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City Facility Closures Online, Mail, Drop Box OptionsThe Royal Oak City Commission voted Monday night to close city facilities, 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, in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Staff will be in the buildings answering your calls, opening mail, processing applications and more. Whether you need a birth certificate or building permit or a dog license -- whatever it is --please call us at 248-246-3200 if you need help. We are here for you. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the city’s online services.
Pay Bills Online, by Mail or Drop Box Let’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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Update for the Royal Oak Farmers Market Community
The Royal Oak Farmers Market will remain open on Saturdays for our Farm Market 7am-1pm.
The Sunday Antique Market, April Food Truck Rally, Easter Saturday Children’s Day (Saturday, April 11) and all other events held at the Farmers Market are currently postponed until further notice.
The Farm Market will remain open because it is important that our community has continued access to the high quality, locally grown, farm fresh products our market provides. The Royal Oak Farmers Market has been supporting our local community for 95 years and will continue to be here for our loyal customers. We are committed to doing our part in keeping the community and our market patrons safe. Therefore, we will be enforcing a strict no sampling policy, we have asked all our vendors to bring hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and/or gloves for all or their workers. The Market café will be closed to the public and there will be no seating options available. We will also be suspending the valet parking service until further notice. In addition, we encourage patrons to limit the handling of any market products as much as possible and to follow safe social distancing and safe hygiene practices as recommended by the CDC. In order to help facilitate safe social distancing our vendor set-up will be slightly reconfigured. Please check in the Market office if you have trouble finding something. We would also like to stress, if you are sick or in a high-risk group, such as a comprised immunize system, heart disease, diabetic or elderly we strongly advise you to please stay home. Please know that we are keeping a close eye on this situation and will be following the lead of the Oakland County Health Department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as it relates to keeping the markets open. We will continue to monitor, evaluate, and communicate as needed in the days ahead. Current information and updates will be on our Facebook page: www.facebook/RoyalOakFarmersMarket, or call 1-248-246-3276 and press option #1 for a recorded message. COVID-19 Update from the 44th District CourtOn Monday, March 16, 2020, the 44th District Court, in response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s declaration of a state of emergency and Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-1, implemented steps in an effort to limit the exposure of the COVID-19 virus for the public, jurors, litigants and court staff. After several days of observation, the Court will now take the following additional steps to further limit exposure and mi tigate the risk of transmission of the virus:1. Effective at 4:30p.m. on Wednesday, March 18,2020 through Friday, April 3, 2020, the 44th District Court will close to the general public, but will remain operational during regular business hours to conduct essential court services including case events involving in-custody defendants and other actions deemed as emergencies by the Judges. All other case events during this time period shall be adjourned to later dates. 2. Court phone lines will remain open during regular business hours. 3. Requests for emergency consideration shall be accepted by fax at (248)246-3601 or by email via the “Contact Us” link on the Court’s website https://www.romi.gov/307/44th-District-Court. Any submitted request must include an explanation of why the matter should be considered an emergency and a return contact number and email address. The Judges will review requests and approve them at their discretion. 4. Probation appointments shall continue to be conducted via telephone or email. Probationers should contact their probation officer for further instruction. 5. To the extent possible, in-custody case events shall be conducted using video conferencing. For updated information on this rapidly changing situation, please consult the Court’s website at https://www.romi.gov/307/44th-District-Court or on the Court's Facebook page. Online payments for court fines can be made at www.govpaynow.com using pay location coded 3031 |
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Helpful Resources and Links |
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Beaumont Health Launches Free Online COVID-19 Risk Assessment ToolBeaumont Health launched a free online COVID-19 risk assessment tool today, March 18, which allows patients to answer a series of questions about their symptoms and help them determine whether to stay home or seek medical attention.
After answering the questions, the online tool will suggest what action a patient should take such as:
· Contacting a primary care physician.
· Going to a curbside screening.
· Seeking treatment at an emergency center.
· Staying home and monitoring symptoms.
“Many people who become infected with COVID-19 can stay home and treat their symptoms with over the counter medication, unless their symptoms become severe. The primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath,” Dr. Nicholas Gilpin, Beaumont Health’s medical director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, said. “This online risk assessment tool will help our patients better understand what steps they should consider taking if they are not feeling well.”
In addition, patients should also consider calling Beaumont’s Coronavirus hotline, 800-592-4784, or their physician’s office before attempting to get screened. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, please call 911.
“Everyone does not necessarily need to be tested. Most people who become infected with the disease will not experience complications and will recover. They will just need to go home, rest and take over the counter pain medication,” Dr. Gilpin said.
How you can help stop the spread of COVID-19· Stay home when you are sick (fever, cough, upper respiratory infection symptoms).
· Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after using the bathroom.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Note: If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or the number for your local emergency service. Beaumont’s online risk assessment tool provides general information based on interim clinical guidance developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The tool DOES NOT provide diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19. It DOES NOT take into consideration a patient’s complete current condition and medical history. It SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provide, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a medical professional for serious symptoms. |
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Beaumont Daily COVID-19 StatisticsBeaumont committed to transparency with the community, will share daily COVID-19 test and admission statistics effective immediately
In an effort to share COVID-19 testing and admissions information with the community, Beaumont Health will begin providing daily updates on its website.
“During this public health crisis, we have an obligation to share our COVID-19 data with the many communities we serve,” Beaumont Health CEO John Fox said. “We want to be transparent. The numbers reflect the gravity of the pandemic and our staff’s dedicated actions to detect and treat patients at all eight of our hospitals.”
