I agree with not allowing bike riding on the sidewalks in the downtown—I’ve witnessed both hits and near misses between cyclists and pedestrians and see no reason why cyclists can’t walk their bikes on the sidewalk in the downtown area—I personally believe riding a bike in the street downtown is pretty risky in the evening though—too congested--too much engine revving/ lane changing bravado going on-But cyclists can decide whether or not they want to take that risk.

I do like your idea of a cycling event Ron—as long as it doesn’t involve “shots” at Farmers Market—
This town has become an alcohol fueled theme park--

Just a few years ago, didn't the DDA purchase bike racks for around downtown?

And there are still bike racks at the Library.

Doesn't that send mixed messages about bikes being illegal to ride in the downtown. Am I missing something?

Ron, this proposal won't fly because it still doesn't incorporate booze in the plan. The city commission is partial to approving alcohol based events.

The effects of alcohol on the body are manifold, but its just too much fun I guess. It affects diabetes, adds to the dangers of tobacco, interacts with medications, dehydrates, can damage kidneys, can raise blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels. One of the reasons I believe Royal Oak Beaumont is rated poorly is they always expect a patient brought in to the ER from RO has an alcohol related problem. On weekends these alcohol related cases place people with real heart attacks in danger (my opinion). Yes, I blame the booze culture for RO Beaumont's lower rating compared to Providence, and Beaumot in Troy. And its not just the ER, but this site is not about Beaumont's ratings.

And the winner for the new City of RO logo is:
A Cirrhotic Liver--

http://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+a+cirrhotic+liver&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=7_spUfQV8vHTAeC-gaAI&sqi=2&ved=0CF0QsAQ&biw=1920&bih=958

M.R. Yes, sometimes Pat Cappello says things I simply do not understand. When you think about all the inane ideas they have come up with lately while ignoring what is litterally right under their nose (the lack of parking for library patrons, the condition of the park and fountain, the needs of our library, broken down neighborhood tennis courts, and other needed resident centered amenities) she is probably right. Our commisssion's favorite RO bars have too many "empty chairs".
"Let them eat cake" Marie Antoinette

Cunningham and Marcia, I too often commit random acts of kindness offering free advice based on my past experience. I find that its taken for what its worth, since they did not pay for it, they tend leave it. Not all the time though, I get a kick when I suggest a menu change to a restaurant and later seeing them implemented. The funny thing is that I am largely never even offered a free coffee, with only two or three exceptions when I was invited frequently to dine with the owners and staff.
This commission including our city manager just do not trust their own constituency. They feel they have to show they solicited "professional advice" as they beileve themselves to be laughably professional. Anyway its your money not theirs. In the future if you want something done try asking Jon Witz, he has more influence in this town than any single resident, and will probably give you some work.
Unless you are on someone's A list forget it.

Marcia, did not mean to disparage you in any fashion. Rasor who favored favored another firm did not get his way. That shows that politcally he is a dead man walking. "They" claimed they preferred a Royal Oak company. What ticks me off is the question as to whether they gave sufficient notice that they were looking for a Royal Oak bid? What were the other bids? Was this bid the lowest.? They spent three to five thousand on a "legal opinion" to justify their own incompetence? Then t fifteen to twenty grand for "surveys"? Want a survey? The Royal Oak Patch is free! Don't tell me that this town is free from "cronyism".
Again I apologize it was my oversight, I was just trying to play the devil's advocate in an attempt to analyze their "reasoning". There is supposed to be a strict policy on how requests for bids are put out, and impartial judgement. Maybe sosmeday one of these fine commissioners, or managers will respond on the RO Patch to community concerns. I invited them all at the last meeting to do just that but they have their own rules you and I are not privy to I guess. It is my opinion that MOMA is as disregarded as the charter's ethics ordinance (Michigan open meetings act). One day they are going to get caught and exposed probably by someone like yourself. All it takes is a FOIA and an impartial lawyer.

I like the idea of having a community contest to design a city logo. High school and college students would participate. Resident graphic designers would participate. The city could have put together a prize package donated by local merchants. It would create interest and community involvement. It would also create local ownership of the logo. And as inportant as anything, the cost would be minimal.

Instead, the city wastes $20,000 to hire someone to do it. The DDA spent a similar amount for a logo, and the DDA got the ugly "r" and "o" logo that a third grader could have created.

This seems like another wasteful unnecessary expense.

For several years back in the 90s the DROA (Downtown Royal Oak Assoc) had a yearly tee shirt contest. The designs were created by residents and judged by a committee of business owners. DROA printed the winning design on shirts and sold them to raise monies to purchase the Christmas lights, etc. I still have 7 or 8 of the tees. One of those designs or a portion of one would make a great city logo. Better than the for sale sign.
PS the winner got a cash award too. Sorry, it wasn't 20,000.

What? No takers for my "Eats Beans and.............s T shirt idea?