Dog Census on City Commission Agenda Tonight

A dog census is one of many items on the Royal Oak City Commission's agenda when it meets today at 7:30 p.m. on the third floor of City Hall.

Commissioners are expected to hear a recommendation from City Manager Don Johnson to hire temporary census workers to go door to door to verify dogs in Royal Oak have valid licenses.

In his recommendation to the commission, Johnson said Oakland County animal control estimates less than 10 percent of dogs in Royal Oak are licensed. He added most dog bite incidents involve unlicensed dogs.

As an incentive, Johnson recommends that residents who license their dog in June have a $20 delinquent penalty waived. 

The city manager is also expected to recommend the following rates for dog license fees:

• For spayed or neutered dogs: 1-year $7; 2-year $14; 3-year $20
• For non-spayed/neutered dogs: 1-year $14; 2-year $28; 3-year $40
• An additional $200 per year registration fee will be assessed to the owners of dogs deemed "dangerous" or "potentially dangerous." (Read Royal Oak's 'Dangerous Dog Rules' Go into Effect Today)

Other agenda items

• discussing Arts, Beats & Eats request to amend festival agreement;
• request to fill a firefighter position;
• discussing Oakland County West Nile Virus Fund Program;
• request to execute the Grant of Easement agreement for the purpose of public sidewalk on East 11 Mile Rd.;
• update from the Suicide Prevention Task Force