Older Adults Advisory Board

Agenda Royal Oak Older Adults Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 6:30 p.m. M/M Senior Center 3500 Marais Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48073 Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the city clerk’s office at 248-246-3050 at least two (2) business days prior to the meeting. Pages 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes 2 4. Public Comment 5. Representative Updates a. Senior Center Coordinator Update 5 b. Recreation Director Update 7 c. City Commission Representative Update d. Staff Liaison Update 6. Old Business a. City of Royal Oak Community Benefits Guidelines 9 Discussion b. Review of Transportation Presentation 7. New Business a. Review of Aging in Place Plan status for Newer Members 11 Discussion b. Sub Committees Discussion on need/desire for subcommittees 8. Announcements a. Next Meeting May 14, 2026 9. Adjournment  Minutes Royal Oak Older Adults Advisory Board Meeting March 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m. M/M Senior Center 3500 Marais Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48073 Present: Paul Bastian Brandy Boyd Anne Hoyt Amy Kaczmarek Tessa Simon Absent: Susan Giasson Gilbert Maureen Elliott _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Approval of Agenda motioned to approve the agenda. Moved by: Anne Hoyt Seconded by: Brandy Boyd Motion Adopted 3. Approval of Minutes motion to approve the minutes. Moved by: Brandy Boyd Seconded by: Paul Bastian Motion Adopted 1 Page 2 of 22 4. Public Comment Janice Wagman share that she attended the DDA infrastructure meeting committee meeting to discuss the Throne being put in the Civic Center that they will fund for a year. She shared that seniors have trouble using this facility. The Environmental Advisory Board's Action in Plan was approved by the DDA. A resolution meeting with Isaac about placement of the kiosk in the Civic Center parking lot. The current placement is not conducive for seniors to use. Janice shared that 51% of seniors use the county parks. Janice suggested that maybe we can take some trips from the senior center to those parks with a sponsored lunch picnic. 5. Business 5.a Welcome David Woodward, Oakland County Commissioner Chair Dave Woodward gave the board a presentation of transportation throughout Oakland County, grants and stats from a 2024 progress report. He shared the information and statistics from the North Oakland transit authority (NOTA) and the West Oakland transit Authority (WOTA). Oakland County looking at opportunities to merge local communities together (i.e. Royal Oak, Madison Heights, Clawson) to create a transit authority here and provide better transportation with a larger transportation area and more days and times available. 5.b Welcome Shana Shore and Lezette Morgan, SMART Shana Shore share that all fixed routes will be offered 7 days per week. Flex routes provide over 30,000 rides per month in 5 zones. They will be moving to 11 zones soon. Seniors are picked up at the front door and charged 1/2 price. Dart passes can be purchased on the transit application, 31 days pass for $29. Lezette Morgan shared information on ADA applications, door to door assistance, drivers are able to provide additional assistance, cost is $3 each way and Health and mobility rides are guaranteed. Veterans and their dependents ride SMART transportation at no charge. 5.c Senior Center Coordinator Update Senior Center update was provided with the agenda packet. 5.d Staff Liaison Update Jill discussed the mailer opportunity for the Older Adults Board. We discussed what the board wants to see on this mailer, the population that we will be mailing this mailer to and who will be creating the mailer. Moved by: Brandy Boyd Seconded by: Paul Bastian Motion to have Jill and Yolanda create the mailer. 2 Page 3 of 22  Motion Adopted 6. Announcements 6.a Next Meeting April 22, 2026 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. 3 Page 4 of 22 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide End of season TY 2025 Royal Oak Senior Center Returns filed this year Compare with prior years # returns 501 TY 2024 454 # for prior years 6 TY 2023 443 # Sch A itemized deductions 11 TY 2022 366 # Sch C self employed 25 TY 2021 294 # Sch D capital gains 144 TY 2020 227 Friends/Family returns 15 TY 2019 248 TY 2018 376 Statistics filing fees avoided $ 148,395 Average AGI $ 38,797 total refunds this year $ 546,315 Median AGI $ 26,066 total owed this year $ 137,466 70% below AGI $ 51,567 Age of primary taxpayers Oldest 103 Average client age 72 Youngest 21 percentage 50+ 95% Where do our clients live? 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Join us for a community celebration honoring her legacy while offering fun for all ages. We are unveiling a brand-new fossil dig feature, made possible by a generous donation from the Paruch family. Event highlights: Dedication ceremony for the renaming of Patricia Paruch Park (formerly Waterworks Park) Ribbon cutting for the new fossil dig Inflatables, games, and fossil-themed activities Sweet treats while supplies last Bring your friends, family, and your love of dinosaurs! Page 8 of 22  Contact CITY OF ROYAL OAK COMMUNITY BENEFITS GUIDELINES 248-246-3280 (adopted October 10, 2022) In October 2022, the Royal Oak City COMMUNITY Commission adopted the following community benefits guidelines which serves as a statement of development principles to encourage environmental planning@romi.gov BENEFITS sustainability, attainable housing, labor and economic development, public safety GUIDELINES and wellness, and diversity, equity and inclusion in projects requiring city commission