Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee - 2026-02-11
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee received a presentation on the successful RainSmart Rebates pilot program, which captured 1.4 million gallons of stormwater and will expand countywide with a $745,000 EPA grant. The committee approved creation of a standalone Aviation Department with Cheryl Bush as director, authorized purchase of 70 E Silverdome Industrial Park in Pontiac for $3.9 million for Emergency Management operations, and approved facilities management staffing increases to support the $250 million Capital Improvement Program.
Key Decisions (7)
WRC Sewer System Operations Agreement with White Lake Township
Approved 10-year operations and maintenance agreement with automatic 10-year renewal for White Lake Township sewer system, which includes 12 pump stations and 750 grinder pumps. White Lake previously received services through Commerce Township's contract with WRC.
Transfer of Real Property Interest Authorization
Authorized WRC to transfer property interests (easements and fee ownership) back to municipalities and drainage districts after bond debt is fully repaid. Affects hundreds of legal descriptions accumulated over decades when county held property as collateral for Act 342 infrastructure projects.
Park Place Hangar Company Airport Land Lease
Approved 30-year land lease at Oakland County International Airport southeast corner for Park Place Hangar Company LLC to construct 24,000 square foot hangar facility with office, adjacent to their existing lease. Subject to rent adjustments every two years.
Creation of Aviation Department
Approved separation of aviation operations from Economic Development to create standalone Aviation Department overseeing three airports with $1.1 billion economic impact and $98 million in assets. Oakland County International is 2nd busiest airport in Michigan and 9th busiest in Great Lakes region.
Appointment of Cheryl Bush as Aviation Director
Approved county executive appointment of Cheryl Bush as Oakland County's Aviation Director for the newly created Aviation Department, including competitive salary adjustment based on compensation study.
Facilities Management Staffing for Capital Improvement Program
Approved creation of three new positions (Manager of Capital Improvement Projects, Supervisor of Capital Planning and Design, Project Manager Senior) plus Deputy Facilities Management Director and other support positions to manage $250 million CIP. Seven existing positions will be reimbursed by bond funds, with $500,000 favorability directed to repair and replacement fund.
Purchase of 70 E Silverdome Industrial Park for Emergency Management
Approved purchase of property at 70 E Silverdome Industrial Park in Pontiac for $3.9 million for Emergency Management Division operations, replacing current Pike Street lease expiring April 30, 2026. Purchase includes existing furniture. Initial funding from Strategic Initiative Fund with long-term bond financing.
Development Activity (4)
Park Place Hangar Facility
24,000 square foot hangar facility with office space on 30-year land lease; construction to begin spring 2026
New Public Works Building
Monthly progress report received; project on schedule
Pontiac Redevelopment Project
Monthly progress report received; spending slowed in December due to holidays
Emergency Management Facility Relocation
$3.9 million purchase for Emergency Management Division headquarters; relocation from Pike Street facility
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
Oakland County is implementing a $250 million Capital Improvement Program requiring significant staffing increases, indicating major public infrastructure investment cycle.
Commercial Demand
Oakland County International Airport received only one bidder for southeast corner RFP but bidder was 'shovel ready' for immediate construction, suggesting selective but committed aviation sector investment.
Infrastructure
EPA selected Oakland County's RainSmart Rebates program as high priority project with $745,000 no-match grant, indicating federal support for stormwater management infrastructure.
Sentiment
Emergency Management Division specifically worked to remain in Pontiac for new facility, citing proximity to new Pontiac development projects as beneficial.