HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2021.03.23 - 35268207
OAKLAND COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MINUTES
March 23, 2021
Meeting called to order by Caucus Chairperson Kristen Nelson at 5:05 p.m. via
Videoconference.
Roll called.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Cavell from Ferndale in Oakland County,
Charles from Southfield in Oakland County, Gershenson from Los Angeles in
California, Jackson from Southfield in Oakland County, Luebs from Clawson in
Oakland County, Markham from Novi in Oakland County, McGillivray from
Madison Heights in Oakland County, Miller from Dearborn Heights in Wayne
County, Nelson from Waterford Township in Oakland County, Powell from
Pontiac in Oakland County, Woodward from Royal Oak in Oakland County. (11)
EXCUSED ABSENCE WITH NOTICE: None. (0)
Quorum present.
Lisa Brown, Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds addressed the Caucus to
introduce new Deputy County Clerk, Fred Miller.
The members of the Caucus discussed the Board Agenda.
Commissioner Miller addressed the Caucus to give an update on the Economic
Development and Infrastructure Committee Consent Agenda items.
Commissioner Markham addressed the Caucus to give an update on the Finance
Committee Consent Agenda items.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus to give an update on the Legislative
Affairs and Government Operations Committee Consent Agenda items. She stated that
there are four memorial resolutions on the Agenda.
Commissioner Luebs addressed the Caucus to give an update on the Public Health and
Safety Committee Consent Agenda items. She stated that there are 27 resolutions from
the Sheriff’s Office.
Democratic Caucus Minutes Continued. March 23, 2021
208
Commissioner Markham addressed the Caucus regarding Economic Development and
Infrastructure Committee item f. entitled: Facilities Management/Facilities Planning and
Engineering – County Executive – Campus Sustainability Planning Project.
Discussion followed.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus regarding Legislative Affairs and
Government Operations Committee item h. entitled: County Executive – Creation of
Environmental Sustainability Officer Classification and Position. She stated that this
position will be a strategic advisor and will helm the County’s long and short term
sustainability projects.
Discussion followed.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus regarding Legislative Affairs and
Government Operations Committee item i. entitled: Board of Commissioners –
Appointments to the Oakland Community Health Network.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Luebs addressed the Caucus regarding Public Health and Safety
Committee item ee. entitled: MR #21084 - Board of Commissioners – Establish Healthy
Aging Oakland County Ad Hoc Committee. She stated that there are three amendments
to the resolution that will be offered.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus to inform the Commissioners that he
is working on a resolution regarding Anti-Asian hate crimes and a resolution in support
of Congressional earmarks.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Miller addressed the Caucus to request a resolution or press release
supporting action by the Legislature to extend ability to conduct remote meetings as
COVID-19 numbers are rising again. He also inquired about MR #21054 – Board of
Commissioners – Approval of the Educational Attainment Compensation Incentive
Program for Oakland County Law Enforcement.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus regarding the schedule for the next
quarter. He stated that he may need to push the scheduled April meetings back one
week.
Discussion followed.
Democratic Caucus Minutes Continued. March 23, 2021
209
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus regarding the search for a new Chief
of Staff. He stated that the Study Group has recommended Patti Dib who is currently
the Chief of Staff for the Macomb County Board of Commissioners.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus regarding policy priorities. He
informed the Commissioners that the deadline to select their top choices is March 25,
2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Miller addressed the Caucus regarding the Local Road Improvement
Program Committee and informed the Commissioners that Commissioner Cavell will
Chair the Committee.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus to request a resolution to codify the
Board and County net zero emissions policies.
Commissioner Markham addressed the Caucus to inform the Commissioners that she
has set up a tour of the Waste Water Treatment Plant for anyone interested.
Commissioner Gershenson addressed the Caucus regarding reforming the County
Women’s Commission.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus to thank the Board staff for
arranging the media training and highly recommends all Commissioners take this
training.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Cavell addressed the Board to invite the Commissioners to join the
Saturday Zoom meetings being held by volunteers in District #18 at 10:00 a.m.
The Caucus recessed at 7:13 p.m. until March 25, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.
LISA BROWN KRISTEN NELSON
Clerk Caucus Chairperson