The MAT Town Law Review is an annual educational event that focuses on more-complex areas of township governance including land use management, employment law topics, ordinance enforcement, and other topics. These topics are presented by town attorneys and other professionals with practical experience in administering township government.
DATE: Friday, June 5, 2026
TIME: On-site registration opens at 8:00 AM, and the event begins at 9:00 AM and ends in the afternoon.
LOCATION: Rockwoods Event Center, 9100 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, MN 55330
COST: $75 per officer, which includes program expenses, printed materials, refreshments, and lunch.
REGISTRATION:
Click here to pre-register. (Registration will also be available on-site.)
This year’s presentations include:
Are Data Centers Coming to Your Town?
Troy Gilchrist and Ben Gilchrist of the Town Law Center
A discussion of data centers and options for regulating them. This presentation will also address other large facilities that may occur in your town.
The Benefits of Social Media and Protecting your Town's Use of Social Media
Jason Hill of the Town Law Center
A presentation addressing the benefits of communicating with township residents through social media, the risks of using and hosting social media platforms and best practices to protect township elected officials and employees.
From Chapter 342 to PFMLA: Updating Township Ordinances and Policies for Cannabis, Employee Leave, and Drug Testing Compliance
Mark Allseits of Couri & Ruppe
Minnesota townships have faced a wave of statutory and policy changes that require immediate attention. This presentation provides a practical overview of the new cannabis framework under Chapter 342, the rollout of PFMLA, and the parallel need to modernize employee handbooks and drug and alcohol testing policies. Supervisors will learn what decisions must be made, where township discretion still exists, and how to update ordinances and policies in a way that is compliant, defensible, and workable for townships.
Small Government, Big Responsibility: ADA Website Rules for Townships
Graham Berg-Moberg of MATTownships are not exempt from federal accessibility requirements. This presentation breaks down what the Americans with Disabilities Act expects from local governments and how those expectations apply to typical township websites.
Town Law Review 2025: PRESENTATION HANDOUTSHow to Protect Your Town when Contracting for Goods and Services (Troy Gilchrist)
Open Meeting Law: Lessons learned through litigation and how to prevent future violations. (Jason Kuboushek)Employment Administrative Charges of Discrimination and Employment Open Meeting Law overview. (Susan Tindal)Community solar gardens? Solar farms? WECS? Our view of renewable energy regulation in the State and Minnesota Townships (Jason Hill)Navigating Effective Ordinance Enforcement (Mark Allseits)Developer’s Agreements -- How to survive the next housing meltdown (Bob Ruppe)Small Town Big Trouble – Basic Criminal Law for Township Officers (MAT’s In-House Counsel Graham Berg-Moberg)
Town Law Review 2024: PRESENTATION HANDOUTS •
Conflict of Interest & Speed Limits (Troy Gilchrist)
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Legislative Update: Cannabis, Lower-Potency Hemp Products, and Earned Sick and Safe Time (Jason Hill)
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Ordinance Enforcement (Andrew Tiede)
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Developer Agreements (Bob Ruppe)
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Open Meeting Law (Mike Couri)
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The Way of the Cartway (Scott Witty)
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Recurring Road Disputes (Ken Bayliss)
