Public comment alleges noncompliance with zoning law; staff clarifies which statutes apply

During public comment a resident alleged Canton Township planning and zoning bodies had not complied with the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and urged reporting of corruption to the FBI. Michael Duff identified himself by name and address and said violations constituted malfeasance in office.

Michael Duff: “...section 125.3601, chapter act of 1 chapter act 110 of 02/2006... Canton Township employees, the planning commission, zoning board, and zoning board of appeal board members have not complied with the Michigan zoning act enabling act… Failure to do so constitutes malfeasance in office.”

Township staff responded at the meeting. Patrick (staff member) summarized prior discussion and clarified the statutory distinction: the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act provisions cited regulate members of the Zoning Board of Appeals, not planning commissioners, who are regulated under the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (Act 33 of 2008). Patrick also noted that, to the township’s knowledge, the zoning board of appeals does not include employees or contractors and that disclosures and ordinances are in place to address real or perceived conflicts.

Staff told the commission they had discussed the matter at the prior meeting and that recordings are available for review. Patrick said he was not aware of any specific allegations against particular members and that if staff receive specific information they will follow up. The exchange on the record clarified which state statute applies to which body but did not produce a formal finding or board action.