Royal Oak's Artist Laureates Near Completion of Mosaic

Our artist laureates, Laurie Eisenhardt and Marcia Hovland, are very close to completing this magnificent mosaic celebrating the history of Royal Oak. Once completed it will hang in City Hall. The piece is 5’ x 8’. We can’t wait to unveil it to the public.

City Commission Meets
Monday September 14 at 7:30pm

After a one-month break while city hall moved across the street to 203 South Troy Street, the city commission gets back into action Monday evening at 7:30p.m.

Please join us as the city commission shares memories of late Commissioner Kim Gibbs and her many contributions to the residents and the Royal Oak community.

On the agenda of note are two planning commission and two downtown development authority recommendations, including one to change parking flat fee times and days potentially. In keeping with the state's extension, the city commission will also consider the same for the COVID19 Temporary Use Permits allowing businesses to use outdoor spaces to help maintain social distancing. Full agenda can be found at: https://www.romi.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09142020-2055

Meetings are still remote for everyone's safety. The public can access the meeting at: https://www.romi.gov/523/Live-Stream-and-Video-on-Demand or watch on WROK WOW Channel 10.

Enjoy Art on the Avenue Thursday Evenings in September

The Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce presents: ART ON FIFTH AVENUE each Thursday evening in September from 4-7 pm .

This mini-exhibition will showcases four area artists. A different medium will be featured each week. And, best of all, the art will be for sale.

All artists and public will be expected to follow social distancing rules with masks.

Join us at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Washington Avenue in downtown Royal Oak!

Community Development Block Grant Application Information

The City of Royal Oak is developing its program year 2020-2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program annual action plan.

Go to https://www.romi.gov/280/Application-Documents to learn more about the application for financial assistance. Applications are due on or before January 31, 2020.

Take A Look At Centennial Commons -
The New Downtown Park! We Can't Wait!

See the plans for the new downtown park, Centennial Commons, at https://www.romi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27455/20_0821_CentennialCommons_DDAMeeting

Oh The Things You Can Do Online

Our phones are back on and the boxes are unpacked,but we still remain closed to the public. But, we leave the comfort of your own home anyway. Many city services are available online, or by email, mail and drop off.

We have put together a list of our most requested services at https://www.romi.gov/1…/Oh-the-Things-You-Can-Do-Online-More. Discover all the things you can do from the comfort of your home, office or favorite hideaway.

Can’t find what you are looking for?
Email citymanager@romi.gov and someone will get back to you. Even while we’re moving boxes, we want you to know we are still here for you!

Library Adds Chromebooks to Checkout Services!

Cardholders may now reserve a Chromebook to check out for 14 days. Just visit the catalog, search Chromebooks, and narrow the library down to ROPL (see photos below for help). Then click on "Place Hold" (ignore the not available note...that just means they need to be checked in for the first time). When you recieve notice that your hold is ready, go ahead and schedule your pickup time through the MyLibro app or by calling 248-246-3700 and press 2.

https://catalog.tln.lib.mi.us/?section=search&term=chromebooks&page=0&sortKey=Relevancy&db=ls2pac&branchFilters=[%2265%22]&facetFilters=%5B%5D

Learn more about the Chromebooks here: https://www.romi.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=803

Blessings in a Backpack New Amazon Wish List!

Doing your weekly Amazon online shopping? Why not check out the Blessings in a Backpack Wish List and put a couple of extra items in their cart while you're filling your cart! It is just that easy!!
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3OJ2PH7G2PFP0…
Blessings in a Backpack has continued to feed Royal Oak School students through the pandemic and the need is always there because hunger never takes a break.

"Who will feed the kids this weekend?" You can be the answer to the question!
For more information about Royal Oak Blessings in a Backpack visit their page at: https://www.facebook.com/blessingsinabackpackRO/

Community Coalition Joins Forces With Lighthouse to Feed Royal Oak Residents

The Community Coalition has made a substantial donation to help LIghthouse in their efforts to feed Royal Oak's hungry. If you are in need or know someone, please email or call Lighthouse.

Food Assistance for Students

Royal 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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Downtown Sidewalks Get an Upgrade

The city will be removing old brick pavers from the city’s downtown sidewalks and replacing them with stamped colored concrete. This will provide an attractive surface without the maintenance and trip hazards of bricks. We are also replacing the street lights on W. Fourth Street east of the railroad tracks. More information can be found here:

https://www.romi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27461/2020-DDA-Streetscapes-Sidewalk-Program-handout

"When Will City Facilities Re-Open?"

As we approach the City of Royal Oak’s centennial in 2021, we think it is fair to say the year 2020 was unlike anything we have experienced. To slow the spread of a global pandemic, we closed city buildings to the public for the first time in our nearly 100-year history.