approval. romi.gov/planning The purpose of this document is to serve as a guide for developers who are seeking city commission approval for planned unit developments (PUDs) and projects occurring on city-owned property or involving the sale of city-owned property. This checklist is not legally binding, but rather serves to convey the city commission’s values of desirable attributes or outcomes pertaining to the aforementioned land use developments. Page 9 of 22  Environmental Labor and Economic Sustainability & Attainable Housing Development / Public Green Infrastructure Safety and Wellness As housing costs have continued to increase faster than people’s incomes, the city The 2022 City of Royal Oak Sustainability and The city commission encourages developments commission encourages developers to consider Climate Action Plan (S-CAP)serves as a guiding that deliver meaningful labor, economic including attainable housing units in their overall document for all relevant departments’ future development, and public safety and wellness development plans. Attainable housing is community benefits, including, but not limited master planning, strategic goal planning, and housing that is affordable to people earning to: capitol improvement plan decision making around the Area Median Income (AMI). efforts. The S-CAP (romi.gov/scap) lists several Households living in attainable housing and Good paying, safe, full-time jobs in the sustainability efforts applicable to developments, earning between 80% and 120% of the AMI construction and operation of a project including, but not limited to: should not need to spend more than 30% of their Access to project jobs for local residents and income on housing costs. those with barriers to employment such as a Energy efficiency criminal record Water efficiency Diversity, Equity & Job and educational training programs that Renewable energy generation Renewable energy storage Inclusion support upward economic mobility and better living wages Green building certification Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a term Funding for non-profit community services Bicycle infrastructure used to describe policies and programs that Public parking Green roof promote the representation and participation of Spaces for ride sharing services Stormwater management different groups of individuals, including people Quality of life considerations Electric vehicle (EV) charging Remediation of contaminated property infrastructure, public & private of different ages, races and ethnicities, abilities Removal or rehabilitation of EV ready development and disabilities, genders, religions, cultures and blighted/dilapidated property Waste reduction in sexual orientations. Use of Royal Oak located businesses in the construction/demolition The city commission encourages developers to pre-construction, construction, and Water conservation in landscaping take steps to include diversity, equity and operation of a project Expanding tree canopy inclusion in their operations that would tend to Green landscaping yield greater productivity, innovation, and more effective teamwork. With regard to housing, the city commission encourages housing units whose physical accessibility features exceed those required by code, whose features and services meet the needs of older residents, and units that are configured for people with specific disabilities, including group housing for people with developmental or learning disabilities. Page 10 of 22 Outdoor Spaces and Buildings Goal 1.1: Work to improve accessibility to city facilities and parks. UPDATE 2022 UPDATE 2023 UPDATE 2024 UPDATE 2025 1.1a Conduct focus groups made up of seniors with different levels of mobility to help identify challenges and things that could be improved to ensure access to city facilities and parks including walk audits. 1.1b Make walk audits a priority for projects that The city routinely takes feedback The City adopted its 2050 Master Plan and are updating crosswalks and other pedestrian related to pedestrian crossings and included in that plan which included crossings. other traffic calming measures through detailed maps where crosswalks to be the Traffic Committee. Residents can improved and locations where new use the walk audit as a tool to help crosswalkss were needed. Oct-Nov them provide information for the participated in city-wide walking audits for committee to evaluate. Safe Routes to School project 1.1c Evaluate opportunities to exceed the minimum Staff were able to install access In early 2023 the senior center was standards for accessibility in public spaces buttons for the doors to access the awarded grant funds through Oakland City investigating potential to remove including the parking garages/lots, public stairwell and elevator on the bottom County which were matched through doors at parking structures that do not buildings, bus stops and other walkways four floors of the 11 Mile Road the city's American Rescue Plan funds, have button opening capabilities and serve throughout the community. parking structure. to complete almost $500,000 worth of as barriers to elevators. New pedestrian improvements to the facility. This entrance at 11 Mile in 2025 includes upgrading the entry doors to the building, and improving the bathrooms to meet ADA standards today. The senior center has already added addition accessible parking spaces. 