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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2026.08.13 - 43086 AGENDA ITEM: Approval of the 2026 Strategic Partnership Grant Agreement with the Joseph Jones Drainage District for the Oakland Park Stormwater Improvements Project DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation MEETING: Board of Commissioners DATE: Thursday, August 13, 2026 9:30 AM - Click to View Agenda ITEM SUMMARY SHEET COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD Resolution #2026-6867 Motion to approve the Park Development Grant Agreement with the Joseph Jones Drain Drainage District for the installation of site amenities at Oakland Park through a Strategic Partnership Grant in the amount of $28,582 for the period of three years; further authorize the Chair of the Board of Commissioners to execute the attached agreement; further amend the FY 2026 budget as detailed in the attached Schedule A - Budget Amendment. ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Grant Brendan Johnson INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner is requesting a $28,582 Strategic Partnership Grant from Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) to complement a $501,418 Clean Water State Revolving Fund grant for improvements at Oakland Park in the City of Pontiac. The requested funding will support the installation of picnic tables, benches, bicycle racks, and bicycle repair stations, creating a more functional, accessible, and welcoming public space for residents and visitors. The amenities will complement the stormwater management improvements currently under construction at Oakland Park. In 2024, the Joseph Jones Drain Drainage District received a $501,418 no-match Clean Water State Revolving Fund grant to construct a native vegetated wetland designed to capture and treat stormwater runoff from adjacent residential streets and surrounding development. The Joseph Jones Drain is a Chapter 20 drain funded by the City of Pontiac. Construction of the wetland is scheduled for completion in August 2026. In addition to the wetland, the project has included the planting of native trees and shrubs, treatment of invasive buckthorn, and installation of interpretive signage to educate visitors about native vegetation and the approximately 9,100-square-foot constructed stormwater wetland. This partnership represents a collaborative investment in public infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community quality of life. By combining stormwater management improvements with recreational amenities, the project enhances Oakland Park as a community destination while promoting environmental education and encouraging outdoor recreation. The collaboration also demonstrates an effective partnership between Oakland County departments that leverages external grant funding to maximize public benefit for the residents of Pontiac and Oakland County. POLICY ANALYSIS This request is to approve a three-year agreement between the County of Oakland and the Joseph Jones Drain Drainage District in the amount of $28,582 for improvements to Oakland Park, located in the City of Pontiac. The requested Strategic Partnership Grant would complement an existing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) grant by funding park amenities that will enhance public use of Oakland Park alongside stormwater management improvements currently under construction. The project leverages external grant funding while advancing environmental restoration, recreation and public education. Maintenance Responsibilities Long-term maintenance responsibilities have been established, with the Water Resources Commissioner maintaining the constructed wetland and the City of Pontiac Parks and Recreation Department maintaining the park amenities, supporting the project's continued operation after construction is complete. Fiscal Impact The fiscal impact of FY 2026 is cost-neutral as there is funding available in the Parks and Recreation Planned Use of Balance for this request. Parks and Recreation Commission Approval This item was approved by the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission on July 15, 2026. FISCAL IMPACT: Budget Amendment Attached 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 Chris Ward, Director Parks & Recreation ITEM REVIEW TRACKING Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 8/13/2026 AGENDA DEADLINE: 07/30/2026 4:30 PM ATTACHMENTS 1. Schedule A - 2026 Strategic Partnership Grant Agreement with the Joseph Jones Drainage District for the Oakland Park Stormwater Improvements Project 2. WRC Oakland Park Grant Agreement FINAL COMMITTEE TRACKING 2026-08-05 Legislative Affairs & Government Operations - Recommend to Board 2026-08-13 Full Board - Adopt Motioned by: Commissioner Penny Luebs Seconded by: Commissioner Robert Hoffman Yes: Charles Cavell, Ann Erickson Gault, Marcia Gershenson, Robert Hoffman, Brendan Johnson, Karen Joliat, Christine