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Flowers and Plants Every Saturday and
Sunday at the Farmers Market! Flowers and plants join the Saturday morning line-up at the Royal Oak Farmers Market - get your fresh produce and other yummy treats and take home something to brighten your flower beds or add to the back yard garden!
AND...now every Sunday the market will be open for flower and plant sales too!
Saturday hours 7:00am to 1:00pm
Sunday hours 7:00am to 2:00pm
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And, just last week the farmers market extended the time period to allow fresh produce from farms outside of Michigan (but within the contiguous United States) until May 31.
With the cold start to spring (yes, you just saw snow flakes on May 8th!) Michigan farmers will not have such tasty delights for us like strawberries, carrots, tomatoes, apples etc until the early part of June. So in order to provide patrons of the farmers market with the best variety of fresh produce market manager Shelley Mazur made the decision.
"A lot of our customers only shop at the market and we want them to have as many healthy choices as possible. If the weather continues on the colder side of the thermometer, we are willing to re-evaluate the May 31 date if necessary". Thanks Shelley, farmers market staff and the farmers who make the trip every Saturday to Royal Oak for keeping us safe, healthy and happy! Follow the farmers market on Facebook for details, vendors and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe and healthy. Wear your face mask, please! — at Royal Oak Farmers Market. Or call the market at 248-246-3276, option 1.
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Three City Commission Meetings Next Week Monday, May 18 Regular Meeting at 7:30pm
Tuesday May 19 Special Meeting Marihuana Work Session at 6:00pm
Wednesday May 20 Special Meeting Budget Work Session at 6:30pm
The city commission has a busy week ahead meeting three days in a row. Monday kicks off the week with a regular meeting, followed by two special meeting work sessions - Tuesday to discuss the issue of adult-use and medical marihuana and Wednesday the discussion on fiscal year 2020-2021 budget continues.
All meetings will be conducted remotely. Members of the public will be able to watch the meeting either live or recorded; participate in public comment; and contact the mayor and members of the city commission all while practicing our social distancing and staying in compliance with the governor's order.
Watching the Meeting:
All three meetings will be available on WROK’s live web streamhttps://www.romi.gov/523/Live-Stream-and-Video-on-DemandOnly the Monday , May 18 regular meeting will be broadcast on WOW Channel 10 and Comcast Channel 17 (work sessions as policy are not broadcast on WOW or Comcast)
Public Comment:
To participate in public comment please call 248-246-3411:
Monday May 18 meeting call Monday between the hours of 4:00 and 6:00p.m.
Tuesday May 19 meeting call Tuesday between the hours of 3:00 and 5:00p.m.
Wednesday May 20 meeting call Wednesday between the hours of 3:30 and 5:30p.m.
Remember you may only leave one comment, three-minutes in length (per meeting).
Provide Input or Ask Questions Via Email:
Members of the public can also contact members of the city commission to provide input or ask questions on any business that will come before the city commission at the meetings via e-mail as follows: Why Electronic City Commission Meeting? On April 1, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-33, which declared both a state of emergency and a state of disaster across the State of Michigan due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that had not been previously identified in humans, can spread easily from person to person, and can result in serious illness or death. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, to protect the public health, and provide essential protections to vulnerable Michiganders, it is crucial that all Michiganders take steps to limit in-person contact. The critical mitigation measures include social distancing and limiting the number of people interacting at public gatherings. Therefore, both the May 11, 2020 and May 13, 2020 Royal Oak City Commission Meetings will be held electronically, in compliance with the Open Meetings Act and Executive Order 2020-75, as issued by Governor Whitmer on May 6, 2020. |
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Census Deadline Extends to Oct 14Royal Oak Needs You! Did you know the census count is how funding from the federal government is calculated? It is and $29 Billion in federal funding was allocated to Michigan during the past decade based on population data from the 2010 Census. Make sure you are counted because we need you now more than ever!
The census does not end with the month of April - in fact counting usually goes through the summer months but with COVID-19 Stay Home orders, the deadline to be counted has been extended to Oct 14,2020. It's easy, just nine questions to answer and your answers are completely confidential - all responses are protected by law and kept confidential for 72 years. The U.S. Census Bureau never shares a respondent’s information with any other governmental agency or outside entity.
