Jim Cook

This document outlines the history, accomplishments, and future goals for the Royal Oak Arboretum. Key focus areas include restoring native plant communities, expanding the collection of Michigan's native trees, and engaging the community through volunteer gardening. The ultimate vision is to offer visitors an immersive experience with diverse native species, provide educational opportunities about local ecosystems, and promote the use of native plants in residential settings.

Key discussion topics for the meeting included a request from Gemmayze to change its Plan of Operation to allow occasional use of a disc jockey or solo guitarist and expand first-floor bar seating, and a request from Burgrz to extend business hours until 3:00 a.m. The agenda also stipulated an Annual Class C License Review and a Police Update. The Police Department memorandum indicated that the Fire Department recommended the renewal of all current Class C license holders following minor improvements, though six establishments were identified by the Treasurer's Office for overdue tax and/or water bills. The memorandum also detailed state violations received by several businesses in 2012. Furthermore, the document reviewed the status of escrowed licenses and pending license applications, including transfers of ownership and location changes for several establishments.

This joint meeting between the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals is being held electronically due to the State of Emergency declared in response to COVID-19, in compliance with Executive Order 2020-154. Key discussion topics on the agenda include standards for multiple-family dwellings, standards for one-family large-lot residential zoning, driveway widths, off-street parking standards on Woodward Avenue, standards for adult-oriented businesses like massage establishments and tattoo parlors, variance application requirements, standards for accessory building roofs, and maximum permitted fence heights.

The Transportation Working Group meeting included the formulation of goals for the Aging in Place Task Force. Key goals developed include increasing barrier-free on-street parking by reviewing best practices, rearranging handicap spots in parking structures, and reassessing periodically. Other goals focused on improving the visibility of street signs and road markings, enhancing bicyclist safety through education and expanded bicycle sharing options, and increasing transit options by extending hours of operation and encouraging the expansion of the SMART FLEX program. The group also discussed developing designated rideshare pick-up/drop-off locations for increased safety, improving communication and accessibility of transit information via the website and physical locations, and increasing pedestrian safety through training and signal timing adjustments.

The Housing Working Group meeting focused on finalizing goals and beginning recommendations following presentations from various organizations. Key discussions included reviewing the operations of the Rochester/Rochester Hills/Oakland Township OPC, led by Renee Cortright, particularly regarding funding mechanisms like millage and their use of volunteers and programs like Act of Kindness for home repairs. The group also analyzed the situation in Royal Oak regarding unspent CDBG funds for housing rehab and the ROSES program, brainstorming ways to improve utilization, potentially through better marketing or increased staffing/compensation. Discussions also covered addressing needs such as snow removal and yard care through volunteer coordination. Specific goals were established, including drafting a goal for a paid coordinating position similar to Rochester's OPC, developing a comprehensive list of current housing options, and following up on services and funding models at the Troy community center.