Michigan Association of

Municipal Clerks

Letter from the President

Quarterly NewsletterFall 2017

Inside this issue...2018 Membership ................................................................ 2Education Update ................................................................ 4Financial Report .................................................................. 42018 COTY Nomination .................................................... 5Conference Preview ............................................................ 5Capitol Update ..................................................................... 6Website and Social Media................................................... 6Legislative/CEO ................................................................... 7

Susanne M. Courtade CMMC/CMCEast Bay Charter Township

MAMC President

How do we best represent and serve our members and our communities and still take care of the special people in our lives including “us”? We are all busy providing quality service on a daily basis whether we are preparing packets for board meetings, posting to PR, AP, GL, and entering Budget analysis, posting information to our website pages, creating welcome packets to new residents, preparing cemetery documents, training inspectors, executing elections and assuring that the results are above reproach. I’m sure this list would exceed the pages of this newsletter if offered the space, and I haven’t even begun to jot down the “to do” lists we have for outside of the 8-5 needs! It can sometimes be daunting and even a struggle to accomplish all these necessary tasks before the end of our workday. You are not alone. That’s where MAMC comes in and plays an important role. We are a Municipal Clerk specific resource. Whether you are new to the clerking world or a seasoned clerk, from a large jurisdiction, a small jurisdiction, or somewhere in-between. The ability to network, and to confirm that we are providing the best, most accurate service is important to our communities, our membership and to us all.

The holidays will be here before we know it. Make time now to save these dates and plan for your commitment to taking care of you and your professional growth in the clerking world. Make sure that your budget

will allow you to attend all the first rate educational programs MAMC has to offer:

• March 11-16, 2018 Basic Institute, Mt. Pleasant• March 20-22, 2018 Master Academy, Comfort Inn,

Mt. Pleasant• April 10, 2018 Free Education Day Soaring Eagle,

Mt. Pleasant

And last but not least: please join me to celebrate what is so special about our beautiful State of Michigan where “There’s No Place like HOME”.

June 19-22, 2018 MAMC Annual Conference Grand Traverse Resort in Acme (Traverse City), Michigan.

Sincerely,Susanne M. Courtade CMMC/MMCMAMC President 2017-18scourtade@eastbaytwp.org

Page 2Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks Fall 2017

Lisa Kay Hathaway, CMMC/MMCCity of Grosse Pointe WoodsMAMC Membership/CMMC Program Chair

Membership/CMMCMembership: 939 Members

Recent studies conducted have identified the value of registering as a member of a professional association, as well as establishing criteria professionals are using to determine which ones to join. The studies were conducted on “millennials” as well as those considered “old school” and everyone in-between. Overwhelmingly, it has been determined that the value of a professional organization in your chosen field is immense. The right Association will provide countless opportunities to network and ultimately the opportunity to further your career. Career-oriented associations hand you the tools and information you need to succeed.

The Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC) provides Clerks of all ages with the skills and abilities to serve Michigan communities with accuracy and integrity by providing environments in which to enhance personal and professional development. Here are some reasons for renewing your membership or joining for the first time:

1. Broaden your knowledge2. Take charge of your career3. Build a better resume4. Enhance your network5. Be a leader6. Become a mentor7. Make a new friend8. Give back to the community9. Exercise strength in numbers10.Stay inspired and stay

motivated

MAMC continuously strives to customize our membership options to help you meet the demands of today’s municipal Clerk. Our education and events focus on providing up to date information enabling your ability to apply the requirements of laws impacting your office, such as elections, Freedom of Information Act,

Open Meetings Act, Zoning, labor law, contract law, and so many more. Our customized Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk certification program rewards and qualifies the knowledge attained. The many networking opportunities are invaluable whether they be with another Clerk, vendor, legislator, volunteer, or County or State Bureau of Elections Representative. Nurturing your career by making contacts and communicating with others sets a secure foundation upon which to build your profession.

