City Clerk's Office Hours
Curbside Customer Service SPECIAL HOURS FOR THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE TODAY, SATURDAY AND MONDAYThe city clerk's office has entered the busiest days of the election cycle and they have special hours the next couple of days. PLEASE NOTE: City hall is still closed to the public - upon arrival please call 248-246-3050 and a member of the city clerk's election staff will be happy to personally assist you "curbside"!
Friday July 31 open until 5:00pm
Saturday August 1 open 7:00am to 3:00pm
Monday August 3 open 8:00am to 4:00pm
And, yes you can still request an absentee ballot.
Go to: https://www.romi.gov/175/Voting-Absentee-Ballot to download the application. Applications must be received the Friday before the election, in this instance - TODAY Friday, July 31 before 5:00pm.
I received my ballot, next step? Remember this is a primary election and you can only vote in ONE party section. Complete your absentee ballot using BLACK or BLUE ink only. When you are finished place in the secrecy sleeve, then placed in the green and white return envelope and it is very important to SIGN THE ENVELOPE.
How do I return my absentee ballot? Once you have signed the outside of the green and white return envelope you can mail the ballot back or save the postage and return by putting in the city drop-boxes at the Williams Street main entrance of city hall OR on Third Street (in front of the police department) and the new drop-box in Parking Lot P4 (behind city hall and the police department). Ballots must be returned by election day Tuesday, August 4 by 8:00pm.
What happens when my completed absentee ballot arrives back at the city clerk's office? First, the signature on the outside of the envelope is verified by matching your signature on file on your voter registration. Then, your ballot, still in the envelope, is scanned in and locked up securely until election day. You can even track your ballot at: mvic.sos.state.mi.us
It's that easy! Vote from the comfort of your own home. Learn more at https://www.romi.gov/163/Elections-Voting or https://www.romi.gov/175/Voting-Absentee-Ballot or watch the video and if you have any questions, please call the city clerk's office at: 248-246-3050.
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City Hall is Moving! The big day is finally approaching, city hall employees will be packing up and moving across the street into the NEW city hall the second week of August.
City Hall's New Address is 203 S Troy Street
During the move it will be necessary for city servers to be down for approximately nine days (currently scheduled for Aug 11-20). This will affect communication including the city phone services. Temporary phone numbers are being arranged for use during this time period. Look for announcement of the temporary phone numbers coming soon. Updates will be posted to the city website - https://www.romi.govand posted to all of the city's social media.
City employees look forward to welcoming you to the new city hall soon.
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Assistance for Royal Oak RentersThe City Commission has entered into contract with the South Oakland Shelter and Legal Aid and Defender Association to operate a rental assistance program on behalf of the city.
The program is designed to keep no, low- and moderate-income Royal Oak renters from being evicted. Many households have experienced a loss of employment or significant reduction in income due to COVID-19. Renters may be eligible for financial assistance for unpaid rent and/or utilities dating back no more than three months. Payments are made directly to landlords, not the renter household.
People in need of help may contact either of the below organizations.
South Oakland Shelter P (248) 920-6000
Legal Aid & Defender Association (313) 967-5555 E royaloakcares@ladadetroit.org
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Downtown Development Authority Teams Up With
Royal Oak Businesses to Offer Downtown Dollar$Welcome to the Downtown Dollars program! The Downtown Development Authority along with 60 (and counting) businesses have teamed up to implement this fun and clever new was to support local businesses.
Royal Oak Downtown Dollars in the form of e-gift cards are being accepted at participating downtown businesses.
And, get $20 e-gift cards for FREE just by signing up for the DDA's new newsletter at https://visitroyaloak.com/ Sign up, get FREE money and support local business - count us in!
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Summer Storms: What Homeowners Need to Know When Cleaning Up Tis the season and north end residents have already felt the impact from a storm that blew through Royal Oak on July 7th. While the city is responsible for cleaning up fallen trees and other debris in right-of-ways or city-owned trees, what about residents who have a mess left in their yards? Here is what you need to know.
Trees, branches, limbs and other debris from Tuesdays storm on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. Below are guidelines to follow when cleaning up your yards.
