HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2025.01.23 - 418541200 N. Telegraph Road, Bldg. 12 East, Pontiac, MI 48341
Democratic Caucus Minutes
January 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM
1.Call Meeting to Order
Vice Chair Charles Cavell called the meeting of the Democratic Caucus to order at 05:14
PM in Committee Room A 1200 N. Telegraph Road, 12E, Pontiac, MI 48341.
2.Roll Call
MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Cavell, Ann Erickson Gault, Marcia Gershenson,
Brendan Johnson, Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, Kristen Nelson (remote from Waterford
Twp.), Yolanda Smith Charles, Angela Powell, Linnie Taylor, David Woodward (11)
MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE: William Miller (1)
3.Public Comment
No one addressed the Caucus during Public Comment #1.
4.Approval of Minutes
a.Board of Commissioners - dated January 13, 2025
Linnie Taylor moved approval of the Minutes dated January 13, 2025, as
presented. Seconded by Gwen Markham.
Motion Passed.
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the Minutes dated January 13, 2025,
were approved.
5.Discussion Items
Commissioner Gwen Markham addressed the Caucus regarding Finance Committee item
entitled: Fiscal Services - Creation of Five (5) Accountant III Positions to Support Fiscal
Services Division. She also stated the positions will assist with managing the increase in
grants.
Discussion followed.
Brian Lefler, Oakland County, Chief Financial Officer addressed the Caucus regarding
Finance Committee item entitled: Fiscal Services - Creation of Five (5) Accountant III
Positions to Support Fiscal Services Division.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Marcia Gershenson addressed the Caucus to discuss being prepared for
the budget deadlines by September.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Brendan Johnson addressed the Caucus regarding Public Health & Safety
Committee item entitled: Public Services - Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center -
Donation Acceptance from Ramona Carol Nave.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Penny Luebs addressed the Caucus to discuss possible updates to
Children's Village.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner David Woodward addressed the Caucus to report on the 2025 Detroit
Transit Conference.
Vice Chair Charles Cavell addressed the Caucus to discus budget priorities.
Discussion followed.
Vice Chair Charles Cavell addressed the Caucus to announce an amendment will be
introduced during tonight's meeting regarding Finance Committee item entitled: Fiscal
Services - Creation of Five (5) Accountant III Positions to Support Fiscal Services
Division. He also stated the amendment is requesting 2 positions.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner David Woodward addressed the Caucus as a reminder that the Michigan
Democratic Party convention will be held at the Detroit Renaissance Center on Saturday,
February 22, 2025.
Discussion followed.
Chair Angela Powell addressed the Caucus to review the Caucus Memo of
Announcements.
Discussion followed.
Chair Angela Powell addressed the Caucus to announce the following future trainings:
Parliamentarian, FOIA with Corporation Counsel and orientation for new Commissioners.
Commissioner Smith Charles addressed the Caucus to announce that Forgotten Harvest
will be hosting an event in the City of Oak Park on January 24th.
6.Public Comment
The following people addressed the Caucus during Public Comment #2: John Lauve,
Megan Sellers and Lisa Brown.
7.Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 07:02 PM.