Our benefits are relevant to your profession and provide both personal growth, as well as growth to the good of the field as a whole, and they continue to drive our membership. MAMC continues to build value in our association’s work by adapting our model of membership and benefits, and by making adjustments to our services that reflect your needs and engage

current and future members. You will find an expanded social media outreach, enhanced website, forum improvements, implementation of member-recommended educational topics taught by knowledgable speakers, continued growth of an evolving list of education approved and accredited for certification, and frequent receipt of timely communications pertaining to changing legislation. Volunteer opportunities are also solicited, and particularly for newer members, our association encourages involvement as a

member willing to work on one of the several MAMC committees. Your membership will spark curiosity to learn about one another’s communities, provide opportunity to share new ideas, and fulfill the need to give back to the Association.

The Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks Political Action Committee (PAC) was established in 2010 as another avenue for members to get involved in the future of the profession. In an effort to maintain a strong voice in Lansing, we need your support of the MAMC Clerk PAC.

We face many legislative issues and initiate legislation on your behalf. We must educate Michigan legislators about the role of a Municipal Clerk and the issues we believe are important in providing services to our citizens.

Your contributions are pooled together and enable us to financially support the campaigns of legislators who support our efforts. The MAMC Clerk PAC is essential to assure that our message is heard in Lansing.

The cycle of politics is continuous, especially in this era of term limits! Your voluntary commitment to our association enables us to continue our advocacy efforts.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the MAMC Clerk PAC, log-on to the MAMC website at www.MichiganClerks.org. Visit the Member Portal and click on Contribute to MAMC Clerk PAC.

Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks

Political Action Committee

*Only MAMC members are eligible to contribute to the PAC.

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The Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk designation distinguishes those clerks whose education and training enhance their quality of service to the public and the municipality in which they serve. Professional development benefits the individual clerk, while improving the administration of local government. Whether elected or appointed, clerks serve a powerful role in coordinating public programs and influencing legislative initiatives. A Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk affords a community the very best in administering many of the following programs and services regulated by Federal, State, and local laws:

¾ Election Administration ¾ Freedom of Information Act

Coordinator ¾ Open Meetings/Agenda Preparation ¾ Minutes/Parliamentary Procedure ¾ Treasury/Finance/Budgeting ¾ Notary Administration ¾ Records Management ¾ Human Resources/Personnel

Management ¾ Zoning/Publications/Notices ¾ Licensing ¾ Passports ¾ Legislative Expertise and Influence

Proudly sponsored by:Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks

Certification Continuously Qualifying

Michigan Clerks

The Certification that Matters in Michigan. Attain it, Wear it.

v2016

Marne McGrath, CMCDeputy City ClerkCity of Ferndale

“As a new Certified Municipal Clerk I was concerned that my opportunities for continuing education may be more limited now that I have achieved my CMC designation. In my opinion, the Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk (CMMC) designation is an important tool for me to keep learning and growing as a clerk. Our duties as clerks require us to keep up on emerging trends in municipal government so we can provide our residents with the most efficient and highest quality service. What better way to keep abreast of the constant changes than to make continuing education and training the priority that it should be?

I believe the CMMC designation and re-certification program will empower clerks by giving us the knowledge and confidence to better administer our duties in the ever-changing field of municipal government.”

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Michigan Association of

Municipal Clerks

Defining Clerks: Professional Public Managers

MAMC is committed to providing:

• Relevant educational opportunities: • Education Day • Michigan Municipal Clerk’s Institute• Clerking 101• Master’s Academy • Annual Conference• and others

• Recognition from the Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk Certification/Recertification Programs

• Satisfaction of having attained professional preparation to assume the responsibilities of a municipal Clerk

• Recognition opportunities from the Clerk of the Year Program

• Scholarship awards for Institute and Conference

• Legislative lobbying and updates essential to implement responsible government

• Affiliation in a network providing professional Clerk support

• Quarterly Newsletters and email updates• Partnerships with related professional

organizations• Members-only resources and forum• On-line services via our website

Individual and Employer Benefits

www.MichiganClerks.org

Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks

120 N. Washington Square, Suite 110A

Lansing, MI 48933

(517) 372-MAMC

Michigan Association

of Municipal Clerks

www.MichiganClerks.org

Proud Sponsors of

Michigan Association of Municipal ClerksEducating and Supporting Michigan Clerks since 2000

www.MichiganClerks.orginfo@michiganclerks.org

Page 3Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks Fall 2017

The MAMC Board of Directors invites you to renew your membership or to join us for the first time. Join our membership comprised of a diverse group of intelligent, like-minded professionals that are immersed in our industry who believe education is the key to success.Sources: cccctech.com; asaecenter.org; entrepreneur.com

“What surrounds us is what is within us.” T.F. Hodge

“The rise or fall, success or failure of your dreams is largely dependent on the association you build yourself around.” Israelmore Ayivor

Memberships expire December 31st

CMMC CORNER217 MAMC Members Certified!