Branches, shrubs or hedge-type bushes 2-5 inches in diameter:
Tree branches, shrubs or hedge-type bushes, without the root system, are to be cut into 4-foot lengths and tied securely into bundles. Bundles can be no more than 15 inches in diameter and must weigh less than 40 pounds.
Branches, shrubs or hedge-type bushes less than 2-inches in diameter:
Woody material less than 2- inches in diameter needs to be put with yard waste ( https://www.romi.gov/340/Yard-Waste ) . Please be award it cannot protrude from garbage cans as workers cannot reach in to dislodge contents.
Please place at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your regular refuse day to be taken with the trash
Branches, logs, limbs larger than 5-inches in diameter and/or greater than 4-foot in length:
Large branches, logs, or limbs larger than 5-inches in diameter or longer than 4-foot and large shrubs without a root-ball are the responsibility of the property owner to arrange disposal. The city does not offer chipper services to property owners.
Property owners can hire a private contractor of their choice or you can use the city's contractor, JH Hart Urban Forestry. If you chose to use JH Hart contact them directly at (586) 795-5581.
Your contractor will provide you with the date of your chipping service at which time the branches, logs, etc must be neatly stacked at curb.
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Register Now for Virtual
Recreation Programs! Although our in person classes have been canceled we are now offering virtual programs! From art to martial arts, there is something for everyone.
Visit out website to register.
https://www.royaloakrec.com/Default.aspx?id=1
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Adult Softball Registration Opens! Waiting patiently to get outside and play some Adult Softball?
You're in luck! Our season will start in mid-July and run through October for a 12 week season. We offer both Men's leagues and Co-ed leagues.
Sign up today while spots are still available!
https://www.royaloakrec.com/CourseActivities.aspx?id=28&cat=14
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Senior Center Transportation Program Resumed We are happy to announce that the senior center resumed the transportation program on Wednesday, June 17, 2020.
Appointments can be made by calling the Mahany-Meininger Senior Community Center between 9:30 am and 12:30pm; although the M/M Center remains closed to the public, employees are there happy to assist.
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Normandy Oaks Park UpdateNowak & Fraus Engineers, the consulting engineer for the City of Royal Oak, offer the following update on the Normandy Oaks Park Development project.
"As many may know, the continuation of construction in the spring of 2020 was delayed due to the COVID-19 executive order shutdowns. With the release of construction work by the State, crews are back in force now! Over the last 3-4 weeks, contractor teams have finalized rough grading, installed the first layer of asphalt to the parking area, installed drainage piping in the west soccer field, installed foundations for the playground equipment, and installed piping/foundations for the splash pad fixtures. The pavilion building crews have also been working to install fixtures, complete electrical and flooring.
"We are also excited to announce that Phase II of the park has been funded and is also under concurrent installation. This work includes the completion of the southeast quadrant of the park property, comprising of natural area/Oak Savannah restoration, installation of aggregate trails and a bridge feature interconnecting Normandy with Elks Park. Current work in this area includes spraying of invasive foliage in preparation for earth moving.
"Work in both Phase 1 and 2 is planned for completion by December 2020.
"Outside of speaking with on-site staff, please feel free to contact Steve Sutton, Nowak & Fraus Engineers Project Engineer, at 248-635-6571, or by email (swsutton@nfe-engr.com) at any time."
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Census Deadline Extends to Oct 14Royal Oak Needs You! Did you know the census count is how funding from the federal government is calculated? It is and $29 Billion in federal funding was allocated to Michigan during the past decade based on population data from the 2010 Census. Make sure you are counted because we need you now more than ever!
The census does not end with the month of April - in fact counting usually goes through the summer months but with COVID-19 Stay Home orders, the deadline to be counted has been extended to Oct 14,2020. It's easy, just nine questions to answer and your answers are completely confidential - all responses are protected by law and kept confidential for 72 years. The U.S. Census Bureau never shares a respondent’s information with any other governmental agency or outside entity.
Want to see how your neighborhood is doing and take the challenge to be to 100 percent first? Follow the link below! https://royaloak.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c3482397c936463582c80b01a695cc52
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Summer Reading is Back...On-lineJoin the Royal Oak Public Library in celebrating the power of stories and imagination with author visits, prizes, and plenty of great suggested reads in numerous formats. Adult, teen and youth summer programs kick off today!
