HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2022.01.25 - 35291
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSIONERS
CALL TO ORDER:
The Board of County Election Commissioners meeting was called to order by the Honorable Linda S.
Hallmark on January 25, 2022 at 10:37 a.m. in the Oakland County Elections Division, Board of
Canvassers/Training Room, 1st floor, West Wing Extension, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Hallmark, Brown, Wittenberg. (3)
ABSENT: None. (0)
OTHERS PRESENT: Joseph J. Rozell, Director of Elections; Heather Kadulski, Election Specialist; and
Brandon Buck, Corporation Counsel.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Moved by BROWN seconded by WITTENBERG to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Moved by WITTENBERG seconded by HALLMARK to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2022
Board of County Election Commissioners Meeting. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Judge Hallmark advised that proper notice had been given for today’s meeting for the recall of Donna
Squalls, Supervisor, Charter Township of Royal Oak and Gwendolyn Turner, Clerk, Charter Township of
Royal Oak. She also advised that the purpose of today’s meeting according to MCL 168.952 of Michigan
Election Law, is that the Commission shall meet and determine whether each reason for the recall stated in
the petitions is of factual and sufficient clarity to enable the officer(s) whose recall is being sought and the
electors to identify the course of conduct which is the basis of the recall.
A. RECALL OF DONNA SQUALLS
DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #1
“On December 28, 2020 Clerk Turner voted to increase her salary.”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition of the petition.
Discussion followed.
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Oakland County Election Commission Meeting
Moved by BROWN seconded by WITTENBERG that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Donna
Squalls, Supervisor, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #1: AYES: BROWN, WITTENBERG, HALLMARK. (3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #2
“On November 10, 2021 Supervisor Donna Squalls voted to keep the Royal Oak Township recreation
center open with the presence of black mold in the building.”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by HALLMARK seconded by BROWN that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Donna
Squalls, Supervisor, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #2: AYES: HALLMARK, BROWN, WITTENBERG. (3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #3
“On December 9, 2021, Supervisor Squalls voted no on motion to refund each tax payer surplus from
special assessments for Fire, Police, Garbage Disposal, Street Lighting, Recreation and Water
Infrastructure according to MCL 41.732.”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by BROWN seconded by HALLMARK that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Donna
Squalls, Supervisor, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #3: AYES: BROWN, HALLMARK, WITTENBERG. (3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
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January 25, 2022
Oakland County Election Commission Meeting
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #4
“On December 9, 2021 Supervisor Squalls voted not to refund each tax payer the surplus from special
assessment property taxes collected for the Fire, Garbage Disposal, Street Lighting, Recreation and Water
Infrastructure according to MCL 41.732”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by HALLMARK seconded by BROWN that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Donna
Squalls, Supervisor, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #4: AYES: HALLMARK, BROWN, WITTENBERG. (3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #5
“On December 28, 2020 Supervisor Squalls voted to increase her salary by 25 percent.”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by HALLMARK seconded by WITTENBERG that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Donna
Squalls, Supervisor, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #5: AYES: HALLMARK, WITTENBERG, BROWN. (3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
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January 25, 2022
Oakland County Election Commission Meeting
DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #6
“On October 30, 2021 Supervisor Squalls voted yes to approve resolution No. 21-025”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by BROWN seconded by WITTENBERG that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Donna
Squalls, Supervisor, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #6: AYES: BROWN, WITTENBERG, HALLMARK. (3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #7
“Supervisor Donna Squalls did not submit the 2020 annual audit report in 2021”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by HALLMARK seconded by BROWN that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Donna
Squalls, Supervisor, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #7: AYES: HALLMARK, BROWN, WITTENBERG. (3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #8
“Supervisor Donna Squalls did not submit the F65 Annual report in year 2021.”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
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January 25, 2022
Oakland County Election Commission Meeting
Discussion followed.
