Did you receive and complete your absentee ballot for the Tuesday November 2 Election?

If you did then you can turn it in ANY TIME between now and 8:00pm on Election Day!
City Hall is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm Mon-Thu and 8:00am to noon on Fridays. You can bring your completed absentee ballot into the city clerk's office or drop in the election ballot collection box next to their customer service counter area.

Can't make it to city hall during operating hours, well that is no problem. There are two drop boxes in the civic center area:

1. North side of city hall building on the sidewalk just east of the Troy Street entry on Second Street; or

2. East porch of city hall building.

Police Department Update

Find the most recent police reports on the city's website.

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.

Royal Oak Commission for the Arts Community Survey

In only 5 or 6 minutes, you can help shape the future of public art in Royal Oak by answering a brief survey. Your responses will help the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts to better understand where and how public art can impact the quality of life in our hometown.

Take the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ROCFA

New Parking System on the Way

The City of Royal is excited to announce a new, smart parking system for downtown visitors that makes parking both more convenient and assessable.

Sentry smart meters bring several unique benefits and features including:

Real-time open space locator: Using the Sentry Mobile app users locate and obtain turn by turn directions to open parking spaces closest to their destination.
Pay for exact duration of visit: For individuals who use the Sentry Mobile app they will only pay for the time their vehicle occupies the parking space.
Easy payment options: Consumers can use coins, credit cards, the Sentry Mobile app or sign up for the Sentry “Concierge” program to auto-pay for parking.
Pay at the end of the parking session: If people forget to pay when they park, the new system allows consumers to pay for their parking time before leaving the space, as long as it’s within the allowed time limit.
Five-minute grace period: The meters are programmed with a five-minute grace period during which the driver may enter and exit a space without paying.

Look for the new meters this fall. Learn more at romi.gov/parking.

Ruck 22 March to End Veteran Suicide

SAVE THE DATE: Join us for the annual Ruck 22 March to End Veteran Suicide on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 10 AM.

For the past four years, on the Saturday before Veterans Day, Royal Oak has marched to raise awareness of the scourge of veteran suicide, and to raise money, food, and supplies for homeless or vulnerable vets.

By some estimates, 22 vets commit suicide every day.

In Royal Oak, the Veterans Events Committee hosts the Ruck 22 March and asks participants to load their rucks (ordinary backpacks are fine, too) with 22 lbs. of donations or 22 items to contribute to Veterans in need.

To date we have donated nearly $8,000 and thousands of pounds of food, clothing and household items to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154. This year's proceeds will be paid directly to the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center for providing mental health resources to Veterans.

REGISTER TODAY!

IF YOU GO:

What: Ruck 22 March
When: Saturday, Nov. 6 at 10:00 AM
Where: VFW Acorn Post 1669, 214 E 4th St
Items Needed:
- Clothing of all types & sizes (men’s, ladies, children’s, baby’s)
- Clothing accessories
- Shoes (all kinds)
- Baby items
- Books, toys
- Bedding
- Tools (all kinds)
- Jewelry and cosmetics
- Non-perishable food items

Got Solar??

The Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board is hosting the first Solarize Royal Oak informational meeting on October 28th, 6:00 PM, at the Mahany/Meininger Senior Center-3500 Marais.

Solarize Royal Oak is a grassroots initiative bringing together residents and experts to discuss residential rooftop solar details and how we as community members might work together to get a bulk buying discount on installations.

Please join us to find out more about the program and meet other Royal Oak residents who are interested in rooftop solar.

Click here for the flyer. Contact ROEAB@romi.gov for more information.

Aging In Place Work Groups Need Your Expertise and Time

We need you! Yes, you! The Royal Oak Senior Services and Aging in Place Task Force through an online survey and series of in-person focus groups (pre COVID) has worked to collect opinions and ideas and how to make Royal Oak the city you can live at any age.

Now is the time to put research into action and we need residents and individuals with expertise in the areas of six domains (listed below) to review and identify which existing programs and agencies can support the initiatives. Each work group will also strive to develop solutions to unmet needs in the city.

Beginning in early 2022, each of the six domain work groups will meet in-person approximately five to six times. If any of these topics concern you and we know they do, please sign-up for one of the work groups here.

1. Outdoor and/or Public Spaces - parks, sidewalks, public buildings.

2. Transportation - how do we get around town and how will we do this as we age?

3. Housing - can you stay in your current home, if not, what alternative housing is available in Royal Oak to meet your future needs?

4. Community Engagement and Inclusion - do you engage socially, how can you find a job, do you feel respected in the community?

5. Community and Health Services - beyond health care, can you find social services and other assistance:

6. Communication - what's going on in Royal Oak and the surrounding area, where and how can you find and receive this information?

Questions, please call Susan Barkman at 248-246-3204

Listen Up, Royal Oak!

The new City Commission chamber offers an assistive listening solution that delivers clarity to those struggling to hear in a big room that can at times be crowded. The device (shown in the photo) is easy to use.

If you are interested in trying one, please call the Human Resources Department at 248-246-3070 in advance of any meeting you are planning to attend. We’ll be happy to have a listening device ready and waiting for you!

Updates on I-75

Find information, maps, resources, frequently asked questions and more on the the Modernize I-75 Project website.

Bike Lockers Available Now

Convenient bike lockers are available in the Center Street Parking Structure (Center and Second Streets) on year-long terms.

The fee is only $30 per year. Month to month agreements are not available. A $50 key deposit is required.

If you live or work downtown and would like to rent one of the city's 12 bike lockers, call Judy, 248-246-3201, or email judyd@romi.gov.

.

Residential Lock Boxes Available at the Fire Department

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 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.

For more information, go to https://www.romi.gov/1271/FAQ-Residential-Lockbox

Oh, The Things You Can Do Online

We have put together a list of our most requested online services. Discover all the things you can do from the comfort of your home, office or favorite hideaway.

Still can’t find what you are looking for? Email citymanager@romi.gov and someone will get back to you.

Quick Links

.