All programs are online this summer and registration is required. Please visit ropl.org to learn more and register for individual programs or check out this link https://ropl.org/Document…/…/27036/Summer-2020-Leaflet-TWIGS #summerreading |
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Small Business Assistance Program Launched by CityThe Royal Oak City Commission has set aside $265,263 of its special allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG-CV) from the enactment of the CARES Act to provide financial assist to small businesses in Royal Oak effected by COVID-19.
The Royal Oak CDBG-CV Small Business Assistance Program is a loan designed to provide short-term working capital which enables small businesses to remain prosperous and retain or create jobs held by persons living in low- to moderate-income households.
The City of Royal Oak will forgive loans, after six (6) months, if the assisted small business can demonstrate that it successfully created new jobs or retained existing jobs based on federal requirements. More information on the program can be found in the application.
To Learn more, go to https://www.romi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27033/Application---RO-CDBG-Small-Busin-Assist-Program
Individuals with questions are encouraged to e-mail Joseph Murphy at joem@romi.gov.
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City Commission Approves Temporary Use Permit Allowing Creative Use of Space as
Royal Oak Businesses ReOpenOn June 8, 2020 the Royal Oak City Commission passed a resolution to encourage economic activity and assist local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 Temporary Use Permit allows existing Royal Oak restaurants, retail and service establishments to make temporary changes outside of their establishment, on private or public property, so long as they are able to accommodate the State of Michigan’s current social distancing guidelines.
Does your Royal Oak business have a great idea? Start your application at https://www.romi.gov/1507/COVID-19-Temporary-Use-Permit |
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Royal Oak Playgrounds ReOpen! As we begin the process to re-open our city’s playground equipment -- after Oakland County’s Health Division rescinded Emergency Health Order 2020-8 -- we encourage everyone who uses our parks to practice safe measures provided by our state and local authorities.
We encourage all to follow these actions when visiting one of our parks:
• Stay at least six feet from others at all times. This can make some open areas, trails, and paths safer to use. Do not enter a crowded area.
• Minimize gathering with others outside of your household.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Keep hand sanitizer with you (at least 60% alcohol) for times when soap and water are not available.”
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Welcome to Royal Oak MoGo!
If you are out walking this weekend be sure to check out the MoGo station like the one at Main and Gardenia . We’re loving the Boost bikes with ‘pedal assist. Go to MoGoDetroit.org for a list of station locations in Royal Oak, Detroit, Ferndale, Berkley, Oak Park and Huntington Wood.
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PEDESTRIAN ZONE: Remember you MUST walk your wheels on sidewalks in Downtown Royal Oak. Riding bikes on the sidewalk downtown is explicitly prohibited by City Code 650-3.
(It's OK to ride bikes on sidewalks in neighborhoods. but please be courteous to others. You may feel safer on the sidewalk, but pedestrians feel endangered when you sneak up behind them.) #RideOnRoyalOak
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Blessings in a Backpack
Still Delivering If you need help or want to volunteer, BIAB can always use volunteers to pack and delivery food especially now as it cannot be delivered to the schools. Please reach out to Shelley Lake, Chairman of Blessings in a Backpack Royal Oak at 248-219-6437
Donations are welcome to help purchase the food in volume: http://www.blessingsinabackpackmi.org/donate/ .
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Food Assistance for StudentsRoyal Oak Youth Assistance (ROYA) offices will be closed during the time schools are closed. ROYA will be in touch with client families regarding alternatives to in-person counseling appointments. However, ROYA will check messages and remain available by e-mail.
PLEASE BE AWARE of ROYA’s emergency needs grants. If the loss of free breakfast or lunch or the loss of income from breaks in employment create a crisis for you, ROYA may be able to help with groceries, utilities or medication costs.
Email mincklern@oakgov.com and request an emergency needs application. ROYA remains ready and willing to help as we all move into uncharted territory together. Let’s make sure Royal Oak families know that HELP IS AVAILABLE
If you'd like to help us provide emergency needs money to families of Royal Oak students, here is our paypal link.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr… .
