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Looking Up and Looking to the Future
Tanko Lighting Conducts Streetlight InventoryMarch 15 usually means the Ides of March are upon us but mid-March in Royal Oak will mean the Tanko Lighting logo will be upon us! Unlike the Ides, no need to fear. Tanko Lighting will be conducting a streetlight inventory for the city.
Residents can expect to see the Tanko team of auditors looking up as they do this work all throughout the city, including public right-of-ways and lots. Vehicles and employees can be distinguished by the Tanko logo.
The team will inventory all streetlights and record numerous data points. This information will be deployed to, among other things, a streetlight outage reporting app for residents. With accurate location information and an easier to use app interface, the city hopes to improve turnaround time for repairs from both DTE and Royal Oak Department of Public Services.
Additionally, this information will be critical in planning a future LED retrofit project. Green and bright is the way of the future!
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Fences Have Gone Up As Centennial Commons Construction BeginsSpring is on the way and so is the construction season and Centennial Commons is on that list of projects as the first phase of construction has begun!
Construction fencing to secure the site has been installed and what does this mean??
• Parking lot P4 (behind the former city hall and police department) is now CLOSED to the public
If you are visiting the library to drop-off or pick-up, the 11 Mile Road parking structure offers convenient and covered parking and as a reminder the first TWO HOURS ARE FREE no matter what time you arrive!
• When visiting city hall, farmers market or the police department you will find FREE SURFACE PARKING lots near each of the building. If you prefer to use the 11 Mile Road parking structure you will need to either walk along 11 Mile Road or Third Street – you will not be able to walk through from the parking structure to Troy Street via the walkway adjacent to the south library entrance but that just means you are getting in all those extra steps for the day!
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Also Coming This Spring - Crooks Road Resurfacing! Royal Oak will be resurfacing Crooks Road from 13 Mile Road to 14 Mile Road this year. There will be one lane of travel open for northbound and southbound traffic, and access to businesses will be maintained throughout construction.
Commuters are encouraged to take alternate routes to avoid delays. Work is scheduled to begin mid-March and extend through November 2021.
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City Meetings Schedule The city commission, planning commission, civic foundation, zoning board of appeals all meet this week along with the board of review conducting appeal hearings on Monday and Tuesday. Please be advised if you are seeking an appeal in front of the board of review, you MUST schedule the hearing by Monday, March 8 at 4:30p. Please call the assessing department at 248-246-3110 if you wish to schedule an appeal hearing.
Links to the meeting information, including agendas, are below.
Monday, Mar 8 at 9:00am Board of Review Appeal Hearings
Monday, Mar 8 at 6:00pm Board of Review Appeal Hearings
Monday, Mar 8 at 7:30pm City Commission
Tuesday, Mar 9 at 9:00am Board of Review Appeal Hearings
Tuesday, Mar 9 at 6:00pm Board of Review Appeal Hearings
Tuesday, Mar 9 at 7:00pm Planning Commission
Wednesday, Mar 10 at 3:00pm Civic Foundation Board of Trustees
Thursday, Mar 11 at 7:00pm Zoning Board of Appeals
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You Don't Want to Miss the Motor City Pasty Pop-Up Curbside Event at M/M Senior CenterThe M/M Senior Community Center (3500 Marais) is partnering with Motor City Pasty Company for a Pop-Up Curbside event on March 24, call before March 17 to reserve yours!!
Motor City Pasty Co Pop-up
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 11:45 am – 12:45 pm pick-up timeMotor City Pasty is offering traditional pasty - with ground beef, potatoes, rutabaga, carrots, and onions, side of green beans and Tim’s Kitchen Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting for dessert this time. Call 248-246-3900 before March 17th to get your pasties reserved
Don't forget to like and follow the senior center on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page to be the first to know about all the fun happenings! https://www.facebook.com/ROParksandRec
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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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Free Food Distribution Also AvailableThe South Oakland Shelter has also been contracted to operate a FREE FOOD distribution program.
