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1. How do I apply to be on a board or committee?
2. How do I email the chair of a board/committee/commission?
3. How do I find out who's on a board/committee/commission?
4. How do I view the Appointments to Advisory Boards, Commissions and Committees Ordinance?

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1. What does Engineering do?
2. Will I get notified if construction is going to block my street or driveway?
3. Parking is a problem on my street, what can I do?
4. Why does my street flood when it rains?!
5. Why is my water cloudy and/or rusty?
6. Why do I have to pay for the city's sidewalk?
7. What is sewer televising?
8. How can I get rid of standing water in my yard?

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1. Why does the city have a sidewalk improvement program?
2. Why do I have to pay for the city's sidewalk?
3. Can I hire a contractor or do the work myself?
4. How can I add additional concrete paving work?
5. When will I be billed for the sidewalk work?
6. How can I pay the sidewalk bill over a longer period of time?
7. I don’t have sidewalk now adjacent to my property. Why did I receive a Sidewalk Improvement Notice?
8. What if I disagree with the number or selection of sidewalk panels to be replaced?
9. How long will the construction take?
10. Some of the sidewalk squares are in my driveway. How can I get in and out during the construction?
11. What about my yard sprinkler system adjacent to the sidewalk?
12. What if the sidewalk has been tilted, raised or affected by adjacent tree roots?

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1. How will the monies from collected taxes and fees be allocated to local communities? Would it be more money if Royal Oak opted in as opposed to banning commercial marijuana enterprises?
2. What makes Royal Oak an attractive destination for commercial marijuana businesses?
3. Royal Oak has a red-hot economic engine that would come to a halt if Big Marijuana moves in. Why would Royal Oak want to end the development of the downtown?

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1. What does the Royal Oak Historic District Study Committee (HDSC) do?
2. What properties in Royal Oak have been designated historic by the HDSC?
3. What are the criteria for a property to be deemed historic?
4. What are the benefits of having a property historically designated?
5. What are the benefits of having a property historically designated?
6. What are the benefits of having a property historically designated?
7. What is the process for designation?
8. Is there a cost to having a property historically designated?
9. Can changes be made to a historically designated property?
10. How do I contact the Historic District Study Committee?
11. Resources & Links

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1. What is an eligibility list?
2. I have successfully completed the civil service examination, when will I get a job?
3. How long will my name stay on the eligibility list?
4. When will the eligibility list I am on expire?
5. Once I have taken a civil service exam, does this mean I will not have to/be able to take another civil service exam while the list is active?
6. Can anybody on a certified eligibility list be hired?
7. How does the department determine whom to hire?
8. I took a test several months ago and got my score. Where am I on the eligibility list now?
9. What does it mean when a position is filled through open competition?
10. I applied several months ago or had an interview, but have not heard anything since, how do I find out about my status?

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1. I have a question about my pay, who do I contact?
2. I am thinking about retiring, what do I do?
3. I would like to change my income tax withholdings, where do I go?

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1. Are you responsible for HR/personnel affairs for businesses located in the city of Royal Oak?
2. I need to contact someone at the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, do I contact you?
3. I applied for a job with a Royal Oak public school, and I'd like to check on the status?

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1. I have a question about my retirement check/pay, who do I contact?
2. I am a beneficiary of a city of Royal Oak retiree, and the retiree passed away -OR- I am a retiree and one of my beneficiaries (e.g. spouse) passed away. What do I do?

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1. Many of the 30% that voted against recreational marijuana will voice their opposition loudly to marijuana land uses in Royal Oak. How do we ensure that the 70% who voted for it are heard?
2. Is there concern conducting commercial marijuana business in Royal Oak will attract criminal enterprises and have another negative impacts on the city?
3. How will having recreational marijuana commercial businesses help our families and children?
4. Would allowing a limited number of facilities that sell recreational marijuana to adults have a net positive or negative economic impact to the city?
5. Considering voters already passed the law approving recreational marijuana, what reasons would the City of Royal Oak have to opt out of commercial marijuana business including provisioning centers?
6. Can the city consider not permitting marijuana use at all in Royal Oak?
7. How do we deal with private outdoor smoking of marijuana, when neighbors may complain of the smell?
8. Will the use of marijuana be allowed at private events at the farmers market?
9. How will legalized marijuana impact large public events like Arts, Beats & Eats? Will police strictly enforce the provision for no smoking marijuana in public?

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1. What can be recycled?
2. Can I recycle my coffee cup?
3. Can I recycle Styrofoam?
4. What is this SOCRRA that keeps being mentioned?

