Jenna Jones, Damien Hernandez, Petitioners V Township Of Brighton, Respondent

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Jenna Jones,Damien Hernandez,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-000353

Township Of Brighton,

Respondent.

NOTICE OF FILING

TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims answer has been filed and the electronic copy of the 

answer can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup on the Tribunal’s website. 

Unless Respondent was defaulted, this case is ready to be scheduled for a Small 

Claims hearing and will be scheduled in the normal course of scheduling. You will 

receive a Notice of Hearing from the Tribunal by e-mail if you have identified an email 

address in the petition or other documentation. The Notice of Hearing will inform you of 

the date, time, and location of your hearing (note that your hearing will likely be 

conducted by telephone). Please read the Notice of Hearing as it includes important 

information.

EVIDENCE: Parties are required to submit all evidence to the Tribunal and send a copy 

to the opposing party at least 21 days before the hearing date even if the documents 

had been submitted to the local Board of Review or the Michigan Department of 

Treasury. If the documents are not timely submitted to the Tribunal and served on the 

opposing party, the documents may be excluded. Documents may be filed with the 

Tribunal by mail or through the Tribunal’s e-filing system. Documents may be sent to the 

opposing party by mail or by e-mail, if the parties agree to service by e-mail.

Users who file documents with the Michigan Tax Tribunal are advised that filed 

documents are public records and will appear for public viewing on the Tax 

Docket Lookup. Users who file documents are responsible for ensuring sensitive or 

personal identifying information is withheld or redacted. See TTR 209. If a user wishes 

to file a document for consideration by the Michigan Tax Tribunal and prevent its 

publication on the Tax Docket Lookup, the user MUST file a Motion for Protective Order 

under MCR 2.302(C)(8). If a Protective Order is issued, documents covered by the 

Order will not be published. Documents filed prior to the issuance of a Protective Order 

will be published.

The responsibility for excluding or redacting personal identifying information (PII) from 

all documents filed with or offered to the Tribunal rests solely with the parties and 

their attorneys. The Tribunal is not responsible for or required to review, redact, or 

screen documents at the time of filing for PII whether filed electronically or on paper. A 

party, representative, or interested person (i.e. third party not part of an appeal) may 

request that the Tribunal redact PII contained in a previously-filed document by

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 26-000353

Page 2 of 6

submitting a Request for Redactions. The Request for Redactions form will be 

available on the Entire Tribunal and Small Claims pages of our website. 

Alternate Dispute Resolution Options

INFORMAL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE: Parties have the option of handling this 

case through an informal settlement conference. An informal settlement conference 

is a meeting between the parties and/or their representatives to discuss the issues in a 

case in an effort to settle the case. This process may be an alternative to a hearing with 

a judge and may result in the parties’ filing a Joint Stipulation for Entry of Consent 

Judgment. Visit the Tribunal’s ADR webpage for more information.

NOTE: The parties may not request an informal settlement conference to discuss an 

appeal of a principal residence exemption that was denied by either the Michigan 

Department of Treasury or a County. Also, state taxes levied by the Michigan 

Department of Treasury, such as income taxes, are not subject to the informal 

settlement conference process.

MEDIATION: Parties have the option of handling this case through mediation. 

Mediation is a voluntary process where a mediator facilitates communication between 

the parties, assists in identifying issues, and helps explore solutions to promote a 

mutually acceptable settlement. This process may be an alternative to a hearing with a 

judge and may result in the parties’ filing a Joint Stipulation for Entry of Consent 

Judgment. Visit the Tribunal’s ADR webpage for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact the Tribunal by phone at (517) 335-9760 or 

email taxtrib@michigan.gov.

By: Tribunal Clerk

Entered: April 24, 2026

PROOF OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives.

By: Tribunal Clerk

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Jenna Jones,Damien Hernandez,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-000353

Township Of Brighton,

Respondent.

NOTICE OF FILING

TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims answer has been filed and the electronic copy of the 

answer can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup on the Tribunal’s website. 

