[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6635502,"mediaKeyId","2632631-2d0cdca21df6c6203b4af32369ab2395","parentId",2632631,"title","Votes at a glance: Key actions by Macomb County Board, March 13","audioSeconds",5353,"startMs",69000,"endMs",5422000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2632631-2d0cdca21df6c6203b4af32369ab2395&start=69&end=5422","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2632631-2d0cdca21df6c6203b4af32369ab2395/thumbnail_69000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6635502/Macomb-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Key-actions-by-Macomb-County-Board-March-13","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635502-676080e5ff82b045fd0b3a0fe0e3ac29/orig.mp4?Expires=1773604063&Signature=gAbeCnK3km10xVIp-zWD8gDEfUIH0Kim7btMY~6Oi2flP3Tg~C1H-zqfpCGwuY4R9HvRdmGp3u5V8tKV2PsCn5alF12X~zKx8YJBpzjjnIchkE77LIriqADfXMl2TdOIk4dETZ-zVZM6cfaK07u4wyWUiMo1UA0gPifYFLE-XS2-K~IkdatpH6JKrCFBfRSqeoHWqiwnhFKf~c8ZAvMOs1iTsVZHtxWJzQe6qPK-7Guao57Aq2pmZnDPVSalqR3Z9WNaui2fex8c928gYNbHMlHq38nLocJpnOiL6cl2B2OR4JuI8mQzV3z-wt8WXtmkH4XD8c49WyJ6H8B8KwOKNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Macomb County","date","2025-03-14T17:27:20.747Z","article","The Macomb County Board of Commissioners on March 13 handled routine committee recommendations, proclamations and a set of contested contracts and grants. Highlights below list formal motions, vote tallies and outcomes as recorded in the meeting.

Key outcomes

- Adoption of agenda: motion passed, 13-0.
- Approval of minutes (Feb. 20, 2025): motion passed, 13-0.
- Appointments to Community Mental Health Board: motion passed, 13-0 (see separate article).
- Proclamation honoring Macomb Symphony Orchestra (50th anniversary): motion to adopt proclamation passed, 13-0.
- Detroit Zoological Society update: motion to receive file passed, 13-0.

Committee recommendations and contested items

- Internal Services (Items 10a–b): motion passed 10-3 (Commissioners Groat, Romano and Van Sickle recorded as voting no on that vote). Item 10c passed separately, 13-0.
- Health and Human Services (Items 11a–d): motion passed 13-0.
- Government Oversight (Items 12a–b): motion passed 13-0.
- Public Services (Items 13a–d): motion passed 13-0.
- Records & Public Safety (Item 14a): motion failed 6-7 after discussion and at least one commissioner stating concerns about moving juveniles into non‑supervised residential settings. Commissioners Groat, Paugh, Perna, Romano, Van Sickle, Bueno and Zinner recorded a 'no' vote on other items during the meeting; the clerk recorded the 14a failure as 6 in favor, 7 opposed.
- Records & Public Safety (Item 14b — separate contractor/grant item): motion passed 8-5 (Commissioners Hall, Howard, Van Sickle, Wallace and Bueno recorded as voting no on that item).
- Records & Public Safety (Items 14c–14f): motion passed 13-0.

Other formal actions

- Resolution 2025-13148, approving submission of a Safe Routes to School application for anchor-based schools in Macomb County: motion adopted, 13-0.
- Board office update (receive file): motion passed, 13-0.
- Motion to adjourn carried; meeting ended following the vote to adjourn.

Why it matters: most motions were routine committee approvals and proclamations recorded either unanimously or with narrow margins. The defeated juvenile-services contract (Item 14a) drew public comment and commissioner concern and will likely return to the board with additional clarification or revised terms.

