Some of those arrested in Kalamazoo after a homeless camp was broken up in September won’t face charges. Auto insurance reform remains on the agenda at the state Capitol. Back taxes will keep a man who won election in November from serving on the Albion City Council.
(Kalamazoo Gazette) Some of the people arrested after Kalamazoo Public Safety officers broke up a homeless camp in Bronson Park last September won’t face charges. The Kalamazoo Gazette says five of those arrested got their charges dropped after agreeing not to sue the city for civil rights violations. Four others failed to show up for a court hearing yesterday. They and another camp participant face bench warrants. Three others have court dates later this month.
(Michigan Radio) The state Senate Majority Leader says reforming Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance law is the Republican's top priority this year. But Senator Mike Shirkey expects push-back from businesses that rely on the current law. Michigan has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the nation.
(Battle Creek Enquirer) A man who won a seat on the Albion City Council in the November election won’t be taking office because he owes the city property and income taxes. Donnie Brewer defeated incumbent Maurice Barnes in Albion’s precinct 1 by 17 votes. But the Battle Creek Enquirer says a letter it obtained through the Freedom of Information Act says Brewer owed back taxes that had to be paid before he could take office. Brewer says he disputes the city’s figures, but he could not come up with the money in time. The city of Albion is accepting applications for the Precinct 1 seat. They are due by five o’clock Wednesday afternoon.
(Kalamazoo Gazette) Some former members of the Kalamazoo School Board are criticizing current trustees for how they filled a vacancy on the board. Jason Morris was appointed during a special meeting December 21st to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of school board member Lauren Freedman. Morris ran for the school board in the November election. Two candidates were elected and Morris finished third in the voting. The Kalamazoo Gazette says former school board members Eric Briesach and Barbara Miller spoke during public comment Thursday night, and brought a letter signed by six former trustees. They say the board made the decision without meaningful public notice and input. Patti Sholler-Barber who was reappointed board president Thursday night told the Gazette that all appropriate measures were taken to appoint Morris.
(WCMU) Parking enforcement may no longer be allowed to chalk tires to help in issuing parking tickets depending on how a federal appeals court rules. The Sixth Circuit Court heard the case against the city of Saginaw last year on behalf of a woman who has claimed a “most prolific issuer of parking tickets” used chalk on her tires for parking enforcement. Phillip Ellison is the plaintiff attorney. He says the use of chalk is unlawful. Attorneys for the City of Saginaw argue that chalking tires does not amount to a 4th amendment search and even if it did the chalking is a “reasonable search.” Ellison says the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the case in October and could announce a decision at any time.