Three Oakland County Board of Commissioners (BOC) programs have been honored with 2022 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The 2020-2021 Oakland Together School Nurse Initiative, Blueprint for Successful Aging and Board of Commissioners Digital Meeting Resources and Technology Updates Project will all be recognized during NACo’s 2022 Annual Conference and Exposition in July. The awards highlight innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
The BOC, Oakland County Health Division and Oakland Schools launched the 2020-2021 Oakland Together School Nurse Initiative in the summer of 2020 to create a safe environment for students and staff and to better support the academic needs of students during the pandemic. Through this partnership, the county’s health division hired public health nurses to serve in local school districts to address COVID-19-related concerns.
To embrace and prepare for Oakland County’s aging population, the Board’s Healthy Aging Ad Hoc Committee published Oakland County’s Blueprint for Successful Aging, in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging (AAA 1-B), in late 2021. The Blueprint for Successful Aging serves as a strategic plan for Oakland County communities to help local municipalities and organizations create system changes and positive measurable outcomes to address aging service gaps, unmet needs and opportunities.
The Board of Commissioners Digital Meeting Resources and Technology Updates Project was implemented throughout 2020 and 2021. Through this project, the BOC digitized its agenda management processes and greatly expanded audio-visual capabilities in three public meeting rooms.
In honor of Older Americans Month, 12 community members were recognized with 2022 Oakland County Outstanding Older Adult Awards at the Board’s May 12 meeting.
The program, spearheaded by Commissioner Kristen Nelson, highlighted Oakland County residents 60 years and older who demonstrate a passion for volunteerism and community service. Commissioners were invited to nominate a resident from their district for this special award program.
Throughout May, each recipient was featured individually on the Board’s Facebook page with a summary of why their commissioners nominated them. To learn more about the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and the recipients of the award, follow @oakgov.boc on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oakgov.boc.
The Oakland County Health Division, in partnership with Orchard Laboratories, offers COVID-19 testing to individuals that live and work in Oakland County. Drive-through testing is available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Pontiac Fire Station, 348 South Blvd W., Pontiac. In addition, testing is available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Southfield Pavilion Parking Deck, 26000 Evergreen Rd, Southfield.
All adults 18 and older are eligible for testing. Children between the ages of 4 and 17 must have symptoms of coronavirus and be a resident of or attend school in Oakland County to get tested. Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 1-800-848-5533. Same day drive-up appointments are available at the sites until 3 p.m. each day, and those without appointments may experience extended wait times.
Through the end of June, the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center is offering a free rabies vaccine with the purchase of a dog license from 9 to 11:30 a.m. each Tuesday.
Dog license delinquency fees, which begin after June 1, will also be waived for pet owners who take advantage of the offer. If a dog is spayed or neutered, a dog license costs $15 for one year or $40 for three years. For a dog that is not spayed or neutered, those fees rise to $25 or $70, respectively.
The three-year license requires a three-year rabies vaccine. Pet owners must bring proof of a prior rabies vaccination to get the three-year vaccine.
Michigan law requires licenses for all dogs as a public health measure to ensure dogs have their rabies vaccines. For more information, go to www.oakgov.com/petadoption or call 248-858-1070.
The Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program has recognized Oakland County for its environmental leadership.
The county achieved silver status for exemplary action in multiple categories, including planning, climate resilience and adaptation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and protection, and mobility. Since hiring its first chief environmental sustainability officer, Oakland County has begun tracking and measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, developed a campus-wide sustainability plan, integrated solar energy in an upcoming renovation, and plans to install electric vehicle charging stations in two parking lot projects.
The county was also recently accepted into the 2022 LEED for Cities program, which provides technical assistance to help communities reach their sustainability goals.
Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) is hiring for a wide variety of seasonal positions. Those interested can apply today and secure an opportunity to make a difference in the community, gain valuable employment experience and work in a safe, clean, fun and supportive environment.
OCPR is looking to boost staffing at county parks, including golf courses, campgrounds, waterparks, dog parks and the Holly Oaks ORV Park. Positions are also available with Recreation Programs and Services, which offers programming for children and adults, and operates mobile recreation opportunities like inflatable bouncers, a zipline, games, a climbing tower, an archery range and more.
Salaries start at $12.63/hour for individuals ages 16 and older and training is provided for all positions, including waterpark lifeguards. Flexible part-time work schedules allow staff to balance other priorities while meeting new people, gaining valuable experience and having a positive impact on their community.
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners website, Facebook page, YouTube channel and commissioner newsletters are great ways for residents to stay engaged with the Board.
Individuals who follow the Board at @oakgov.boc on Facebook will see photos from events and information from around the county. Subscribers to the Board’s YouTube channel can receive notifications when Board meetings are live and easily find recent videos. The channel can be found by going to YouTube and searching for the “Oakland County Board of Commissioners” or going to bit.ly/YouTubeBOC. In addition, anyone can watch Board and committee meetings and access the latest news, meeting calendars, information about each commissioner and more by visiting www.oakgov.com/boc.
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