HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2026.05.21 - 42944
AGENDA ITEM: Sponsorship of Commerce Township Heart of the Lakes Festival
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, May 21, 2026 9:30 AM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2026-6337
Motion to approve a one-time allotment of $5,000 from the FY 2026 Board of Commissioners’
General Fund Sponsorship line-item budget to sponsor the 2026 Commerce Township Heart of the
Lakes Festival. Further, authorize the Board Chair to execute any required agreements on behalf of
Oakland County. Additionally, require that the recipient of the funds publicly promote the County’s
support and submit an impact report to the Board of Commissioners by the end of the calendar
year, detailing the outcomes of the event, including the number of Oakland County residents served
and supported by the initiative.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Special Project Christine Long
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1. First and Last Name (Person Submitting the Form): The request is being submitted by Emily
England.
2. Organization (Person Submitting the Form): Ms. England serves as the Parks & Recreation
Director for Commerce Township.
3. Email Address (Person Submitting the Form): Ms. England may be contacted through Commerce
Township’s Parks and Recreation Department.
4. Phone Number (Person Submitting the Form): Ms. England may be reached through Commerce
Township’s administrative offices.
5. Last Name of Sponsoring Commissioner: The sponsoring commissioner for this request is
Commissioner Long.
6. Project Overview: Briefly describe the proposed project, including its purpose, goals, and
intended outcomes: Following the success of its Bicentennial Celebration, Commerce Township has
established the Heart of the Lakes Festival as an annual community celebration. The inaugural
Heart of the Lakes Festival will take place on June 13, 2026, and will feature a full day of
programming from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., designed to include activities and entertainment for
residents of all ages and abilities. The purpose of the festival is to create a welcoming space where
families, neighbors, and surrounding communities can come together to celebrate Commerce
Township, strengthen neighborhood relationships, and foster civic pride. The intended outcome is to
promote community cohesion, encourage positive engagement among residents, and stimulate
local economic activity through increased participation and visibility for local vendors and
businesses.
7. Project Type: This request should be categorized as a sponsorship, as it involves financial
support for a municipally organized community event.
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
estimated total cost of the Heart of the Lakes Festival is $75,000. Commerce Township has
allocated $148,000 within its General Fund program and event account to support community
events, including this festival. Commissioner Long is requesting $10,000 from the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners to assist in offsetting festival-related expenses such as entertainment,
logistics, safety, event operations, and programming. The requested County contribution would
supplement Township funding and help ensure the continued success and sustainability of this
annual event.
9. Provide a detailed timeline for implementation of the project: The Heart of the Lakes Festival will
take place on June 13, 2026, with planning and coordination occurring throughout the spring of
2026. The event itself will run for a single day from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
10. Provide detail on any possible funding partners or matching funds: Commerce Township has
budgeted funding within its General Fund specifically for community programming and events, and
those funds will be utilized for the Heart of the Lakes Festival. The Township’s financial commitment
demonstrates substantial local investment, and the County’s requested contribution would leverage
these existing resources.
11. Describe the anticipated impact of the project and how its success will be evaluated: The
anticipated impact of the festival includes strengthened community relationships, increased civic
engagement, and enhanced community pride among residents of Commerce Township and
neighboring communities. The event provides a free, inclusive opportunity for families and
individuals of all ages to gather in a positive environment. Success will be evaluated by attendance
numbers, community participation, feedback from residents and vendors, and overall engagement
throughout the day’s activities.
12. Include any additional information or supporting documents relevant to the project: As Parks &
Recreation Director, Ms. England is directly responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the
festival to ensure its success. The event will remain within a single budget cycle and does not
require additional coordination with County departments beyond sponsorship recognition and
reporting requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT: Subsequent QR Budget Amendment Required
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
Emily England Parks & Rec Director
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 5/21/2026
AGENDA DEADLINE: 05/07/2026 4:30 PM
ATTACHMENTS
None
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2026-03-11 Full Board - Refer to Finance
2026-05-13 Finance - Recommend to Board
2026-05-21 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: Commissioner Michael Gingell
Seconded by: Commissioner Penny Luebs
Yes: Ann Erickson Gault, Michael Gingell, Marcia Gershenson, Robert Hoffman, Karen Joliat,
Christine Long, Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, William Miller III, Kristen Nelson, Angela Powell,
Robert Smiley, Yolanda Smith Charles, Michael Spisz, Linnie Taylor, Philip Weipert, David
Woodward (17)
No: Charles Cavell (1)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: Brendan Johnson (1)
Passed