Oakland County

The caucus meeting involved a review of the Board of Commissioners' agenda, including discussions on the FY 2022 General Appropriations Act, county property tax rates, and the budget resolution. The group also reviewed the new form for Board of Commissioners special projects and discussed the appropriation of American Rescue Plan Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for pandemic-related operational expenses. Additionally, the caucus received an update on the appointment of the Director of Public Services, reviewed candidates for the Board of County Canvassers, received progress reports from various American Rescue Plan Act workgroups, and noted a resignation and subsequent application deadline extension for the Parks and Recreation Commission Director position.

The Democratic Caucus agenda includes reviewing the Board of Commissioners' consent and regular agendas, conducting roll call, and opening the floor for public comment. The meeting focuses on administrative business, including the review of prior caucus minutes, discussion of unfinished business, and consideration of new business items. The caucus serves as a preparatory session for the broader Board of Commissioners meeting, allowing members to coordinate on agenda topics and procedural matters.

The committee reviewed and recommended several resolutions regarding the Tri-Party Road Improvement Program for the City of South Lyon, Charter Township of Commerce, and Charter Township of White Lake. Additionally, the committee discussed and approved a five-year contract extension with Limbach Company, LLC for the Building Management System (BMS) Replacement Project. Other items included the approval of a second amendment to the sublease agreement with Easter Seals Michigan, Inc. for the WIC program and the authorization of the Oakland County Oakland Township Water Supply System Improvements Bonds, Series 2022.

The caucus reviewed the Board of Commissioners' agenda, including items related to the Orion Meijer Brownfield Project, the Local Government Critical Infrastructure Planning Grant Program, and the search for a new Director of Parks and Recreation. Discussions were held on appointments for ad hoc committees, vaccine passport motions, American Rescue Plan Act funds, government transparency in health mandates, and future events such as the Phil Hart Dinner and the Tri-County Summit.

The committee discussed and recommended several projects including the Building Management System Replacement Project (Fifth Phase) for the courthouse and jail, the 2021 Repaving Program for various county parking lots, the Legal Resources Center Consolidation Project, and the 2021 Roof Replacement Program for the South Oakland Health Center and the Switch Gear Building. Additionally, the committee accepted a $425,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for the Webster Community Center redevelopment project, which includes brownfield remediation, asbestos and lead abatement, and demolition.