HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2021.07.22 - 34735
OAKLAND COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MINUTES
July 22, 2021
Meeting called to order by Caucus Chairperson Kristen Nelson at 3:42 p.m. in the
Courthouse Committee Room A, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan.
Roll called.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Cavell from Ferndale in Oakland County,
Charles, Gershenson, Jackson, Luebs, Markham, McGillivray, Nelson, Powell,
Woodward. (10)
EXCUSED ABSENCE WITH NOTICE: Miller. (1)
Quorum present.
Kathryn Kennedy addressed the Caucus during Public Comment.
Moved by McGillivray seconded by Jackson the minutes of the June 30, 2021 Caucus
be approved.
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the minutes were approved.
The members of the Caucus discussed the Board Agenda.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus to announce that they would start
with discussion on Agenda Item 7a. – American Rescue Plan.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus to discuss the issues facing the
County that were considered of most concern after the information from the previous
Caucus had been assembled. The categories were as follows:
Acute Needs: Youth services, the COVID-19 Delta Variant and tax foreclosure
assistance.
Long Term Needs: Infrastructure, transit, investment in CVTs and creation of an
Oakland County Office of Innovation.
Both: Broadband, housing, senior services, workforce development, mental health, child
care, economic development and basic needs.
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Democratic Caucus Minutes Continued. July 22, 2021
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Jackson addressed the Caucus regarding non-profit stabilization and
foreclosures. She suggested the Board work with the Treasurer’s office on property tax
foreclosure assistance.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner McGillivray addressed the Caucus regarding a new proposed
miscellaneous resolution being introduced tonight entitled: Board of Commissioners –
Assignment of American Rescue Plan Act – Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for a
Matching Grant Program to Local Cities, Villages and Townships to Plan for Critical
Infrastructure Projects.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Gershenson addressed the Caucus regarding investment of funds for
interest.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Charles addressed the Caucus to inquire about the timeline for sp ending
and receiving American Rescue Plan funds.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Cavell addressed the Caucus regarding different categories that could
be combined for work groups.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Nelson polled the Commissioners on their areas of highest interest and
work group leaders.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Gershenson addressed the Caucus regarding representation within work
groups. She suggested representation from both Democratic and Republican
Commissioners, citizens and administration.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Jackson addressed the Caucus to suggest that work group workflow
procedures should be uniform.
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Democratic Caucus Minutes Continued. July 22, 2021
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus regarding timelines. He stated that the
ARP funds have three years to be allocated and five years to be spent.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus regarding the FY 2022 -2024 Budget
Presentation being given at the Board of Comm issioners meeting by County Executive
David Coulter and his team.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner McGillivray addressed the Caucus regarding the search for a new Parks
and Recreation Executive Director. He informed the Commissioners that final intervie ws
will be held on August 2nd and a final decision will be announced at the August 4th Parks
and Recreation Commission meeting.
Discussion followed.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus regarding a re-appointment to the
Building Authority.
Commissioner Markham addressed the Caucus regarding Finance Committee item c.
entitled: Board of Commissioners – Revised Fund Balance Policy for the General Fund.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Luebs addressed the Caucus regarding Public Health and Safety
Committee item g. entitled: Sheriff’s Office – 2021 Snowmobile Law Enforcement
Program Grant Application.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus regarding the ARP resolution being
introduced by Commissioner Spisz, five grant exceptions being accepted via
communications, bodycams for the Sheriff’s Office and a motion that will be made at the
Board of Commissioners meeting regarding Public Comment.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner McGillivray addressed the Caucus regarding issues the Parks and
Recreation Commission is having with Oak Management.
Discussion followed.
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Democratic Caucus Minutes Continued. July 22, 2021
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus to inform the Commissioners that
there will be at least three amendments offered to Finance Committee item c. entitled:
Board of Commissioners – Revised Fund Balance Policy for the General Fund at the
Board of Commissioners meeting.
The Caucus adjourned at 8:14 p.m. until August 5, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.
LISA BROWN KRISTEN NELSON
Clerk Caucus Chairperson
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