1.1d Provide additional seating around the The Downtown Development An AARP Grant provided for The DDA/Engineering have added two downtown area, more handicap spaces in Authority is bringing mapping additionaal ADA compoliant benches handicap spaces in front of the Post Office popular places as the population grows. downtown benches and evaluating and picnic tables to be installed in and are evaluating additional HP spaces as the condition of the benches. Erb Park Dec 2024. other road work is done in the downtown. It may also be possible to add some HP spaces when the “back-in spaces” on Washington are replaced with pull-in. This has not been planned/designed. The DDA is also considering replacing existing benches and adding some, including those planned as part of 5th St Plaza project. 1.1e Provide additional handicap accessibility in Staff were able to install access buttons An MEDC grant of $600,000 was Additional handicap spaces were added on parking garages to access the elevator and for the doors to access the stairwell secured to provide various the first floor of the 11 Mile Parking stairs including push buttons or other devices. and elevator on the bottom four floors improvements in multiple city Structure in Fall 2025 of the 11 Mile Road parking structure. parking structures including elevator repairs and new 11 Mile pedestrian entrance, electrical and lighting upgrades. 1.1f Evaluate opportunities to provide senior New fitness equipment similar is Drafted plans for 5th Street Plaza A dedicated fitness room w/state of the art friendly activities and fitness equipment to our budgeted for the park area next to the include additional ADA seating and equipment was created inside the senior parks. senior center. other Universal Design elements to center. Parks with outdoor fitness enhance and improve accessability. equipment include Grant, Barton North, Lawson, Cody and Patricia Paruch Page 11 of 22 Safe, Healthy & Just City – Provide access to Goal 1.2 Work to enhance the pedestrian experience throughout the community. UPDATE Nov 20, 2024 UPDATE 2025 1.2a Make the AARP’s Walk Audit Toolkit available The AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit has been City worked with MiFitness to conduct to the community, especially for those asking created for use by individuals, local walking audits across the City, using the for a change from the traffic committee. leaders, large groups and teams of just AARP model Possibly adding it to the library of things. two people. In other words, the information in it can be used by anyone who is concerned about the safety and walkability of a street, neighborhood or community. 1.2b Implement vision zero practices to help avoid Engineering is doing this in practice for accidents between cars and people using each road project, particularly major road different modes of transportation and in projects. The hope to create more a spaces. formalized policy around Vision Zero as the city moves forward with a Safety Action Plan for Royal Oak (this is in the budget, primarily handled by Planning with Engineering involvement). 1.2c Building center islands and voice cross overs Audible pedestrian crossing Pedestrian islands on Rochester Road, This has been done on 13 Mile Road (voice where needed to help seniors who might need signals have been installed at Normandy Road and Lincoln Avenue pushbuttons); as the city upgrades 11 Mile, longer to cross. scheduled for installation in 2023. if funding becomes available, the city will Normandy and Crooks look to see if audible pushbuttons could be installed at the crosswalks. 1.2d Develop walking routes within the community In 2023, the city received two grants Hamer Finch Wilkins Park (at Crooks The city mural program invites businesses that provide an enhanced pedestrian totaling $345,000 for the Arboretum. and Walnut). Park improvements who already have a design and artist in experience with public art, playgrounds, or Part of this project will create ADA included the construction of mind, to apply for approval from the other pedestrian features that encourage accessible pathways within the pathways, benches, and new Commission for the Arts in order to legally mobility through walking, and prioritize Arboretum allowing those with landscaping. There is also a bronze install the mural on the outside of the pedestrian safety. mobility aides to more easily enjoy the statue of Elizabeth Hamer that was business's building. Two murals were space as well as picnic tables and installed as the focal point of the placed right along W 4th St. and both can benches for users to rest. park. The park was officially unveiled be seen from the train tracks that cross 4th in September of 2024. St. downtown in between Main and Washington. The Art Explored Program has contributed to artwork being put along the sidewalk of one of the 4th St medians, as well as Paruch Park. This program features art from local and reginal artists, bringing their works into the community. 1.2e Evaluate policies that help support seniors in The ROSES program assists seniors Received approval to expand the Oakland removing snow and ensuring access to public with snow removal. We currently County Chores Grant to include snow spaces in the winter months. have 34 Senior Households receiving removal services snow removal assistance from this program. Page 12 of 22 Transportation Goal 2.1: Provide opportunities that support seniors who choose to drive. UPDATE Nov 20, 2024 UPDATE 2025 2.1a Increase barrier free on street parking. Be in Staff worked with a consultant to The city finalized plans to terminate Royal Oak is planning to implement a new, the top 10% of cities for accessible parking or evaluate our downtown parking and as (early) the contract with its parking more user-friendly parking system double the current number accessible parking a part of this, accessible parking was system vendor by the end of 2025. throughout downtown in 2026. New spots. Rearrange handicap spots in parking reviewed The study did find three The parking system was determined vendor to be selected mid-year by DDA structures to place closest to access points. locations that were missing a total of to be too difficult to use and was and city commission. Reassess on a scheduled basis to improve as four accessible parking spaces, but serving as a deterrant to those needed. noted that overall the city is providing wanting to visit downtown. This is more than required for structures, lots expected to save the city money as and on-street accessible parking spots. well. Extensive community When looking at all public barrier free engagement is anticipated with a spaces in the study the peak usage was special committee to be established. 