Record: all tallies and outcomes above reflect clerk announcements and roll-call or voice votes recorded in the March 13 meeting transcript; items listed by agenda number where stated on the meeting agenda.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 13, 2025 BOC - Full Board","oneSentenceSummary","The Macomb County Board of Commissioners approved routine committee recommendations and proclamations and took one notable contested vote: a juvenile-services contract failed 6-7; multiple committee items passed by unanimous or divided tallies.","taxTitle","Macomb County, Michigan","taxId",2831,"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},6635507,"Detroit Zoological Society briefs Macomb commissioners on expansion, infrastructure and community programs",2043,1389000,3432000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2632631-2d0cdca21df6c6203b4af32369ab2395&start=1389&end=3432","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2632631-2d0cdca21df6c6203b4af32369ab2395/thumbnail_1389000.jpg","/articles/6635507/Macomb-County/Michigan/Detroit-Zoological-Society-briefs-Macomb-commissioners-on-expansion-infrastructure-and-community-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635507-7d3d51c5fee56cf78a9d6f96dcc5661b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773604063&Signature=QnmfbvfKZCvPh2cROPxITwhkMKt3tSUY91NyVvbAWNtbPHW8BMZSmdzLRMEI~PTW4rRR26BUefVDG~rTuUNTF8K5KWsP94p5KrPbiMinUD8A6XmRE8ZQPgFItx4YtHplrbBrdm3FeakIEk0f9XLndQkJZkYcUaD547ADakx3xwwV8Lf6vuPc6DG-FoMiMYWNbirAg28MC4AJA3hIjUIXn3LJyNvlJnsPOviccxu0y-5xdJ4ZL7Xd75-bhhggc6D3eTIWe7IrjdMhLAUZXMQB3Xs3wmJ0WqgfpEb75GBD4EUAKAL~vNUe9Qpa8HGd8pQsTZ5qHB5cDxDl~jhzO1QYhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Detroit Zoological Society told Macomb County commissioners on March 13 that the zoo is recovering visitor numbers after the pandemic, is managing urgent infrastructure repairs and is pursuing a seven‑acre educational expansion called Discovery Trails slated to open in 2026 “if construction proceeds as planned.” Commissioners voted 13-0 to receive the presentation.

Dr. Haley Murphy, CEO and executive director of the Detroit Zoological Society, said the zoo had “a little over 1,200,000 visitors” in 2024 and generated about $54 million in revenue. She said earned revenue contributed roughly 51% of operating income, public support about 34%, philanthropy 13% and other income 2%. Net operating expenses were reported as about $52.9 million in 2024.

Murphy summarized animal milestones and programs: the zoo reported its first-ever gorilla birth in its 97-year history, twin red panda cubs, an additional sea otter and a recent third polar bear arrival. Education and outreach included 153,000 participants in educational programs, school partnerships, a teacher-development program with Great Start Macomb, and collaboration with the Huron Clinton Metroparks Authority (HCMA) including a formal memorandum of understanding.

Infrastructure and Discovery Trails: Murphy said extensive underground pipe work was required on the seven-acre site that is the capstone of a master plan; she described approximately $18 million in pipe repairs on that seven‑acre area and said additional subsurface issues across the 125‑acre campus remain under investigation. A sinkhole near Feeder Road prompted emergency repairs. Discovery Trails will feature about 10 species, a Michigan farmyard, stingrays and bamboo sharks, an accessible canopy climbing trail and expanded capacity for camps and educational programming. Murphy said 20% of camp slots are scholarship funded and the zoo plans a mix of free admission and limited paid experiences (for example, supervised stingray feedings) with scholarship support available. She said the project remains on track to open in 2026 but did not commit to a firm date.

Accessibility and community programming: the zoo described sensory‑friendly hours, a ReBoca visual-access pilot for low‑vision visitors (described as the first such program at a U.S. zoo), adoption of the Sunflower hidden‑disabilities program, Dream Night for children with severe illnesses, and programs for seniors and for survivors of domestic abuse. The zoo cited a $168 million economic impact to Southeast Michigan in a recent study.

Commissioner questions and millage context: Commissioners asked about a previously discussed “Great Lakes Center for Nature” and whether that is still planned for Macomb County. Murphy said the zoo deferred construction of a standalone nature center and prioritized finishing its master plan and partnering with HCMA for broader regional reach, saying the zoo lacked resources after the pandemic to construct a new standalone facility. Commissioner Howard raised the county millage contribution and expected return: he stated that roughly $24 million had already been paid from the county millage and that the millage will total about $40 million; Murphy said the tax millage represents roughly 34% of the zoo’s operating revenue and that most of the remaining capital needs require fundraising.