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1. Why is jury service important?
2. What is my duty as a Juror?
3. How was I selected?
4. Am I eligible?
5. Who can be excused from Jury Duty?
6. What are the different types of cases?
7. Will I be paid for being a juror?
8. Must my employer pay me while I am on jury duty?
9. What is the juror information system?

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1. Is it possible that marijuana provisioning centers (retail outlets) will provide a safer product within a safe environment to make a purchase when wanted and needed?
2. Royal Oak was just named one of America’s safest cities and now the city wants to attract crime? Why?
3. With all the bars in Royal Oak, will this create additional problems for our Police Department?
4. How does law enforcement shift from marijuana being illegal and prosecuted to a whole new world of legal cannabis?
5. What constitutes legal selling at this point? Are you only allowed to sell a certain amount per day per buyer?
6. Who do you believe will be the customers for legal outlets?
7. Is there a way to test if a driver is under the influence of the drug?
8. Will this create more problems with the minors in our city?
9. What is the age limit and how will this be verified?

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1. How does lead get into tap water?
2. How can I protect myself from lead in water?
3. Is there a simple way to see if I have lead service line in my home?
4. What are health concerns from lead exposure?
5. What is the city doing about this issue?
6. Where can I get my water tested?
7. What educational resources are available?
8. What does this “Action Level” exceedance and advisory mean?
9. Where can I get information to better understand drinking water filters?
10. Can you explain how to use a PUR faucet filter that is certified to reduce lead in drinking water?
11. I've heard my drinking water faucet has an aerator. What is it?
12. Can my home be part of the community-wide sampling plan?
13. Who do I contact for more information?

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1. Why wouldn’t we encourage the maximum number of marijuana business in Royal Oak, instead of trying to restrict the number and location?
2. Does the language referencing adult-use recreational facilities refer to facilities that only sell recreation marijuana, or that sell and allow onsite use of marijuana?
3. What are the restrictions for growing outside?
4. Can the decision to opt out be made pending the state establishing the rules but stipulating that this gets revisited once those rules are in place?
5. Royal Oak must follow state law regarding the number of liquor licenses permitted. If marijuana retail businesses are permitted, will the city be able to legally restrict the number?
6. What will happen if the city opt ins and the federal government enforces the federal marijuana laws? Will they close the marijuana stores? Will city officials be held accountable?

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1. How many items can I have checked out at one time?
2. How many items can I have on hold?
3. How do I return my materials?
4. Where can I find FREE parking?
5. Where else can I use my Royal Oak Library card?
6. Do you have eBooks?
7. Do you have foreign language and ESL books?
8. What programs can I attend?
9. Does the library have information on pre-schools?
10. What is the Michigan Activity Pass and how can I get one?
11. Do you have a list of resources for people in crisis?
12. Do you have back issues of local newspapers?
13. Do you have local history and genealogy resources?

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1. What did voters approve when they passed Proposal 1?
2. When will residents be able to legally purchase marijuana from a retailer?
3. Where can I find more information on the impact of marijuana issues in communities?
4. What types of marijuana-related businesses are allowed under Michigan law?
5. Why is marijuana sometimes spelled with an "h" and other times spelled with a "j"?
6. When did voters approve the Medical Marihuana Act?

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1. I have a question for the planning division regarding my application? Who can I contact?
2. Can I apply in-person, or, is online submission mandatory?
3. Do I need to pay any fees at the time of application?
4. Are fees refundable?
5. When will applications be available?
6. If I am the first person to apply, am I guaranteed a license?
7. What are the parking requirements for marihuana businesses? What if the property does not have enough parking on-site? Does street parking count?
8. I am having difficulty purchasing insurance pursuant to the requirements outlined in the application and ordinance, what should I submit?
9. Are there any spacing requirements for marihuana facilities?
10. What if my site is within another marihuana facility's 1000 buffer?
11. How do you measure 1000 feet between churches and other marihuana facilities?
12. Can a marihuana facility get a waiver from the Board of Zoning Appeals so the 1,000 foot radial requirement can be reduced?
13. Do I need to own the building at the time I apply?
14. Will the information in my application be public?
15. Where can I find the basic zoning requirements for a marihuana facility?
16. Where can I find submission requirements and a checklist?
17. What clearances are needed and will the City conduct a background check on an applicant for a recreational marihuana establishment license?

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1. Back-In Parking
2. 3-Hour Max Limits
3. Grace Periods
4. Communication
5. Violations/Tickets

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1. Is refuse collection delayed for holidays?

