HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2026.02.19 - 42755
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Bldg. 12 East, Pontiac, MI 48341
Democratic Caucus Minutes
February 19, 2026 at 8:30 AM
1. Call Meeting to Order
Chair Angela Powell called the meeting of the Democratic Caucus to order at 8:45 AM in
Committee Room A, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, 12E, Pontiac, MI 48341.
2. Roll Call
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Erickson Gault, Marcia Gershenson, Brendan Johnson,
Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, William Miller III, Angela Powell, Yolanda Smith Charles,
Linnie Taylor, David Woodward (10)
MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE: (0)
3. Public Comment
The following people addressed the Caucus during Public Comment #1: Commissioner
Charles Cavell, Megan Callaghan, Margarette Gupta and Robin McGregor.
4. Approval of Minutes
a. Board of Commissioners - dated January 22, 2026
William Miller III moved approval of the Minutes dated January 22, 2026, as
presented. Seconded by Linnie Taylor.
Motion Passed.
A voice vote was conducted and the Minutes dated January 22, 2026, were
approved unanimously.
5. Discussion Items
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus to announce that an item from the
Oakland County Transit Ad Hoc Committee will be added to the Consent Agenda entitled:
Economic Development - Oakland County Transit Division - Amendment 2026-2 of Public
Transportation Agreement with Rochester Hills-Oakland-Rochester Older Persons’
Commission (OPC).
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Miller III addressed the Caucus, stating his preference for adopting a
unified resolution that would apply County-wide, rather than pursuing multiple, separate
resolutions.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus regarding Legislative Affairs and
Government Operations Committee item entitled: Board of Commissioners - Resolution in
Support of Michigan Senate Bills 508, 509 and 510. He also recommended a special
committee be established to coordinate and review the various resolutions related to civil
immigration enforcement and ICE’s presence in Oakland County.
The committee’s work will include consultation with Corporation Counsel and
Commissioner Powell in her capacity as Chair.
Discussion followed.
Megan Sellers, Deputy County Executive, addressed the Caucus regarding the
Commissioners’ concerns about the urgency of a resolution previously submitted to
Corporation Counsel. She emphasized the importance of completing all necessary due
diligence to ensure the County is protected while also safeguarding the public. She noted
that Corporation Counsel has been working diligently on the matter for several weeks.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Luebs recommended that the Caucus begin the Board of Commissioners
Meeting on time, recess prior to New and Miscellaneous Business, review the related
resolutions during the recess, and then reconvene the Board of Commissioners Meeting
to present their decision.
Discussion followed.
6. Public Comment
Chair Powell requested that due to time, public comments be addressed at the Board of
Commissioners Meeting. Commissioners and the public expressed agreement with the
recommendation.
Chair Powell called a recess at 9:32 AM.
Chair Powell called the Caucus to reconvene at 1:35 PM.
Roll Call
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Erickson Gault, Marcia Gershenson, Brendan Johnson,
Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, William Miller III, Angela Powell, Yolanda Smith Charles,
David Woodward (9)
MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE: (1) Linnie Taylor
Chair Powell addressed the Caucus to discuss items under New & Miscellaneous
Business.
Discussion followed.
Solon Phillips of Corporation Counsel addressed the Caucus. He stated that since
January 2025, his office has been actively monitoring and reviewing the actions taken by
Washington. He further noted a thorough review of Commissioner Johnson's resolution is
underway, emphasizing the distinction between guidelines and legal principles.
Discussion followed.
Chair Powell called a recess at 1:55 PM.
Chair Powell called the Caucus to reconvene at 2:22 PM.
Roll Call
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Erickson Gault, Marcia Gershenson, Brendan Johnson,
Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, William Miller III, Angela Powell, Yolanda Smith Charles,
David Woodward (9)
MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE: (1) Linnie Taylor
Commissioner Woodward addressed the Caucus regarding the New & Miscellaneous
Business item entitled: Resolution Opposing Civil Immigration Enforcement Activities by
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Related Federal Agencies within
Oakland County Owned or Operated Facilities, and Opposing the Use of Face Coverings
that Conceal Officers Identities During Civil Immigration Enforcement.
Discussion followed.
Chair Powell addressed the Caucus to review the Caucus memo of announcements.
Chair Powell requested that public comments be addressed at the Board of
Commissioners Meeting due to time constraints. No one addressed the Caucus during
Public Comment #2.
7. Adjournment
The meeting recessed on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 2:29 PM.
The meeting adjourned on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 3:30 PM.