Unless Respondent was defaulted, this case is ready to be scheduled for a Small 

Claims hearing and will be scheduled in the normal course of scheduling. You will 

receive a Notice of Hearing from the Tribunal by e-mail if you have identified an email 

address in the petition or other documentation. The Notice of Hearing will inform you of 

the date, time, and

Page 4

MTT

Page 5

ST

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

GOVERNOR 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MICHIGAN OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS AND RULES 

SUZANNE SONNEBORN 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

ACTING DIRECTOR 

 

 

 

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL ANSWER FORM 

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT 

 

MOAHR DOCKET NO. ____________________ 

 

 

Section 1: Respondent’s Contact Information 

Unit of Government: 

 

Section 2: Respondent’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information 

First Name 

 

M.I. 

Last Name 

 

 

Firm Name (if any) 

 

 

Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 

 

 

City or Town 

 

 

State 

ZIP Code 

Telephone Number 

 

 

Fax Number 

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail) 

 

 

 

Section 3: Subject Property Information 

Parcel Identification Number(s): 

 

 

If multiple parcels are being appealed are they contiguous or adjoining? 

 Yes 

 No 

 N/A 

 

Taxing Authority (City or Township) 

County 

 

 

 

Pursuant to Michigan Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 277(3), you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (e.g. the special 

assessment confirmation roll) with this Small Claims Answer if applicable. If you do not submit this document, you may be held in 

default. 

26-000353

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF BRIGHTON

Ross

K.

Bower II

Okemos

MI

48864

517-381-0100

517-381-5051

rbower@fsbrlaw.com

✔

Charter Township of Brighton

Livingston

Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC

4151 Okemos Road

4712-02-400-026

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

GOVERNOR 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MICHIGAN OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS AND RULES 

SUZANNE SONNEBORN 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

ACTING DIRECTOR 

Section 4: Explain Your Answer to this Appeal 

Section 5: Jurisdictional Issues 

Did Petitioner protest the special assessment at the hearing held to confirm the special assessment roll? Yes 

 No 

How many years is the special assessment being levied? 

What is the total amount of the special assessment being levied 

(per parcel)? 

What is the basis for the special assessment? Identify the applicable statutory provision. 

Signature *Required 

Respondent or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: 

 /s/ 

•

Municipal decisions regarding special assessments are presumed to be valid.

•

The Township adhered to all requirements of Act 188. (Enclosure 1).

•

The private Agreement referenced by Petitioner (but not attached to Petitioner’s filings) does not 

restrict the Township’s ability to enact the SAD under Act 188. The Township is not a party to the 

private Agreement and not subject to the terms therein. (Enclosure 2).

•

This project arises from a citizen petition initiated special assessment where 11 of the 13 

landowners (84% of the neighborhood) requested the Township to pave Ridgecrest Lane, a private 

unpaved road.

•

The Township assessed costs equally upon each Ridgecrest Lane property owner and the 

assessments are proportional to the benefit received. (Enclosure 3).

✔

10 yrs

$16,646.15

Michigan Public Act 188 of 1954, as amended

Ross K. Bower II

January 26, 2026

Petitioner appeared in person and in writing at the first public hearing (Enclosure 4). Petitioner submitted a letter and did not appear in 

person at the second public hearing. (Enclosure 4).

What was the date of the hearing held to confirm the special assessment roll?

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

GOVERNOR 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MICHIGAN OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS AND RULES 

SUZANNE SONNEBORN 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

ACTING DIRECTOR 

 

 

PAPER FILING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANSWER TO SPECIAL ASSESSMENT APPEAL 

 

Follow these instructions for filing the small claims answer. For any questions that are 

not answered in these instructions, see the Tribunal’s website at 

www.michigan.gov/taxtrib or contact the Tribunal at 517-335-9760. 