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1. Why does Royal Oak need to replace its current meters?
2. Why do we need meters?
3. What are the major differences between the old meters and the new meters?
4. Will there be a meter at every parking space?
5. Will any existing parking rules, regulations and hours change with the installation of the new meters?
6. What forms of payment will the new meters accept?
7. Will the meters give me a receipt or paystub, and do I need to put it on my dashboard?
8. What does MPS and/or the city do to make sure users' credit cards are secure?
9. How does the Sentry Mobile app work?
10. The new meters look complex and high-tech. What if I am not very technologically savvy?
11. What if someone doesn’t speak English? How will they understand and operate the meters?
12. How will the meters be powered?
13. Is the system environmentally friendly?
14. I have heard the new meters can detect when a vehicle is in the space? Is that true?
15. Is this new technology reliable?
16. What happens if the meter I try to park at or try to pay is not working?
17. Where else is this technology in use?
18. Will the new meters automatically issue parking tickets?
19. What types of violations will the new system enforce?
20. What efforts will be taken to introduce this new technology to the public?
21. How can I possibly get a parking ticket when there was no officer present to see the violation?
22. What if I stop at a metered space just to drop someone off ? Or what if I stop in a space but then see a more convenient space. Will I get a ticket for that?
23. How long will it take for me to receive a ticket in the mail?
24. What if my ticket is lost in the mail or I never receive a ticket?
25. Don’t all parking tickets have to be placed on a vehicle’s windshield?
26. I have never heard of receiving a parking ticket in the mail. Is this a commonly accepted practice?
27. I wasn’t even driving the car when it got a parking ticket. Why do I receive a parking ticket even if I was not responsible for parking the car?
28. How do I appeal a parking ticket I receive in the mail?
29. If I want to appeal my ticket, how could I defend my position if I was not even aware of my parking violation at the time it happened and cannot collect evidence for my defense?
30. Will the new system scare away customers and visitors from Downtown Royal Oak ?
31. Will the new system result in more tickets than the old system?
32. How is this new system better for Royal Oak and worth the investment in new technology?
33. I am concerned about all the data being collected by the sidewalk monitors which goes far beyond the specifics of parking a car. Who owns the data? Who has access to it?
34. What is the investment needed to have ONE consistent system (surface, street, structure, etc...)? Right now we still have coin, card, mobile app, etc...
35. What has been the response from the businesses in the CBD RE: participating in validation/coupons, etc.?
36. Does the MPS application allow for RO branding?
37. Do you feel that the revenue of "half" of the parking fees will bring the revenue we typically expect?
38. Do you plan to add more street parking for seniors and those with mobility issues?
39. Why not create a graduated pricing structure, so the pricing in meters goes up the longer you stay in it?
40. What has the input of the other committees been? Planning commission, downtown development authority, environmental advisory board, etc.
41. Given we have no idea what the impact of COVID will be on our downtown and resulting parking usage, what are the terms of the contract?
42. Does the vendor expect a minimum amount?
43. If the vendor doesn’t renew the contract and given they will be replacing our meters, do they take the new parking meters or are we required to purchase them, or what?
44. Since the Chief only mentioned one person required for monitoring the ticketing, will this reduce headcount?
45. What is the projected net revenue impact of giving half of tickets and fees to this company?
46. Will parking rates need to be increased as a result of using this system?
47. Our parking structure revenue bonds state parking revenue must go to pay the bonds, not an outside company. Does this violate the terms of the agreement?
48. How easy would it be for someone, especially non-technical seniors, to use without ambassador training?
49. How confusing would it be if Royal Oak is the only one in the area using it? For instance, is Ferndale, Berkley, or Birmingham considering new or other systems?
50. If the goal is to get rid of all surface lot meters, what impact would that have on handicapped spots?
51. Would handicapped spaces still be free?
52. Will the fact that most people going to the new Henry Ford Health Care facility will not stay longer than two hours have an impact on revenue?
53. This doesn't address the problem of knowing where parking is available EASILY. A phone app has loading time. I've been in other cities with signs indicating available parking spaces.
54. I was hoping to see stuff about making pricing clear for people from the road so they know if they want to park there or search elsewhere.
55. These meters also look at rear license plate for their automatic feature, but how does that work with diagonal parking like on Washington? Will that become reverse in diagonal?
56. If the city doesn't have to maintain the meters or spots, does it need the ticket revenue? Isn't the intent is to punish the parking violators, not profit the city?
57. Are there any anticipated privacy / filming issues related to the cameras and filming the public with everything they do?
58. If I paid for 30 minutes with coin and leave after 18, will someone be able to use the 12 minutes or will that be disappeared?
59. Will this change mean surface lots will need to have turnstiles to exit?
60. The automatic ticketing if you exceed your time removes the spirit of the parking game. Robotically administered tickets will be despised, much like red light cameras or speed cameras.
61. I have a question not found on this list. How can I ask it?

