City Commission Seeks ApplicantsCity officials in Royal Oak are seeking applicants to fill a seat on the city commission following the unexpected death of Commissioner Kim Gibbs.
To be considered for appointment, interested citizens must submit an application form to the City Clerk by Monday, Sept. 21. The online application form is available on the city’s website here.
Applicants must be a registered voter and must be a resident of the City of Royal Oak for at least one year at the time their application is filed with the City Clerk.
If you wish received a printed copy of the application, please email cityclerk@romi.gov or call 248-246-3050. |
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Rail Safety Week in Royal Oak September 21 to September 27Did you know that in 2019 over 2,220 rail grade crossing collisions resulted in 812 personal injuries and and 294 fatalities? And, trespassing incidents resulted in 579 pedestrians being killed and another 532 injured? Rail Safety Week is a time to focus on education and awareness of Rail Safety Laws for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic and bring these numbers down! Look for tips and reminders all this week on social media.
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Community Development Block Grant Application InformationThe 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.
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Outdoor Classes to Keep You Healthy and HappyOutdoor in-person classes started at the Meininger - Mahany Senior Community Center this past week. Come join Cindy for Chair Exercise, Chair Yoga and Healthy Back. If you rather do these classes virtually, you can do that too. Please call the MM Center to register or if you need assistance with registering online. 248-246-3900. |
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And More Options From Parks and Recreation! Parks and Recreation announces new series to the lineup of virtual classes. Welcome Nutty Scientist and Tumble Bunnies! Nutty Scientist will be offering three scientific programs for the Fall season; and Tumble Bunnies has several options for your wittle wabbits!!
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Look Whose Joined the Parks & Rec Lineup!! |
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Meininger Mahany Senior Community Center Opens Its Doors For In-person Class Registration Executive Order 2020-176 will allow a few new changes at the Royal Oak Senior Community Center:
1) The Senior Community Center will be open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm. You will be able to in-person register for virtual classes and in-person outdoor classes. 2) Restrooms will be available for patron’s that are participating in-person outdoor classes. 3) The building will NOT be available for the general public to come in and just walk around. 4) Face masks MUST be worn at all times when inside the building. 5) Floor decals will be at the front desk to help assist with social distancing. 6) Once you enter the building you will be asked a few screening questions and your temperature taken. 7) If you have questions that can be addressed over the phone, we are encouraging you to continue doing so. We still need to be in phase 6 of the Governor’s reopening plan before we will open the building for rentals, congregate meals and inside classes and activities. If you have any questions, please call the Senior Center and staff will be happy to assist you. |
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Big pROjects - What You Should Know... Perimeter construction fencing for the Baker College Project, located at 420 S Lafayette, is scheduled to start Friday September 18.
When completed, the project will have 17 classrooms and more than 60 onsite parking spaces.
The link below has the proposed signage and perimeter fencing layout that will remain for the duration of the project. The project's construction team tells us that due to material delays the fencing may be delayed until Monday. If you h ave any questions, you can call the project superintendent at 586-885-8802.
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Royal Oak's Artist Laureates Near Completion of MosaicOur 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. |
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Why You Dirty Rat? What You Need to Know When Unwanted Visitors Come to Stay! Rats behave predictably. They like to live where people live and they can thrive on just one ounce of food and water per day.
Rodent control in Royal Oak is everyone’s responsibility. Good house keeping practices, which eliminate food supply and destroy shelter needed by rats to survive, are the best defense when it comes to rat-proofing our neighborhoods.
There is no magic to rodent prevention and control. Residents can win the war against rodents by using a variety of common sense techniques. - Use rodent-proof garbage cans with tight fitting lids to eliminate food supply.
- Don't leave pet food out overnight.
- Clean up pet droppings daily.
- Don’t feed wildlife. If you have a birdfeeder, it must be 48-inches above ground level. It should be kept clean and tidy and never be overfilled.
- Remove junk trash and tall vegetation that rats use for shelter. Trim weeds and brush and keep grass short (3-inches or less) to minimize cover and food sources.
- All building materials, lumber, boxes, firewood and similar items should be stored either on rat-proof paved areas or
- stacked 18-inches above the ground.
- Screen dumpster drainage holes with hardware cloth.
LOOK FOR THESE COMMON PHYSICAL SIGNS OF RODENT INFESTATION:- Runways: Rodents memorize their territory through physical memory and use the same paths again and again. They prefer to move along objects. Following a run may lead may trace to a rat’s shelter.
- Droppings: Rat droppings are thin, black and less than 3/4-inch in length.
- Sightings: Because rodents are primarily nocturnal, daytime rodent sightings may indicate a significant population.
- Urine/Odor: A distinctive, musky odor may be present. Look for urine stains.
- Gnaw Marks: Fresh gnaw marks are light and will darken over time.
- Rub Marks: Rodents leave rub marks from body oil, grease and dirt along the walls they travel. New rub marks will smear. Old rub marks are darker and may flake off.
- Tracks: Footprints and tail drags may be seen in dusty locations. To view difficult-to-see tracks, shine a strong flashlight at a low angle across the dust. A non-toxic tracking powder placed on a suspected rodent trail, and reinspected the following day, also may assist in identifying tracks.
- Upset Pets: House pets, such as cats and dogs may become agitated when they hear rodents gnawing, digging, running and fighting.
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Oh The Things You Can Do OnlineOur 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!
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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. |
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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. |
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Community Coalition Joins Forces With Lighthouse to Feed Royal Oak ResidentsThe 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. |
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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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Downtown Sidewalks Get an UpgradeThe 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:
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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
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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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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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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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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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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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