 

Mail the completed form to: 

Michigan Tax Tribunal 

U.S. Postal Mailing Address: 611 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, MI 48933 

Overnight Carrier Address (UPS, FedEx, DHL Deliveries): 

2nd Floor MOAHR, 2407 N. Grand River Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906 

 

Section 1: Respondent’s Contact Information: The “Respondent” is not the 

assessor, Respondent is the unit of government filing the answer to the petition (i.e. city 

or township). 

 

Section 2: Respondent’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact 

Information: Respondent must be represented by an attorney or authorized 

representative (i.e., assessor) to file an answer to the petition. Respondent’s attorney or 

authorized representative must provide all information requested in Section 2 of the 

Answer Form. Only the attorney or authorized representative will receive notices and 

documents from the Tribunal. 

 

IMPORTANT: If the contact information for Respondent or the attorney or authorized 

representative, if listed, includes an email address, the Tribunal will use that email 

address to electronically serve all future documents issued by the Tribunal. A request by 

Respondent or Respondent’s attorney or authorized representative to opt out of 

electronic service once an email address is provided must be made in writing. 

 

Section 3: Subject Property Information: Use the Multiple Parcel Form for additional 

parcels, if necessary. 

x Parcel Identification Number(s): The parcel number(s) being appealed must be 

listed. 

x Are they contiguous or adjoining: If multiple parcels are being appealed, 

indicate whether the parcels are adjoining. 

x Taxing Authority: Provide the name of the city OR township (not both) where 

the property is located. 

x County: Provide the name of the county where the property is located.

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

GOVERNOR 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MICHIGAN OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS AND RULES 

SUZANNE SONNEBORN 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

ACTING DIRECTOR 

 

 

Section 4: Explain Your Answer to this Appeal: Provide the basis of

Page 5

STATE OF

Page 6

ENC

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL ANSWER FORM

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT

MOAHR DOCKET NO. 26-000353

Section 1: Respondent’s Contact Information

Unit of Government

Township Of Brighton (LIVINGSTON)

Section 2: Respondent’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information

First Name

Ross

M.I.

K

Last Name

Bower

Firm Name (if any)

Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC

Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

4151 Okemos Road

City or Town

Okemos

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48864

Telephone Number

517-381-0100

Fax Number

517-381-5051

E-mail Address

jstaffeld@fsbrlaw.com

Section 3: Subject Property Information

Parcel Identification Number(s):

4712-02-400-026

If multiple parcels are being appealed are they contiguous or adjoining?

N/A

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

Township Of Brighton (LIVINGSTON)

County

Livingston

Section 4: Explain Your Answer to this Appeal

Pursuant to Michigan Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 277(3), you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (e.g. the special assessment confirmation 

roll) with this Small Claims Answer if applicable. If you do not submit this document, you may be held in default.

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

 See attached

Section 5: Jurisdictional Issues

Did Petitioner protest the special assessment at the hearing held to confirm the special assessment roll?

Yes

What was the date of the hearing held to confirm the special assessment roll?

How many years is the special assessment being levied?

What is the total amount of the special assessment being levied (per parcel)?

What is the basis for the special assessment? Identify the applicable statutory provision.

See attached

Electronic Signature *Typing your name below will serve as your signature

Respondent or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: 

/s/ Ross K. Bower II

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

 

JENNA 

JONES 

and 

DAMIEN 

HERNANDEZ, 

 

 

Petitioner, 

 

v 

 

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF BRIGHTON, 

 

 

Respondent. 

MTT DOCKET No. 26-000353 

 

PARCEL NO. 4712-02-400-026 

 

 

______________________________________/ 

 

Kimberly J. Bowlin (P49768) 

Law Offices of Kimberly J. Bowlin, PLLC 

Attorney for Petitioner 

5058 S. Old US Highway 23 

Brighton, MI 48114 

(810) 844-2520 

khamman@bowlinlawoffice.com 

Ross K. Bower II (P70574) 

Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC 

Attorneys for Respondent 

4151 Okemos Road 

Okemos, Michigan 48864 

(517) 381-0100 

Rbower@fsbrlaw.com 

 

