 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
JUNE 2023
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 The Oakland County Board of Commissioners has adopted a series of resolutions that secure funding to complete more than $24 million in new local road projects.
Oakland County’s annual Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) provides funding to Oakland County cities and villages for repairs and improvements on roadways under their jurisdiction. The program makes county investments in local roads, which is then matched with funding from Oakland County communities. For 2023, the county board appropriated more than $2 million in county funds to make sure these projects happen this year.
The LRIP has driven an estimated $152 million investment in local roads across the county since 2016. In 2017, the Board of Commissioners’ LRIP received national recognition when it was selected for a National Association of Counties Achievement Award in the category of Community and Economic Development.
Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties are asking residents and businesses to complete a 15-question survey about internet service at their households.
In partnership with Merit Network, the three counties have launched a survey to determine whether high-speed (broadband) internet service is available at a given address, and at what speed. In some areas, high-speed internet is unreliable, unaffordable or simply unavailable, leading county commissioners at the Tri-County Summit to consider how to address resident frustrations around this issue.
Merit Network, a Michigan-based nonprofit, is conducting the survey as part of its Michigan Moonshot initiative, which aims to bridge the digital divide in Michigan. All residents, regardless of current broadband access, are encouraged to complete the survey to ensure an accurate understanding of connectivity in the tri-county area, identify gaps in service, and support planning and possible broadband expansion efforts.
Visit merit.edu/Tri-County-BroadBand to complete the brief survey. Paper surveys are available upon request by calling (313) 625-0029.
Learn more about the Michigan Moonshot at merit.edu/moonshot.
Three Board initiatives have been honored with 2023 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards highlight innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. They include the:
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Oxford Families and Local Business Financial Response, which supported families and businesses impacted by the tragic shooting at Oxford High School in November 2021.
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Anti-Violence Initiative, which brought together Oxford survivors, local law enforcement agencies and regional community groups to launch a Crisis Intervention Training Pilot Program and a Gun Buyback Program.
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Invasive Spongy Moth Program, which provides matching grants to communities across the county experiencing a Lymantria dispar outbreak for mitigation efforts.
Since 1935, NACo has been driven by its passion about advancing excellence in public service to help people and places thrive across America. The organization serves nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. This is the seventh consecutive year the Board has received a NACo Achievement Award. Visit https://bit.ly/43gWXb4 for more information on the award-winning programs for 2023 and https://bit.ly/423Hx8A to learn about recognitions from previous years.
Five Oakland County residents were honored by their commissioners with the Board’s Outstanding Older Adult Award during the May 11 meeting. A program spearheaded by Commissioner Kristin Nelson (District 10), this was the second year the Board recognized the positive impact individuals ages 65 and over have made in their communities. Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
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Erin Asdell, nominated by Commissioners Nelson and Karen Joliat (District 8) – A longtime resident of Waterford Township, Ms. Asdell is the coordinator for the Waterford Senior Center and supervisor of ENCORE Adult Day Services. She deftly manages both dedicated staff and volunteers. Her contributions have had an enormous impact in expanding older adult programs and services that promote healthy lifestyles and social engagement.
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Marlo Davidson, nominated by Commissioner Bob Hoffman (District 7) – Ms. Davidson is well-known in the Holly community. She helped establish the Holly Downtown Development Authority and served on the Holly Area Chamber of Commerce for 12 years, including two years as president – only the second woman to hold that position. Ms. Davidson has helped plan and support the Holly Dickens Festival, one of Holly’s landmark events, for each of the 50 years it has run.
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Barbara Iseppi, nominated by Commissioner Penny Luebs (District 2) – Ms. Iseppi has been a lifelong volunteer in Clawson. She was first elected to the Clawson City Council in 1989 and remained a council member until she was elected mayor in 1999, an office she held until 2003. Ms. Iseppi and her husband have been active participants and enthusiastic supporters of the Boy Scouts of America, Clawson 4th of July activities, and Knights of Columbus. They serve as role models for other committees within Clawson.
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Bruce and Carroll Turpin, nominated by Commissioner Angela Powell (District 9) – Dr. Turpin, a dentist, and Mrs. Turpin, a former Pontiac School District Board of Education member, have been community activists in Pontiac for many years. They have volunteered their time helping youth in the community by providing financial support and beautified the city through clean-ups and gardening.
