Michael J. Bouchard

The meeting commenced with roll call and the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes dated December 3rd and the approval of the current agenda. The committee reviewed public comments, communications which included airport committee minutes, a Legionella update, and various progress reports on the new public works building, Project Diamond Phase Two, and facilities management capital improvement projects. Discussions covered the US Center for Advanced Manufacturing's focus on future manufacturing and global initiatives, as well as the status of Project Diamond expansion, including ongoing discussions with Wayne County. The committee also addressed the transfer of Hiron Rouge sanitary sewage disposal system assets to the Hiron Rouge Sanitary Drain Drainage District, which involved realignment of governance and cost responsibility. Additionally, the committee recommended approval for the Meadows of Oxford brownfield plan, which utilizes the housing TIF program to set aside units for attainable affordable housing, and approved the fiscal year 2026 appropriation with the township of Springfield for a road improvement project.

The meeting included the approval of prior minutes dated February 8, 2023, and discussions under communications. Key topics involved quarterly reports for Economic Development Workforce Development ARPA and Facilities Management CIP progress. A significant discussion focused on the definition of 'On Target' status for projects, specifically related to expenditure and enrollment rates, with a commitment to provide more detailed forecasts including Gantt charts. The regular agenda covered the renewal of a 20-year land lease agreement for JDS Pump and Go LLC at the Oakland Troy airport, including a slight rent adjustment. Furthermore, the committee reviewed the 2023 NO HAZ Interlocal Agreement, which involves household hazardous waste services for participating Northern Oakland County communities, noting that several communities operate independent programs due to cost considerations, and Addison Township opted to run its own program for 2023.

The document outlines a calendar of scheduled meetings for the County throughout 2026, including regular Board Meetings, Majority Caucus meetings, and committee sessions for Legislative Affairs & Government Operations & Infrastructure, Econ. Development, Public Health & Safety, and Finance. There are also notations for County Holidays, Youth In Government, SEMCOG events, MAC events, and conferences/travel (NACo events, Mackinac Policy Conference). The Annual Meeting is scheduled for August.

The Finance Committee meeting included the approval of previous minutes and the agenda for the current lengthy session. Key discussions involved public comments concerning the financial impact of lawsuits on bond rates and due diligence on budget allocations. Department recommendations included the approval of the first quarter IT development report, involving the distribution of approximately $1.7 million for general fund departments, $1 million for special revenue funds, and $3,450 for non-county agencies. The committee also discussed sponsorship requests: $10,000 for the 42 Strong Foundation peer-to-peer mentorship program and a $5,000 sponsorship for the Hazel Park Promise Zone Initiative's fundraising dinner, which supports post-high school education and trades opportunities. Finally, the committee addressed exceptions to the purchasing policy for single-source procurements, specifically regarding Westshore Services for emergency siren system maintenance and an extension for services with Applied Innovation and Van Cleven Associates related to vital records e-filing.

The meeting commenced with roll call and an invocation, followed by the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the unanimous approval of the minutes from the December 11, 2025 meeting and the approval of the current meeting's agenda, which involved moving item 13 C from the consent agenda to the regular agenda. A vote was held for the election of the Vice Chair, resulting in the re-election of Commissioner Marshia Gersonson. The proceedings included a public hearing for the Meadows of Oxford Brownfield plan in the village of Oxford. Significant time was dedicated to recognizing the Oakland Intermediate School District (ISD) Board for their contributions to education, including technical campuses and early college programs. Furthermore, the commission recognized January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, detailing the significant strides made by the Oakland County Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force in prosecuting traffickers and supporting victims in collaboration with the Sheriff's Office and Prosecutor's Office. Representatives from the Prosecutor's Office discussed increased case charging rates and the impact of recent training efforts.