Police Department on the Move! The Royal Oak Police Department began the arduous task of moving into the new police station this past Monday, Jan. 18.
The current police building is mostly packed up and the department is ready to begin switching over the various systems to the new police headquarters.
During the transition some police operations such as dispatch, prisoner holding, and investigations will occur remotely at Madison Heights Police Department and Troy Police Department.
Royal Oak residents should not notice any change in service as all phone calls, 911 and general business, will be answered as usual.
The lobby of the current police station will remain open between 8 am and 4 pm every day until the new station is completely up and running.
Expect the new station, located at 450 E. 11 Mile, to be fully operational on Feb 1.
“I can’t overstate what a big deal this is for our officers. At the PD we are all so grateful to the residents of Royal Oak for our new station," said Chief Corrigan O'Donohue. "It is a state-of-the-art building and will make police operations much more efficient and effective. I would also like to thank our law enforcement partners in Madison Heights and Troy for helping us while we complete the move to our new headquarters.” |
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In-Person Classes Begin at the Senior Center and More News from Mahany-Meininger! Mahany-Meininger Senior Community Center will be opening to the public with a schedule of great classes to get everyone up and moving. From Pilates to chair yoga there is something for everyone. Strict COVID-19 protocols will be enforced and interested partiers are encouraged to call in advance to register as space will be limited for each class. Follow this link to see details on all the many classes offered.
February 10 and 11 from 10:00am to 3:00pm you can pick up your complete DIY Cookie Kit - including six cookies, frosting and sprinkles for just $5! Give your sweeties a sweet or treat yourself without having to shop! Call to order your kit beginning Tuesday, January 19 at 248-246-3900.
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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City Meetings Schedule City commission meetings bookend this week's meeting schedule. Monday the city commission will begin the week hosting their regular meeting and will conclude the week on Saturday with the special all-day session for goal setting.
In between those two meetings the library board of trustees, traffic committee and environmental advisory board will also be hosting their regular January meetings. Dates, times and links to the meeting agendas with meeting access information are below, some are still "under construction" but you can always find them on the opening page of the website or in the agenda center.
Monday, Jan 25 at 7:30pm City Commission
Tuesday, Jan 26 at 7:00pm Library Board of Trustees
Tuesday, Jan 26 at 7:00am Traffic Committee
Wednesday, Jan 27 at 7:00pm Environmental Advisory Board
Saturday, Jan 30 at 9:00am City Commission Goal Setting
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Romi is ready for the 100 Day Masking Challenge - Are Your Ready Royal Oak? #maskup
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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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Keep Your Stories Coming...
Longtime resident Gerry Boylan had a blog on Patch a decade ago in which he shared his memories of growing up in Royal Oak. In the attached column he recalls going to the Washington Theatre and paying 25 cents to 35 cents to see double features. Enjoy!
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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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Bowl a Virtual Strike With Your Donation! It’s that time of year again… The 39th Annual Royal Oak Youth Assistance (ROYA) Bowl-A-Thon. Whether you bowled on a team, donated to a team, were a corporate sponsor, or provided a silent auction item in past years, we want to say THANK YOU!
As COVID-19 continues to spread, unfortunately our 39th Annual ROYA Bowl-A-Thon will not be able to take place. Right now, we are doing everything possible to sustain daily operations and provide services to our community. Now more than ever, our community needs us. And we need you.
Your donation will go a long way in helping us reach our goal to support the kids of our community during this stressful time. Donations can be made online by going to https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ROyouthassistance. If you prefer, you may mail checks, payable to ROYA, to 1601 N. Campbell Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067. ROYA is a 501(c) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Funds raised from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 went to assist 185+ kids with $36,335 dollars in grants to pay rent, utilities, put food on the table or gas in the family car. Our caseworker was busy providing on-line counseling and diversion cases to families via Zoom. We delivered therapeutic supplies to the families which allow the youth to remain actively engaged. Our 8 mentors are active with their mentees, doing homework, or just hanging out in virtual space and working with Team Turkey we provided fully cooked dinners to families in need.
Already, since July 1, in addition to assisting 255 kids with $51,069 in grant dollars to pay rent, utilities, food and gas, we handed out Halloween goodie bags to 137 kids for a little bit of Halloween fun. Working with Team Turkey ROYA provided fully cooked meals to the doorsteps of 29 families, and has programming during the month of December to provide food and holiday gifts to over 100 Royal Oak families
ROYA hopes to count on your help this year supporting our community! If you have any questions, feel free to contact ROYA at: http://www.royaloakyouthassistance.com
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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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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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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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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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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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Please Remember Burning Wood and Leaves is Not Allowed - Here is What the Fire Chief Wants You to KnowWith autumn upon us, we would like to remind residents that wood and leaves cannot be used for fires, either for recreational purposes or to clean up the yard. Here's what our ordinance says: § 340-5 Open burning and fuels. A. Defined. "Open burning" means burning that is not contained in a vessel designed to contain fire. B. No person shall cause or permit any open burning of fuel, garbage, or other combustible refuse or waste material, including by way of description, but not by way of limitation, leaves, brush, tree trimmings, and grass. C. Fuel for a residential outdoor fire is limited to natural gas, propane (LPG), commercially available charcoal or charcoal briquettes. The fire shall not be utilized for waste disposal purposes. D. Special occasional open fires may be allowed with permission of the Fire Chief or his/her designee, upon a determination by the Fire Chief or his/her designee that the maintenance of such fire is not likely to create a hazard or nuisance condition to adjacent property or persons in close proximity. The Fire Chief or his/her designee may attach conditions to the permit. The City may charge a fee for the permit to recover its incidental costs. E. Section 307 of the International Fire Code of 2015 is repealed. § 340-6 Violations and penalties. Any individual, partnership, corporation or other group acting as a unit violating any provision of this article or any order made thereunder shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 or be imprisoned for a period not exceeding 90 days, or be both so fined and imprisoned, at the discretion of the court. Please be a courteous, Royal Oak. |
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Normandy Oaks Park UpdateThis information is provided by Nowak & Fraus Engineers. As the snow begins to fly, and construction largely winds down, we wanted to provide a recap of what was accomplished over the last few months on the park development project: Completion of the playground structure Completion of the pavilion building/restrooms Completion of the bio-swale and pond grading and plantings Completion of the westerly soccer field Completion of the sledding hill General completion of the perimeter walkway (final layer of paving to be completed in 2021) Completion of the phase II natural area planting/trails and bridge placement Installation of the splash pad plumbing As winter sets in, the Contractor team is committed to continuing along with work that is not weather sensitive, such as: Construction of the maintenance garage Demolition of the old pump house Installation of the easterly soccer field drainage piping Once the spring arrives, the final list of required work will include: Placement of the splash pad colored concrete and fencing Installation of east soccer field irrigation, soil mix and seeding Installation of the shade sails (foundations are in place) Placement of the final layer of asphalt on the perimeter path and parking area Removal of the existing property fence and brush (currently left in place for continued site security) Final project cleanup We hope that many of you were able to visit the project site during the recently held open house earlier this fall to see the work in progress. We look forward to a short winter, an early dry spring, and a quick and successful completion to this long awaited project! 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, with project related questions. |
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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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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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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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