______________________________________/ 

 

APPEARANCE 

 

FAHEY SCHULTZ BURZYCH RHODES PLC, hereby enters its Appearance on behalf 

of Respondent, CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF BRIGHTON, in the above-entitled matter. 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: March 24, 2026 

Respectfully submitted, 

 

Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC 

Attorneys for Respondent 

 

 

By: __________________________________ 

 Ross K. Bower II (P70574) 

 4151 Okemos Road 

 Okemos, MI 48864 

 (517) 381-0100

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

 

JENNA 

JONES 

and 

DAMIEN 

HERNANDEZ, 

 

 

Petitioner, 

 

v 

 

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF BRIGHTON, 

 

 

Respondent. 

MTT DOCKET No. 26-000353 

 

PARCEL NO. 4712-02-400-026 

 

 

______________________________________/ 

 

Kimberly J. Bowlin (P49768) 

Law Offices of Kimberly J. Bowlin, PLLC 

Attorney for Petitioner 

5058 S. Old US Highway 23 

Brighton, MI 48114 

(810) 844-2520 

khamman@bowlinlawoffice.com 

Ross K. Bower II (P70574) 

Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC 

Attorneys for Respondent 

4151 Okemos Road 

Okemos, Michigan 48864 

(517) 381-0100 

Rbower@fsbrlaw.com 

 

______________________________________/ 

 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

Jamy A. Staffeld states that on March 24, 2026 she served a copy of Appearance and this 

Proof of Service, upon the following via first class mail: 

 

 

Kimberly J. Bowlin 

Law Offices of Kimberly J. Bowlin, PLLC 

5058 S. Old US Highway 23 

Brighton, MI 48114 

 

I declare that the statements above are true to the best of my information, knowledge, and 

 

belief. 

/s/ Jamy A Staffeld 

 

Jamy A. Staffeld

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

RECEIVED 

ber 

TranInfo:4606 

26098711-1 

02/25/26 

FEB 26 2026 

seal 

Chk: 

2100 

put: $100.00 

es { 

1D: 

LAY OFFICES OF KIMBERLY J BOWLIN PLLC 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

“are? 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM 

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT 

Do not use this form to appeal valuation, exemption, or non-property tax disputes. 

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information 

First Name 

M.I. 

Last Name/Company Name 

JENNA 

JONES 

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 

12619 Ridgecrest Lane 

City or Town 

State 

ZIP Code 

Milford 

MI 

48380 

Telephone Number 

Email Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via email) 

khamman@bowlinlawoffice.com 

Section 2: Petitioner’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information 

First Name 

M.I. 

Last Name 

Kimberly 

J 

Bowlin-Hamman 

Firm Name (if any) 

LAW OFFICES OF KIMBERLY J. BOWLIN, PLLC 

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 

5058 S OLD US HGWY 23 

City or Town 

State 

ZIP Code 

BRIGHTON 

mi 

48114 

Telephone Number 

810-844-2520 

Email Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via email) 

KHAMMAN@BOWLINLAWOFFICE.COM 

Section 3: Subject Property Information 

How many parcels are you 

If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining? 

appealing? 

ONE 

J Yes 

O No 

*If No, you must file separate appeals for each parcel 

Parcel Identification Number(s): 

4712-02-400-026 

Classification of Property: 

Real] 

Personal [J (check one) 

Agricultural (J 

Commercial [1 

Industrial (J 

Residential [4 

~~ Timber-Cutover [J 

~~ Developmental [J 

Utility [J (check one) 

Property Address (No., Street) 

12619 RIDGECREST LANE 

City or Town 

County 

State 

ZIP Code 

MILFORD 

LIVINGSTON 

MI 

48380

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Section 4: Explain the Reason for this Appeal 

Please see the attached. 

Section 5: Jurisdictional Issues 

Did you protest the special assessment at the hearing held to confirm the special assessment roll? 

Yes 

O No 

If Yes, what was the date of the hearing held to confirm the special assessment roll? 