Long, Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, William Miller III, Kristen Nelson, Robert Smiley, Yolanda Smith Charles, Michael Spisz, Linnie Taylor, David Woodward (16) No: None (0) Abstain: None (0) Absent: Michael Gingell, Philip Weipert (2) Passed Oakland County, Michigan Parks & Recreation - Approval of the 2026 Strategic Partnership Grant Agreement with the Joseph Jones Drainage District for the Oakland Park Stormwater Improvements Project Schedule "A" DETAIL R/E Fund Name Division Name Fund # (FND) Cost Center (CCN) # Account # (RC/SC) Program # (PRG) Grant ID (GRN) # Project ID # (PROJ) Region (REG) Budget Fund Affiliate (BFA) Ledger Account Summary Account Title FY 2026 Amendment FY 2027 Amendment FY 2028 Amendment E Parks and Recreation PR Planned Use of Balance FND50800 CCN5060666 SC796500 PRG160666 796500 Budgeted Equity Adjustments $(28,582)$-$- E Parks and Recreation PR Administrative Services FND50800 CCN5060101 SC788001 PRG160000 788001 Transfers Out $28,582 $-$- Total Expenses $-$-$- Page 1 of 5 COUNTY OF OAKLAND—PARK DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT JOSEPH JONES DRAIN DRAINAGE DISTRICT – OAKLAND PARK STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS This Agreement is between the County of Oakland, by and through, its statutory agent, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission (“OCPRC”) and the Joseph Jones Drain Drainage District, One Public Works Drive, Building 95 West, Waterford, MI 48328 (“Grantee”). The purpose of this Agreement is to provide funding to Grantee in exchange for the work to be performed by Grantee for the below named project. The Parties agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Project Title (“Project”): Oakland Park Stormwater Improvements Grant Amount (“Grant Amount”): Twenty Eight Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Two Dollars ($28,582) Grantee Match Amount (“Match Amount”): Five Hundred One Thousand Four Hundred Eighteen Dollars ($501,418) Total Project Amount: Five Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($530,000) Start Date: Effective Date—the date the last Party to this Agreement signs the Agreement End Date: Three years after the date the last Party to this Agreement signs the Agreement By signing this Agreement, the below individuals certify they are authorized to sign this Agreement on behalf of their organizations and the Parties will fulfill the terms of this Agreement, including any attached Exhibits. Grantee: Name: Jim Nash, Chairperson Date Joseph Jones Drain Drainage District County of Oakland: Name: David T. Woodward, Chairperson Date Oakland County Board of Commissioners Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission: Name: Ebony Bagley, Chairperson Date Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission Page 2 of 5 1. Agreement Execution. Grantee is required to sign the Agreement and return it to the contact person listed in Section 2 within sixty (60) calendar days of the date the Agreement is issued to Grantee. If not, the OCPRC Chairperson may cancel this Agreement and the monies allocated under this Agreement may be issued to another entity, in the County’s sole discretion. This Agreement is not effective until both Parties sign the Agreement. The “Effective Date” shall be the date the last Party signs the Agreement. 2. Contact Information. This Agreement shall be administered on behalf of the County by the Planning & Resource Development Unit of the OCPRC. All notices, reports, documents, requests, actions, or other communications required between the OCPRC and Grantee shall be in writing and submitted to the contacts identified below. By written notice, the Parties may designate a different contact with correlating information. 2.1. Grantee Contact 2.1.1. Organization: Joseph Jones Drain Drainage District 2.1.2. Name/Title: Danielle Devlin, OC WRC Project Manager 2.1.3. Address: One Public Works Drive, Building 95 West, Waterford, MI 48328 2.1.4. Telephone Number: 248-882-8693 2.1.5. E-Mail Address: devlind@oakgov.com 2.2. OCPRC Contact 2.2.1. Name/Title: Simon Rivers, Supervisor of Planning 2.2.2. Address: 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328 2.2.3. Telephone Number: 248-421-9033 2.2.4. E-Mail Address: riverss@oakgov.com 3. Project/Project Period. 3.1. Grantee shall complete the Project as set forth and described in Exhibit A within the Project Period. Exhibit A is incorporated into this Agreement. 3.2. As defined in this Agreement, “Project Period” means the period of time beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the End Date listed on page 1 of this Agreement. 3.3. Grantee shall complete the Project within the Project Period. Requests to extend the Project Period must be made in writing a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days before the Project Period ends. The OCPRC Planning & Resource Development Unit may extend the Project Period, in its sole discretion, and the extension must be codified in an amendment to this Agreement, which amendment shall be signed by the OCPRC Chairperson. 