Legislative Affairs and Government Operations Committee - 2026-03-24
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Legislative Affairs and Government Operations Committee recommended approval of a 10-year millage renewal for the Detroit Zoological Society at 0.1 mills, an interlocal agreement for an onsite health and wellness clinic with Marathon Health, and two partnership agreements with Bloomfield Hills Schools for Bowers School Farm and Johnson Nature Center. The committee also opposed state legislation (HB 4062-4063, SB 0055-0056) that would preempt local zoning authority over minimum lot sizes and parking requirements.
Key Decisions (10)
Detroit Zoological Society 10-Year Millage Renewal
Recommended approval of resolution for 10-year millage renewal at 0.1 mills for the Detroit Zoological Society. Current millage expires end of 2027; seeking placement on November ballot. Oakland County generates 14% of zoo's total revenue and 40% of tri-county millage revenue.
Oakland County Art Institute Authority Articles Amendment
Recommended approval of minor amendment to Oakland County Art Institute Authority Articles of Incorporation to change Board of Commissioners appointee terms from two years to four years, creating staggered terms with County Executive appointees.
Opposition to State Zoning Preemption Legislation
Recommended approval of resolution opposing HB 4062-4063 and SB 0055-0056, which would preempt local zoning authority by forbidding minimum lot sizes (as low as 1,500 square feet) and parking requirements. Resolution aligns with MML and SEMCOG positions.
Workplace Violence Policy Update
Recommended approval of updated workplace violence policy, first update in over 20 years. Adds focus on cultural prevention and safety, anonymous reporting avenues, anti-retaliation protections, remote work environments, and behavioral threat assessment management team language.
Marathon Health Onsite Clinic Interlocal Agreement
Recommended approval of interlocal agreement to join multi-municipality partnership with Marathon Health for onsite/nearsite health and wellness clinic at Oak Point building on Elizabeth Lake Rd. Approximately 5,000 square feet. Cost is $25 per employee per month with projected break-even by year 3 and 15% ROI by year 5.
City of Ferndale Grant Amendment Extension
Recommended approval of grant amendment for City of Ferndale to extend deadline from November 17, 2026 to accommodate MDNR grant of $150,000 that allows project scaling.
MDNR ORV Trail Improvement Grant Application
Recommended approval of $150,000 grant application to MDNR for FY27 Off-Road Vehicle Trail Improvement Program at Holly Oaks ORV Park for solar powered submersible well pump, new well, pump house and vehicle wash to address erosion and dust issues.
Nine Line Coalition MOU Expansion
Recommended approval of MOU to add cities of Novi, Northville, South Lyon, and Lyon Township to Nine Line Coalition task force for east-west pedestrian connectivity corridor along Nine Mile Road.
City of Farmington Hills Interlocal Agreement Extension
Recommended approval of 60-day extension through June 1st for interlocal agreement with City of Farmington Hills to work through detailed transition plan for park partnership.
Bloomfield Hills Schools Partnership - Bowers Farm and Johnson Nature Center
Recommended approval of 30-year renewable partnership with Bloomfield Hills Schools for Bowers School Farm (Discovery Oaks) and Johnson Nature Center (Bloomfield Oaks). Oakland County Parks to operate, manage and maintain properties. County to invest $1.5 million in Bowers Farm with matching $1.5 million from BHS.
Development Activity (2)
Fred and Barbara Irv Discovery Trails
Over 7 acres with 10 animal species, renovated historic barnyard, interactive goat experience, chicken feeding, bamboo sharks and stingrays (first time at zoo), outdoor learning spaces. Opening May 23, 2025.
Marathon Health Clinic
Approximately 5,000 square feet for onsite health and wellness clinic with primary care, preventive care, labs, pharmacy, physical therapy, and mental health services.
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
State legislation (HB 4062-4063, SB 0055-0056) proposing to preempt local zoning with minimum lot sizes as low as 1,500 square feet indicates pressure to increase housing density, though local officials strongly oppose loss of local control.
Infrastructure
Lyon Township identified as Oakland County's fastest growing community, creating opportunity for trail easement reservations before further development.
Commercial Demand
Healthcare access challenges noted with potential Blue Cross Blue Shield/U of M Health System network dispute and months-long waits for new primary care appointments driving employer interest in alternative care delivery models.
Sentiment
77% of Oakland County residents want more nature, farm and cultural experiences, rising to 85% among those with children, indicating strong demand for recreational amenities.