Low and moderate-income Royal Oak residents affected by COVID-19 are eligible for the program.
Contact South Oakland Shelter at 248-600-9541 or www.mycovidresponse.org
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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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Looking for Summer Employment?
Oakland County Parks and Recreation is Hiring! Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) is hiring for a wide variety of summer jobs. Apply now and get the jump on making friends, memories and a difference while enjoying the great outdoors.
Jobs are open at all 14 county parks including five golf courses, two campgrounds, two waterparks, three dog parks, two nature centers and Holly Oaks ORV Park. Positions are also available with OCPR’s Natural Resources and Recreation Programs and Services.
Salaries start at $11.31/hr. Shifts include weekends, evenings and holidays. Flexible schedules are available and training is offered for all positions.
Applicants must be 16 years or older. To view job descriptions, salary ranges and |
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Royal Oak at 100 Remembers Lieutenant Ronald SmithYOUR ROYAL OAK STORIES: Thank you, Officer Nick Reiter, of the Hazel Park Police Department, for sharing photos of your grandfather, Lt. Ronald Smith.
Lt. Smith, who splits his time between Michigan and Florida, served in the Royal Oak Police Department from 1960 to 1988. He was there in 1964 for the opening of the police station at 221 E Troy. He raised five daughters in Royal Oak.
When Officer Reiter was sworn in, his grandfather was there to pin on his badge to his uniform.
"I followed in my grandfather's footsteps," said Officer Reiter. "Everyone pick's a family member to pin on their badge. It's usually the person's father or mother, but I chose my grandfather. He's really special to me."
The photo of grandfather and grandson is one of Officer Reiter's favorites.
SHARE YOUR STORY: We're looking for longtime residents to help tell the story of Royal Oak.
Do you have a favorite Royal Oak tradition, place or person you would like to share with us?
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Oakland County Announces Grant Funds for VeteransOakland County veterans, service members and eligible dependents impacted by the pandemic and needing financial help can apply for up to $2,500 in assistance through the Veterans COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program.
A total of $182,000 is available through the grant provided by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. There is a cap of $2,500 per person, including food assistance, which has a $150 limit. The grants can be used for eligible food, utility, property taxes and personal care expenses. Applications can be made at www.oakgov.com/covid/grants. “There are more than 60,000 veterans in Oakland County and many of them are struggling to make ends meet,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Some veterans have lost jobs or income, while others may be faced with higher food bills and other increased expenses. These grants are designed to help those who sacrificed for our country in the past get some much-needed help today.”
Applicants must be an Oakland County resident and honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, reserves or women’s auxiliaries. Eligibility documentation is required.
Those without access to the internet should contact the Oakland County Veterans’ Services Division in Pontiac at 248-858-0785 for assistance.
“We expect strong interest in this new program,” said Garth Wootten, division manager. “The need is there, for the day-to-day living expenses for our veterans have not gone away during the pandemic. We hope these grants make life easier for them as they live through these challenging times.”
Oakland County has used $219 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding in support of its pandemic response, including more than $145 million in grants to help stabilize and support small businesses, residents, and communities in every part of the county. The grants were awarded to more than 15,000 local businesses, which employ 65,000 people; 22 local chambers of commerce; 57 cities, villages, and townships, 278 non-profit and 31 veterans services organizations; 28 local school districts as well as retailers, restaurants and community centers.
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Snow Happens - Let's Shovel It Forward Royal Oak!As always, the City of Royal Oak is asking all property owners—residential and commercial—to join the Shovel It Forward movement and keep our sidewalks free of snow and ice. When sidewalks are clear, we increase the safety and mobility of everyone.