4. Grantee Reporting Requirements: 4.1. Grantee shall complete and submit bi-annual progress reports, including a narrative report and summary of Project expenditures, in accordance with instructions provided by OCPRC. 4.2. Within sixty (60) days of Project completion, Grantee shall submit final reporting documentation, including a final reimbursement request and narrative report, and copies of written materials and/or photographs of grant recognition signs in accordance with the instructions provided by OCPRC. 5. Payments/Advances/Project Closeout. The OCPRC shall make payments of the Grant Amount to Grantee as follows: Page 3 of 5 5.1. OCPRC shall pay the Grantee fifty percent (50%) of the Grant Amount listed on page 1 of this Agreement within thirty (30) calendar days of the Effective Date. The remaining fifty percent (50%) of the Grant Amount shall be paid by the County within thirty (30) calendar days of the date the Project is complete in accordance with Section 4. Any cost overruns incurred to complete the Project shall be the sole responsibility of the Grantee. To be eligible for payment, Grantee must submit a complete payment request to OCPRC on form(s) provided by OCPRC and have satisfied all progress reporting requirements due prior to the date of the payment request 5.2. Grantee shall submit documentation of all costs incurred, including the value of match and donations made to the Project. 5.3. OCPRC reserves the right to request additional information necessary to substantiate payments. 5.4. OCPRC shall not pay any portion of the Grant Amount to a Grantee contractor or subcontractors. Grant Amounts shall only be paid to Grantee. 5.5. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, OCPRC shall hold back ten percent (10%) of the Grant Amount until Project Closeout set forth in this Section. Final payment of the remaining ten percent (10%) of the Grant Amount will be released upon OCPRC’s approval of Grantee’s Final Report and satisfactory Project completion as determined by OCPRC, in its sole discretion. 5.6. A determination of Project completion, which may include a site inspection and an audit, shall be made by OCPRC after Grantee has met any match obligations, satisfactorily completed the activities, and provided products and deliverables described in Exhibit A. 5.7. Grantee shall immediately refund to OCPRC any payments in excess of the costs allowed by this Agreement. 5.8. Upon issuance of final payment from the OCPRC, Grantee releases the County, OCPRC, and its employee and officers of all claims against the County/OCPRC arising under this Agreement. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement or by State law, final payment under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of the County’s claims against Grantee. 6. Grantee Assurances/Responsibilities. 6.1. Grantee shall comply with all applicable local, State, and federal laws, rules, ordinances, and regulations in the performance of this Agreement. 6.2. Grantee shall obtain all necessary permits and licenses for construction and maintenance of the Project. Grantee shall solely determine what permits or licenses are required for the Project, secure the needed permits or licenses, and remain in compliance with such permits or licenses. Grantee shall retain a copy of all permits or licenses and make them available to the County upon request. 6.3. Grantee shall have control of the Project area through fee simple title, lease, or other recorded interest, or have written permission from the owner of the Project area to complete Project activities. 6.4. Grantee shall abide by all State and federal threatened and endangered species regulations when completing Project activities. 6.5. Grantee shall not discriminate against an employee or an applicant for employment in Page 4 of 5 hiring, any terms and conditions of employment or matters related to employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, height, weight, disability, veteran status, familial status, marital status or any other reason, that is unrelated to the person's ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Grantee further agrees that any subcontract shall contain non-discrimination provisions, which are not less stringent than this provision and binding upon any and all subcontractors. A breach of this covenant shall be regarded as a material breach of this Agreement. 6.6. Grantee shall require that no individual be denied access to the Project or Project activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, height, weight, disability, veteran status, familial status, or marital status. 6.7. Grantee is solely responsible for all activities performed under this Agreement and for the construction and maintenance of the Project. Grantee shall be the sole point of contact regarding contractual matters for the Project, including payment of any and all charges resulting from the Project. 