervising the administration of the property tax laws in Michigan. In 2020, the STC released bulletins that provide guidance to assessors of local units of government. In this E-Letter we discuss and highlight Bulletin 08:…
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Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (“MDHHS”) Announces New COVID-19 Related Restrictions Amid COVID-19
As of November 14, 2020, the State of Michigan has reported 251,813 cases and 7,994 deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Robert Gordon Director of the MDHHS announced additional COVID-19 related safeguards through a newly promulgated Gatherings and Face Mask Order (the “Order”) on November 15. The Order contains many updates that concern municipalities, including…