January 26, 2026 

If No, explain: 

Fee Information: 

A fee of $100.00 is required for the filing of a Special Assessment Appeal. 

Signature *required 

~~ 

/ 

Pettisgerod) 

ey/Authorized Representa iVe’s 

ature: 

=, RE 

— 

EE 

iw 

eT 2 a 

Ve [= 

Wiinherly 

T+ Baiwdin 

- 

Jiman , 175 

— 

7 

4 

Denna Jones 

“Basen H- Carele 7,

Page 3

LAW OFFICES OF 

KIMBERLY J. BOWLIN, PLLC 

KIMBERLY J. HAMMAN, Esq. 

GRETCHEN HERTZ, Esa. 

February 23, 2026 

Michigan Tax Tribunal 

611 W Ottawa St. 

Post Office Box 30232 

Lansing, MI 48909 

Charter Township of Brighton 

4363 Buno Road 

Brighton, MI 48114 

Re: 

Brighton Township Special Assessment Appeal 

Damian Fernandez and Jenna Jones 

12619 Ridgecrest Lane, Milford, MI 48380 

Property Identification Number 4712-02-400-026 

To Whom 

It May Concern: 

| am writing on behalf of Damian Fernandez and Jenna Jones, who reside at 

12619 Ridgecrest Lane, Milford, Ml. Mr. Fernandez and Ms. Jones are hereby appealing 

the inclusion of the above referenced Special Assessment District. 

The property located at 12619 Ridgecrest Lane (“the Property”) is located in the 

Charter Township of Brighton. 

The Property is one of several parcels that were the 

subject of a land division. Pursuant to Brighton Township ordinances, a private road was 

necessitated. The Brighton Township ordinances, require the following: 

16-04 Private Roads 

(7) A copy of a Private Road Maintenance Agreement which provides for 

the financial and administrative mechanisms to ensure maintenance of the

Page 4

MTT/Brighton Township SAD Appeal 

12619 Ridgecrest Lane, Milford MI 

February 23, 2026 

Page 2 of 3 

Attached 

attached 

is copy 

of 

the 

recorded 

Declaration 

of Easement 

and 

Easement Maintenance Agreement pertaining to Ridgecrest Lane (the “Agreement”). 

Paragraph 9 of the Agreement states, 

“(9) Only those owners of affected parcels specifically agreeing in 

writing shall be obligated to contribute to the cost of paving the easement.” 

Paragraph 11 of the Agreement goes on to state, 

“(11) Subject to Paragraph (9) above, the owners of any affected 

parcel shall not be obligated to contribute to the cost of improvements 

unless 

a vote 

of 80% 

of the affected parcels agree 

in writing 

to the 

improvement. 

Should the requisite vote for an improvement be obtained, 

the notice, costs, payment and lien provisions contained in Paragraph (12) 

shall apply.” 

As noted, Paragraph 11 

is subject to Paragraph 9 and that Paragraph 9 takes 

precedent. 

In interpreting contracts, the specific takes precedent over the general. 

Paragraph 11 specifically makes its provisions subject to the provisions in Paragraph 

9. Since my clients did not specifically agree in writing to contribute to the cost of paving 

the easement, they are not obligated to contribute to the cost thereof. 

It is clear that this interpretation is the most logical way to interpret Paragraphs 9 

and 11. 

If Paragraph 11 was not subject to Paragraph 9 in this case, then Paragraph 12 

would be applicable as to the “notice, costs, payment and lien provisions.” 

In other 

words, not only would the SAD procedures apply, the specific procedures delineated in 

Paragraph 12 as to notice and payment would also apply, redundant as they may be. 

In 

other words, further steps would have to be taken. 

Obviously, when 

the draftor was drafting 

this Agreement, 

an SAD was 

not 

contemplated or the Agreement would have specifically excluded Paragraph 9 

in 

a 

situation such as this or, alternatively, Paragraph 9 would have stated that a Petition 

pursuant to Public Act 188 of 1954 is an exception. 

