Michigan Association Municipal Clerks Quarterly Newsletter
of
Fall 2014
Chris Swope, CMMC/CMC City of Lansing MAMC President
Letter from the President Well, autumn is here and if your office is like mine, it has been a busy election season. And the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks has been busy as well. Since our last newsletter we have held a first-ever training targeted toward Upper Peninsula clerks; the training was held in conjunction with the Northern Michigan Public Service Academy. We had a great attendance for the full day session led by Lew Bender, Ph.D. In fact, it was so well received, that plans are already underway for next year. In September, the MAMC Board held its annual Strategic Planning Session where we had great discussions about the challenges facing clerks, and how MAMC can continue to help. We reviewed the implementation of our CMMC program, and made plans for the coming year. I have to tell you folks; your Board of Directors is dedicated and excited about this organization. So, this being our annual “membership” issue of the newsletter, I want to take a moment to point out what a great value MAMC is. We offer excellent educational opportunities, and even include one free opportunity with the price of membership. You receive full access to our website and forums, where you can get advice
See page 7 for the 2015 Membership Form
and feedback from fellow clerks. We advocate on your behalf in the State Legislature and with the Bureau of Elections. We raise the profile of the clerking profession and provide opportunities for professional certification. Other organizations in Michigan charge hundreds or even thousands for these benefits. MAMC membership is $60 or less per person for a whole year – how can you beat that! I invite you to join or renew your membership in this great organization and take advantage of all we have to offer. Whether you’re from a small community of just a few hundred citizens or a large city with tens of thousands of residents, you and your community will benefit from your membership in, and participation with, the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks.
Inside this issue...
Legislative Update....................................................2 2015 Conference....................................................2 Education.........................................................3 IIMC Region V Update...........................................3 Membership - Time to Renew!............................4 Event Calendar.........................................................4 Website/Social Media.............................................4 CMMC Program Updates...................................5 Ways & Means..........................................................6 Financial Report.......................................................6
Capitol Update
Bill Zaagman Governmental Consultant Services, Inc. MAMC Lobbyist zaagman.w@gcsionline.com
Legislature on Fall Hiatus The Legislature returned following Labor Day for a brief fall session and broke on October 2 until after the elections. They return to regular session on the Thursday following the election and are expected to complete work for this session the week of December 15. As a reminder, any bill that is not enacted by the end of year dies and must be reintroduced during the next session. House Committee Takes Testimony on Voting Equipment The House Elections and Ethics Committee took testimony on legislation intended to ensure that any future voting equipment is selected by each county for use by the jurisdictions within the respective county. It appears that the bill sponsor is intending to mirror the selection process that was used a decade ago when the current
equipment was selected. The bill, House Bill 5667, was introduced by Rep. Lisa Lyon (R-Alto), who also chairs the committee. The bill prescribes that the Secretary of State shall permit the county clerk in consultation with the local clerks to select a voting system that is approved and certified as provided for under MCL 168.795A. A number of county and local clerks packed the hearing room to speak in favor of the bill. Representatives from the Department spoke about the on-going process of exploring new equipment, the potential RFP and the status of a taskforce that was created by Secretary Johnson, with 18 county and local clerks. The representatives indicated that Secretary Johnson has not taken a position on the bill. No one spoke in opposition to the legislation.
Jennifer Venema Caledonia Charter Township MAMC Conference Chair
Jeremy Howard, CMC City of Mt. Pleasant MAMC Conference Co-Chair
2015 Conference Jeremy and I traveled to beautiful Mackinac Island in early September for our initial site visit for the 2015 MAMC Annual Conference. We’ve begun planning the event and are excited at the opportunities this venue has to offer. As your Conference Chair, I sincerely hope you will join us at this amazing location for great educational sessions and networking with your fellow clerks. Mark your calendar for June 23-26 and be sure to watch the MAMC website for more information. I look forward to seeing you there! Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks
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Mission Point is ready to take your reservation! A complete list of available room types and prices can be found on the MAMC website. Don’t delay call 1-800-833-7711 today! Be sure to mention that you are with the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks to ensure you get our discounted rate.
Fall 2014
Mary Clark, CMC Delta Township Education Chair
IIMC Region V News
Education
By the time you read this, the Governor’s election will be neatly put away for the next four years. It is time to think about education and socializing with Clerks from around the world.
Learning something new every day is one of the things I love most about being a Clerk. As Education Chair I, along with your Education Co-Chair, Lanie McManus, are looking forward to providing you lots of “learn something new every day” opportunities.