46% and 55% within the core downtown blocks. This data shows that there are accessible spaces available in public parking areas. Staff will continue to evaluate the downtown parking needs in the future and make adjustments as needed. 2.1b Develop rideshare pick up/drop off locations The parking meter guidelines were Drivers can pull into any downtown for increased safety. The City will determine changed to allow a 15-minute grace metered parking space and wait for up appropriate locations within the CBD to period. Rideshare drivers can drop to 15 minutes without having to pay. increase safety during the upcoming parking off visitors downtown and have more This typically gives rideshare programs study. Collaborate with the appropriate time for passengers to exit the enough time to pick up or drop off stakeholders including the DDA and ride vehicle and can pull over into any visitors any location that they would sharing providers. Designate an appropriate empty space to allow the passenger like. Drivers and guests should area for big vehicles (party bus, limo, etc.). to exit in place where they feel safe communicate about what makes the and is close to their ultimate rider feel comfortable based on their destination. own mobility challenges and the environment. 2.1c Increase visibility of street signage, road New city construction projects are New city projects are using a polyurea markings, key crossings as well as major road starting to use more reflective reflective pavement marking that will pedestrian crossings. Install high visibility pavement marking to assist drivers in help boost the visibility of road markings with all new traffic projects. Educate seeing the road markers during low markings such as lane dividing lines and the community on new traffic features upon visibility times. directional arrows. install. 2.1d Provide driver fitness and occupant safety Provided two classes on safe driving, assessment. Partner with AARP for CarFit whichhelped seniors access discounts program that helps drivers adjust their cars to for their insurance companies. best suit their individual abilities. Partner with Additionally the SeniorCenter occupational/ physical therapy schools for partnered with AARP TEK Talk that volunteers. Provide driver education for helpsseniors get more comfortable increasing awareness of cyclists/pedestrians with thetechnology that is available and sharing the roadway. Partner with in cars today. These are offered organizations (AAA{Roadwise Driver online yearly at the Senior Center. course}, BCBS, etc) for safety awareness. Provide educational seminars on driving safety and cessation, as well as child car safety seat and proper fit. Goal 2.2: Provide opportunities for seniors to use other forms of transportation depending on their needs. UPDATE Nov 20, 2024 UPDATE 2025 2.2a Increase safety of bicyclists. Community The senior center has a display in the Added multiple bicycle repair stations at education events/ provide educational displays lobby ofinformation on bike safety parks and at the senior center (farmer’s market, library, schools, senior provided by ourpartners at the buildings) for how to use bike lanes as a cyclist Southeast Michigan Council and a driver. Work with bicycle sharing groups ofGovernments. This includes things for options to increase drop off locations and like bike lightsand reflective items as bicycle options. Education and safety for supplies are available. novice bicyclists. Partner with local bicycle shops, YMCA, Boys & Girls to provide education. Increase the availability of bike racks at different city facilities and spaces. Page 13 of 22 2.2a Increase safety of bicyclists. Community The senior center has a display in the Added multiple bicycle repair stations at education events/ provide educational displays lobby ofinformation on bike safety parks and at the senior center (farmer’s market, library, schools, senior provided by ourpartners at the buildings) for how to use bike lanes as a cyclist Southeast Michigan Council and a driver. Work with bicycle sharing groups ofGovernments. This includes things for options to increase drop off locations and like bike lightsand reflective items as bicycle options. Education and safety for supplies are available. novice bicyclists. Partner with local bicycle shops, YMCA, Boys & Girls to provide education. Increase the availability of bike racks at different city facilities and spaces. 