In other words, Paragraph 9 would have read: 

“With the exception of the

Page 5

MTT

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Jenna Jones,Damien Hernandez,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-000353

Township Of Brighton,

Respondent.

NOTICE OF DOCKET NUMBER

TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims petition has been filed and the above-noted docket 

number has been assigned to that petition. The assignment of the docket number does 

not mean that the Tribunal has authority over the petition or that the petition complies 

with the Tribunal’s rules. The docket number needs to be included on all documents 

submitted in this case.

Respondent shall file an answer to the petition within 28 days of the issuance of a 

copy of this Notice to Respondent. Tribunal answer forms are available on our 

website at www.michigan.gov/taxtrib. Respondents must utilize the appropriate answer 

form. Failure to file the answer within the 28-day time frame may result in the 

placement of Respondent in default, as provided by TTR 281. Further, an electronic 

copy of the petition can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup Search on the 

Tribunal’s website.

By: __Tribunal Clerk_____

Entered: March 23, 2026

PROOF OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives.

By: Tribunal Clerk

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Jenna Jones,Damien Hernandez,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 26-000353

Township Of Brighton,

Respondent.

NOTICE OF DOCKET NUMBER

TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims petition has been filed and the above-noted docket 

number has been assigned to that petition. The assignment of the docket number does 

not mean that the Tribunal has authority over the petition or that the petition complies 

with the Tribunal’s rules. The docket number needs to be included on all documents 

submitted in this case.

Respondent shall file an answer to the petition within 28 days of the issuance of a 

copy of this Notice to Respondent. Tribunal answer forms are available on our 

website at www.michigan.gov/taxtrib. Respondents must utilize the appropriate answer 

form. Failure to file the answer within the 28-day time frame may result in the 

placement of Respondent in default, as provided by TTR 281. Further, an electronic 

copy of the petition can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup Search on the 

Tribunal’s website.

By: __Tribunal Clerk_____

Entered: March 23, 2026

PROOF OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives.

By: Tribunal Clerk

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

RECEIVED 

ber 

TranInfo:4606 

26098711-1 

02/25/26 

FEB 26 2026 

seal 

Chk: 

2100 

put: $100.00 

es { 

1D: 

LAY OFFICES OF KIMBERLY J BOWLIN PLLC 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

“are? 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM 

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT 

Do not use this form to appeal valuation, exemption, or non-property tax disputes. 

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information 

First Name 

M.I. 

Last Name/Company Name 

JENNA 

JONES 

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 

12619 Ridgecrest Lane 

City or Town 

State 

ZIP Code 

Milford 

MI 

48380 

Telephone Number 

Email Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via email) 

khamman@bowlinlawoffice.com 

Section 2: Petitioner’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information 

First Name 

M.I. 

Last Name 

Kimberly 

J 

Bowlin-Hamman 

Firm Name (if any) 

LAW OFFICES OF KIMBERLY J. BOWLIN, PLLC 

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 

5058 S OLD US HGWY 23 

City or Town 

State 

ZIP Code 

BRIGHTON 

mi 

48114 

Telephone Number 

810-844-2520 

Email Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via email) 

KHAMMAN@BOWLINLAWOFFICE.COM 

Section 3: Subject Property Information 

How many parcels are you 

If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining? 

appealing? 

ONE 

J Yes 

O No 

*If No, you must file separate appeals for each parcel 

Parcel Identification Number(s): 

4712-02-400-026 

Classification of Property: 

Real] 

Personal [J (check one) 

Agricultural (J 

Commercial [1 

Industrial (J 

Residential [4 

~~ Timber-Cutover [J 

~~ Developmental [J 

Utility [J (check one) 

Property Address (No., Street) 

12619 RIDGECREST LANE 

City or Town 

County 

State 

ZIP Code 

MILFORD 

LIVINGSTON 

MI 

48380

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Section 4: Explain the Reason for this Appeal 

Please see the attached. 