We are so grateful for all your support and patience during the past several months. Here’s our plan to reopen city facilities in a measured and responsible way.

https://www.romi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27370/Royal-Oak-Reopening-Plan

Once all of the measures are in place and city employees have received the requisite training, we will announce the re-opening to our residents and guests.

Extra Extra Read All About It!

Want a real paper copy of the “Times” newsletter - they are available outside the Mahany-Meininger Senior Community Center for you to help yourself. They are available Monday through Friday from 9 am and 4:30 pm. Free! But if you can't wait to go get the paper copy, remember you can always access the current copy and archived copies at:
https://www.romi.gov/967/Senior-Times-Newsletter

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!

Assistance for Royal Oak Renters

The 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

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.

If you have any concerns please report them using this form: https://www.romi.gov/…/City-Man…/Contact-Us-City-Manager-111 or call the city manager's office at 248-246-3200.

Small Business Assistance Program Launched by City

The 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.

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.

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

City Clerk's Office Offers Many Online Services

The city clerk's office is pleased to provide several services available online.

Permanent Absentee Voting

With the passage of Proposal 3 last November, you no longer need a reason to vote by absentee. If you would like to sign up now to be on our permanent absentee list, please go to our link located at https://royaloakmi.seamlessdocs.com/f/permanentabsenteelist

Birth Certificates

Stay at home and enjoy your new bundle of joy and request your birth certificate online!

https://royaloakmi.seamlessdocs.com/f/birthcertificaterequest

Dog Licenses and Mark Twain Dog Park Passes

We have your canine companion's needs all covered, new or renew your dog licenses and interested in a play date at Mark Twain Park? Get your dog park passes online too.
https://royaloakmi.seamlessdocs.com/f/doglicense
https://royaloakmi.seamlessdocs.com/f/dogparkapplication

Death Certificates

It is a difficult time but you will need copies of the death certificate. We can make it a little easier by saving the trip to city hall.
https://royaloakmi.seamlessdocs.com/f/deathrecordrequest

Residential Street Zoned Permit Parking

You can obtain a parking permit which allows the vehicle to only park on residential streets which are designated as permit parking zones. The parking permit allows the vehicle to park only during the times posted in the permit parking zone on the street for which they were issued.

https://royaloakmi.seamlessdocs.com/f/residentialparkingapplication

Royal Oak Public Library Services and Resources

As 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 titles

Downloadable e-books and e-audiobooks through Overdrive (Libby app), Hoopla, and RBdigital
Streamable movies and music through Kanopy and Hoopla’s movies and music collection
Immediate access to magazines through RBdigital
Kids’ and Teen e-books, e-audiobooks, and e-comics collections through Overdrive for Kids, Tumblebooks, Overdrive for Teens, and Teen BookCloud

Distance 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 newspapers

Read the New York Times online
News databases (national and local)

Reliable information sources

Health and wellness resources
Business and Investing databases
A full database library covering a large variety of topics

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 assistance

The Ask a Librarian service provides assistance from a staff member for all of your questions

Follow 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.

Community Development Block Grants Offer Ongoing Improvements to Royal Oak Neighborhoods

Royal 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

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!

Helpful Resources and Links

City Facility Closures Continue
Garbage Pick Up Info

Latest Updates Found At:

https://www.romi.gov/1458/Coronavirus-Disease-COVID-19

Online, Mail, Drop Box Options

The 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 Schedule

Garbage 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 Box

Let’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

Reminders -
Love Your Dog, Leash Your Dog

As 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 your 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."

Do I Have a Lead Water Service Line?
Please Continue to Test and Register Results

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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/LeadTesting

Since 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!

Outdoor Warning Siren System Tests Begin in March

Please 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

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.

To learn more and to see the training schedule go to: https://www.oakgov.com/…/skywarn-spotter-training-program.a…

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:

https://www.romi.gov/…/Submit-Your-Homeowners-Association-49

Thank you in advance!

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.

Residential Lock Boxes Available at the Fire Department

When 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

'Like Us' on Facebook

Want to know what's happening in Royal Oak?
Join thousands of your neighbors on the city's official Facebook page and get daily posts about the things that matter in our hometown.
Like us today at: https://www.facebook.com/Royal-Oak-MI-City-Hall-157871554266952

Life Now Playing

For a list of meetings and community events please visit our calendar here.

Senior Times Newsletter

The 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.

City Launches Mobile App

The 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

Support Local Service Clubs & Organizations

Royal 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.

Make Convenient Online Payments

Did you know you can make online payments for property taxes and utility bills?

Go to http://romi.gov/868/Online-Payments to learn more.