 Serving all of Oakland County's 19 districts
JULY 2024
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Commissioners Ann Erickson Gault (District 3, left) and Penny Luebs (District 2, right) are joined by Doug Hibbing, member of the Troy VFW Post 4037 and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
Oakland County now joins others in the state and across the country as an official Purple Heart County. The resolution authorizing the designation was approved unanimously by the Board just before Memorial Day. With this new distinction, the county honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. veterans wounded or killed by enemy action.
The oldest military award still presented to American service members and open to any military rank, the Purple Heart is given in the name of the president. First established as the Badge of Military Merit by George Washington in 1782, it pays tribute to our nation’s combat-wounded and deceased.
The Board and Oakland County Veteran Services will be honoring this designation with special activities later this year.
On June 12, Oakland County hosted its second annual Juneteenth celebration on the south lawn of the county courthouse.
Commissioners Angela Powell (District 9), Yolanda Smith Charles (District 17), and Linnie Taylor (District 18) offered remarks alongside Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and other county officials. Together, they highlighted the importance of recognizing the occasion as a community and the impact of local history on how residents see the world around them. Additionally, they shared more about the Oakland County Underground Railroad Public History Project, which launched in Southfield earlier this year, and the relevance of extraordinary Black residents past and present.
In addition to the guest speakers, the celebration featured live music, dancing, food trucks and more for guests of all ages to enjoy. Commissioners Ann Erickson Gault (District 3), Bob Hoffman (District 7), Marcia Gershenson (District 11), Gwen Markham (District 15) and Charlie Cavell (District 19) also attended the event.
Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in June 2021. It celebrates June 19, 1865, the date in which news that the Civil War had ended reached Texas, and all enslaved people were freed. The following year on June 19, freedmen in Texas organized the first of what became the annual "Jubilee Day." This later became what is known today as Juneteenth or Freedom Day.
From August 13 to 22, the Board’s Finance Committee will meet with county department heads to discuss the county executive’s triennial budget proposal during its series of annual budget hearings. These hearings are an opportunity for commissioners to hear from county leaders on the progress they have made over the past year and their requests for the coming year’s budget. These hearings take place ahead of the Board’s adoption of the budget in the fall, which guides how nearly $1 billion is spent for county operations and development. For a full calendar of the meetings, visit https://bit.ly/BOCFullCalendar.
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 recognitions from last month.
- The Pontiac-based Lambda Rho Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, built on the ideals of scholarship, service and sisterhood for its college-educated women members, commemorated its 41st anniversary – presented by Commissioner Angela Powell (District 10), June 1.
- The Philippine day of freedom was recognized with the Kalayaan celebration organized by the Filipino American Community Council of Michigan – presented by Commissioners Yolanda Smith Charles (District 17) and Linnie Taylor (District 18), June 1.
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Revive Beauty Studio, which specializes in hair, skin and esthetic care, opened its doors in Waterford – presented by Commissioner Karen Joliat (District 8), June 4.
- The Board, led by Commissioners Christine Long (District 12), Ann Erickson Gault (District 3) and Smith Charles, who also serve on the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, declared July Park and Recreation Month – presented unanimously, June 13.
- Oakland County Purchasing administrator Scott Guzzy was honored for his 32 years of service to the county upon his retirement – presented unanimously, June 13.
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Oxford Bank marked its 140th anniversary – presented by Commissioners Michael Spisz (District 5) and Michael J. Gingell (District 6), June 17.
- North Oakland County Fire Authority Chief Jeremy Lintz stepped down from full-time duties after more than two decades of service – presented by Commissioner Bob Hoffman (District 7), June 17.
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Pontiac Regional Chamber, a thriving economic hub that boasts 200 members, toasted its 120th anniversary – presented by Commissioner Powell, June 17.
- Clarkston-area portrait studio Wildfable Photography hosted a ribbon cutting in honor of its studio renovation – presented by Commissioners Gingell and Joliat, June 19.
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Keller Williams Showcase Realty hosted a grand reopening for its newly expanded location in downtown Milford – presented by Commissioners Philip J. Weipert (District 13) and Hoffman, June 20.
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Matter of Skin Aesthetics & Wellness, provider of individualized skincare treatment plans, opened its doors in Clarkston – presented by Commissioner Joliat, June 26.
- Chiropractic and wellbeing clinic HealthSource of Highland welcomed the community to its ribbon cutting – presented by Commissioners Weipert and Hoffman, June 27.
Below is a schedule of meetings this month. 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. Visit our website for any schedule changes and follow the Board on Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Tuesday, July 9
Legislative Affairs and Government Operations, 9 a.m.
Public Health and Safety, 10:30 a.m.
Coordinating Zoning, 12 noon
Claims Review Committee, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 10
Economic Development and Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m.
Finance, 11 a.m.
Thursday, July 18
Majority Caucus, 5 p.m.
Full Board, 6 p.m.
Friday, July 19
Human Trafficking Task Force, 10 a.m.
Monday, July 22
Zoological Authority, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, July 23
Legislative Affairs and Government Operations, 9 a.m.
Public Health and Safety, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, July 24
Economic Development and Infrastructure, 9:30 a.m.
Finance, 11 a.m.
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Get out and enjoy an Oakland County park during Park and Recreation Month this July! The Oakland County Parks & Recreation Commission is responsible for planning, developing and operating parks and recreation facilities, making rules for the system, setting fees and approving the budget. From waterparks, golfing, swimming, hiking, adaptive play structures and more, the growing 15-property park system has something for everyone across the county. Learn more at OakGov.com/Parks.
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There’s a lot happening in Oakland County! Check out the latest news and upcoming events:
- The Oakland County Fair returns to Springfield Oaks County Park in Davisburg from July 5-14. Please visit OakFair.org for more information on the shows, rides and family-friendly attractions that will be available.
- A new SMART fixed bus route is now providing transportation services along Highland Road/M-59 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information about the route and other SMART services, visit SmartMovesUs.org.
- The Oakland County Treasurer’s Office is cautioning property owners to be vigilant against property rescue scams targeting individuals with delinquent taxes or foreclosed properties. These scams may require deed transfers, upfront fees, or offers to negotiate on your behalf for a fee, and most result in the loss of property or money. If you have delinquent property taxes, contact the Treasurer’s Office at OakGov.com/Treasurer or by calling (248) 858-0611.
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Twenty-one Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) communities have been recognized by Main Street America for their commitment to improving their downtowns through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. Learn about the program and accredited communities at OakGov.com.
Was this message forwarded to you? Be sure to sign up for The Board Bulletin by visiting your commissioner's webpage at oakgov.com/boc and clicking the "Newsletter Sign-up" button. You can also follow the Board on Facebook and LinkedIn for all the latest updates.
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