Politics & Government

Royal Oak OKs Sidewalk Plans, Fireworks Rules, Party Bus Recommendations and More

City Commissioners hear from residents during a lengthy public hearing on the sidewalk improvement program as well as recommendations for new ordinances at Monday night's meeting.

In a meeting marathon that lasted until 11:42 p.m., the Royal Oak City Commission approved a list of items on its agenda at Monday night’s regular meeting at.

2012 Sidewalk Improvement Program

After a lengthy public hearing during which many residents asked Interim City Engineer Matt Callahan questions about the 2012 Sidewalk Improvement Program, commissioners ultimately approved a special assessment roll for the replacement of deficient concrete sidewalks and installation of new sidewalks within an area bounded by North Main Street, East 13 Mile Road, North Campbell Road, East 12 Mile Road, Stephenson Super Highway and East Farnum Avenue.

Residents who live within the target area who wish to make an appeal, were directed to put their appeal in writing to the City Clerk and call the Engineering Department, at 248-246-3260 to schedule a meeting with a representative to meet at your property to discuss your case.

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Fireworks Ordinance

Commissioners approved the first reading of the that prohibits the use of consumer fireworks on any day other than the day before, day of, and day after a national holiday. The national holidays are: New Year’s Eve, Martin Luther King Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The new ordinance will also prohibit the possession of consumer fireworks by a minor. Consumer fireworks do not include ground and handheld sparkling devices.

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The proposed ordinance will go before commissioners for a second vote at an upcoming meeting and take effect 10 days after final passage.

Liquor Control Committee recommendations

Commissioners followed recommendations from the Liquor Control Committee and allowed the to add an additional 462-square-foot build-out to the back of the property and also add a 213-square-foot smoking patio.

In a separate vote, a new 400-square-foot rooftop patio with outdoor service for 24 patrons was also approved for . The patio will not have any form of music or entertainment.

Engineering Department fee updates

Commissioners approved increasing the Engineering Department’s fees for wastewater collection system, Engineering Department permits, site plan reviews, and the reproduction and storage of documents to reflect the actual labor, material, equipment, and administrative costs. (See the attached PDF.)

Parking garage management contract

Commissioners awarded a five-year contract to manage the city parking garages to Park Rite, which currently manages a number of parking garages for the City of Detroit and handles event parking for the University of Michigan.

Arts, Beats & Eats parking management contract

Park Rite was also awarded the parking management contract for Arts, Beats & Eats. Based on the additional costs associated with volunteers operating the event's parking, the recommendation is to not use volunteers in 2012.

Parking Station Ordinance amendment

Commissioners passed the first reading of an amendment to the Parking Station Ordinance that would create a required license to operate any parking within the Arts, Beats & Eats festival zone during the event. The proposed amendment is intended to ensure all parking areas are operated in an orderly, safe, and fair manner for the duration of the festival.

Charter Vehicle Task Force Committee report

Commissioner Jim Rasor gave a brief report on the Charter Vehicle Task Force Committee’s recommendations to alleviate problems associated with charter vehicles or so-called party buses. The recommendations include:

  • prohibiting charter vehicles from idling or parking in residential neighborhoods
  • strict enforcement of registration and licensing violations on party buses and drivers
  • preparing a resolution to the State of Michigan for legislation to allow local municipalities to seek cost recovery for expenses due to alcohol related arrests
  • prohibiting parking after 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday on West Fifth Avenue, between South Washington and South Center Streets
  • directing party buses to a central staging location and looking for alternative staging areas


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