6.8. Grantee shall require all contractors and subcontractors constructing or performing the Project to comply with this Agreement. 6.9. Grantee shall ensure all contractors and subcontractors constructing and performing the Project are qualified to perform such work. 6.10. Grantee shall be solely responsible for the installation, operation, repair, and maintenance of the Project. 6.11. All records related to the Project must be maintained for a minimum of seven (7) years after the final payment has been issued to Grantee by the County. 7. Liability. 7.1. The County/OCPRC is not liable or required to install, operate, repair, maintain, or contribute to the installation, operation, repair, or maintenance of the Project and any associated Project activities. 7.2. To the extent permitted by law, Grantee shall defend any Claim brought against either Party that involves the Project or associated Project activities or that involves title, ownership, or other specific rights of real property controlled by Grantee and relates to the Project. 7.3. To the extent permitted by law, Grantee is responsible for all Claims arising under or in any manner related to the Agreement, the activities authorized by the Agreement, or the use and occupancy of the Project. 7.4. As used in this Agreement, “Claims” mean any alleged losses, claims, complaints, demands for relief or damages, lawsuits, causes of action, proceedings, judgments, deficiencies, liabilities, penalties, litigation, costs, and expenses, including, but not limited to, reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees, witness fees, court costs, investigation expenses, litigation expenses, amounts paid in settlement, and/or other amounts or liabilities of any kind which are incurred by or asserted against a Party, or for which a Party may become legally and/or contractually obligated to pay or defend against, whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether based upon any alleged Page 5 of 6 violation of the federal or the state constitution, any federal or state statute, rule, regulation, or any alleged violation of federal or state common law, whether commenced or threatened. 7.5. Performance of this Agreement is a governmental function. This Agreement does not, and is not intended to, impair, divest, delegate, or contravene any constitutional, statutory, and/or other legal right, privilege, power, obligation, duty, or immunity of the Parties. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of governmental immunity. 8. Insurance. The Grantee shall acquire and maintain insurance or a program of self- insurance, which Grantee deems necessary, to protect it from liability related to construction and/or operation of the Project. The County/OCPRC shall not obtain any insurance or provide any self-insurance for construction and/or operation of the Project. 9. Audit and Access to Records. OCPRC reserves the right to conduct programmatic and financial audits of the Project and may withhold payment until the audit is satisfactorily completed. Grantee shall maintain all pertinent records and evidence pertaining to this Agreement, including grant and any required matching funds, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and other procedures specified by OCPRC. OCPRC or any of its duly authorized representatives must have access, upon reasonable notice, to such books, records, documents, and other evidence for the purpose of inspection, audit, and copying. Grantee shall provide proper facilities for such access and inspection. All records must be maintained for a minimum of seven (7) years after the final payment has been issued to Grantee by OCPRC. 10. Assignability. Grantee shall not assign or transfer any interest in this Agreement without prior written authorization of OCPRC. 11. Changes. Any changes to this Agreement requested by Grantee shall be made in writing and sent to the contact listed in Section 2 of this Agreement. OCPRC may approve or deny such change, in its sole discretion. Any changes related to the grant amount, or any other financial component of this Agreement, will require an amendment to be executed in the same manner as this Agreement. Any changes not related to the grant amount, including modifications to project scope or deadline extensions, can be made by amendment at the discretion of and signed by the OCPRC Chairperson. 12. Termination. 12.1. Failure by Grantee to comply with any provision of this Agreement shall be a material breach of this Agreement. Upon breach of the Agreement by Grantee, OCPRC may, in addition to any other remedy provided by law: 12.1.1. Terminate this Agreement; 12.1.2. Withhold and/or cancel future payments to Grantee on any or all current grant projects until the violation is resolved to the satisfaction of OCPRC; 12.1.3. Withhold action on all pending and future grant applications submitted by Grantee; or 12.1.4. Require specific performance of the Agreement. 