Opening Meetings Act Role of Elected Officials

Elected Officials: Dealing with Constituent Complaints on Planning and Zoning Issues

Elected officials frequently hear from constituents who are unhappy with a decision concerning a zoning permit, site plan, or the enforcement of a zoning ordinance. This pamphlet is written to help elected officials evaluate the options when asked to intervene in such cases. It offers suggestions on how to address specific situations to insure due process and to avoid unintended consequences and additional conflict. Most importantly it points out some actions by elected officials that can result in far greater problems.

Elected Officials: Dealing with Constituent Complaints on Planning and Zoning Issues

Michigan Open Meeting Act Decision Tree

This pamphlet is designed to help local officials and citizens answer the following two questions:
1. Is a body, organization, or other meeting subject to the Michigan Open Meeting Act?
2. If so, can part of that open meeting be closed to the public?
The flow chart, or decision tree, is based on P.A. 267 of 1976, as amended, (Michigan Open Meeting Act, M.C.L. 15.261 et seq.), Michigan Attorney General Opinions, and case law established by Michigan courts.

Michigan Open Meeting Act Decision Tree