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Royal Oak Public Library Services and ResourcesAs the shelter-in-place order continues, Royal Oak Public Library strives to serve its community by providing intellectual, educational, creative, and recreational resources for all during this troubling time. There’s a whole world to explore with the library, even while you’re staying indoors.
Who can apply for a library card? - Residents of Royal Oak
- Students and teachers in Royal Oak schools
- Employees of businesses and companies located in Royal Oak
Visit the registration page for more information and to sign up for a temporary card to use online. What will a library card give you access to?A full downloadable library with hundreds of thousands of titlesDistance learning assistance- Live tutors to provide one-on-one homework help in all subjects and grade levels, paper review and proofreading, and assistance with math problems at tutor.com
- Databases for kids and teens to provide reliable sources for research
- Story books brought to life through Kanopy Kids
Digital access to major newspapersReliable information sources Self-improvement and creative outlets- Ancestry for genealogy research
- Pronounciator to learn a new language
- Creativebug for thousands of art and DIY classes
- Gale courses featuring hundreds of instructor-led courses covering numerous topics of interest
- Tutor.com for resume and cover letter review, as well as live interview preparation
Personal assistanceFollow us on social media for online events, story book readings, staff book reviews, contests, library news, and more!All services and resources are free of charge for cardholders.
Royal Oak Public Library is here for you! Take care and stay safe. |
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Community Development Block Grants Offer Ongoing Improvements to Royal Oak NeighborhoodsRoyal Oak's Community Development Department which includes planning, engineering and building work hard all year round securing funds from the federal government to improve our neighborhoods. To see the latest news regarding community development block grants follow this link: https://www.romi.gov/268/Community-Development-Block-Grant-CDBG |
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Resource Page for Children and Families https://www.romi.gov/1465/Talking-to-Kids-About-COVID-19
Added to the city's COVID-19 information page this week is a new resource page aimed at children and families. How to talk to your children about coronavirus; safe ways to play; links to activities and the public library who have many, many online options available! |
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Helpful Resources and Links |
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City Facility Closures Continue
Garbage Pick Up Info Latest Updates Found At: Online, Mail, Drop Box OptionsThe Royal Oak City Commission voted to close city facilities effective Tuesday March 17, including City Hall, Department of Public Service, Animal Shelter, M/M Senior Center, Salter Center, Royal Oak Public Library, 44th District Court and Lindell Ice Arena, are closed to the public and in response to Governor Whitmer's Stay Home Stay Safe, non-essential city employees are working remotely.
Garbage Pick Up and Recycling Stays on ScheduleGarbage pickup/recycling are a go in Royal Oak! Remember refuse, recycling and yard waste (when in season) is collected once each week. Collection is between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Have all material placed at the curb no later than 7:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. the night before your collection day per ordinance. Emptied containers must be removed from the curb as soon as possible after collection.
Pay Bills Online, by Mail or Drop BoxLet’s minimize person-to-person interactions! If you have a bill to pay, consider paying by mail, online or use the drop box conveniently located on Third Street near the entrance to the Royal Oak Police Station. Go to https://www.romi.gov/868/Online-Payments to learn more.
Online Forms and Applications
Many forms and application, including birth certificates, death certificates, dog licenses, and voter information, may be filled on online. Other forms may be downloaded. Learn more at https://www.romi.gov/535/Forms-Applications
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Reminders -
Love Your Dog, Leash Your DogAs we are all trying to get out of the house and enjoy a walk or run, remember when you take your canine companion with you they MUST be on a leash. Not only is it a city ordinance but in these uncertain times, an infected owner can transfer coronavirus onto their dogs fur and contact with other people could create another avenue for transmission of the virus. Additionally, as dog owners we may all think we know how our dog will react in a situation, but under stress you r dog may not react as you expect. Please don't put your dog or other people and dogs into completely avoidable situations.Love your dog, leash your dog! FROM CITY CODE CHAPTER 195: "It shall be unlawful for any owner to allow any dog to stray beyond his premises unless under reasonable control as defined by this article; or Keeping a dog on a suitable leash, cord, chain or rope of sufficient strength while under control of the owner, member of the owner's family or other responsible person who has the owner's permission, in all cases other than while confined upon the owner's property or while dog is confined in a closed automobile or shipping receptacle."