Moved by BROWN seconded by HALLMARK that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Donna
Squalls, Supervisor, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #8: AYES: BROWN, HALLMARK, WITTENBERG. (3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #9
“Supervisor Donna Squalls did not submit the fiscal year 12/2020 audit report for the Charter Township of
Royal Oak.”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by HALLMARK seconded by WITTENBERG that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Donna
Squalls, Supervisor, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #9: AYES: HALLMARK, WITTENBERG, BROWN. (3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #10
“Supervisor Donna Squalls did not submit the 2020 annual F-65 report to the State of Michigan in year
2021.”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by BROWN seconded by HALLMARK that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Donna
Squalls, Supervisor, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
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January 25, 2022
Oakland County Election Commission Meeting
VOTE ON DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #10: AYES: BROWN, HALLMARK, WITTENBERG. (3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #11
“Supervisor Donna Squalls did not submit the 2020 annual audit report to the State of Michigan by the
7/31/21 deadline.”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by WITTENBERG seconded by HALLMARK that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Donna
Squalls, Supervisor, Charter Township of Royal Oak be approved.
VOTE ON DONNA SQUALLS, PETITION #11: AYES: WITTENBERG, HALLMARK, BROWN. (3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was APPROVED.
B. RECALL OF GWENDOLYN TURNER
GWENDOLYN TURNER, PETITION #1
“On December 28, 2020 Clerk Gwendolyn Turner voted to increase her salary.”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by WITTENBERG seconded by BROWN that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Gwendolyn
Turner, Clerk, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON GWENDOLYN TURNER, PETITION #1: AYES: WITTENBERG, BROWN, HALLMARK.
(3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
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January 25, 2022
Oakland County Election Commission Meeting
GWENDOLYN TURNER, PETITION #2
“On November 10, 2021 Clerk Turner voted to keep the Royal Oak Township recreation center open with
the presence of black mold.”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by BROWN seconded by HALLMARK that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Gwendolyn
Turner, Clerk, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON GWENDOLYN TURNER, PETITION #2: AYES: BROWN, HALLMARK, WITTENBERG.
(3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
GWENDOLYN TURNER, PETITION #3
“On December 9, 2021 Clerk Gwendolyn Turner voted not to refund each taxpayer the surplus from special
assessment property taxes collected for the Fire, Garbage, Disposal, Street Lighting, Recreation and Water
Infrastructure according to MCL 41.732”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by HALLMARK seconded by BROWN that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Gwendolyn
Turner, Clerk, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON GWENDOLYN TURNER, PETITION #3: AYES: HALLMARK, BROWN, WITTENBERG.
(3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
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January 25, 2022
Oakland County Election Commission Meeting
GWENDOLYN TURNER, PETITION #4
“On December 9, 2021 Supervisor Squalls voted no on motion to refund each tax payer surplus from
Special Assessments for Fire, Police, Garbage Disposal, Street Lighting, Recreation & Water Infrastructure
according to MCL 41.732”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by WITTENBERG seconded by HALLMARK that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for
Gwendolyn Turner, Clerk, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON GWENDOLYN TURNER, PETITION #4: AYES: WITTENBERG, HALLMARK, BROWN.
(3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
GWENDOLYN TURNER, PETITION #5
“Clerk Gwendolyn Turner voted yes to increase her salary on December 28, 2020.”
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by BROWN seconded by WITTENBERG that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Gwendolyn
Turner, Clerk, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON GWENDOLYN TURNER, PETITION #5: AYES: BROWN, WITTENBERG, HALLMARK.
(3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
GWENDOLYN TURNER, PETITION #6
“Clerk Turner did not mail a notice of public hearing 10 days before the November 15, 2021 public hearing
date”
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Oakland County Election Commission Meeting
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak as a proponent of
the petition. No one spoke as a proponent of the petition.
Judge Hallmark asked if there was anyone present who wished to come forward to speak in opposition to
the petition. No one spoke in opposition to the petition.
Discussion followed.
Moved by HALLMARK seconded by BROWN that the petition submitted by Felicia Royal for Gwendolyn
Turner, Clerk, Charter Township of Royal Oak be disapproved.
VOTE ON GWENDOLYN TURNER, PETITION #6: AYES: HALLMARK, BROWN, WITTENBERG.
(3)
NAYS: NONE. (0)
The petition was DISAPPROVED.
PUBLIC COMMENT: No one spoke during Public Comment.
Moved by BROWN seconded by WITTENBERG that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried.
Judge Hallmark adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m.
Lisa Brown
Clerk/Register of Deeds and
Secretary to the Board of County Election Commissioners