The Board regularly recognizes residents, community members, organizations and businesses with proclamations and certificates in honor of special milestones, contributions or achievements. See the list below for recent recognitions.
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JDog Junk Removal & Hauling, a new business in Clarkston, opened its doors – presented by Commissioner Karen Joliat (District 8), May 5.
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The Board extended its gratitude to the Pontiac Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a sisterhood of primarily Black, college-educated women that has assisted local groups since 1976 – presented by Commissioners Angela Powell (District 9), Kristen Nelson (District 10) and Janet Jackson (District 18), May 11.
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Commissioners recognized Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month and joined with the community to reflect on the history and contributions of Oakland County residents with AAPI heritage – presented by Commissioner Ajay Raman (District 14), May 11.
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Fifth Third Bank of Clarkston hosted a grand reopening of its updated financial center – presented by Commissioner Joliat, May 17.
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Kristin L. Christ was honored for her service on the board of HAVEN of Oakland County – presented by Commissioner Michael J. Gingell (District 5), May 18.
- The lifelong accomplishments of James August, Barbara Cohen, Dennis Frank, Roslyn Garber, Dr. Richard Krugel, Phyllis Lewkowicz, Janet Pont, and Ellis Slovis were spotlighted as they were named the 2023 8 Over 80 honorees by Jewish Senior Life – presented by Vice Chair Marcia Gershenson (District 11), May 21.
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Wolverine Machine, a family-owned business in Holly, was honored for its 100th anniversary – presented by Commissioner Bob Hoffman (District 7), May 23.
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Forum Health Medical Weight Loss opened its Medical Weight Loss Center in Clarkston – presented by Commissioner Joliat, May 24.
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Narrin Farms, a collection of four unique short-term rentals in Ortonville, celebrated its grand opening – presented by Commissioner Joliat, May 24.
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Agnish Adhya, a fifth grader from Leonard Elementary in Troy, was lauded by the Board for his artwork being selected for the cover of the Water Resources Commissioner’s Kids’ Clean Water Calendar – presented by Commissioners Penny Luebs (District 2) and Gary R. McGillivray (District 3), May 25.
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Retiring staff member, Patti Shafer, was congratulated on her 25 years of service to Oakland County residents – presented by all commissioners, May 25.
- Flexible workspace Shareable Spots had its grand opening in Waterford Township – presented by Commissioner Joliat, May 31.
Upcoming meetings:
Jun 6 Legislative Affairs & Government Operations, 9:30 a.m.
Public Health & Safety, 11:00 a.m.
Jun 7 Economic Development & Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m.
Finance, 11:00 a.m.
Jun 15 Majority Caucus, 5:00 p.m.
Full Board, 6:00 p.m.
Full Board and standing committee meetings are open to the public at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, and livestreamed on the Board’s YouTube channel. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/OCBOCCal or https://bit.ly/OCCivicClerk. Follow the Board on Facebook for the latest updates.
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The Board’s Facebook page is the best source for stories about your commissioners and the impact they’re making in the community.
Last month, Board Chair David T. Woodward began a series of videos to provide updates about recent programs and initiatives. Additionally, Commissioners Angela Powell and Kristen Nelson kicked off a mental health resource video campaign, which followers of the page will see more of in the coming weeks. Visit www.facebook.com/oakgov.boc to follow the page, view these videos and learn more.
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There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
- From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 14 at the Oakland County Courthouse South Entrance Lawn, the county is hosting a Juneteenth celebration honoring the memory of Elizabeth Denison Forth, the first Black landowner in Oakland County. Join the Board and other county departments for food trucks, a short program and more! For more information visit www.oakgov.com/equity.
- Warmer weather is here, and Oakland County Parks and Recreation is gearing up for spring and summer programming at the Oakland County Farmers Market. This year’s busy season will include a variety of fresh produce and plants, artisanal foods and crafts, yoga, tai chi and other special programs! Visit https://bit.ly/OCFarmMark23 for more information.
- The Oakland County Health Division is asking residents to complete a short survey to help the county understand community health needs. Energizing Connections for Healthier Oakland is a partnership working to achieve a community where every person who lives, works, attends school, worships, or plays in Oakland County is a healthy person. Responses will help prioritize important health issues for Oakland County. Complete the survey at https://bit.ly/OCHealthSurvey23.
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