HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2026.08.13 - 43089
AGENDA ITEM: Approval of 2026 Strategic Partnership Grant Agreement – Charter Township of
Royal Oak
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 #2026-6870
Motion to approve the Park Development Grant Agreement with the Charter Township of Royal Oak
for the Picnic Pavilion at Civic Center Park project through a Strategic Partnership Grant in the
amount of $30,000; further, authorize the Chair of the Board of Commissioners to execute the grant
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 Charter Township of Royal Oak is requesting a $30,000 Strategic Partnership Grant from
Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) to support the installation of a picnic pavilion as part
of the Civic Center Park renovation project. The grant will complement a $999,000 Michigan Spark
Grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) through American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, as well as $30,000 from the Township's General Fund and a
$5,000 Oakland County Board of Commissioners Special Projects grant.
Civic Center Park is a 3.55-acre community park and one of only three parks serving the 0.7-
square-mile Charter Township of Royal Oak. The park previously consisted primarily of mowed
open space with aging amenities that were deteriorated and not ADA-compliant. The
comprehensive park renovation, scheduled for completion in September 2026, will include
replacement of the existing playground and other aging amenities, construction of a new pavilion,
installation of an accessible walking path, and utility connections for a future restroom building.
The proposed pavilion will provide a gathering space that enhances the park's functionality and
accessibility while supporting community events, recreation, and outdoor engagement. The Civic
Center Park renovation represents a collaborative investment in improving recreational access and
quality of life within a community with limited parkland and resources. Upon completion, the project
will transform Civic Center Park into a welcoming, modern, and accessible community destination
for residents of all ages and abilities.
POLICY ANALYSIS
This request is to approve a 3-year agreement with the Charter Township of Royal Oak through a
partnership grant in the amount of $30,000. The Township plans to update the Civic Center Park
with a new picnic pavilion that will allow Royal Oak Township residents to gather and recreate
outdoors. The total cost of this project is $1,314,000, which includes a $1,284,000 match by the
Township along with this proposed grant.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact of FY 2026 is cost-neutral as there is funding available for transfer from 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 - Charter Township of Royal Oak
2. Royal Oak Township 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 - 2026 Strategic Partnership Grant Agreement - Charter Township of Royal Oak
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 $(30,000)$-$-
E Parks and Recreation PR Administrative Services FND50800 CCN5060101 SC762011 PRG160000 762011 Transfer to Municipalities $30,000 $-$-
Total Expenses $-$-$-
Page 1 of 5
COUNTY OF OAKLAND—PARK DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ROYAL OAK – CIVIC CENTER PARK REDEVELOPMENT
This Agreement is between the County of Oakland, by and through, its statutory agent, the
Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission (“OCPRC”) and the Charter Township of
Royal Oak, 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”): Civic Center Park Redevelopment
Grant Amount (“Grant Amount”): Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000)
Grantee Match Amount (“Match Amount”): One Million Two Hundred Eighty Four Thousand
Dollars ($1,284,000)
Total Project Amount: One Million Three Hundred Fourteen Thousand Dollars ($1,314,000)
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:
Date Name: Donna Squalls, Township Supervisor
Charter Township of Royal Oak
County of Oakland:
Name: David T. Woodward, Chairperson Date
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
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: Charter Township of Royal Oak
2.1.2. Name/Title: Donna Squalls, Township Supervisor
2.1.3. Address: 21131 Gardenlane, Ferndale, MI
2.1.4. Telephone Number: 248-542-754
2.1.5. E-Mail Address: supervisor@royaloaktwp.com
2.2. OCPRC Contact
Project/Project Period.
“Project Period”
Grantee Reporting Requirements:
Payments/Advances/Project Closeout.
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. Grantee shall be a registered vendor with the County to receive payments. Registration
can be accomplished by completing a vendor registration through the County Vendor
Registration link on the County Web site. All grant funds will be paid by ACH or Check.
5.5. OCPRC shall not pay any portion of the Grant Amount to a Grantee contractor or
subcontractors. Grant Amounts shall only be paid to Grantee.
5.6. 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.
5.7. 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.
5.8. Grantee shall immediately refund to OCPRC any payments in excess of the costs
allowed by this Agreement.
5.9. 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
Page 4 of 5
regulations when completing Project activities.
6.5. Grantee shall not discriminate against an employee or an applicant for employment in
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. 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. 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 b e 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 2
July 9, 2026
Grantee Information
Item Grantee Information
Project Title: Civic Center Park Redevelopment Project
Oakland County City, Village or
Township Name:
Royal Oak Township
Name of Primary Grant Contact: Donna Squalls, Township Supervisor
Address: 21131 Garden Ln 2nd Floor, Ferndale, MI 48220
Primary Contact Phone: 248-542-7540
Primary Contact Email Address: supervisor@royaloaktwp.com
Please list any project partners: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Council of Michigan Foundations
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Financial Information
Project Funding
Requested Grant Amount: $30,000
Match Amount: $1,284,000
Total Project Funding (Requested grant amount + total match amount): $1,314,000
Project Schedule
Anticipated Start Date: 7/1/2026
Anticipated Completion Date: 9/30/2026
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?
Civic Center Park is a 3.55-acre park in the Charter Township of Royal Oak. It is one of three parks in the 0.7-
square mile township. Civic Center Park consists mostly of mowed open space, with several amenities that are
severely deteriorated and non-ADA-compliant. This grant will provide a brand-new picnic pavilion that will allow
Royal Oak Township residents to gather and recreate outdoors. Having a safe space that provides residents with
opportunities for physical activity, the ability to explore nature, and an environment that encourages gathering
with others outdoors will help residents form connections with others. As part of the Township 's 2025
Recreation Plan, residents identified improvements at Civic Center Park as one of their most important
priorities.
Grant Project Description Page 2 of 2
July 9, 2026
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?
The scope includes installing a picnic pavilion, including all related site improvements and amenities. This work
includes all site preparation, building foundation, site grading and paving, and pathway connecting the pavilion
to the park walking loop. This picnic pavilion will meet ADA guidelines.
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 desired outcome to receiving this funding would be to reenergize residents through outdoor physical
activities. Adding a pavilion will help to counter some of the negative effects that still linger from the COVID-19
pandemic by providing a space to gather and recreate outdoors. With a new ADA-accessible pavilion, Civic
Center Park will allow for recreational activation by users of all ages and abilities.
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