HAYES TOWNSHIP — Newly elected Hayes Township Supervisor William Conklin has filed an amended lawsuit against the township board, intensifying ongoing disputes over governance.
The amended complaint now includes allegations of an Open Meetings Act violation, further challenging the legality of actions taken during the board’s Nov. 11 meeting, just days before Conklin assumed office.
Conklin’s original lawsuit, filed on Nov. 19, seeks to overturn a resolution passed during the board’s final meeting led by the outgoing supervisor, Ron Van Zee. The resolution reappointed six planning commission members, adjusted their terms — including three set to expire in 2025 — and added a new member. Conklin claims the resolution undermined his incoming administration’s authority and was conducted without sufficient public notice or public discussion, violating Michigan’s transparency laws.
“This isn’t just about one decision,” Conklin said. “It’s about whether our government is following the law and engaging the community in decisions that affect them.”
The amended lawsuit also requests attorney fees for the alleged Open Meetings Act violation.
Conklin said his actions aim to promote accountability.
“If we don’t address these issues now, we’re setting a precedent for poor governance in the future,” he said.
Under Michigan law, township supervisors have the authority to appoint planning commission members, subject to board approval. Conklin argues this power was preemptively curtailed by the board under Van Zee’s leadership.
Van Zee continues to serve as the township’s zoning administrator.
Conklin defeated Van Zee in the August primary and the November general election, where Van Zee ran as a write-in candidate.
More: Hayes Township supervisor’s lawsuit sparks fresh turmoil over zoning policy
At a special meeting on Nov. 25 to address the lawsuit, trustees voted unanimously to defend the resolution in court. Public comment at that meeting ranged from support for Conklin’s leadership to concerns over the financial burden of litigation. Conklin recused himself from the meeting.
“I understand people are frustrated, but the decisions we make now will define the future of Hayes Township,” Conklin said. “This isn’t about personal politics, it’s about doing what’s right for the community.”
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of disputes in Hayes Township over zoning policies and transparency, including past controversies surrounding shoreline projects and gravel pit operations.
The board has hired an attorney to represent the township and is awaiting a decision from its insurance provider on whether their legal costs will be covered. Hayes Township Treasurer Julie Collard confirmed the township’s attorney now has until Jan. 10 to file a response to the amended complaint, but declined to comment any further on the litigation.
Van Zee also declined to comment on the ongoing litigation but noted, “I find it interesting that his first course of action was to sue every resident in the township.”
— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 and adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Newly elected supervisor William Conklin amends lawsuit against Hayes Township
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