Inside 208

MDOT will be hosting a facilitated session to look at streamlining the program application and is seeking local road agency volunteer assistance. The purpose of this effort is to provide MDOT with feedback as it prepares to turn the current PDF program application form into a software application. The facilitated [...]

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Local Agency Program (Safety division) is soliciting safety projects through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and the High Risk Rural Road (HRRR) program for fiscal year 2020. The call for projects letters can be accessed using the following links: FY 2020 HSIP Streamlined [...]

We need your input! You may not be aware that MDOT – and all DOTs nationally – are moving to the cloud-based AASHTOWare to manage all MDOT-let projects – and will walk away from Field Manager, likely in 2020.  Currently, there is a national limitation that will not allow local [...]

State Treasurer Nick Khouri issued a press release yesterday regarding the two property tax reform bills, HB 6049 and SB 1025.  These bills on the assessing proposal are likely to have a hearing in June and discussion with all interest groups, including the League, throughout the Summer.  Please reach out [...]

This week HB 5723 received a hearing in  Michigan Competitiveness Committee. The bill states a public entity could not exclude any pipe and piping materials when soliciting bids for a public works project if the pipe and piping materials meets or exceeds the recognized standards for pipe and piping materials [...]

The OPEB-pension “underfunded status” list is final and out and about. The large number of communities on the list representing all corners of the state, further demonstrates how Michigan’s system for funding municipalities is broken and needs fixing. Without meaningful municipal financial reform more and more Michigan communities will continue [...]

Municipalities seeking to respond to concerns of puppy mills in their communities will no longer have the ability to act if House Bill 5917 is passed. The legislation will create a new act to prohibit a local government from enacting or enforcing an ordinance, policy, resolution, or rule that regulates pet shops. [...]

This week legislation amending the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act (PA 256 of 2011) was introduced. House Bill 5939 reduces the number of allowable days and time to use fireworks. Currently fireworks are allowed the day before, the day of, and the day after all national holidays. HB 5939 would allow the use of fireworks [...]

A new bill, recently introduced in the Senate would fully exempt all heavy mobile construction equipment, like cranes and earth movers, from local tax bases. Senate Bill 927 was reported this week from the Senate Finance committee despite opposition testimony from the League and the Michigan Townships Association.  The bill [...]

The Senate Transportation Committee unanimously passed a three bill package that would create the Michigan Infrastructure Councils as recommended by the 21st Century Infrastructure Report and prioritizes the use of asset management for roads and water systems throughout Michigan. The Michigan Infrastructure Council created under House Bill 3553 would do [...]