Michigan Townships Association

The Impact of COVID-19 on Municipal Cyber Security

COVID-19 drove us all into remote workplaces creating a target-rich environment and exposing our data to new vulnerabilities, from ransomware to phishing attacks. Listen in as the experts review security measures and recommend controls to help protect your township network and the data stored there. Finally, gain insights into what to do if you do have a data security breach.

Webinar Resources

• Cyber Security PowerPoint
• Telework Policy and Procedure
• Cyber Security E Book
• COVID-19 Guidance
• State of Michigan Cyber Security
• Michigan Townships Association COVID-19 resource
• Dept. of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
• FBI
• FCC Publishes Pandemic Scam List/Website
• Next Gov
• Stay Safe Online

Resources from webinar:

• COVID-19 Preparedness Plan (Powerpoint as presented by MTA Legal Counsel Seth Koches at the MTA Q&A, Returning to Work) 
• COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan Sample  
• Return to Work Planning during COVID-19

MTA Board Briefing with Governor Gretchen Whitmer on COVID-19

Monday, May 11, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the MTA Board for a briefing on COVID-19 and Michigan’s response—including the impact on the state budget, the need for additional federal stimulus funding, and insights in the stages of recovery and reengaging while mitigating risk. “We have to give the public confidence that they are safe," the governor said of local leaders serving residents during this time. "We need to tackle this together, and I appreciate your leadership in your communities.”

Sen. Jim Stamas, Senate appropriations chair, briefs MTA Executive Committee

Sen. Jim Stamas (R-Midland), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, provided an update on the state budget process amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to members of MTA's Executive Committee and the MTA Board from the senator's district. The senator shared the estimated revenue loss of $3 billion the state is facing with five months remaining in its fiscal year, with a larger impact expected for the upcoming fiscal year. MTA greatly appreciates the time Sen. Stamas provided in meeting with members of MTA's leadership, sharing the latest budget information and learning about the financial challenges townships and other local governments are facing.

"MTA Q&A" webinar, Township Cemetery and Park Management During the COVID-19 Crisis

Cemetery expert and Member Information Services (MIS) Liaison Cindy Dodge leads this free hour-long session, moderated by MIS Director Michael Selden, offering guidance on the township’s role on burials and funeral services during the crisis, as well as providing answers to your questions on maintaining township properties.

Resources from webinar:

• American Cemetery and Cremation
• Executive Order 2020-43 – Public accommodations & gatherings (see section 3c)
• CDC Resources for Parks & Recreational Facilities (language for signage)
• CDC Visiting Parks and Places of Recreation (Dos & Don’ts language for signage)
• CDC Frequently Asked Questions including funerals
• Mlive Closed Playgrounds & park sample signs & photos of preventative measures
• MTA Cemetery & Parks Management due to COVID-19
• OSHA Guidelines for Employees in the Workplace due to COVID19

Leadership in challenging times

Everything seems more difficult now than ever before. This is not an easy transition. MTA and 2018 Conference keynoter Brett Culp want to remind you that you are not alone. Listen to a special message from Brett including three tips on staying strong and leading your community through this crisis.

COVID-19 Updates and Resources for Local Governments

The Michigan Department of Treasury partnered with the Michigan Townships Association, Michigan Municipal League, and Michigan Association of Counties for this webinar. Topics include local government economic impacts, state resources, and federal funding information.
Created in partnership with Michigan Townships Association, Michigan Municipal League and Michigan Association of Counties.

PowerPoint

MTA COVID-19 Update: Hot Topics from the State Fire Marshal

Don’t miss this special message from Michigan State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer offering insights into training, resources from the Bureau of Fire Services and the CDC as well as his insights into PPE for firefighters.

MTA COVID-19 Update: "MTA Q&A" live webinar (audio-only)

Hear MTA’s entire Member Information Services team—Director Michael Selden, Staff Attorney Catherine Mullhaupt and MIS Liaison Cindy Dodge—answer a variety of questions about the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on your township operations in this free, recorded hour-long session, moderated by MTA Executive Director Neil Sheridan, that was presented live on April 15.

MTA COVID-19 Update: Legislative update

Hear from MTA’s Director of Government Relations on our involvement during the COVID-19 period including work with the Governor’s Office and State departments. Learn more about the state budget, supplemental funding, and the federal stimulus bills as well as their impact to your township.

Temporary extension of FOIA response times

Listen in as MTA’s Staff Attorney Catherine Mullhaupt and Member Information Service Director Michael Selden discuss handling Freedom of Information Act requests in light of Gov. Whitmer’s recent executive order providing temporary flexibility on statutory requirements.

COVID-19's impact on processing payroll and working from home

Cindy Dodge, MTA Member Information Services Liaison brings you information about: 1. Working remotely 2. Families First Coronavirus Response Act 3. Emergency Family Medical Leave Act 4. Other payroll issues

Exploring & explaining Gov. Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order

Michael Selden, Director of Member Information Services and Catherine Mullhaupt, MTA Staff Attorney