In Brief: City Declines Charging Stations, Adds Liquor License

The Royal Oak City Commission took three hours to work through a long agenda at Monday night’s regular meeting.

City says 'no thanks' to charging stations

The City Commission declined to accept three free electric vehicle charging stations after the city manager’s office determined there would not be enough demand to cover the cost of installing the stations. The commission revisited consideration of  that were awarded free as part of a Department of Energy program to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. However, the city would have to foot the estimated $15,400 bill to install the stations. 

New liquor license approved

A request to transfer an additional liquor license from Auburn Hills to  in Royal Oak was approved, despite opposition by the city's police department. Commissioner Charles Semchena voted against the transfer, citing “uncertainty of litigation, the changing whimsy of the commission and the low ebb of police manpower” as reasons for his disapproval.

Hermann's Bakery designation delayed

The commission approved a first reading request to designate  as a . However, City Manager Don Johnson said owner Richard Hermann asked to delay final action until the baker "knows what’s happening to his building.” Johnson explained Hermann’s Bakery shares a wall with La Feast, where the roof collapsed at approximately 10 a.m. on Saturday. Both buildings have been declared unsafe for human occupancy while awaiting the findings of a structural engineer. After Hermann has the engineer’s analysis he will be able to determine the appropriateness of moving forward with historic designation.

Commission OK's nonprofit status

The City Commission approved a request for recognition as a nonprofit in the community from the Bonnell Foundation. The foundation needs the nonprofit recognition to obtain a charitable gaming license for a fundraiser. Three weeks ago the commission took no action on the same request, but this time gave its support after the organization showed proof of making four donations in Royal Oak.