2.2b Increase transit options. Extend hours of Staff presented the installation of City representatives participated in Royal Oak Senior Center took possession of operations with SMART/Senior Center with 1-2 concrete pads located at bus stops to SMART’s regional study for SMARTer the city's first electric vehicle in the spring buses to evening hours. Include evening and the city commission as a request for Mobility to lobby for expanded Flex of 2025, dding to the fleet of senior weekend hours/events. Different solutions ARPA funding. The commission has service and route improvements transportation options. rather than buses similar to Flex program. approved the request, and staff will results for SMARTer bus network to Increase SMART FLEX - Encourage city and begin working on this in 2023. be released early 2025 SMART to expand the FLEX program. Encourage zip cars/car sharing with locations. Increase electric charging stations/encourage increased electric vehicle use. Increase amenities for riders at bus stops including shelters and seats. 2.2c Increase communication/ accessibility/ information of transit options. Improve website to make more user friendly with advanced search options to allow increased specificity. Include information on community options such as SMART or MyRide2. Provide physical locations such as library, senior center, farmers market, senior buildings, schools for information. Page 14 of 22 Information and Communication Goal 3.1 Foster digital literacy through a UPDATE Nov 20, 2024 UPDATE 2025 3.1a Create, foster and anticipate social media Royal Oak began working with a connections. communications consultant who will be helping staff refine our communications strategy. We anticipate that this will include communication with our seniors through all channels. 3.1b Expand computer training The library has offered a The Senior Center has one on one program for computer classes computer classes and a computer club that meet at the center. for seniors. This includes basic skills of navigating the internet, email essentials and other topics. 3.1c Provide people in need with phones and/or other digital assistant devices 3.2 The level, frequency and sources of information meet seniors’ expectations. 3.2a Establish a central source (website) for all The city's main website contains a The city's web site is now 10+ years old. information, with timely and accurate variety of information for all audiences. Royal Oak will be putting out an RFP in the information provided by service providers and The senior center website focus on summer/early fall to outline city's needs establish process to hold them accountable. resources seniors need most. The and requirements for a new (revised) senior center staff work to ensure website. The process will include internal infromation is accurate and refer and external participant engagement. people back to the source when information might change frequently. 3.2b Have an excellent search function. Staff continue to conduct regular RFP and Bid Process for new website for training on the website for content city completed. creators and is working to improve the search function on our website to help bring the most accurate results up to the top of the page. 3.2b Do a benchmark study to understand how we are meeting the needs of seniors in our communication. Repeat this survey every other year. Page 15 of 22 3.3 Speak and listen to people at all levels of their ability through the media and channels they prefer. 3.3a Identify seniors who live independently and The senior center and library are who are disconnected, through such things as working to identify seniors living alone lack of technology, physical limitations, or and are disconnected from resources. language barriers, but who have at least a Their goal is to provide referrals ot phone. services and connection as the resident desires. 3.3b Make sure that community engagement Staff is continuing to work on signing reaches all types of seniors from the residents up for the Civic Ready active/digitally literate to the isolated emergency alerts. Staff will be homebound to those in between. Give people evaluating the feasibility or a 311 or a phone number residents can call for other answering service in which information and help them sign up for civic- residents can reach out to someone if ready notifications. (311 type service) they don't know where in the city to find their questions. 3.3c Use informal human networks to disseminate information. (neighbors, caregivers, places of OAAB Member conducted first worship, senior center employees) informational speaking engagement opportunity with offer for additional opportunities 3.3d Send one annual mailer to every Royal Oak Staff completed the annual mailer household with the information for 311, civic and aninsert for the Royal Oak Today ready and other basic information and magazine.The mailer went out to all promote the information through other media households inRoyal Oak in August (ex: Insight, e-news) and featured basicinformation on the senior center. 3.3e Find what you want in 3 clicks. 3.3f Make the website easier for seniors to use. The Royal Oak website is now New web site coming in 2026 city wide Create navigation based on categories of accessible for members of the ADA compliant. people and what they want versus organizing community who might benefit from around departments. different font type or size, high-contest websites, cursor sizes, and a number of other options. The menu for all of th Ensure it is ADA compliant. options appears in the lower left corner of the webpage. Visitors can tailor the appearance to best meet their own needs. Page 16 of 22 Housing Goal 4.1: Meet the needs of Royal Oak’s growing senior population by providing an additional fulltime position to connect seniors with programs and services. UPDATE 2025 4.1a Increase outreach to local churches, The City worked with a businesses, schools, service groups to support communications consultant to improve volunteerism to our senior community for communications and develop a rhobust seasonal tasks like leaf raking, snow communications plan. shoveling/plowing, spring yard clean ups (i.e., Earth Day, Arbor