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Take the SMART Survey...SMART created a short survey for local businesses to complete as their input will assist in our plans to increase our levels of service. SMART is hoping to have the survey results back by May 29. Responses are confidential and will not be shared with any third parties.
Click on the link for the survey: https://forms.gle/6tPjs3HhBV2UReQv8
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Why All the Trucks at VFW Park? VFW PARK: CONSTRUCTION STAGING: As part of project CAP2010 – 2020 Water Main Improvements, the city has authorized its contractor to use the northeast portion of VFW Park for storage of construction materials.
Vehicles will enter/exit the storage area via Campbell Road and Sixth Street. The contractor expects to use the park May through October 2020 and is required to fence in all construction materials for public safety.
The disturbed areas of the park will be regraded and planted with topsoil and seed upon completion and the contractor will be making park improvements by planting new trees and installing new picnic tables.
For more information about the project visit www.romi.gov/currentprojects
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Governor Whitmer Extends Stay Home Stay Safe May 28th Begins MI Safe Start Plan on Monday May 11thLANSING, Mich. -- May 7, 2020 Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-77 to extend Michigan’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order to May 28. The governor’s order will allow manufacturing workers, including those at Michigan’s Big 3 auto companies, to resume work on Monday, May 11 as part of her MI Safe Start Plan.
Under Executive Order 2020-77, manufacturing facilities must adopt measures to protect their workers from the spread of COVID-19. That includes conducting a daily entry screening protocol for workers and everyone else entering the facility, including a questionnaire covering symptoms and exposure to people with possible COVID-19, together with a temperature screening as soon as no-touch thermometers can be obtained. They must also create dedicated entry points at every facility, and suspend entry of all non-essential in-person visits, including tours.
The governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect until May 28, 2020. Under this order, Michiganders still must not leave their homes except to run critical errands, to engage in safe outdoor activities, or to go to specified jobs.
To view executive order 2020-77, click the link below:
https://content.govdelivery.com/…/…/1446124/EO%202020-77.pdf |
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Red Oaks Waterpark Closed for 2020 SeasonDue to COVID-19, Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights and Waterford Oaks Waterpark in Waterford will not open for the 2020 season.
Social distancing cannot be achieved by swimmers in a wave pool or other water attractions.
Oakland County Parks and Recreation made this decision with input from the Oakland County Health Division.
Guests who have already purchased 2020 Waterparks Season passes for either waterpark can retain their passes for the 2021 season. A full refund can be obtained by calling 248-858-0916 or contacting rpsreservation@oakgov.com. |
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Mayor Fournier's Reach Out
Neighbor to Neighbor Volunteer Program Continues to Shine the Light on Hometown HeroesReaching out and making neighbor-to-neighbor connections can play a role to help from senior citizens hunkered down, to a single parent coping with working from home while embracing their new role of educator, to first responders working countless hours. If you can make a phone call, walk a dog, pick up groceries or do some yard work. The mayor has begun sending letters and emails to the neighborhood and homeowners groups asking their help to get the program going. They after all, know their neighbors the best and can make the connections of who is in need to who wants to help.
For more information call Carol Schwanger at 248-246-3203 or email at Carols@romi.gov
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Blessings in a Backpack
Still Delivering If you need help or want to volunteer, BIAB can always use volunteers to pack and delivery food especially now as it cannot be delivered to the schools. Please reach out to Shelley Lake, Chairman of Blessings in a Backpack Royal Oak at 248-219-6437
Donations are welcome to help purchase the food in volume: http://www.blessingsinabackpackmi.org/donate/ .
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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
If you'd like to help us provide emergency needs money to families of Royal Oak students, here is our paypal link.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr… .
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Masketeers Still Needed! Mandy Safron"s Royal Oak apparel company WaywardWenchWare.com has shifted their operations to help address the face mask shortage, producing non-medical-grade washable cloth masks .
And here is how you can help, they need: • Volunteers for cutting, assembling, and sewing • Volunteers to pick-up and deliver masks • Financial donations • In-kind donations of mask material • Face Mask beneficiaries (first delivery was made to the Royal Oak House Assisted Living already!) Contact Mandy Safron through the website: WaywardWenchWare.comOr through the Wayward Wench Facebook email at: WaywardWenchWare@gmail.com Together, “We Got This!”
