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Do YOU have questions on American Rescue Plan funding?
We've created a webpage filled with resources, guidance and information that your township needs as it applies for and make decisions on how to best use its allocation of funding through the American Rescue Plan act. Visit www.michigantownships.org/covidrelief.asp for webinars, FAQs, step-by-step guidance, and more to assist townships during this critical time. Hurry--Treasury asks that nonentitlement unit townships (which is all but our eight largest townships) submit their applications by Tuesday, July 27!
Pandemic order rescinded, MIOSHA workplace rules revised
All broad state COVID-19 restrictions from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services “Gatherings and Face Masks” epidemic order were lifted June 22, nearly two weeks ahead of previously announced timeframe, following plummeting case positivity rates, hospitalizations and deaths, and increasing statewide vaccination rates. This means that there are no longer any indoor or outdoor gathering restrictions, or face covering requirements. However, businesses and workplaces—including townships—may have their own requirements for the safety of their staff and the public.
Revised Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) emergency workplace rules were also released on June 22, now allowing all non-health care employers—including townships—to use their best judgment in determining whether to maintain daily health screenings or required face coverings or social distancing requirements. Workplaces are encouraged to continue to follow the available Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and federal OSHA recommendations to mitigate health and safety hazards.
- MTA FACT SHEET (updated on June 22) : Township Meetings and Facilities Under the Open Meetings Act and MDHHS Emergency Order June 22, 2021-- “Gatherings and Face Mask Order"
- NEW! U.S. Treasury guidance on "non-entitlement units" for American Rescue Plan COVID-19 relief funding
Through the end of the year, virtual attendance of members of a public body at public meetings is only allowed for three reasons: military duty, a medical condition, or a statewide or local state of emergency (SOE) or state of disaster. The Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) has surveyed its members and compiled both a map and listing of counties that have declared states of emergency. Visit MAC's Resources for COVID-19 Response webpage to view or download the resources (under the second heading, "State of Emergency Status"). This is not a conclusive list and some counties not on the list may have declared a state of emergency. If your township wishes to hold a meeting virtually and has not adopted its own SOE, please confirm with your county that a local state of emergency has been declared and is still in place.
MTA RESOURCE (updated on April 19): Declaring a Local State of Emergency Under the Open Meetings Act, March 31-December 31, 2021