Tracy Ayres - Aurelius TownshipPatricia Back - Groveland Township

Lisa Borgacz - City of Mount ClemensMonica Burtt - Plainfield Charter Township

Gina Cipriani - Charter Township of OaklandLisa Deaton - City of South Lyon

Cathy Dye - Acme TownshipNicole Frost - City of Imlay City

Susan Carol Galeczka - Village of Lake OrionJoyce M. Golding - City of Charlevoix

Cory Beth Grigg - Ishpeming TownshipSusan Hoff - City of Westland

Carly Hotchkiss - City of Farmington HillsSusan P. Joseph - River RougeLaura Kaiser - City of ChelseaBonnie Klein - City of Gladwin

Melissa Kuzmik - Village of Howard CityNedra L. Lambert - Charter Twp. of Independence

Congratulations! MAMC Board of Directors

Feel the satisfaction. Apply for your CMMC today.

Apply for Membership or CMMC certification at www.michiganclerks.org.

Kimberlie Lautner - City of Traverse CityPamela Mazich - Groveland Township

Lindsay McLaughlin - City of Auburn HillsJoanne Montgomery - Van Buren Charter Township

Crystal Opalko - City of WixomJanice Pockrandt - City of Center Line

Julie J. Potts - City of East TawasKaren Reilly - Charter Township of Oakland

Ronda Robinson - Long Lake TownshipChelsea Rodgers - City of Walled Lake

EvaMaria C. Ryan - Charter Township of OrionBonnie Scheele - Grand Traverse County

Annette Sturdy - City of St. ClairKimberly Thompson - City of Benton Harbor

Kelli VandenBerg - City of WyomingLisa Vecchio - City of Berkley

Tracy Wheeler-Clay - City of HarrisonLynette Wolfgang - Blair Township

Page 4Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks Fall 2017

Education Update

Mary Clark, CMMC Delta TownshipEducation Chair

Rob Crawford, CMMC/CMCFort Gratiot TownshipEducation Vice Chair

MAMC, CMMC, IIMC, CMC, MMC, IIMC Education, Experience and MAMC CMMC Points vs Hours. What do they all mean?

• MAMC — Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks

• CMMC — Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk (issued by MAMC)

• IIMC — International Institute of Municipal Clerks — located in Rancho Cucamonga CA

• IIMC CMC — Certified Municipal Clerk (issued by IIMC)

• IIMC MMC — Master Municipal Clerk (issued by IIMC)

• IIMC Education Hours, — Classes pre-approved by IIMC involving general duties of clerks

• IIMC Experience Hours — Classes not approved by IIMC, related to the duties of clerks

• MAMC CMMC Certification Points — Classes accepted as essential to Michigan Municipal Clerk’s duties

MAMC provides educational opportunities for its members to earn points to qualify for the MAMC CMMC and hours to qualify for the IIMC CMC and MMC designations. MAMC certifies qualifying members who attend educational classes and training with the designation of Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk.

The differences between MAMC and IIMC designations are the MAMC programs are structured to the duties of a Michigan Municipal Clerk. The IIMC CMC and MMC programs are a broader spectrum where the municipal clerk’s duties could be similar wherever they work.

For those who attended the 2017 annual conference, you received a certificate with the number of points earned for MAMC and the hours earned for IIMC.

The points were listed as MAMC CMMC Certification Points and IIMC Hours. MAMC CMMC Certification Points are used by members to qualify for the CMMC designation. IIMC education hours are for classes MAMC submitted to IIMC for approval and a member submits the required Assessment Form. A member receives Experience Hours for classes where the member did not submit an Assessment Form or a class was not pre-approved by IIMC for Education Hours. Members use both education and experience hours to qualify for the IIMC CMC and MMC designations.