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1. Who should I initially call when my basement starts to flood, and my sewer will not drain?
2. Whose responsibility is it if I have a problem with my sewer line?
3. What to do if you have basement water?

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1. Is Royal Oak's 44th District Court the right Court to file my Small Claims action?
2. What form should I fill out and where do I get it?
3. What fees will I have to pay?

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1. How much money can I collect?
2. How can I collect my money?
3. What is an execution?
4. What is a garnishment?

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1. Who else has a stormwater utility?
2. Why is stormwater run-off a problem?
3. What are some examples of pervious & impervious surface areas
4. How is hard surface area calculated?
5. What are the benefits of a stormwater utility?
6. How did you measure the hard surface area on my property?
7. How does the sewer system work?
8. Are roads and public rights-of-way charged the stormwater utility fee?
9. Why should I have to pay for rain falling on my property?
10. As part of the settlement agreement in Schroeder vs. The City of Royal Oak, MUST the city implement a stormwater utility?

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1. If the city is only responsible for 1.4% of the GHG, how will you mandate residential and commercial property owners to meet the goal of zero by 2050?
2. Can the composting that is available for the municipal buildings be offered to Royal Oak businesses?
3. I would want to make sure we consider the implications on housing affordability because many of the goals are noble but if we create perfect houses that 5% of the population can afford is that really
4. Considering how much commercials emissions contributed to the overall emissions inventory, how are businesses being involved in this planning?
5. What exactly are the commitments for the focus groups?
6. How do we plan to balance our goals with the economics (cost) to the city’s residents?
7. Will you be contacting us with focus group assignments?
8. Where and how often will the focus workgroups meet?
9. How do I get a bigger recycling toter for residential use?
10. So will there be updated iterations of the sustainability plan as technologies change?

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1. When are my taxes due?
2. Can I access my tax account online?
3. I need a copy of a paid receipt. Where can I get one?
4. Who receives the funds from my summer and winter tax bills?
5. How do I make an address change for the tax bill?
6. What do the terms Assessed Value, State Equalized Value and Taxable Value mean on my Notice of Assessment?
7. How does the Assessor determine my Assessed Value?
8. What determines the Taxable Value?
9. What other factors would cause an increase in my taxes?
10. Property values in my neighborhood have been decreasing. Will my property valuation be decreasing as well?
11. Does this mean I’ll have to pay more property taxes instead of less?
12. Why won’t my taxes always decrease if my property value is going down?
13. Will my taxes ever go down?
14. What are some of the disadvantages about the Proposal A legislation?
15. What is the Principal Residence Exemption?
16. Can I contest my Assessed Value and Taxable?
17. What is a mill and, if I don’t have access to the internet, how can I determine my tax amount?
18. What are my payment options? Can I pay online or by phone? Can I pay with credit card, or debit card or e-check?
19. Is there assistance for my water bill?

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1. I just moved in, what do I need to do?
2. How can I change the billing address for a water bill?
3. My bill is higher than it usually is – what are my first steps?
4. How can I sign my water account up for automatic payments?
5. Do I need to have my water service turned on or transferred into my name?
6. What is a unit of water?
7. What should I do if I have a question about the amount I was billed?
8. What is this letter I received from the city about a sewer line warranty?
9. Why does my water look cloudy or discolored?
10. What if I need assistance paying my water bill?
11. Who do I call if I have an after hours water issue?

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1. Why does my water look cloudy and/or rusty?
2. Why do we occasionally have water rationing in the summer?
3. What causes low water pressure?
4. Is the water safe to drink when it is cloudy and/or rusty?

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1. What is a cross-connection?
2. What is backflow?
3. What causes backflow?
4. Can cross-connections be hazardous?
5. What can be done to prevent contamination of our public water systems due to cross-connections?
6. How does the water distribution system become contaminated?
7. Where can I find information on the Cross Connection Control Program?

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1. What is yard waste?
2. How do I prepare yard waste for collection?
3. Why must I separate these items?
4. Is yard waste collected year-round?
5. What if I have yard waste when collection isn’t provided?
6. What is woody material? Why can't I dispose of it with regular yard waste?
7. How do I dispose of woody materials?