The IIMC annual conference is scheduled in Hartford, CT from May 17 – 21, 2015. We were able to cut one day off the conference to save attendees the cost of a hotel night, but the educational credits will remain the same.
A huge thank you to Tina Barton who served as your Education Chair for 2014. She and Co-Chair Dawn Walker did a fabulous job planning speakers for all the MAMC learning opportunities this year.
Don’t miss this opportunity to earn valuable points toward your CMC and MMC, reconnect with old friends, and network with new friends who all have a lot in common with you!
Lanie and I are looking at all the requests for training topics that were submitted at various events this year. We look to offer a variety of topics for the new as well as the experienced clerk. We hope you will share with us your ideas for new or revised training topics, please email us at mclark@deltami.gov or lmcmanus@garfield-twp.com.
For further information, go the website at IIMC. com or call me in Auburn Hills!
Remember all of the conferences, institutes and workshops offered by MAMC contribute to your new CMMC certification AND are a huge benefit to your community. If you have completed Institute we encourage you to take part in the Master Academy opportunities.
Happy Holidays! Terri Kowal, CMMC, MMC Region V Director
We look forward to working with each and every one of you in 2015. Please let us hear from you!
MAMC Website & Social Media
Susanne M. Courtade, CMMC/CMC East Bay Charter Township MAMC 3rd Vice President Newsletter/Website Chair
We hope that you are enjoying the worthwhile information within this newsletter. Go out to our website: Michiganclerks.org to find out more information such as: our upcoming conference and educational programs, scholarship opportunities, legislative updates, member forum and topics of interest. You can also reach out to your fellow clerks using the membership directory. You can also find us on Facebook: Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC)-OFFICIAL SITE. Stay connected and stay informed. Feel free to contact me with any questions, scourtade@eastbaytwp.org. Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks
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Fall 2014
Lisa Kay Hathaway, CMMC/MMC City of Grosse Pointe Woods MAMC Membership/CMMC Program Chair
Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk Program Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk (CMMC) Program: 105 Members Certified
“Survival of Clerks depends on education.” ~Lewis G. Bender, Ph.D. MAMC’s groundbreaking, state-wide certification program was rolled-out in February 2014. The primary goal of this program is to encourage the highest levels of performance and leadership through education specifically designed for Michigan Clerks to effectively provide services in the public sector. The Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk (CMMC) program is a 3-year recertification program designed to encourage and provide continuous education that once attained, requires recertification to retain. Employers, and new and experienced Clerks alike, benefit from an investment in the CMMC program. By participating, a Clerk commits to sharpening skills, learning new approaches, and staying abreast of ever-changing regulations. This is achieved through networking and completing education that will empower and provide a platform for successful management and leadership. For additional information on the Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk’s program, an informational brochure, Guidelines, and Application are available on MAMC’s website. Limit Set for Institute Qualification Qualifications to apply for CMMC include being an MAMC Member in good standing, and having completed one of the following: 1. Graduated from 3-year Michigan Municipal Clerk’s Institute (MMCI), 2. Attained CMMC Certification, or 3. Attained MMC Certification through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. The Board of Directors, at their Strategic Planning session held on September 12, 2014, established a deadline for utilizing MMCI to qualify for certification. All prior Institute graduates were grandfathered and will have until December 31, 2016, to submit an application for CMMC using their MMCI. Future graduates of MMCI will have three years to apply. The following Clerk’s have recently been awarded the prestigious designation of Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk. Congratulations to all! Mary M. Bachman Kimberly Biegalle Judy Bigney Amy Burton Maryanne Cornelius Donna Cronce Debra Devitt Brenda Green
Cortney Hanson Marcia Jeske Terri Kowal G. Machele Kukuk Ellen E. Marshall Frances McMullan Dana Muscott Ed Norris
Laura Pierce Janet Santos Kareen Thomas Robin R. Troyer Kathlene L. Van Wasshnova Cara Vandiver Kris Vogel Michelle Wright
Feel the satisfaction – apply for your CMMC today. Go to: www.michiganclerks.org. Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks
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Fall 2014
Membership M e m b e r s h i p e x p i r e s D e c e m b e r 3 1 st Membership: 891 Members as of October 2014
