HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2021.11.10 - 35286
OAKLAND COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MINUTES
November 10, 2021
Meeting called to order by Caucus Chairperson Kristen Nelson at 5:05 p.m. in the
Courthouse Committee Room A, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan.
Roll called.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Charlie Cavell, Yolanda Charles, Marcia
Gershenson, Janet Jackson, Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, Gary McGillivray,
Kristen Nelson, Angela Powell, David Woodward (10)
EXCUSED ABSENCE WITH NOTICE: William Miller III (1)
Quorum present.
No one addressed the Caucus during Public Comment #1
Moved by Penny Luebs seconded by Marcia Gershenson the minutes of the October 28,
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 opened the floor for discussion.
Commissioner Gwen Markham addressed the Caucus regarding Finance Committee
item a. entitled: Financial and Human Capital Management Replacement Project –
Implementation Extension, Support, and Enhamcememt.
Discussion followed.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson reminded the Caucus that the Legislative Affairs and
Government Operations Committee will hold a special meeting at 5:45 p.m. regarding the
appointment of Chris Ward, Deputy County Executive as the new Oakland County Parks
and Recreation Commission Director.
Commissioner David Woodward updated the Caucus on Special Order of Business item
a. entitled: Resolution - Motion to Discharge – MR# 21357-Request to the Oakland
County Health Division to Permit School Districts to Determine Mask Requirements is not
on the November 10, 2021 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner David Woodward informed the Caucus that Commissioner Janet Jackson
and Commissioner Michael Spisz will introduce a resolution under New Business entitled:
Opposition to Senate Bills 597-598 Which Would Amend the Social Welfare Act and the
Mental Health Code. The resolution will be referred to the Legislative Affairs and
Government Operations Committee.
Commissioner David Woodward informed the Caucus that he is forming the Oakland
County TIFA Review Committee.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus regarding Unfinished Business item
a. entitled: Expenditure Priorities of American Rescue Plan Act Local Fiscal Recovery
Funds.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Charlie Cavell addressed the Caucus regarding the American Rescue
Plan Act funds and the Oakland County Executive Office recommendations for use.
Commissioner Charlie Cavell discussed the thirteen workgroups, titled: Youth and Mental
Health, Emerging Variants, Infrastructure, Transit, Investing in CVTs, Office of Innovation,
Broadband, Housing and Tax Foreclosures, Seniors, Workforce Development, Childcare,
Economic Development and Basic Needs. He discussed breaking down the thirteen
workgroups into six groups titled: Strengthening Healthcare, Robust Economy,
Sustainable Environment and Infrastructure, Fiscal Health, Prosperous Communities and
Reserve Funds.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Gwen Markham addressed the Caucus and stated that Broadband should
have its own taskforce.
Commissioner David Woodward addressed the Caucus and stated that Broadband will
be discussed at the Tri-County Summit. The event will be held on November 12, 2021 at
the Edsel Ford Estate Conference Center.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Janet Jackson addressed the Caucus regarding the need for a Strategic
Financial person on the Board of Commissioners staff.
Discussion followed.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus to suggest committee meetings be
held during the week of November 15, 2021.
Discussion followed.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson recommended to the Caucus the need to finalize the 2022
Board of Commissioners calendar soon.
Commissioner Marcia Gershenson addressed the Caucus and stated that the majority of
Commissioners supported scheduling some morning meetings.
Discussion followed.
Kathryn Kennedy and Heather Smiley addressed the Caucus during Public Comment #2.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson called the Caucus to recess at 6:00 p.m.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson reconvened the Caucus at 6:2 1 p.m.
Commissioner David Woodward addressed the Caucus and stated Commissioner Eileen
Kowall will introduce a proposed miscellaneous resolution entitled: Supporting American
Rescue Plan State Match Programs. Suspension of the Board of Commissioners rules
will be requested.
Chairperson Kristen Nelson called for the Caucus to recess at 6:22 p.m.
The Caucus adjourned at 9:24 p.m. until December 9, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.
LISA BROWN KRISTEN NELSON
Clerk Caucus Chairperson