[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6662141,"mediaKeyId","2399338-cfe92ca373e3b23614dc252afb4c92b5","parentId",2399338,"title","Committee approves first-year materials-management grant application; recommends excluding portion of Fenton from county plan","audioSeconds",379,"startMs",4135000,"endMs",4514000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2399338-cfe92ca373e3b23614dc252afb4c92b5&start=4135&end=4514","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2399338-cfe92ca373e3b23614dc252afb4c92b5/thumbnail_4135000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6662141/Oakland-County/Michigan/Committee-approves-first-year-materials-management-grant-application-recommends-excluding-portion-of-Fenton-from-county-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6662141-f250ff69c8ef310b4bf8ab13527f28bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204154&Signature=ZWqy15VlFw4UekoVB9mnrUp4VRY2Upa~~Lc2~4swOBcHhL6atBWIIImScCbHrZBwpY1M3N21JtxO1GmNA4SakAZ77DB8K-TkSSo085uwYk-m5~dRaDhqvjdGxmTBDhQE7XDWXrOlxM2g0yHu~dDHcPPgjvm8J~m4GAJmQx723CeGeyb-PLbqAmSBbvRKgs7epHimT7u5EArIAd-lgVhcfE3pMuvukMcB0mJUPbw8YC-~oDeB2Agl~1FoUz7EhAlXSDHToGQfS0erZhaY8sqC8Fh3yYXLzkhcx9M282H~cI744hzxmWsFO2ZL1Md19RyTbZHA6BAWVHnpru0Q-Y31wQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oakland County","date","2025-02-26T16:05:00.82Z","article","The committee recommended that county staff apply for a state materials-management grant and approved a municipal request to be excluded from the county’s materials-management plan.

Planning staff said the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) released formula grant funding to support county materials-management plans. Whitney Talio and Kristen Wilkane said the grant is noncompetitive and that the county is requesting approximately $320,000 for first-year activities drawn from an approved work program. Staff said an RFP for a consultant had been issued and responses are under evaluation.

Separately, the committee recommended that the Board approve a request from the City of Fenton to be excluded from Oakland County’s materials-management plan. Staff explained that state law lets communities that span multiple counties choose which county plan they participate in; Fenton elected to participate with a neighboring county’s plan. The committee approved the exclusion by a 5-0 vote.

The materials-management plan work will inventory recycling and composting capacity, set goals for diversion and identify services and funding approaches across the county. Talio said the process is expected to take multiple years and that the first-year grant request covers the initial planning tasks outlined in the county’s work program.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee Meeting 02-26-25","oneSentenceSummary","Committee recommended applying for a first-year EGLE materials-management grant of $320,000 to prepare Oakland County’s materials-management plan and approved a request from the City of Fenton to be excluded from Oakland County’s plan because part of Fenton lies in another county.","taxTitle","Oakland County, Michigan","taxId",2835,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6662146,"Committee recommends funding for building-safety dispatch renovation to improve ADA access and dispatcher ergonomics",453,2245000,2698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2399338-cfe92ca373e3b23614dc252afb4c92b5&start=2245&end=2698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2399338-cfe92ca373e3b23614dc252afb4c92b5/thumbnail_2245000.jpg","/articles/6662146/Oakland-County/Michigan/Committee-recommends-funding-for-building-safety-dispatch-renovation-to-improve-ADA-access-and-dispatcher-ergonomics","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6662146-2ffe4d734b11105050189500f9ad6d3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204154&Signature=Dt6DWumvjtNeg3E4UQL7oMigNz6oc-7JGSnb1Skr6EGhxEj2D-D0~MXpK~TzB3Xqyyhd8RbxyDVhVGLox5qb-l7zAYLYtJcut5Uz4-MrVBTIXaVDMqNr3H8Uyr7QbP8cgpZDJw33wMxzfN0GGx343Cx1ufCo52Cy4eOZgUQWqzQCTPDeWS42sDG2KtAmKXinVAO8wizx9W6eVT49jLOz5EgYFTLFQth~26aGSDcV4LpQatE2KJTyE6Uc5QRL-8QToIrbyynzKY177X0kSmygETYNPsTKogghu4w04s6CEokujfx8pnzykDGbRZ8v~tWsaWuSiVK4Y8M3bm7cIoQEOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee recommended a facilities project to renovate the building-safety badging and dispatch areas at the Public Works Building, approving the budgeted project and authorizing the recommendation to the Board.