Section 5: Jurisdictional Issues 

Did you protest the special assessment at the hearing held to confirm the special assessment roll? 

Yes 

O No 

If Yes, what was the date of the hearing held to confirm the special assessment roll? 

January 26, 2026 

If No, explain: 

Fee Information: 

A fee of $100.00 is required for the filing of a Special Assessment Appeal. 

Signature *required 

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Page 3

LAW OFFICES OF 

KIMBERLY J. BOWLIN, PLLC 

KIMBERLY J. HAMMAN, Esq. 

GRETCHEN HERTZ, Esa. 

February 23, 2026 

Michigan Tax Tribunal 

611 W Ottawa St. 

Post Office Box 30232 

Lansing, MI 48909 

Charter Township of Brighton 

4363 Buno Road 

Brighton, MI 48114 

Re: 

Brighton Township Special Assessment Appeal 

Damian Fernandez and Jenna Jones 

12619 Ridgecrest Lane, Milford, MI 48380 

Property Identification Number 4712-02-400-026 

To Whom 

It May Concern: 

| am writing on behalf of Damian Fernandez and Jenna Jones, who reside at 

12619 Ridgecrest Lane, Milford, Ml. Mr. Fernandez and Ms. Jones are hereby appealing 

the inclusion of the above referenced Special Assessment District. 

The property located at 12619 Ridgecrest Lane (“the Property”) is located in the 

Charter Township of Brighton. 

The Property is one of several parcels that were the 

subject of a land division. Pursuant to Brighton Township ordinances, a private road was 

necessitated. The Brighton Township ordinances, require the following: 

16-04 Private Roads 

(7) A copy of a Private Road Maintenance Agreement which provides for 

the financial and administrative mechanisms to ensure maintenance of the

Page 4

MTT/Brighton Township SAD Appeal 

12619 Ridgecrest Lane, Milford MI 

February 23, 2026 

Page 2 of 3 

Attached 

attached 

is copy 

of 

the 

recorded 

Declaration 

of Easement 

and 

Easement Maintenance Agreement pertaining to Ridgecrest Lane (the “Agreement”). 

Paragraph 9 of the Agreement states, 

“(9) Only those owners of affected parcels specifically agreeing in 

writing shall be obligated to contribute to the cost of paving the easement.” 

Paragraph 11 of the Agreement goes on to state, 

“(11) Subject to Paragraph (9) above, the owners of any affected 

parcel shall not be obligated to contribute to the cost of improvements 

unless 

a vote 

of 80% 

of the affected parcels agree 

in writing 

to the 

improvement. 

Should the requisite vote for an improvement be obtained, 

the notice, costs, payment and lien provisions contained in Paragraph (12) 

shall apply.” 

As noted, Paragraph 11 

is subject to Paragraph 9 and that Paragraph 9 takes 

precedent. 

In interpreting contracts, the specific takes precedent over the general. 

Paragraph 11 specifically makes its provisions subject to the provisions in Paragraph 

9. Since my clients did not specifically agree in writing to contribute to the cost of paving 

the easement, they are not obligated to contribute to the cost thereof. 

It is clear that this interpretation is the most logical way to interpret Paragraphs 9 

and 11. 

If Paragraph 11 was not subject to Paragraph 9 in this case, then Paragraph 12 

would be applicable as to the “notice, costs, payment and lien provisions.” 

In other 

words, not only would the SAD procedures apply, the specific procedures delineated in 

Paragraph 12 as to notice and payment would also apply, redundant as they may be. 

In 

other words, further steps would have to be taken. 

Obviously, when 

the draftor was drafting 

this Agreement, 

an SAD was 

not 

contemplated or the Agreement would have specifically excluded Paragraph 9 

in 

a 

situation such as this or, alternatively, Paragraph 9 would have stated that a Petition 

pursuant to Public Act 188 of 1954 is an exception. 

In other words, Paragraph 9 would have read: 

“With the exception of the

Page 5

MTT

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