HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2026.03.11 - 42791
AGENDA ITEM: Sponsorship of America 250 Celebration Infrastructure Improvements with Oakland
County Pioneer & Historical Society
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 6:00 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2026-6292
Motion to approve a one-time allotment of $52,000 from the FY 2026 Board of Commissioners’
General Fund Special Projects Program line-item budget to support public access and infrastructure
improvements at The Oakland County Pioneer & Historical Society History Center, in connection
with the America 250 commemoration, including driveway and parking area paving and
electrification of the gazebo. Further, authorize the Board Chair to execute any required agreements
on behalf of Oakland County. Additionally, require that the recipient submit documentation
confirming completion of the improvements and provide a final written report to the Board of
Commissioners by the end of the calendar year following completion of the project, detailing the use
of funds, attendance at related public programming, and measurable community impact, including
expanded accessibility and coordination with County departments.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Special Project Gwen Markham, Robert Smiley
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1. First and Last Name (Person Submitting the Form): Evan Monaghan
2. Organization (Person Submitting the Form): The Oakland County Pioneer & Historical Society
operates the Oakland History Center, located at Pine Grove in Pontiac, Michigan
3. Email Address (Person Submitting the Form): office@ocphs.org
4. Phone Number (Person Submitting the Form): (248) 338-6732
5. Last Name of Sponsoring Commissioner: Commissioners Markham and Smiley
6. Project Overview: Briefly describe the proposed project, including its purpose, goals, and
intended outcomes: The Oakland County Pioneer & Historical Society is requesting funding to
support critical public access and infrastructure improvements at Pine Grove, home of the Oakland
History Center, in preparation for programming associated with the America 250 commemoration.
Pine Grove is one of Oakland County’s most historically significant sites. The property served as the
homestead of former Michigan Governor Moses Wisner prior to the Civil War and is now a
designated historic site and public cultural institution. The grounds include the historic mansion, the
carriage house, which functions as a free public research library, and event space regularly used for
educational programming and community gatherings. Located in close proximity to downtown
Pontiac, the site plays an important role in the County’s cultural footprint within the seat of
government. The proposed improvements include paving the driveway and parking area to improve
accessibility, safety, and ADA-compliant public entry, as well as electrifying the gazebo to allow for
safe lighting, sound amplification, and public programming. These improvements are essential for
hosting America 250 programming and will provide long-term benefits by enhancing the site’s ability
to accommodate public events, educational activities, and partnerships with County departments
and Parks. The purpose of the project is to increase equitable public access, modernize
infrastructure at a County-designated historic site, and strengthen the long-term capacity of the
Oakland History Center to serve residents.
7. Project Type: This request is categorized as a Program because it supports long-term public
access improvements and ongoing community programming capacity rather than a one-time
sponsorship recognition opportunity.
8. Provide a proposed budget breakdown for the project, including the estimated cost of the overall
project and specifically how much you are asking the Board of Commissioners to contribute: The
total amount requested from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners is $52,000. This amount
reflects the cost of paving the driveway and parking area, as well as, for electrification of the
gazebo. These improvements directly address accessibility, safety, and programmatic functionality
of the site. This request is part of a broader partnership effort to improve Pine Grove. SEMCOG has
committed $5,000 toward video production related to the America 250 programming. In addition, the
Historical Society recently received a $100,000 anonymous donation that is restricted to specific site
improvements including restroom upgrades, roof repairs, and tree removal. The Society also
maintains a $750,000 endowment managed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan;
however, those funds are legally restricted and currently allocated to interior mansion improvements
that expand permanent exhibit space. The County’s requested contribution would therefore address
infrastructure needs not covered by restricted funds and would leverage substantial outside
investment already committed to the property.
9. Provide a detailed timeline for implementation of the project: Upon approval, work on driveway
paving and gazebo electrification will begin during the 2026 calendar year, with completion targeted
prior to America 250 programming events. The improvements are permanent in nature and will
continue to benefit the public beyond the commemorative celebration.
10. Provide detail on any possible funding partners or matching funds: This project is supported
through a combination of public and private contributions. SEMCOG has committed funding for
event-related media production. The Historical Society has secured a restricted $100,000
philanthropic contribution for other site improvements, and it maintains a restricted endowment
dedicated to specific preservation and exhibit-related uses. The County’s investment would
complement these contributions and ensure completion of critical public access infrastructure that is
not eligible for coverage under restricted funds.
SEMCOG $5,000 (in-kind services)
Anonymous Donation $100,000
Society's Endowment $750,000
11. Describe the anticipated impact of the project and how its success will be evaluated: The
anticipated impact of this project includes improved ADA-compliant access to a historic public site,
enhanced safety for residents attending events and educational programming, and expanded
capacity for civic gatherings and County partnerships. The improvements will allow for greater
coordination between the Historical Society and County departments and Parks for future
programming, and will strengthen Pine Grove’s role in downtown Pontiac’s ongoing revitalization.
Success will be evaluated through confirmation of completed improvements, attendance and
participation at America 250 programming, and increased year-round utilization of the site for
educational and public events. A final written report will document measurable outcomes and
community impact.
12. Include any additional information or supporting documents relevant to the project: Pine Grove,
known to many residents as the Oakland History Center, is a National Historic Site and serves as a
public-facing institution preserving and celebrating Oakland County’s history. The requested
infrastructure improvements represent a long-term public investment in accessibility and community
engagement. These enhancements will not only support America 250 programming but will position
the site for expanded public use for decades to come.
FISCAL IMPACT: No Budget Amendment Needed
Committee members can contact Barbara Winter, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.821.3065 or winterb@oakgov.com or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Evan Monaghan
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 3/11/2026
AGENDA DEADLINE: 02/25/2026 4:30 PM
ATTACHMENTS
1. BOC Funding Request-1
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2026-03-04 Finance - Recommend to Board
2026-03-11 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: Commissioner Christine Long
Seconded by: Commissioner Linnie Taylor
Yes: Charles Cavell, Ann Erickson Gault, Marcia Gershenson, Robert Hoffman, Karen Joliat,
Christine Long, Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, Kristen Nelson, Angela Powell, Robert Smiley,
Yolanda Smith Charles, Michael Spisz, Linnie Taylor, Philip Weipert, David Woodward (16)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: Michael Gingell, Brendan Johnson, William Miller III (3)
Passed
OAKLAND COUNTY’S AMERICA 250 EVENT
SUMMER SOCIAL FUNDING REQUEST:
SPECIFIC PROJECTS
We here at the Oakland History Center are excited to partner with the
Board of Commissioners to make our annual Summer Social into the premier
America 250 event for Oakland County. With your financial commitment we
can make some much-needed upgrades to our campus and offer program-
ming that is truly world class.
The total funding requested for this project is:
$62,000
Electrifying the Gazebo -
$9,867.05
Universal Power & Electric
Paving the Driveway and Parking Area
$41,900
Great Lakes Asphalt Paving and Seal Coating
Video Production Budget
$5,000
Printing Budget
$5,000