Steve Braetz of Capital Planning and Design described the scope: removal of existing millwork and outdated furniture; refeeding electrical and IT cabling to support new office furniture and workstations; painting and carpeting replacements; and static-dissipating carpet for the dispatch center. He said new furniture will include sit-to-stand desks and that the badging station counter height will be lowered to meet ADA access standards.

Braetz said the dispatch area currently contains deep metal cabinets and cooling fans that housed older CPU equipment; removing that outdated millwork will free floor area, allow ADA turning radiuses and support modern sit-to-stand dispatcher stations. He said the project will also provide lockers and improved power feeds and ensure wiring and cabling meet code.

The project was budgeted at just over $96,000 and was included in the department’s 2025 capital improvement plan. Committee members commended the accessibility and staff-safety improvements. The committee approved the recommendation by a 5-0 vote; the item will be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for final authorization.","Facilities staff described a planned renovation of the building-safety badging and dispatch areas to add ADA-compliant counters, sit-stand stations, static-dissipating flooring and new furniture; committee recommended the $96,000 project.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6662151,"Committee advances access-to-transit grants and recommends SMART contract amendment; officials cite ridership gains",950,2718000,3668000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2399338-cfe92ca373e3b23614dc252afb4c92b5&start=2718&end=3668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2399338-cfe92ca373e3b23614dc252afb4c92b5/thumbnail_2718000.jpg","/articles/6662151/Oakland-County/Michigan/Committee-advances-access-to-transit-grants-and-recommends-SMART-contract-amendment-officials-cite-ridership-gains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6662151-a7170cbfbc0ca6d1e625551dbd857246/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204154&Signature=Vg~H2-eFtUn~p6-F8xAJ6kjamea2cFBs-OnZQOTcaNgEd5o2du1F16X0LJjv2bZk~LTMTL4WrhfBMrOoR1td3OxyD0NVUqjw-955GuKQ0AgEeSeHwl-xaXY2DSSGsYGlCmgQ-C~25UyI5rIwqrIdWZqGmKvEzo3amKLdQymMPUi865FCKuFtVC5l42o1BMaSVTiH~TtPwHZRICNj8vWafD1WffwdDm-piJRhgqv0zJRltdhXfL1BhXU8Mnqd3FWWnpqg3t307RLWfIo1HlI5X7oewyZzy1GxCfbzTvG36FJ5d12vzYVeUmzBO7HXOPtVed2CeVtcjaHQ8DM-I0-nPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee recommended funding six projects under the county’s first Access to Transit grant round and moved to recommend a contract amendment with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) for 2025 operations.

Oakland County transit staff said the Access to Transit program solicited projects that improve sidewalks, shelters and other infrastructure that helps people reach transit. Staff said 10 applications were received, an interdisciplinary review recommended eight projects and the transit committee accepted six projects for a total award of approximately $777,000. Staff said two projects were postponed for further review and two were not recommended because they were not transit-related.

Eli, a transit staff member, described the program’s goals: “The walking environment is critically important for transit access because most folks either walk or roll, meaning a wheelchair or bicycle, to access transit service.” Committee members asked about procurement rules; staff said funding comes from the transit millage and interlocal agreements will govern implementation, while local governments will typically manage procurement for projects built in their jurisdictions.

Separately, staff presented an amendment to the county’s transit agreement with SMART for 2025 that includes operating support for current routes and recent service expansions. Staff said the amendment provides approximately $44,100,000 to support SMART’s operations and includes coordination on planning and technology: SMART is pursuing a regional dispatch/operations software procurement and county staff asked that SMART coordinate that work with smaller local operators in Oakland County.