Day, etc.) 4.1b Better maintenance of both print and online senior friendly resources and contractors previously used for minor home tasks (i.e., grab bars, handrails, etc.) 4.1c Maintain current lists of contractors previously The Senior Center is partnering used and vetted for home modifications that with Habitat for Humanity in might be more expensive or don’t meet the Spring of 2025 to help seniors criteria of CDBGs that support moderate to with yardwork, minor repairs, low-income seniors (i.e., relocating bedrooms removal of debris. Habitat for and laundry facilities to main floors, bathroom Humanity also offers home repair, modifications and opening doors to be ADA roofing and ADA modifications. compliant, etc.) 4.1d Support current staff for the ROSES. and Home Over the past year staff worked Rock the Block Event with Habitat for ReHab program with outreach to Royal Oak withOakland Livingston Human Humanity May 2025 to complete clean up seniors. Service Agency to secure a of 25 senior homes and two parks. Event $100,000 grant that willsupport reached additional seniors for yard services yard clean up forseniors This with lower qualifying threshholds. funding can be used to supportthe needs of seniors who are low incomebut have too much income for the ROSES program. Goal 4.2: The city shall provide easily accessible resources on available “age- friendly” housing in the city: 4.2a Identify and maintain connections to Planning division staff remains in “affordable” senior residences such as the 450 regular contact with developers that existing units in Barton Towers and Royal Oak finance, construct, and manage these Manor as well as the “age restricted” market- type of housing products. More rate 147 units at the Villages of Royal Oak. recently, staff has been assisting Lockwood Development LLC. through various local processes. 4.2b Develop and maintain connections to other Planning division staff remains in “market-rate” rentals, condominiums, and regular contact with developer that singlefamily ownership opportunities in the incorporate such design elements. city that meet “age friendly” design elements such as “zeroentry”, single floor living with elevators if in multistory buildings. Goal 4.3: Meet Royal Oak seniors desire to “age in place” by facilitating the development of “affordable” senior and “market-rate” senior housing. UPDATE Nov 20, 2024 Page 17 of 22 4.3a The City of Royal Oak should aggressively The 2050 Master Plan includes the market to developers as development sites following recommended actions: become available for additional “affordable’ or 3.2.4 “market rate” senior housing. To support Establish an ordinance enabling these activities; we feel the city should include accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in areas of the city that fit an “age friendly” residential districts, tailored to their senior housing location, close to central city configuration as inter¬nal, detached, and commercial services, and examine areas and attached ADUs and the of the city where zoning could be created surrounding neighborhood character, specifically to allow creation of ADUs, carriage along with appropriate standards houses, or “mother-in-law” apartments for use concerning setbacks from by aging family members as a part of the neighboring properties, and other review and deliberation in the upcoming commonly regulated conditions for master plan update. ADUs (AIP-P 4.3, Older Adults Advisory Board). 3.2.5 Develop a pilot project to familiarize the commu¬nity with both detached and attached ADUs by providing process or financial incentives for a limited number of new ADUs (Older Adults Advisory Board). 3.2.6 Incentivize additional senior housing by lever¬aging public property such as surface parking lots, providing incentives, and working with large format businesses and institutions to provide space for additional senior housing on underuti¬lized portions of their properties (AIP-P 4.3, Older Adults Advisory Board). 4.3b Identifying underutilized city owned land or land available for strategic acquisition. 4.3c Making that land available to private and nonprofit developers through an request for proposals process for redevelopment as senior or senior friendly housing 4.3d Work with successful developers to rezone property to facilitate redevelopment to meet future senior or senior-friendly housing. Page 18 of 22 Community Engagement and Inclusion Goal 5.1: Create and promote a network of social engagement opportunities for multiple generations. UPDATE 2024 UPDATE 2025 5.1a Develop and offer a variety of neighborhood Royal Oak hosted a community resource “block party” options, including: block party in fair and food truck rally on Feb 27. It a bag” starter kit; a schedule of food trucks hosted its annual city-wide block party visiting neighborhoods; and “neighborhood June 6th. Royal Oak/Fernald Senior Expo party in the park” events @ local parks. will take place Oct 14 2025 5.1b Develop one-on-one connections for seniors to Staff kicked off a program in October Participated in multi-community senior stay linked to people in the community. This 2023 to allow seniors who sign up to be resource fair in October 2025 includes: self-enrolling in a “Neighbor to able to receive a weekly call from a Neighbor” program to connect with another volunteer at the senior center. person in your neighborhood on a regular Volunteers check in with them to see basis; “Community Check-in” program, which how they are doing and provide any is a voluntary directory of people who wish to resources they might need. be called or are willing to call to check on seniors and to make referrals to outside agencies as needed; developing a Royal Oak human library, connecting curious community members with seniors who have expertise or information in an area of interest; and reinvigorating neighborhood associations. 