Jody L. Egen

Key discussions during the meeting included the election of new board officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary) and appointments for Past Chair and Trustee Emeritus. The board addressed committee structures by appointing Chairs and Members for the Executive, Awards, Markers, and Projects Committees. Agenda items also covered the First Flag Project Overview, consideration of Accessions (Action Needed), and Deaccessions (Action Needed). Old Business focused on an update regarding the museum expansion project. Department reports detailed operational matters, including an HVAC unit issue causing a fire alarm activation in January, ongoing website revisions for ADA compliance, the successful United Way centennial exhibit, and staging for the American Semiquincentennial exhibit. The Programs Division reported on the success of the Christmas program and planning for future events like maple sugaring and America250 programming. The Collections Division reported on research requests and provided updates on conservation work and the development of a new collections policy. Accessions and Deaccessions reports for December 2025 and January 2026 were also presented for review.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included several closed sessions requested for consulting with County Legal Counsel regarding pending litigation, discussing confidential attorney client communication concerning a Forensic Audit, and discussing collective bargaining negotiations. Other agenda items covered a CASA Presentation for informational purposes, Finance Matters such as payment of Accounts Payable Current Claims and accepting the Cash and Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. The Consent Agenda addressed the Approval of Non-Claims payments via check registers. Communications included requests for approval to apply for the Fiscal Year 2026 Marine Safety Grant, acceptance of a Public Health Capacity Buildings Mini-Grant, and application approval for the 2026 Michigan Public Safety Critical Incident Mapping Competitive Grant.

The Organizational Meeting agenda included the election of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Key new business items involved reviewing and placing on file 2026 Conflict of Interest Statements, reviewing Investment Performance Reports (including the Quarterly Report for the period ending 12/31/2025 and the 2026 Mariner Fee Notification), reviewing the Rebalance Recommendation/Cash Flow, reviewing the Monroe County Retiree Health Care Consolidated Report as of December 31, 2025, and January 31, 2026, and discussing Trust Agreement Revisions.

The meeting commenced with roll call, the pledge of allegiance, and an opening prayer focusing on attentive listening during decision-making. Agenda approval was sought, including a modification to include a closed session to discuss an attorney matter. The body then approved the minutes from the January 6th regular meeting following a roll call vote. The public comment segment featured significant discussion regarding the lack of representation for District 2, concerns about the potential for poor judgment or criminal activity related to the Mark Brandt case, and calls for the board to enter a closed session to discuss legal findings. Several speakers strongly advocated against maintaining or renewing the county's contract with ICE, citing national incidents of violence, racial profiling, and lack of due process. One speaker, a retired federal law enforcement officer, supported retaining the ICE contract for detainee transfers. Other topics raised included the need for strong leadership, support for local law enforcement, and criticism regarding the Kuster museum situation.

The organizational meeting agenda included several elections for key positions: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and Medical Control Representative. Following the elections, the Chairperson was scheduled to appoint members to the Operations Committee. Other agenda items included the approval of the organizational meeting agenda, review of the Central Dispatch Report, public comment sessions, discussion of old business concerning the 9-1-1 Agreement update, and new business items covering an updated report from MCA and the Bedford Township Fire Department Transport Report. Committee reports for November and December 2025 operations were also anticipated.