At the meeting staff also summarized SMART’s July–September 2024 quarterly report and a veterans transportation pilot. Staff said SMART recorded about 1,860,000 rides in the quarter, up about 4% year over year. On the veterans pilot (\"This Rise On Us\"), staff said 4,600 rides were provided and the rider fare portion at $2 per ride equated to about $10,000; staff said the overall cost to provide those rides, including vehicles, drivers and fuel, had an estimated value of about $270,000, and that most of the non-fare cost is covered through the millage and other operator revenue streams.

Committee members described the Access to Transit awards as a pilot intended to produce projects that can be showcased to other communities. The committee approved the Access to Transit recommendations by voice vote and recommended the SMART amendment to the board; both items were forwarded with committee approval.","Committee recommended six access-to-transit projects totaling about $777,000 and advanced a $44.1 million amendment to SMART’s 2025 contract; staff also presented SMART’s quarterly ridership figures and a veterans pilot program update.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6662156,"Oakland County planning staff seek approval for 2025 North Oakland household hazardous waste interlocal agreement",988,1246000,2234000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2399338-cfe92ca373e3b23614dc252afb4c92b5&start=1246&end=2234","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2399338-cfe92ca373e3b23614dc252afb4c92b5/thumbnail_1246000.jpg","/articles/6662156/Oakland-County/Michigan/Oakland-County-planning-staff-seek-approval-for-2025-North-Oakland-household-hazardous-waste-interlocal-agreement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6662156-4bbf442f2d3d4661bc478d6c2f7d6ce6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204154&Signature=M0vVbndEm0~epTQg4m63vT8e2VEGyzMAp6Kh1BmkgRqH2QG3OfeWUBBBEzoUZtiwy1yTUfqR-BlsVvjZhd9kXgliHZg17Co6uHpAbJDIwe0INMNifWbOYNx2jHtx2V9pKH30t9dDQPMejCTtcUTP63ySuYwgt3aXhjZKhNljLPIQRu7bEppM1UwU0LYpKjNYF2AyjZEnY0lojw4vOkduzl5h~DC9CUduWmuMWn8ybyykKaV7gBVsXFllJ2bQJ6bEe7XUPihz1mwJZHrQjsxbxkoxRbLTN7CSgh-YSQj6OtWakUAdUcrNOrKUElq4Lz9ZlWI3mkA15n2wxo1LpYaCmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee voted to recommend approval of the 2025 North Oakland Household Hazardous Waste interlocal agreement (NOHAS), which coordinates household hazardous waste collection events for member communities.

Kristen Wilkane, planning staff, and Whitney Talio, principal planner, briefed the committee on the program. Talio said NOHAS began in 2003 and that in 2024 the program held four collection events with 3,733 residents participating and “collected just over a half a million pounds of materials.” She said electronic equipment and latex paint are the two largest categories by weight, and that 31% of attendees at last year’s events reported using NOHAS for the first time.

The committee was told 17 communities participate this year via 13 interlocal agreements plus four villages. Talio outlined four planned collection sites: Pine Knob Music Theatre on April 12, Oxford Middle School, Kensington Church in Orion and one on the county campus. She said member communities pay for the program and some set nominal user fees while others cover the full cost for residents. Nonmember residents can participate for a stated fee (this year $135 for the nonmember rate was cited).

Committee members asked about medical collections and controlled substances; Talio said NOHAS accepts many prescription medications but not controlled substances, which should be taken to law enforcement “operation medicine cabinet” collections. She said the program has an online registration system to speed intake and that brochures and outreach are used to direct residents to appropriate options. Talio said sponsorships offset community costs and that member communities typically provide staff or elected volunteers to help at events.

The committee approved the interlocal agreement recommendation by a 5-0 vote. Staff said the program is part of a longer materials-management planning process intended to increase consistency and access to recycling and hazardous-waste disposal across the county.