5.1c Work with local businesses and city The Senior Center has four to six departments to host social events specifically Dinner Dances per year for the for seniors, such as: open mic night at a seniors to socialize. coffeehouse; and games nights at the senior center. 5.1d Go-Gos and other active community members 2023 & 2024 the Senior Center sponsoring an assisted living facility. An partnered with the three local senior example is planning holiday events/gift housing facilities and adopted seniors exchange/similar to adopt-a-family programs. to provide holiday assistance through Decorating facility for the seasons (spirit the giving tree. committee). Goal 5.2: Promote inclusive programs and services for older adults. 5.2a Developing a “Royal Oak expert” series of videos to post on the city’s website, celebrate community residents’ talents by sharing their best stories, tips, tricks, and insights into living in our city. 5.2b Work with local education institutions to Engaged OCC to both bring classes to the develop lifelong learning opportunities for senior center and offer discounted classes seniors (e.g. audit classes at OCC, OU, WSU, to seniors. Requires further discussions. etc.). 5.2c Promote events that are diverse and inclusive. From January to March 2023 the library The city supported Family Pride Ideas include: City events based on nationally hosted five culturally diverse programs and Juneteenth events. These celebrated cultures and traditions. (Reference with 87 people attending. In May 2023 events are put together by a Chase’s Calendar of Events book for a we began highlighting Older Americans group of residents working with comprehensive list of these celebrations and month by highlighting a number of city staff. include a senior month - month long programs, and services available in The library had three events that celebration of our seniors.) May is currently Royal Oak. The city is also looking at featured therapy dogs for adults and a total of 68 people attended. designated nationally as older Americans how we can continue to communicate Library events are open to all month. https://acl.gov/ oam/2022/older- about these resources throughout the adults. They do not track age americans-month-2022 year ahead. breakdown. Page 19 of 22 Goal 5.3: Enhance and promote volunteer opportunities for older adults. 5.3a Centralize opportunities by working with city Public Library hosted 247 volunteer departments. Identify critical positions where shifts totaling 1,503 hours. volunteers could be utilized and use the city’s Volunteers were all ages, which job portal to allow for people to apply for provides an intergenerational volunteer positions. Incentive and opportunity for volunteers. acknowledgement for participation (i.e. free parking, downtown dollars, discount at local business, free services, reduction in property taxes, etc.) 5.3b As part of 5.3a enlist volunteers to participate The senior center has a large volunteer in the activities listed, which connect base, including seniors from other cities neighbors to neighbors. and organizations that provide enrichment services, activities and hobby classes. Volunteers are thanked annually at a luncheon. 5.3c Develop a program where people with The library hosted a “Therapy The Senior Center had a therapy certified, trained therapy animals meet with dog come to the Aphasia suppot Dogs for Adults” with older adults in a park, at the Library or in other group meeting in 2024. We are approximately 20 people looking at bringing them back for community spaces. attending. Stay tuned for future some of our other support groups opportunities. in 2025. Goal 5.4: Ensure the perspectives and needs of older adults and their caregivers are included when developing city plans and policies. UPDATE Nov 20, 2024 5.4a Develop a recruitment program to ensure representation. 5.4b Describe the process for creating the plan and the role of the participant. 5.4c Reach out to the community resources (i.e. Working with Gilda's (non profit) to pilot a Area Agency on Aging, Meals on Wheels, case caregivers respite program. Working with managers, etc.) that work directly with these Henry Ford to resource share for populations to see what the needs or how to caregivers. help recruit for these positions. 5.4d Develop an equitable engagement guide to help reach people where they are. 5.4e Lobby to host virtual/hybrid meetings for You might remember seeing Does not meet open meetings act boards & commissions. requirement virtual meetings or hybrid Available on you-tube channel meetings that allowed 5.4f Commission, mayor, and boards host open City Manager held two coffee with the forum events to collect feedback and hear seniors in 2025 to obtain feedback and from public outside public comment at hear what issues were on the minds of monthly meeting; host at senior centers; host seniors. OOAB made a presentation along virtually. with annual report to the city commission Page 20 of 22 Health and Community Support Services Goal 6.1 Ensure there is a facility able to serve a variety of programs and services for people of all ages, but also has a commitment to serve seniors. UPDATE 2024 UPDATE 2025 6.1a Develop a large comprehensive community Staff is exploring a partnership with In 2025, the senior center did open a center with significant programming for the YMCA for the future. The Seniors fitness facility (room at the senior seniors (e.g, pools, accessible exercise classes, can access the pool at the Royal Oak community center, exclusive to seniors. meal programs) with access to physical activity High School at no cost with a gold (OPC and Troy Community Centers can be card. The Senior Center has many models) and outdoor spaces. This center can fitness classes available 5 days a also serve other age groups for multi- week. We will also have a fitness generational interaction, but a commitment center in 2025 for Seniors to access. must be made to offer services to seniors and to ensure it is accessible. Goal 6.2 Supporting seniors through resources and programs. 