Why are designations of CMMC, CMC or MMC important? MAMC CMMC and IIMC CMC designations require attending educational programs designed to improve job performance. IIMC MMC designation requires advanced education and professional activities. One clerk said it was important because they were not able to attend a university or college to earn a degree. The CMMC designation gave them recognition for being educated in their field of municipal clerk.

Financial ReportLanie McManus, CMMCGarfield Charter TownshipMAMC Treasurer

Financial Report for September 30, 2017

Bank StatementBeginning Balance $278,116.99Deposits/Credits $2,869.33Interest 0Withdrawals $104,962.15

Ending Balance Main Bank Account $176,024.17

TOTAL FUNDS $176,024.17

Page 5Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks Fall 2017

Anna Perales, CMMC/CMCCity of Holland

MAMC Ways & Means/Media Relations Chair

Seeking Nominations For City | Township | Village 2018 Clerks of the Year

Please consider submitting a nomination for a praiseworthy Clerk for the 2018 City, Township, and Village Clerk of the Year Awards. The deadline for nomination is January 15, 2018. A maximum of five nominees in each category are chosen for placement on the ballot by the committee of the 2017 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.

Qualifications: a nominee must be a member of the MAMC in 2017 and must continue their membership in 2018.

Announcements and Presentation: The 2018 awards will be presented on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at the MAMC Annual Conference at the Grand Traverse Resort.

The nomination form is available on the MAMC website; http://www.michiganclerks.org/or by calling the Clerk of the Year Committee Chair: Anna Perales at 616.355.1304.

Ways & Means

2018 Conference

Holly M. Thompson, CMMC/CMC City of WilliamstonConference Chair

Adam Wit, CMMC/CMC Charter Township of Harrison

Conference Vice Chair

We are in the early planning stages for the 2018 MAMC Conference at the beautiful Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan. This venue is very similar to the Kalamazoo Radisson in its conveniences such as classes and activity rooms in close proximity, shops and restaurants located right inside the hotel, and a town with plenty to do and see.

Our theme of “There’s No Place Like Home” speaks to all of us in where we’re all from and where we live, work, and play. We’ll be incorporating this into our week heavily and maybe we’ll all get to know about the place you call home. We look forward to another great conference week that will be here before you know it! Please mark your calendars for June 19th - 22nd, 2018.

homethere’s no place like

Page 6Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks Fall 2017

Capitol Update

Bill ZaagmanGovernmental Consultant Services, Inc.

MAMC Lobbyistzaagman.w@gcsionline.com

House Committee Acts on Recount BillsThe House Elections and Ethics Committee reported legislation to increase the per precinct cost for certain recounts. Under the bill, introduced by

Sen. Dave Robertson (R-Grand Blanc), the fee for a recount when the petitioner lost by more than 5 percent or 75 votes, whichever is greater, would be set at $250 per precinct. The bill passed the committee unopposed and is awaiting action by the full House.

In other action, the Committee also reported House Bill 5012. The bill, introduced by Rep. Jim Lilly (R-Grand Haven), amends the Michigan Election Law to limit aggrieved candidates eligible to petition for a recount of votes to those who have a good faith belief that, but for the fraud or mistake, they would have had a reasonable chance of winning the election. This is a slight nuance to the current law, where the candidate must only allege fraud or mistake. The bill attempts to codify the state Supreme Court ruling issued last year that halted the Presidential election recount. The bill is awaiting action by the full House.

Bill to Allow Clerk Collaboration AdvancesLegislation designed to allow clerks to contract with other clerks to conduct and perform election-related duties was bumped out of the House Elections and Ethics Committee. House Bill 4671, introduced by Rep. Michael Webber (R-Rochester) would permit a clerk to voluntarily contract with another county or municipal clerk or the Bureau of Elections to perform elections administration duties. These duties include, but are not limited to, processing of AV ballots, QVF list maintenance including street index, voter registration processing, and receiving of affidavits of identity and petitions.

The voluntary agreements between the two participating clerks must be approved by each clerk’s respective

governing body. Approved agreements must contain a 60-day cancellation provision and be filed with the Bureau of Elections.