Talio also noted the county’s materials-management planning effort is underway and that a formula grant from the state will fund the first-year work; that grant item was discussed elsewhere on the agenda.","Committee recommended the interlocal agreement to continue NOHAS collections in 2025; staff said the program collected more than 500,000 pounds last year across four events and serves 17 communities this year, with a mix of cost-share arrangements and some fees for nonmember residents.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6662160,"Oakland County committee backs legal lake level for Clarkston Mill Pond",779,429000,1208000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2399338-cfe92ca373e3b23614dc252afb4c92b5&start=429&end=1208","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2399338-cfe92ca373e3b23614dc252afb4c92b5/thumbnail_429000.jpg","/articles/6662160/Oakland-County/Michigan/Oakland-County-committee-backs-legal-lake-level-for-Clarkston-Mill-Pond","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6662160-32a5afd0e7b1726f0ac9255c4c2894a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204154&Signature=XH0oxcEdO3DfyuKrEPTASWDbSqG4RDgsjiAyHShc5CC-OfuoXl12sJA1jp4Cl02Zqv499irHPVn9QD0IzmjhX0G~l8bHKLjWHi4ZUqa0wgmm27yuNgE73y2UoEYeIB7DMb~wD4bVvOxNb6qTrnFBJ8B21jwZ2cjXdEBw-6bsOTahnK7L1e~c~MXF3DHglSE0yh4or4jl2zQXw3YtJlUSkhUSNjLIboJTqUMjx4xj2fCCDcEg27RT8Zt170KpuSjosPBTeKfrOedJKtG8LorehXsxWBlec4-OOfkwrGsdmUfm2rQe19m1LT-CBppWaj7qvORLn0pkccchAjTkbUKsyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oakland County Economic Development Committee voted to recommend that the county establish a legal lake level for Clarkston Mill Pond in response to a petition from residents.

County lake-level engineer Ryan Wersherkow told the committee the recommendation follows a two-year study funded by a state grant and a petition in which “the residents are in favor. They’re more than 70 in favor of moving forward the legal lake level.” He said the county has prepared the materials needed to file the matter in court to formally set the lake level.

The legal designation would place the lake under county jurisdiction and allow the county to take ownership of parcels, construct a new dam and enter an agreement to operate the existing structure until a new dam is built. Wersherkow said special assessments will fund construction and ongoing maintenance, and that residents have been informed about estimated costs. “It’s all special assessment based,” he said, adding that the resident assessment portion is a majority of the project funding.

Committee members asked whether a private owner must cooperate; Wersherkow said the owner is a developer and that the owner’s “intent, yes, is a dollar” for the transfer, and that county staff expect a cooperative process. He also said many lakes in the county do not have established legal levels and that this action would increase the number of lake levels the county manages from 43 to 44.

During public questioning, Wersherkow said previous attempts to dredge the pond had found elevated concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment. He cautioned that removing a dam and restoring the channel could expose contaminated sediments and lead to “loss of wetlands, loss of habitat” and other downstream impacts. Wersherkow also said most of the county’s staff time directly charged to the lake-improvement effort has been minimal: “Less than 10 hours of my time have gone toward the lake improvement board portion of it.”

The committee approved the recommendation to forward the establishment of a legal lake level to the full Board of Commissioners by a 5-0 vote. The item now proceeds to the board and then, if approved, to the court process to set the legal lake level.

If the county proceeds, residents in the assessment district would pay the special-assessment share of construction and maintenance; county staff said other operators and grant funds may reduce the net share borne by residents. The county indicated it expects to negotiate interim operating agreements while working to construct a replacement dam.","The committee recommended establishing a legal lake level and moving toward county ownership and reconstruction of the dam after a resident petition; the plan will be funded by special assessments and go to court to formalize the level.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves first-year materials-management grant application; recommends excluding portion of Fenton from county plan

Committee recommends funding for building-safety dispatch renovation to improve ADA access and dispatcher ergonomics

Committee advances access-to-transit grants and recommends SMART contract amendment; officials cite ridership gains

Oakland County planning staff seek approval for 2025 North Oakland household hazardous waste interlocal agreement

Oakland County committee backs legal lake level for Clarkston Mill Pond