Once a day, the following numbers/statistics will be available on Beaumont’s website - https://www.beaumont.org/coronavirus: Total number of patients tested by Beaumont for COVID-19. Number of patients who test positive for COVID-19. Number of patients who test negative for COVID-19. Number of patients with pending COVID-19 test results. Beaumont has shifted mainly to COVID-19 testing within its own labs, but will still use some outside national labs. Number of patients tested for COVID-19 currently in a Beaumont hospital. Number of patients tested for COVID-19 and sent home. Explained Dr. Nicholas Gilpin, Beaumont Health’s medical director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, “Most patients who test positive for COVID-19 will not experience complications and will recover. We’re telling people without complications or chronic health conditions to go home, rest and take over-the-counter medication for pain or fever.” The statistics have been compiled since March 1. Beaumont’s daily numbers will vary from the State of Michigan due to processing times. Beaumont Health also launched a free online COVID-19 risk assessment tool yesterday, March 18. It allows patients to answer a series of questions about their symptoms and help them determine whether to stay home or seek medical attention. Within the first 24 hours, more than 27,500 people visited the site and clicked on the risk assessment tool. To use the free online risk assessment tool, visit: beaumont.org/coronavirus |
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Groceries? Here's the Answer to that Question Regarding the Four Major Grocery Stores in Royal Oak!Please remember to be kind to our grocery store employees, they too are on the front lines and are doing their best to serve us. A smile is always an excellent way to express your gratitude.
High risk includes pregnant women and people who are immune suppressed.
HOLIDAY MARKETStore Hours
Mon - Sat 8am to 9pm
Sunday 8am to 8pm
Special Hours and Services-Seniors and High Risk Individuals Hours - No (At this time no dedicated hours for seniors, high risk or healthcare professionals)
-Healthcare Professional and First Responders Hours - No (see above)
-Online Shopping - Yes
-Gas - Not Applicable HOLLYWOOD MARKETSStore Hours
Daily 9am to 8pm
Special Hours and Services-Seniors and High Risk Individuals Hours - Yes - Mon - Fri 8am to 9am
-Healthcare Professional and First Responders Hours - No
-Online Shopping - Yes
-Gas - Not Applicable KROGERStore Hours
Daily 7am to 10pmSpecial Hours and Services-Seniors and High Risk Individuals Hours -Yes - Announcement to be made Saturday March 21 - we will keep you updated
-Healthcare Professional and First Responders Hours - Yes - Announcement to be made Saturday March 21 - we will keep you updated
-Online Shopping - Yes
-Gas - Daily 7am to 10pm MEIJERStore Hours
Daily 8am to 10pm**As of Friday March 20 all Meijer stores have suspended their 24-hour a day hours to allow workers to restock and clean the store and to rest!
Special Hours and Services
-Seniors and High Risk Individuals Hours -Yes - Tuesdays and Thursday 7am to 8am
-Healthcare Professional and First Responders Hours - Yes - Mondays and Wednesday 7am to 8am
-Online Shopping - Yes
-Gas - Remains 24-hours for pay at the pump |
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Love needed - Drawings WantedThe COVID-19 outbreak is a reminder of how we are all connected.
We know many Royal Oak children (and adults, too) are missing their grandparents while we all practice social distancing. We also know many Royal Oak residents living in assisted living and memory care facilities are feeling lonely and isolated without loved ones to visit them. So here's an opportunity to draw together, Royal Oak! Upload a drawing or a letter. Let us know what/how you are doing and we'll share those drawings and letters with the residents of local assisted living and memory care facilities. They'll print them, not us, so we'll all stay safe. Thank you in advance! Here's the link: https://seam.ly/t09ukoCz |
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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
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Oakland County to Waive Online Transaction Fees for Various County Services During COVID-19PONTIAC, Mich. – March 17, 2020 – Customers who use Oakland County’s online services to pay for parking tickets, dog licenses, legal documents or delinquent property taxes will not incur a credit card or electronic check fee beginning next week.
Oakland County Executive David Coulter today said the county would waive fees for online transactions to encourage residents and customers to use the online services rather than visiting a county office to make a payment in-person. The initial waiver period is March 25-April 30.
“I encourage those who have business with the county to use our online services to mitigate the risk of the coronavirus,” Coulter said. “The health of our residents, customers and our employees is paramount. I want to reduce any financial barriers to using the online services. If we can limit the exposure to our residents, and save them some money at the same time, that’s an easy call to make.” The county currently charges an access fee to make an online purchase. The fee covers the costs related to software, information technology support and a fee charged by the financial institution. Reprogramming of software to allow the waiver should be completed by March 25. “We are also asking our vendors, our payment processors, to help us and our customers by reducing their fees during this time period,” Coulter said. “We appreciate their willingness to support this effort.” The Enhanced Access Fee per transaction depends on the amount of each transaction. A transaction under $50 or payment with an electronic check is $2.50. A transaction over $1,000 requires a fee of 2.75 percent of the order. The complete fee schedule under the county’s G2G Cloud Solutions is found at https://www.oakgov.com/cart/fee/enhanced_win.html. |
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And All Oakland County Parks Are Free Too! Itching to get out of the house and wondering where you can go safely – without opening your wallet – now is the time to visit an Oakland County Parks and Recreation park.
Until April 30, all park entrance fees have been waived, allowing anyone to enjoy the splendor of the Oakland County day-use parks and dog parks at no charge. The waiver was announced jointly by County Executive Dave Coulter, the County Board of Commissioners and the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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Be Counted - Census Day April 1Census Day, April 1st and the U.S. Census is about counting everyone once, only once and in the right place. Every resident in the U.S. should be counted where they live on April 1, 2020. Look for a postcard with more information about completing the 2020 Census Survey in your mailbox beginning March 2020.
For more information visit: 2020CENSUS.GOV
#2020Census #RoyalOakCounts #BeCountedMichigan |
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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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