HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2021.01.14 - 35259
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OAKLAND COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MINUTES
January 14, 2021
Meeting called to order by Caucus Chairperson Kristen Nelson at 5:10 p.m. via
Videoconference.
Roll called.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Cavell from Ferndale in Oakland County,
Charles from Southfield in Oakland County, Gershenson from Bloomfield
Township in Oakland County, Jackson from Southfield in Oakland County, Luebs
from Clawson in Oakland County, McGillivray from Madison Heights in Oakland
County, Miller from Farmington in Oakland County, Nelson from Waterford
Township in Oakland County, Woodward from Royal Oak in Oakland County. (9)
EXCUSED ABSENCE WITH NOTICE: Markham, Powell. (2)
Quorum present.
No one addressed the Caucus during Public Comment.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus to inform them that the Board of
Commissioners Chief of Staff, Chris Ward has accepted a position as Deputy County
Executive, and to congratulate Chris Ward.
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus to offer his congratulations and to
thank Mr. Ward for all of the leadership he has provided.
Chris Ward, Board of Commissioners Chief of Staff addressed the Caucus.
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus regarding the job description for the
Chief of Staff position. He stated that this would be a good time to look at job
descriptions and staffing in the Board office and that he is setting March 1, 2021 as the
target date to fill the Chief of Staff position, but assured the Commissioners that they will
take all of the time they need to find the strongest candidate. He also recommended
forming a Study Group to look at these issues.
Discussion followed.
Democratic Caucus Minutes Continued. January 14, 2021
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Commissioner McGillivray addressed the Caucus regarding the possibility of an Interim
Chief of Staff and the best process to appoint a candidate.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus regarding the main functions of the
Chief of Staff. He stated that these are Department Administration, Commissioner
Support and Project Management.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Miller addressed the Caucus to ask if the Board will be looking at
promoting from within.
Discussion followed.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus and stated the Commissioners
should review the job description and consider any other needs they may have.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Charles addressed the Caucus regarding the development of a more
formal employee review process.
Discussion followed.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus regarding the process of introducing
annual memorial and honorary resolutions.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Gershenson addressed the Caucus regarding the Commissioners’ flower
fund and if it should be continued.
Discussion followed.
The Caucus adjourned at 6:09 p.m. until January 19, 2021 5:00 p.m.
SANDRA O’BRIEN KRISTEN NELSON
Deputy Clerk Caucus Chairperson