12.2. Upon the date of termination, all outstanding reports and documents are due to OCPRC and after the termination date OCPRC will no longer be liable to pay or reimburse Grantee any outstanding Grant Amounts. 13. Governing Laws/Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement shall be governed, interpreted, and enforced by the laws of the State of Michigan, excluding Michigan’s conflict of law principles. Except as otherwise required by law or court rule, any action, complaint, lawsuit, Page 6 of 6 or other legal or equitable proceeding brought to enforce, interpret, or decide any Claim, as defined herein, arising under or related to this Agreement shall be brought in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of the State of Michigan, the 50th District of the State of Michigan, or the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, as dictated by the applicable jurisdiction of the court. Except as otherwise required by law or court rule, venue is proper in the courts set forth above. The choice of forum set forth above shall not be deemed to preclude the enforcement of any judgment obtained in such forum or taking action under this Agreement to enforce such judgment in any appropriate jurisdiction. 14. Entire Contract. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties. This Agreement supersedes all other prior oral or written understandings, communications, agreements, or contracts between the Parties regarding the subject matter of this Agreement. The language of this Contract shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning and not construed strictly for or against any Party. Grant Project Description Page 1 of 3 June 24, 2026 Grantee Information Item Grantee Information Project Title: Oakland Park Stormwater Improvements Oakland County City, Village or Township Name: Joseph Jones Drain Drainage District Name of Primary Grant Contact: James Nash Address: One Public Works Drive, Building 95 West, Waterford, MI, 48328 Primary Contact Phone: (248) 842-6185 Primary Contact Email Address: nashj@oakgov.com Please list any project partners: City of Pontiac Financial Information Project Funding Requested Grant Amount: $28,582 Match Amount: $501,418 Total Project Funding (Requested grant amount + total match amount): $530,000 Project Schedule Anticipated Start Date: 4/1/2026 Anticipated Completion Date: 8/1/2026 Project Description Need Statement What is the reason for doing this project? Answer may incorporate documented community and recreational needs, public engagement, con diti on of current recreation assets, environmental issues or accessibility and inclusion needs. Is the project in the communities 5 -Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan or other planning document? The Joseph Jones Drain is a Chapter 20 drain that is funded 100% by the City of Pontiac, a significantly overburdened community. In 2024, the Joseph Jones Drain Drainage District received a no-match Clean Water State Revolving Fund grant to construct a nat ive vegetated wetland that will collect and treat stormwater runoff from the adjacent residential streets and buildings at Oakland Park in the City of Pontiac. Partnering with the city, WRC has been overseeing the construction of the project that will be substantially complete by May 31, 2026. The project has planted native trees and shrubs, treated nearby invasive buckthorn, and installed signage to educate residents about the benefits of native plants and the 9,100 sf constructed stormwater wetland improvement. With the best management practice being constructed in a public park, the project is utilizing the opportunity to promote and educate the residents and visitors of Pontiac to understand its purpose and benefits with the addition of several site amenities. The amenities include four benches, two picnic tables, two bike racks and one bike repair station. Unfortunately, the amenities will not be reimbursable by the grant but are an Grant Project Description Page 2 of 3 June 24, 2026 important addition to support outreach goals. In an effort to relieve the City of Pontiac of the liability of the costs, we are seeking grant funding from Oakland County Parks to cover 100% of the costs for the installed amenities. The picnic tables provide an opportunity to allow small outdoor classroom events to educate students and adults on the function and benefits of the stormwater management practice. The benches provide encouragement and opportunity for visitors to sit and enjoy the wetland while being educated on the resource. The bicycle rack is being located near the stormwater management practice to reduce maintenance impacts resulting from bicycles. Currently, bicycle impacts can be seen with riders not having a place to store their bicycles, so they are riding their bikes through the park impacting vegetation and causing erosion. In addition, the bicycle racks help support local outreach efforts to bring residents and