MOVE Changes IntroducedActive duty military servicemen and women stationed overseas could return their MOVE ballots electronically under legislation introduced last month. House Bill 4984, introduced by Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte), would permit those military service members to return their ballots to their local clerk electronically as an attachment if the ballot is returned using an electronic mail address issued by a branch of the United States Military. Under the proposal, other MOVE eligible voters would still be required to return their ballots to the appropriate local clerk by mail.

MAMC is continuously striving to offer our members new and exciting ways to share and receive information with fellow clerks. We recently updated a standing rule to address posts on social media and the forum in order to continue to ensure that we are utilizing these resources in the best way possible as the methods that we communicate with each other continue to evolve. If you would like to see the new rules, you can do so at the link on the right side of the page at http://www.michiganclerks.org/Resources/Forum.aspx

As always you can email questions, comments, suggestions, or concerns to me at jhoward@mt-pleasant.org.

MAMC Website & Social Media

Jeremy Howard, CMMC/CMCCity of Mt. Pleasant

MAMC 3rd Vice President Newsletter/Website Chair

Page 7Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks Fall 2017

Dan Kasunic, CMMC /MMCCity of Kentwood

1st Vice President /CEO Chair

Legislative/CEO

Jennifer Venema, CMMC /CMCCaledonia Charter Township2nd Vice President/Legislative Chair

Despite the rain, wind and cooler temperature, the MACC/MAMC Legislative Luncheon was a homerun! This biennial event was an outstanding success with over 100 attendees: 60 legislators, several key staff, 43 clerks and five GCSI lobbyists. Legislators appreciated the opportunity to meet with their clerks in a relaxed environment and thanked them for hosting the luncheon.

Special thanks to those of you who took time out of your schedules to join us. We appreciate your support and participation in these important events. We also want to thank those that took the time to reach out to your State Representatives and Senators. The overwhelming response from our legislators shows they received your emails and phone calls!

This event would not have been the success it was without the hard work of Tara Paksi and the rest of the GCSI crew. They did an amazing job planning this event! Thank you GCSI!

Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks120 N. Washington Sq., Suite 110ALansing, MI 48933

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL CLERKS

WWW.MICHIGANCLERKS.ORG

Quarterly Newsletter

The 2018 Membership

Application is inside!

Join/Renew today!

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL CLERKS

2018 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name __________________________________________________ Title ____________________________

Municipality _______________________________________________ County __________________________

Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________________

Work Phone ______________________________ Home/Cell ________________________________

Email ____________________________________________________ Fax ___________________________

Apply on-line at: www.michiganclerks.org

Payable by credit card or check made payable to MAMC

Office Use Only

Date Received: _______ Check #: _________

Amount: ____________

Due December 31, 2017

MEMBERSHIP TYPE

(By-Laws Article III; SR-41)

DUES

Active Member (Active Clerk, Deputy Clerk, or counterpart with different title)

60.00

Associate Member (Previous member, or person or business connected with government)

85.00

Honorary Member (Prior Clerk or dignitary; requires a majority vote of the Board)

0.00

Lifetime Member (past MAMC President)

0.00

Membership Pin

6.00

Late fee applies if postmarked after January 31st

15.00

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED

$

Status New Member Renewal

Certification MAMC-CMMC IIMC-MMC IIMC-CMC

I do hereby subscribe to the principles and ethics as described in MAMC’s SR-47 Code of Professional Ethics

and Conduct, which I affirm will govern my personal and professional conduct as a Municipal Clerk in the

State of Michigan. I attest to having read, and understand, the Code of Professional Ethics, and as a member

of MAMC agree to uphold all ethics rules as written.

_____________________________________________________________ _____________________

Applicant Signature (required) Date

YES, I want to invest in the future of Michigan Clerks by donating to MAMC’s Political Action Committee

(PAC). A separate personal check is enclosed made payable to MAMC Clerk PAC and mailed to the address

above in the amount of $_________.

Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks | 120 N. Washington Sq, Suite 110A | Lansing, MI 48933-1609

Phone 517.372.MAMC | Fax 517.371.1170

Memberships are non-transferable