HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2023.06.22 - 38327
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Bldg. 12 East, Pontiac, MI 48341
Democratic Caucus Minutes
June 22, 2023 at 4:30 PM
1. Call Meeting to Order
Chair Janet Jackson called the meeting of the Democratic Caucus to order at 04:45 PM in
BOC Committee Room A, 1200 N. Telegraph, 12E, Pontiac, MI 48341.
2. Roll Call
MEMBERS PRESENT: David Woodward, Penny Luebs, Kristen Nelson, Angela Powell,
Marcia Gershenson, Janet Jackson, Charles Cavell, Brendan Johnson (Remote, Non-
Voting, Yolanda Smith Charles (Remote, Non-Voting) (9)
MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE: Gwen Markham, Gary McGillivray, William Miller III,
Ajay Raman (4)
3. Public Comment
Fred Miller, Deputy Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds addressed the Caucus
during Public Comment #1.
4. Discussion Items
a. Board of Commissioners - Proposed Final Oakland County ARPA
Allocation
Commissioner David Woodward addressed the Caucus. There are $80 million
dollars of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that have not yet been
allocated. A Proposed Final Oakland County ARPA Allocation information sheet
was distributed.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Penny Luebs addressed the Caucus to inquire about reallocating
unused Youth Assistance Grants. The Youth Assistance sub-committee voted to
repurpose unused grants to fund staffing youth assistance positions.
Commissioner David Woodward addressed the Caucus to explain that using
ARPA funds for staffing purposes is complicated and the Board has tried to
avoid that.
Commissioner Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus to equate staffing with
early intervention.
Commissioner Charlie Cavell addressed the Caucus to inquire about hiring
vendors who provide outside staff vs.hiring new County employees.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Angela Powell addressed the Caucus regarding the huge
response to the City of Pontiac's recently launched home improvement project.
Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles addressed the Caucus and stated she
would like to see information about housing grants streamlined for the public.
The phrase "affordable housing" should be changed to "obtainable housing".
Commissioner David Woodward addressed the Caucus regarding the need for a
comprehensive regional housing strategy. A Housing Trust Fund is being
developed to assist with grant gaps.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Kristen Nelson addressed the Caucus to request a status update
report on the Oakland 80 Navigator Program.
Commissioner Charlie Cavell addressed the Caucus regarding the Water
Resources Commission (WRC). The WRC will use the ARPA funds to match
grants Oakland County is qualified for.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Angela Powell addressed the Caucus regarding the Royal Oak
Township match for sewer projects.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles addressed the Caucus regarding
replacing lost revenue with ARPA funds.
Walt Herzig, Deputy Oakland County Executive addressed the Caucus to explain
that ARPA funds can be used to replace revenue that was spent for COVID-19.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner David Woodward addressed the Caucus to explain the difference
between ARPA funding and Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security
(CARES) funding.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner David Woodward addressed the Caucus. He would like to see the
subject of ARPA Allocation moved forward at the next Majority Caucus. Budget
talks will begin in July, there may need to be a Special Board of Commissioners
meeting scheduled for the Pontiac Project after due diligence.
Chair Janet Jackson called for the July 20, 2023 majority Caucus to be
scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
5. Public Comment
Dierdre Waterman addressed the Caucus during Public Comment #2.
6. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 06:10 PM.