Public Health and Safety Committee - 2026-03-24
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Public Health and Safety Committee approved several operational items including a $310,096 interlocal agreement extension with OCHN for the Crisis Intervention Program through March 2027, a nine-month pilot program with Flock for drone response services across Oakland County, and $500,000 in grant funding for the 52nd District Court's Operation Drive program to help residents regain valid driver's licenses. The committee also approved $436,716 in marijuana oversight grant funding and amended the Community Development Block Grant to allocate $2,541,360 in program income, including funds for a 297-unit senior housing rehabilitation project at 920 on the Park in Troy.
Key Decisions (9)
OCHN Crisis Intervention Program Extension
Extended interlocal agreement with OCHN for the Burns State Crisis Intervention Program at $310,096, continuing the grant period through March 31, 2027.
Flock Drone Pilot Program
Approved one-time nine-month pilot program with Flock/Black Group for unmanned air support drone response services. Seven drones will be deployed county-wide, managed by the Sheriff's Office, with all flights attached to call-for-service numbers and publicly viewable on a dashboard.
Safe Blockers Gun Safe Purchase for School Resource Officers
Approved purchase of four safe blockers (gun safe blockers) for Oakland Technical Campus School Resource Officer Unit, serving Commerce Township, Pontiac, Springfield Township, and Royal Oak schools. Recommended by Safer Communities Ad Hoc Committee.
Michigan State Police HIDTA Grant Application
Approved grant application to Michigan State Police for the 2027 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program.
52nd District Court Operation Drive Grant Acceptance
Accepted $500,000 grant from State Court Administrative Office for fiscal year 2026 Operation Drive program to help individuals with suspended licenses get properly licensed through attorney assistance, evaluation funding, fine reduction negotiations, and transportation support over an 11-month program period.
Emergency Management Program Grant Acceptance
Accepted $14,956 from Michigan State Police for the 2025 Emergency Management Program Grant, the 54th year of this grant. Amount represents a $2,662 reduction from last year.
Medical Marijuana Operation and Oversight Grant Acceptance
Accepted $436,716 grant for marijuana operation and oversight, a slight increase of approximately $4,000 from last year. Grant period runs November 11, 2025 through September 1, 2026. Funds will support public health education on impaired driving, pregnancy/breastfeeding, youth use, safe storage, and purchase of approximately 12,000 lock boxes and locking bags.
Creation of Two Part-Time Public Health Nurse Positions
Approved creation of two special revenue part-time non-eligible public health nurse positions using Local Community Stabilization Act (LCSA) funding at $80,000 total. Nurses will serve as liaisons to long-term care facilities in the communicable disease unit, replacing positions lost when COVID funding ended.
CDBG/HOME Investment Partnership Amendment
Approved amendment to 2025 Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnership to allocate $2,541,360 in program income converted from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (dating back to 2008). Funds allocated to rental rehab project in Troy and home improvement program.
Development Activity (1)
920 on the Park Senior Housing Rehabilitation
Complete rehabilitation of 297 senior housing units including energy efficiency solutions, lower maintenance costs, and extending useful life of the project for another 30 years.
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
Over $1 billion in Health and Human Services funding flows into Oakland County annually, with 38% of county residents receiving some form of assistance, indicating significant demand for affordable housing and social services.
Housing Demand
Emergency shelter program Safe Tonight successfully transitioned 58 individuals into permanent transitional subsidized housing, demonstrating ongoing need for affordable housing solutions in Oakland County.
Infrastructure
Oakland County is expanding drone response capabilities county-wide through a pilot program, indicating investment in public safety technology infrastructure.
Sentiment
Multiple communities with sheriff contracts are struggling to set millage rates due to delayed fiscal information, with some facing potential 8-10% annual increases in public safety costs.