Why it matters: the zoo is a major cultural and economic asset for Macomb County and the region; a large capital repair program and the Discovery Trails expansion will affect county residents and require coordination among local governments, funders and the zoo.

Action recorded: commissioners voted 13-0 to receive the Detroit Zoological Society update.","Dr. Haley Murphy, CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society, told Macomb County commissioners the zoo drew about 1.2 million visitors in 2024, reported $54 million in revenue, and is pursuing a 7-acre Discovery Trails expansion with an expected 2026 opening; the board voted 13-0 to receive the update.",{"_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},6635512,"Macomb County board appoints four to Community Mental Health Board",248,319000,567000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2632631-2d0cdca21df6c6203b4af32369ab2395&start=319&end=567","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2632631-2d0cdca21df6c6203b4af32369ab2395/thumbnail_319000.jpg","/articles/6635512/Macomb-County/Michigan/Macomb-County-board-appoints-four-to-Community-Mental-Health-Board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635512-db5113adb39e547f8ae10617c06132f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1773604063&Signature=lkLYLxo~I8VPSgJiaTOYCOqNc00bjo5L8lPpzdxTvIgRkBfTNohc6tJcBslbUWcRl3w-sEprjAmgBnsJaQrVcCKMIcgdJSl8AZgpo1gSn3PbZINsKGpJAoAGTTagN3faHbF~OKbxYgx0GA1iS~sCjNEZBAwYQoAuzNkISdq08p9Ij8-0cVkbrbtaXS031BmkUZyI6tYZYFNVSwv~wIUe0EzJ9OnKt2GUpdqgyubqJOpkm~lL81BoBBdoVFeLTTQ4MvLWQcak0lLmXmdxTZI3CkQZQ2z7qg~hmlisaiw9cHuDwVpsLIGEV9oeEKTWrmN2G1E~tzr3El56e23wX-hYYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Macomb County Board of Commissioners voted 13-0 on March 13 to appoint Megan Burke, Dana Friars, Sharita Harvey and Julia Mohan to the Macomb County Community Mental Health Board for three-year terms expiring March 31, 2028.

The appointments followed public comments urging broader community engagement in mental-health governance. George Veil told commissioners he was impressed by the candidates interviewed and urged that those not selected still be engaged. Sharita Harvey, one of the appointees and an outpatient provider, told the board she wanted to help “bridge the gaps between the community and the ability to achieve services that are provided by the community mental health system.”

The Board received four nomination lists from commissioners during the meeting; after tallying votes, County Clerk staff announced a majority for Burke, Friars, Harvey and Mohan. A motion to appoint the four was moved and seconded by commissioners and then approved unanimously. The clerk recorded the final vote as 13-0.

Why it matters: the Macomb County Community Mental Health Board advises and helps oversee county mental-health programs and funding decisions. Commissioners and public speakers framed the appointments as important as the county faces behavioral-health needs and demand for services.

Details and context: Commissioners repeatedly praised the quality of applicants and noted how difficult the selection was given the number of candidates. Several commissioners suggested there are other county boards and committees where non-selected applicants could continue to serve. The three-year term and expiration date (March 31, 2028) were stated on the agenda.

Public participation and next steps: members of the public who spoke during agenda-item public participation urged continued outreach to candidates and collaboration between community providers and the board. The newly appointed members will be seated per the county’s board-appointment process; no additional conditions or contingencies were announced during the meeting.

Ending: The appointments conclude an item that generated public comment and visible interest from commissioners; the board moved on to other agenda items after the unanimous vote.","The Macomb County Board of Commissioners on March 13 appointed Megan Burke, Dana Friars, Sharita Harvey and Julia Mohan to three-year terms on the Macomb County Community Mental Health Board, voting 13-0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Key actions by Macomb County Board, March 13

Detroit Zoological Society briefs Macomb commissioners on expansion, infrastructure and community programs

Macomb County board appoints four to Community Mental Health Board