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Do I Have a Lead Water Service Line?
Please Continue to Test and Register Results??
If you haven't performed the test to find out what material your water service line is made of the Department of Public Services (DPS) still wants to hear from you!
DPS estimates that approximately 6 percent of water customers in Royal Oak have lead water service lines. Taking the simple test helps the city develop its inventory and lead water service line replacement plan. Find out if you have a lead water service line and report it! Get started now at https://royaloakmi.seamlessdocs.com/f/LeadTestingSince 1992, the city has been testing the water of homes with known lead service lines. Tests were recently conducted on 30 of these homes and eight exceeded the new Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act action standard.And, again, thanks! |
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Outdoor Warning Siren System Tests Begin in MarchPlease be advised that Oakland County Homeland Security Division will once again be testing the outdoor warning siren system on the first Saturdays of the month at 1:00 pm beginning in March.
PLEASE NOTE:
A special test in recognition of Severe Weather Awareness Week (SWAW) will be conducted on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 at 1:00 PM. To avoid confusion, please mark this special test on your calendar. Due to the special SWAW test at the end of March, there will not be a siren test on the first Saturday in April.
FYI: Siren tests are NOT conducted during December, January, or February due to winter weather |
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Become a Storm Spotter in Your Own Home!Skywarn Weather Spotters provide a valuable service to the National Weather Service by reporting storm damage, precipitation and other observed weather phenomena.
Only one instrument can detect a tornado or funnel with complete certainty--the human eye. |
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Have a Neighborhood Homeowners Association or Want to Start One - We Want to Hear From You! The City of Royal Oak is updating its Homeowners Association page at:
https://www.romi.gov/632/Homeowners-Associations
If you are actively representing a Block Club, Condominium Association, Homeowners Association, Improvement Association or Neighborhood Association and are not listed but would like to be, please fill out the following form: |
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Police Department Update
Residents can find the most recent police reports on the city's website at http://romi.gov/963/Press-Releases
Citizens are also encouraged to sign up for crime alerts at crimemapping.com. Crime Mapping's goal is to assist police departments in reducing crime through a better-informed citizenry.
Sign up for public safety alerts from the police using Civic Ready. Click here to subscribe.
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Residential Lock Boxes Available at the Fire DepartmentWhen a person living alone calls 911 and is unable to open the door, firefighters must break through a door or a window causing costly damage to the person's home and wasting valuable time.
The Royal Oak Fire Department’s residential lockbox program is designed to get quick access to adults living in their own homes during medical emergencies -- especially senior citizens.
When you suffer a fall, stroke or heart attack, every second counts. The lockbox -- which contains a key to your home -- reduces the likelihood of property damage caused by first responders forcing entry into your home in response to an emergency call. The lockbox program is open to all Royal Oak residents who either live alone or are left alone on a regular basis and have a condition which may result in the need for immediate assistance due to being incapacitated or unconscious. This includes the elderly, physically handicapped or residents recovering from a major injury or surgery. For more information, go to https://www.romi.gov/1271/FAQ-Residential-Lockbox |
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Library Events
There is always something interesting and exciting happening at the Royal Oak Public Library. Go to ropl,org to learn more.
Library hours are: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (September through June only)
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Work for the City of Royal Oak
Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Royal Oak.
To browse through available opportunities go to: romi.gov/jobs |
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Senior Times NewsletterThe City of Royal Oak offers mature adults opportunities for lifelong education, fitness, nutrition and leisure activities.
Click here for the latest news and information from the Mahany/ Meininger Community Center.
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City Launches Mobile AppThe City of Royal Oak has a new mobile app! Find out what's happening, get meeting agendas, discover employment opportunities within the city and more.
Download the app at these locations:
Apple Store
Google Play Store
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Support Local Service Clubs & OrganizationsRoyal Oak service clubs support our public schools, local history, nature, senior citizens, young people, veterans and more. To learn more about Royal Oak service clubs go to www.romi.gov/interclub. |
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