6.2a Create and maintain a centralized bank of The library has recently added The M/M Senior Center has an online The Adjacent Generational Exchange resources available to seniors. This should be materials from the National resource directory for residents to (A.G.E.) Coordinator is a staffed resource available as a hard copy and in an online, review that includes federal, state and position available at the Senior Community Institute on Aging in a electronic format. Have a person designated to local organizations that can help Center. It is part time now but the city is help connect older adults to resources. dedicated display for patrons to residents find a variety of resources in looking at ways to combine it with another Partnerships with local universities may help access without asking for our local area as well as other areas. part time position to potentially improve (e.g., student interns to help create/maintain assistance. The senior center also has a few longevity by having a single full time the database) This person can have a rotating volunteers that provide one-on-one position with more consistency for the location, including the library, senior center, assistance for residents to help them seniors. Salter Center, Royal Oak Manor, Barton navigate to the resources that they Towers, etc. This person would also be need. responsible to monitor resident success and satisfaction with these services to identify barriers and gaps over time. The library has partnered with SEEK (Senior Esteem Education and Knowledge) provides materials from the National Institute on Aging to local libraries. A dedicated display space has been provided. The materials are very popular, providing a way for seniors to access information without being self- conscious about asking for information on sensitive topics. 6.2b Develop partnerships with Royal Oak schools, local universities, youth programs, churches to develop a workforce of young people to help provide volunteer (or paid labor) for ROSES. to provide minor home maintenance, lawn care, snow shoveling. This can also provide an opportunity for cross-generation interactions in the city. 6.2c Hold an ongoing series of lunch-and-learns in The M/M Senior Center holds lunch partnership with relevant organizations. These and learn events throughout the year can be held at the senior center, HFHS, and/or on a variety of topics. Events the library. They can be in collaboration with typically run from 11:30am to other organizations that provide services to 1:30pm and include a free meal. seniors, including PACE, Dementia Friends, Participants are required to register SAFE, HFHS, Beaumont. ahead of time. To see upcoming sessions, visit the senior center website. 6.2d Bring resources available regionally closer to The Farmers Market does accept Royal several public assistance programs including SNAP EBT, which runs all year round. WIC Project Fresh and Senior Project Fresh coupons are also accepted June through October. Senior Project Fresh offers residents over 60 with a total household income less than $25,142 for an individual ($33,874 for a couples) an opportunity to receive free nutrition education and $25 coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables Page 21 of 22 sold at local farmers markets. 6.2d The Farmers Market does accept several public assistance programs Oak residents, as examples: Create system for including SNAP EBT, which runs all year Royal Oak Farmers Market (and stores, if round. WIC Project Fresh and Senior possible) to accept Double-Bucks (public Project Fresh coupons are also assistance dollars have double value for fruits accepted June through October. Senior and vegetables) or Project Fresh vouchers. Project Fresh offers residents over 60 Dementia Friends provide training to first with a total household income less responders and others who interact with the than $25,142 for an individual ($33,874 public in Royal Oak. Reinstate meal program at for a couples) an opportunity to receive senior center (partnership with local free nutrition education and $25 community colleges, trade schools, universities coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables may help with this) sold at local farmers markets. 6.2e Initiate cross-sector collaborations to enhance The Senior Center will have a fitness Silver & Fit is a Medicare-funded fitness access to physical activity and other resources, center for Seniors in 2025 to access a program that can be used at many YMCAs, such as partnering with the YMCA to give workout facility. Working on including the Royal Oak YMCA seniors access to pools, exercise class, Silver partnering with Silver Sneakers to Sneakers program. assist with payment of monthly membership fees. 6.3a Propose a senior services millage to fund more In the 2022 general election comprehensive senior services to fund: the voters approved a millage Comprehensive senior center, staffing that is dedicated to support the including maintaining a resource database, in- home services, additional transportation for senior center, and this plan. seniors, and meals. Page 22 of 22