students to the stormwater management practice for structured green infrastructure classroom activities led by the city, county, and/or local non-governmental organizations. The bicycle repair station supports the visitors to the stormwater management practice through the outreach and educational opportunities p rovided by the city, county, and/or local non-governmental organizations. The current City of Pontiac Parks and Recreation Master Plan identifies flooding within Oakland Park. The above-described project will address these flooding concerns. As an asset of the Joseph Jones Drain, the constructed wetland will be maintained by WRC. In addition, the amenities being requested through this grant application are supported by the needs expressed during the public engagement process for the master plan and will be maintained by the City of Pontiac Parks and Recreation Department. Finally, the project supports SEMCOG’s Southeast Michigan’s Strategic Framework for Growing our Resilience, Equity, and Economy with Nature (GREEN). This initiative aims to address some of the region’s most pressing challenges – managing floods, fostering climate resilience, improving community health, protecting our natural assets, all while creating vibrant places where people want to live and where businesses will thrive. It is driven by the goal to ensure that public benefits of green infrastructure are resilient, equitable, and improve the quality of life in Southeast Michigan communities. The plan recommends local government to seek partnerships and coordinate green infrastructure development across departments, communities, and sectors to improve efficiency and maximize impacts. Project Scope What are the actions that will implement the proje ct? Is the project designed to meet or exceed ADA guidelines or to incorporate Universal Design principles? Per the City of Pontiac Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Oakland Park is mostly accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. Most of the parking and pathways are paved, some of the facilities such as play equipment or picnic areas are accessible but may not be completely barrier-free.The bike racks and bike repair station are located on a newly installed concrete pad alongside the adjacent Hammond Street and flagstone maintenance path into the basin. The benches are located along the p erimeter of the wetland basin, overlooking the native plantings, among newly planted trees enhancing the park. Project Outcomes What are the anticipated outcomes and who will benefit from the project? Will the project result in greater access to recreation for all residents and visitors? Are any environmental benefits expected? How will the project make the community more sustainab le and resilient? The City of Pontiac Parks and Recreation Master Plan classifies Oakland Park as an “active recreation multi-use park.” With the recently opened Recreation Center sited within blocks of the project, the City is creating a network of greater access opportunities for its residents and visitors. Nearing substantial completion, the Grant Project Description Page 3 of 3 June 24, 2026 project has planted native trees and shrubs, treated nearby invasive buckthorn, and installed signage to educate residents about the benefits of native plants and the 9,100 sf constructed stormwater wetland improvement. The requested funding for the site furnishings will provide outreach opportunities regarding the importance and benefits of green infrastructure and native plantings. The amenities encourage residents and visitors to linger and enjoy the beauty of the native plantings which include trees, shrubs, perennial grasses and wildflowers, both in the wetland basin and upland edge. Along with treating the nonpoint source pollution carried in the stormwater runoff, the native plantings will attract pollinators and other wildlife and will be a major com munity asset. Acknowledgement This is a partial reimbursement program. The community will receive fifty percent (50%) of the grant amount when the grant agreement is executed. The community can submit quarterly requests for additional funds throughout the grant period, with Oakland County holding back t en percent (10%) of the grant amount until the project is closed out as defined in the grant agreement. Final payment of the remaining grant funds including the ten percent (10%) held back will be released upon the County’s approval of the grantee’s final report and satisfactory project completion as defined by the County. ☒Please check here to acknowledge that this is a reimbursement grant and that a final report will be required to release the final ten percent (10%) of grant funds. Submission Send completed forms and attachments to the email below. If your file size is too large to email, reach out for file -sharing options . Please call with any questions. Contact Information: Simon Rivers Supervisor of Planning (248) 421-9033 riverss@oakgov.com