HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2023.05.11 - 38185
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Bldg. 12 East, Pontiac, MI 48341
Democratic Caucus Minutes
May 11, 2023 at 5:00 PM
1. Call Meeting to Order
Chair Janet Jackson called the meeting of the Democratic Caucus to order at 5:12 PM in
BOC Committee Room A 1200 N. Telegraph Road, 12E, Pontiac, MI 48341.
2. Roll Call
MEMBERS PRESENT: David Woodward, Penny Luebs, Kristen Nelson, Gwen Markham,
Angela Powell, Janet Jackson, Gary McGillivray, William Miller III, Yolanda Smith Charles,
Ajay Raman, Brendan Johnson, Charles Cavell (12)
MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE: Marcia Gershenson (1)
3. Public Comment
No one addressed the Caucus during Public Comment #1.
4. Approval of Minutes
a. Board of Commissioners - dated April 20, 2023
William Miller III moved approval of the Minutes dated April 20, 2023, as
presented. Seconded by Angela Powell.
A voice vote was conducted and the motion passed unanimously.
5. Discussion Items
Commissioner Gwen Markham addressed the Caucus regarding Regular Agenda -
Finance Committee items. She stated that the three community sponsorships have all
been funded by the Board of Commissioners in the past.
Chris Ward, Director, Oakland County Parks and Recreation addressed the Caucus
regarding New Business item entitled: Parks and Recreation - Donation from the Huron-
Clinton Metropolitan Authority for the 2023 Water Safety and Swim Lesson Program.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Gary McGillivray addressed the Caucus and stated that he will request
suspension of the Board Rules for an immediate vote on the Water Safety Program
resolution.
Commissioner Brendan Johnson addressed the Caucus regarding Legislative Affairs and
Government Operations Committee item entitled: Executive's Office - Establishment of the
Oakland County Acorn2Oak Youth Mini Grant Program. He informed the Caucus that
there will be an amendment offered.
Discussion followed.
Walt Herzig, Deputy Oakland County Executive, addressed the Caucus regarding
administration of the Acorn2Oak Mini Grant Program.
Chris Ward, Director, Oakland County Parks and Recreation addressed the Caucus to
introduce Zach Zuchowicz, DEI and Community Engagement Officer, Oakland County
Parks and Recreation. He also addressed the Caucus regarding the Mack-Rowe Park
Project in Royal Oak Township and the Green Acres Park Project in Hazel Park, stating
that all new parks will utilize universally accessible playground equipment and will be
responsible for maintaining their playground equipment for 15 years.
Commissioner Charlie Cavell addressed the Caucus and stated that he will be introducing
proposed resolutions for sponsorship of the 2023 Huntington Woods Fireworks and the
Birmingham 5K for mobility dance classes.
Commissioner David Woodward addressed the Caucus to remind the Commissioners that
the Board Rules do not allow sponsorship of fundraisers.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Charlie Cavell addressed the Caucus regarding a proposed resolution
entitled: Contribution to the Creation of a Web Based Community Connection Application
by the Alliance for Housing.
Discussion followed.
Walt Herzig, Deputy Oakland County Executive, addressed the Caucus to introduce the
newly appointed Oakland County Chief Public Defender, Paulette Loftin.
Paulette Loftin, Oakland County Chief Public Defender, addressed the Caucus.
Commissioner David Woodward addressed the Caucus to read a communication from
Oakland County Executive, David Coulter, regarding the death of Oakland County Health
Officer Dr. Calandra Green.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner David Woodward addressed the Caucus on the following topics:
Public Comment on expansion of public transit routes in Oakland County begins today,
the AFL is in support of the repeal of anti-labor laws, the 2023 National Association of
Counties Conference is being held in Austin, Texas. Another special Caucus will be
scheduled to discuss the distribution of ARPA funding and he provided a short rundown of
how the Older Adult Awards presentation will be handled at tonight's Board of
Commissioners meeting.
Chair Janet Jackson addressed the Caucus to inform the Commissioners that the Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority is holding a meet and greet in the auditorium lobby.
6. Public Comment
No one addressed the Caucus during Public Comment #2.
7. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 PM .
FRED MILLER JANET JACKSON
Deputy Clerk Caucus Chair