The Michigan Municipal League (MML) is, once again, offering training in core topics to newly elected officials, and has opened registration to "seasoned" officials, as well. The topics include:

• Introduction to MML Services
• Overview of Basic Local Government
• Roles and Responsibilities of Elected Officials
• Open Meetings Act (OMA)
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

There will also be a panel discussion and time for questions. This training is being offered at locations across the State - Marlette (November 15), Lansing (November 16), Boyne City (November 29), Ferrysburg (December 6), Ann Arbor (December 7), and Mt. Pleasant (December 8). Click here to register.

Disability Network/Lakeshore presented its first-ever Ability Award to Allegan County Transportation Director Dan Wedge at a reception and ceremony held October 25 in Holland, Michigan.

Dan was hired 12 years ago to initiate a public transportation system for Allegan County. Within 6 months, he had vehicles on the road. Today, Allegan County Transportation is a $3.5 million, 28-vehicle system that provides transportation for the disabled, seniors, and all others who have a barrier to owning or using personal transportation.

Beyond his responsibilities with Allegan County Transportation, Dan also currently serves as the State of Michigan's delegate for Community Transportation Association of America, and is active on two committees of the Michigan Public Transit Association. In addition, Dan has a long history of service with the Allegan County Fair and Allegan Fire District boards.

The Ability Award honors the legacy of Ruth Stegeman, the founding director of Disability Network/Lakeshore, who worked toward inclusive communities that engage all citizens, including those with disabilities. The criteria for selection of the Award include leadership, advocacy, empowerment, and community engagement.

In the case of Williams v Detroit, the plaintiff fell on a paved walkway and injured his ankle. The walkway is immediately next to the St. Clair River in Detroit, and it runs parallel to Jefferson Avenue, but is separated from the avenue by a wide field and wire fence. The plaintiff brought suit, alleging the highway exception to governmental immunity. In response, the City argued that this river trail does not meet the statutory definition of highway, which is "a public highway, road, or street that is open for public travel and includes bridges, sidewalks, trailways, crosswalks, and culverts on the highway."

After the trial court granted summary disposition to the City, the plaintiff argued on appeal that, under this definition, the term "on the highway" only pertained to "culverts" and it did not matter that the river trail was not adjacent to the highway. The Court of Appeals agreed, and the City appealed to the Supreme Court. In an Order dated October 28, 2011, the Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals, and reinstated summary disposition for the City, stating that the "plaintiff was not injured on a sidewalk or trailway 'on the highway' as required by MCL 691.1401(e) to avoid governmental immunity."

View the Supreme Court's Order here.

On October 26, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder presented his special message entitled "Reinventing Michigan's Infrastructure: Better Roads Drive Better Jobs." As part of the message, Governor Snyder proposes that Michigan revamp its taxing and funding structure for road maintenance. Among the highlights of the message, the Governor proposes that Michigan:

• Revise the 60 year old Michigan law that dictates how transportation revenue is distributed and spent
• Eliminate the current gas tax on consumers, and replace it with a percentage tax at the wholesale level
• Increase the state vehicle registration fee, and allow local municipalities to collect registration fees of up to $40 per year
• Create a regional transit authority for Southeast Michigan

Read the 13-page text version of the special message in its entirety.