In a recent decision under the Open Meetings Act (“OMA”), the Michigan Court of Appeals held that a public body’s minutes did not adequately reflect the decision made at a meeting, thus violating the OMA.
In Citizens for Public Accountability v. Lawrence, Case No. 292311 (May 26, 2011), the township was in litigation with a developer. They reached a settlement, but before the township approved it, several public meetings were held for the purpose of considering it. The township held a special meeting on July 24, 2008 during which it approved the settlement agreement by adopting a resolution. Subsequently, at another meeting, they approved the minutes of the July 24 meeting and also approved the resolution.