Five Things You Can Do to Shovel It Forward 1. Apply the 7-10 rule. Anytime it snows between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., pledge to clear your walks by 10 p.m. If it snows between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., pledge to clear your walks by 10 a.m. 2. Help your elderly or disabled neighbors remove snow and ice from steps and sidewalks. 3. Shovel your entire sidewalk. Clear a path at least at least 36-inches wide for people using wheelchairs and strollers to pass. 4. If your property is adjacent to curb ramps or bus shelters, pledge to help keep them clear of snow and ice. 5. Don’t shovel or push snow into the street.
Thanks in advance for being a snow angel! Be sure to share your stories of ‘shoveling it forward’ on social media using the hashtag #shovelitforward.
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Looking for a Fall Get Away? Look No Further! Call the Senior Center Today to Book Your Spot!
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Calling All Crafters! As the heart of winter approaches, brighten your home and your spirits with Oakland County Parks and Recreation’s Virtual Take and Make crafting programs.
Throughout the winter season, participants can pick up program kits and then join livestream demonstrations to make the craft projects along with an Oakland County Parks and Recreation naturalist.
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Get Your Knitting Needles Ready | Commission for the Arts Sharing the Warmth Fourth Season of GivingSpeaking of volunteer groups that work behind the scenes...the Commission for the Arts is pleased to announce the Sharing the Warmth is back for a fourth winter helping the community battle the bitter cold of Michigan's deep freeze weather. The CFA will be collecting donations of hand-made hats, scarves, mittens and face masks for display and distribution on the library south entry.
Crafters can knit, crochet or even create needlepoint designs on store bought items and drop them in the collection bin in the south lobby during "open" library hours (when curbside operations are running). Can't make it to the library? Contact volunteers with the CFA at their Facebook page "Royal Oak Public Art Project-Sharing the Warmth" to arrange a drop-off.
Items will be placed in isolation for one-week and then put on the colorful (and practical) display for anyone in need of a warm scarf, hat or pair of gloves to take and enjoy! New this year will be hand-made face masks to keep everyone safe and healthy in addition to toasty warm this winter.
What a great way to spend an afternoon inside with the family - learning a new skill and helping others while providing some beautiful public art! |
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Residential Lock Boxes Available at the Fire DepartmentWith the coronavirus increasing calls for transport to the local hospitals it is a good time to remind community members, that 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 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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Rent and Utility Bill Assistance Continues to be Available for Royal Oak Residents The Royal Oak City Commission has teamed up with the South Oakland Shelter and Legal Aid & 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 (248) 920-6000Legal Aid & Defender Association (313) 967-5555 OR email:
royaloakcares@ladadetroit.org |
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The Holidays are Over (well officially) but Downtown Dollars Gift Cards Continue www.visitroyaloak.com How It Works Select the value of your egift card. Choose your recipient (family, friends, team members) and send via email or text message. The recipient can use that value to make purchases at participating merchants. - International orders not accepted.
- While we usually process gift orders right away, there can sometimes be a delay of an hour or more and we may request additional information for your security via email. Please be sure to check spam and promotions folders for status email.
A Royal Oak Downtown Dollars eGift, powered by Yiftee, is better than a regular gift card or gift certificate because: - You can track when the egift is received and redeemed.
- Recipients receive reminders to redeem their egift.
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Parking in Structures - Free For The First Two HoursRemember when you are coming downtown to pick up those last minute holiday gifts that parking in the city's four structures is FREE for the first two hours, no matter what time you arrive!! And, NO MORE FLAT FEES just 75 cents per hours if you stay longer than two hours!
Why drive around block after block looking for on-street parking only to have to feed the meter and return to a snow covered car when you can zip right into a structure head to the stores and return to your clean covered car and pay with credit card on the way out. |
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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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2021 Oakland County Parks and Rec Annual Vehicle Permits Now AvailableThe Oakland County Parks and Recreation Annual Vehicle Permits are now available for 2021. Permits may be purchased online, by mail and in person at many locations throughout Oakland County.
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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. Click here to learn more.
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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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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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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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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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