Why you should be a Member MAMC continuously strives to improve your membership benefits. Benefits include Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk’s certification program, free or reduced educational costs, legislative influence, forum discussion, valuable networking, website, resources, MAMC Newsletter, and more. Also, with a recent amendment to the by-laws, now all active members may make motions and vote on matters before the Association, including the Clerk of the Year Awards. Our Lobbyist, Bill Zaagman of Governmental Consultant Services Inc., represents MAMC in Lansing at the direction of the MAMC Board. Annually the Board adopts a list of legislative priorities based on recommendations received from the CEO and Legislative Committees. The list is available on the MAMC website, and updates are provided with each MAMC Newsletter. When time is of the essence to take action on fast-moving legislation, intermittent updates and notices are sent to the membership via email blast. MAMC takes pride in providing this service to assist in saving you time to research and stay abreast of ever changing legislation affecting the Clerk’s ability to serve the public sector. ~Lisa Kay Hathaway, Membership Chair
Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars 2014
March 24 - 26 Masters Academy Comfort Inn, Mt. Pleasant
November 19 Board of Directors Meeting Delta Township Offices, Lansing
April 1 Free Education Day Radisson Hotel, Lansing
December 17 Board of Directors Meeting Home of Chris Swope, Lansing
May 17 - 21 IIMC Annual Conference Hartford, CT
2015 January 21 Board of Directors Meeting Delta Township Offices, Lansing
June 23 - 26 Annual Conference Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island
March 15 - 20 Clerk’s Institute Comfort Inn, Mt. Pleasant
Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks
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Fall 2014
J. Cherilynn Brown, CMMC/CMC City of Ferndale MAMC Ways & Means/ Media Relations Chair
Ways & Means
Please consider submitting a nomination for a deserving Clerk for the 2015 City, Township and Village Clerk of the Year Awards. The Nomination deadline is January 16, 2015. Up to five nominees in each category are chosen for placement on the ballot by committees of previous winners based on the following criteria: • Years of experience as a municipal clerk; • Demonstration of greater-than-average performance in the position; • Involvement in county, state and national associations; • Demonstrated interest in improving their professional and personal skills, and in the advancement of the profession; • A record of contributing to the improvement of their community and the respect of community leaders. The nomination form is available at www.michiganclerks.org or by calling MAMC at 517.371.2223. A nominee must be a member of the MAMC in 2015. The 2015 awards will be presented on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at the MAMC Annual Conference at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island.
Financial Report
MAMC Legislative Committee
Betty Kennedy, MMC Village of North Branch MAMC Treasurer
Sarah Bydalek, CMC City of Walker MAMC 2nd Vice President Legislative Committee Chair
MAMC - Financial Report for September 2014 Bank Statement Beginning Balance $100,743.09 Deposits/Credits 3,831.62 Interest 4.80 Withdrawals 10,943.41
The MAMC Legislative Committee meets monthly at Delta Township on the third Wednesday of each month at 10:30 am. If you are interested in joining the MAMC Legislative Committee please contact Sarah Bydalek at sbydalek@ci.walker.mi.us or at (616) 791-6865.
Ending Balance *Main Bank Account $ 93,636.10 *Investment Account 25,000.00 Total Funds
$118,636.10
Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks
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Fall 2014
MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL CLERKS 2015 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Please check one:
New Member
(One application per person)
Renewal
(* required fields)
*Name ___________________________________________________ *Title ___________________________ *Municipality _________________________________________________*County ______________________ *Address __________________________________________________________________________________ Street
City
State
Zip
*Phone ___________________________________________________________________________________ Municipal Office
Home/Cell
Fax ___________________________ *Email _____________________________________________________ CERTIFICATION
CMC
MMC
CMMC
Dues Structure: (Check one) Primary Membership: Any person who is an active elected, appointed, or acting Clerk. Population 5000 or under: $50.00
Population over 5000: $60.00
Additional Memberships: Additional memberships within the same municipality, i.e. Deputy Clerks. Each Additional: $40.00 Associate Membership: Members connected with state government, former active members, or businesses serving government. Each Associate: $85.00 Honorary Membership: Approved at the discretion of the Board of Directors. No Fee TOTAL PAID: _________
Membership Pin: $6.00
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION IS DUE BY JANUARY 31st
A $15.00 late fee will apply to renewal applications postmarked after January 31st
Send this form and your unstapled check payable to: Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks Betty Kennedy, Treasurer Village of North Branch P.O. Box 704 North Branch, MI 48461-0704
Apply on-line at www.michiganclerks.org payable by check or credit card
FOR MAMC OFFICE USE ONLY: Check Number: __________________________
Date: __________________________________
Amount Paid: ___________________________
Comment: _______________________________
Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks
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Fall 2014
Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks 120 N. Washington Sq., Suite 110A Lansing, MI 48933
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Quarterly Newsletter M I C H I G A N A S S O C I AT I O N O F M U N I C I PA L C L E R K S