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Royal Oak Public Library Services and ResourcesAs the shelter-in-place order continues, Royal Oak Public Library strives to serve its community by providing intellectual, educational, creative, and recreational resources for all during this troubling time. There’s a whole world to explore with the library, even while you’re staying indoors.
Who can apply for a library card? - Residents of Royal Oak
- Students and teachers in Royal Oak schools
- Employees of businesses and companies located in Royal Oak
Visit the registration page for more information and to sign up for a temporary card to use online. What will a library card give you access to?A full downloadable library with hundreds of thousands of titlesDistance learning assistance- Live tutors to provide one-on-one homework help in all subjects and grade levels, paper review and proofreading, and assistance with math problems at tutor.com
- Databases for kids and teens to provide reliable sources for research
- Story books brought to life through Kanopy Kids
Digital access to major newspapersReliable information sources Self-improvement and creative outlets- Ancestry for genealogy research
- Pronounciator to learn a new language
- Creativebug for thousands of art and DIY classes
- Gale courses featuring hundreds of instructor-led courses covering numerous topics of interest
- Tutor.com for resume and cover letter review, as well as live interview preparation
Personal assistanceFollow us on social media for online events, story book readings, staff book reviews, contests, library news, and more!All services and resources are free of charge for cardholders.
Royal Oak Public Library is here for you! Take care and stay safe. |
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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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Resource Page for Children and Families https://www.romi.gov/1465/Talking-to-Kids-About-COVID-19
Added to the city's COVID-19 information page this week is a new resource page aimed at children and families. How to talk to your children about coronavirus; safe ways to play; links to activities and the public library who have many, many online options available! |
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Helpful Resources and Links |
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City Facility Closures Continue
Garbage Pick Up Info Latest Updates Found At: Online, Mail, Drop Box OptionsThe Royal Oak City Commission voted to close city facilities effective Tuesday March 17, 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 and in response to Governor Whitmer's Stay Home Stay Safe, non-essential city employees are working remotely.
Garbage Pick Up and Recycling Stays on ScheduleGarbage pickup/recycling are a go in Royal Oak! Remember refuse, recycling and yard waste (when in season) is collected once each week. Collection is between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Have all material placed at the curb no later than 7:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. the night before your collection day per ordinance. Emptied containers must be removed from the curb as soon as possible after collection.
Curbside Yard Waste Pick Up Resumed March 30Yard waste pick up resumed on Monday March 30th. Remember to use proper containers which include 20-32 gallon trash cans with a "yard waste" bumper sticker decal facing the street OR 30 gallon paper landscape bags - no decal needed for these. NO PLASTIC BAGS they are not permitted for yard waste at any time.
To learn everything you ever wanted to know about yard waste and more; go to: https://www.romi.gov/340/Yard-Waste
Pay Bills Online, by Mail or Drop BoxLet’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 ApplicationsMany 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-ApplicationsThe Building Division Currently ClosedWe encourage anyone that can hold off on projects to due so. EMERGENCY WORK-
If your work is an emergency, you will need to notify the city prior to starting work. You can notify the city by either applying online or sending an email to building@romi.gov. In order to apply online, you will need to be registered with the city and have a BS&A online account. If you are notifying through email you will need to provide all contractor information, project address, and work description. Regardless of your method of notification, you will not receive a response until the department reopens.
INSPECTIONS- (applies to existing permits as well as emergency work)
Permit holders are responsible to ensure that all work is complies with code. When ever possible we expect work to remain exposed until we can resume inspections. If keeping the work exposed is not possible, you will need to document the work with pictures and videos. IF YOU COVER WORK PRIOR TO AN INSPECTION, YOU ARE DOING SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.
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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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...And No Contact Sports at ParksContact sports are not be permitted in public parks at this time. Per Gov. Whitmer's Stay Home, Stay Safe order, the only outdoor activities permitted are taking a walk, biking and other activities that can be done while social distancing.
“As we all try to adjust to the new normal, it's great to see so many people voluntarily complying with the governor’s and county executive’s orders," said Chief Corrigan O'Donohue. "Our health care workers are on the front line of this crisis and they really need our help."
Regarding physical activity, trying to find the right balance may be difficult, but any sports activity that puts people within close proximity of each other should be avoided, according to the chief.
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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.
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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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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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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